In IELTS Speaking, candidates are often asked to describe activities they enjoy, including sports they play or watch regularly. This topic is a popular choice among examiners, as it allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to express personal experiences and opinions fluently. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a sport you play or watch regularly, with sample responses for different band scores.
Basketball Court
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about sports and your preferences. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you play any sports?
- What’s your favorite sport to watch?
- How often do you engage in sports activities?
- Do you prefer team sports or individual sports?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the question “What’s your favorite sport to watch?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’m a big fan of basketball, and I try to catch NBA games whenever I can. The fast-paced nature of the sport and the incredible athleticism of the players never fail to amaze me. I particularly enjoy watching playoff matches, as the intensity and stakes are much higher, making for some truly thrilling moments.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a sport:
Describe A Sport You Play Or Watch Regularly
You should say:
- What the sport is
- How often you play or watch it
- Who you play or watch it with
- And explain why you enjoy this sport
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about soccer, which is a sport I both play and watch regularly. I usually play soccer with my friends once or twice a week at a local park. We form teams of five or six players and have friendly matches that last about an hour.
Playing Soccer with Friends
As for watching, I’m a big fan of the English Premier League, and I try to catch at least one match every weekend. I often watch games with my family or invite friends over to enjoy the matches together.
The reason I enjoy soccer so much is that it’s a very dynamic and exciting sport. There’s always something happening on the field, and the game can change dramatically in just a few seconds. I also appreciate the teamwork and strategy involved in soccer. It’s not just about individual skills, but how well players work together as a team.
Playing soccer is a great way to stay fit and active, and it’s also very social. It gives me a chance to spend time with friends and make new ones. Watching professional matches is equally enjoyable because I can admire the incredible skills of top players and learn new techniques to try out in my own games.
Overall, soccer is more than just a sport for me – it’s a passion that brings excitement, fitness, and social connections into my life.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss tennis, a sport that has captivated my interest for many years now. I make it a point to play tennis at least three times a week, usually at my local tennis club. I alternate between playing singles matches with a regular partner and participating in doubles games with a group of fellow enthusiasts.
As an avid spectator, I religiously follow the four Grand Slam tournaments throughout the year. During these events, I’m glued to the screen, often organizing viewing parties with like-minded friends to share in the excitement of watching the world’s top players compete at the highest level.
What draws me to tennis is its unique combination of physical prowess and mental acuity. It’s a sport that demands exceptional hand-eye coordination, agility, and stamina, while also requiring strategic thinking and psychological resilience. The one-on-one nature of singles matches creates an intense, almost gladiatorial atmosphere that I find particularly thrilling.
Playing tennis regularly has been instrumental in maintaining my fitness and improving my reflexes. It’s also a fantastic way to relieve stress and clear my mind after a long day. The social aspect of the sport is equally appealing, as it has allowed me to forge strong friendships with people who share my passion.
Watching professional matches is not just entertainment for me; it’s also a learning experience. I’m constantly amazed by the tactical nuances and technical skills displayed by top players, and I often try to incorporate elements of their play into my own game.
In essence, tennis has become an integral part of my lifestyle, offering a perfect blend of physical exercise, mental challenge, social interaction, and sporting drama. It’s a sport that continues to inspire and engage me on multiple levels, making it an enduring passion in my life.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has your interest in this sport evolved over time?
- Do you think this sport has any negative aspects?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“My interest in tennis has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Initially, I was drawn to the sport purely for its entertainment value, enjoying the thrill of watching high-stakes matches. However, as I began to play more frequently, I developed a deeper appreciation for the technical intricacies of the game.
Professional Tennis Match
This evolution has led me to analyze matches more critically, paying attention to players’ strategies, shot selection, and court positioning. I’ve also become increasingly fascinated by the mental aspect of tennis, observing how players handle pressure and maintain focus during crucial moments.
Moreover, my interest has expanded beyond just playing and watching. I’ve started to delve into the history of the sport, learning about legendary players and iconic matches that have shaped tennis over the decades. This historical perspective has enriched my understanding and appreciation of the modern game.
Additionally, I’ve become more aware of the global tennis community and the sport’s impact on various cultures. I now follow players from different countries and enjoy learning about how tennis is played and perceived in various parts of the world.
In essence, what started as a casual interest has blossomed into a multifaceted passion, encompassing not just the physical act of playing, but also the technical, mental, historical, and cultural aspects of tennis.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to sports. Here are some possible questions:
- How do you think sports contribute to society?
- What are the potential drawbacks of professional sports?
- Do you believe there’s too much emphasis on winning in sports?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 7-8):
“Sports play a crucial role in society on multiple levels. Firstly, they promote physical health and fitness, which is increasingly important in our sedentary modern lifestyles. Regular participation in sports can help combat obesity, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall well-being.
Secondly, sports are an excellent tool for building community and fostering social connections. They bring people together, whether as participants or spectators, creating a sense of shared identity and common purpose. This is particularly evident in how local sports teams can unite entire cities or regions.
Moreover, sports teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These qualities are transferable to many other areas of life, including education and professional careers. For young people especially, sports can be a powerful vehicle for personal development and character building.
On a broader scale, sports can serve as a platform for social change and diplomacy. International sporting events like the Olympics bring nations together and can help bridge cultural divides. Sports figures often use their platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
Lastly, the sports industry itself is a significant contributor to the economy, creating jobs and generating revenue through events, merchandise, and media rights.
In conclusion, while the entertainment aspect of sports is obvious, their contribution to society extends far beyond that, encompassing health, social cohesion, personal development, and even international relations.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To boost your speaking score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
- Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Very exciting and enjoyable.
Example: “I find the fast pace of basketball absolutely exhilarating.” - Camaraderie /ˌkæməˈrædəri/ (noun): Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
Example: “The camaraderie among teammates is one of the best aspects of team sports.” - To hone /həʊn/ (verb): To improve or perfect, especially a skill.
Example: “Regular practice allows athletes to hone their techniques and strategies.” - Pinnacle /ˈpɪnəkl/ (noun): The most successful or admired part of a system or achievement.
Example: “Winning an Olympic gold medal is often considered the pinnacle of an athlete’s career.” - Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Participating in sports can help develop mental resilience, which is valuable in all areas of life.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing sports:
- Use personal anecdotes: Share specific experiences to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
- Demonstrate range: Discuss various aspects of the sport, from physical benefits to social impacts, to showcase your vocabulary and critical thinking skills.
- Employ advanced grammar structures: Use conditional sentences, passive voice, and complex sentences to demonstrate linguistic proficiency.
- Show enthusiasm: Your tone and body language should reflect your interest in the topic, enhancing the overall impression.
- Practice fluency: Regular speaking practice will help you articulate your thoughts more smoothly during the test.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your responses.
