When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, one common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a time when they tried a new sport or activity. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express opinions, and use a range of vocabulary related to sports and leisure activities. Let’s explore how to effectively approach this topic and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about sports and activities. Here are some potential questions along with a sample answer:
- Do you enjoy trying new activities?
- What kind of sports or activities are popular in your country?
- Have you recently tried any new sports or activities?
Sample answer for question 3 (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I have. Recently, I took up rock climbing, which was quite an exhilarating experience. It’s a sport that challenges both your physical strength and mental acuity. I found it particularly appealing because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and requires a good deal of problem-solving skills. Although it was initially daunting, the sense of accomplishment when reaching the top of a climb was incredibly rewarding.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing rock climbing experience
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you tried a new sport or activity
You should say:
- What the sport or activity was
- When and where you tried it
- Who you were with
- And explain how you felt about trying this new sport or activity
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about the time I tried surfing for the first time. It was during a summer vacation two years ago when I visited Bali, Indonesia, with a group of close friends. We were staying at a beachfront resort, and the idea of learning to surf in one of the world’s most renowned surfing destinations was too tempting to resist.
On our second day there, we signed up for a beginner’s surfing lesson at Kuta Beach. Our instructor was a local Balinese man named Wayan, who had been surfing for over two decades. His passion for the sport was infectious, and he made us feel at ease right from the start.
The experience was both exhilarating and humbling. At first, I struggled to even stand up on the board, constantly losing my balance and tumbling into the water. However, Wayan was incredibly patient and encouraging. He taught us the basics of paddling, timing the waves, and the proper technique for standing up on the board.
After numerous attempts and what felt like gallons of saltwater in my nose, I finally managed to catch a wave and ride it all the way to the shore. The feeling was indescribable – a mixture of pride, adrenaline, and pure joy. It was as if I had conquered not just the wave, but also my own self-doubts.
What struck me most about surfing was how it connected me with nature in a unique way. I gained a newfound respect for the ocean’s power and beauty. The experience also taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Overall, trying surfing was an unforgettable adventure that left me with a sense of accomplishment and a desire to continue exploring new activities. It reminded me that there’s always something new to learn and experience in life, no matter your age or background.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing a surfing lesson experience
Possible follow-up questions:
- Would you recommend this sport to others? Why or why not?
- How has trying this new sport impacted your life?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly recommend surfing to others. It’s not just a sport, but a transformative experience that offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it’s an excellent full-body workout that improves balance, core strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Moreover, surfing fosters a deep connection with nature, teaching you to read and respect the ocean.
Beyond the physical aspects, surfing is incredibly mentally rewarding. It requires patience, persistence, and the ability to overcome fear, which are valuable skills that can be applied to various aspects of life. The sport also has a unique culture and community that is welcoming and supportive, making it easy for beginners to feel included.
However, I would caution that it’s not without its challenges. It requires a significant time investment to become proficient, and there are inherent risks associated with being in the ocean. But for those willing to put in the effort and respect the safety precautions, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Ultimately, surfing offers a unique blend of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and spiritual connection that few other activities can match.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
- How do you think trying new activities affects personal growth?
- What role do sports and physical activities play in modern society?
- Do you think there’s too much emphasis on competitive sports in schools?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I believe that trying new activities plays a crucial role in personal growth and development. When we step out of our comfort zones and engage in novel experiences, we challenge ourselves both mentally and physically, which can lead to significant personal breakthroughs.
Firstly, new activities often require us to develop new skills and ways of thinking. This process of learning and adaptation can enhance our cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. For instance, when I tried surfing, I had to learn to read wave patterns and adjust my body position quickly, which improved my decision-making skills under pressure.
Secondly, engaging in unfamiliar activities can boost our self-confidence and resilience. Overcoming initial failures and eventually succeeding in a new endeavor can instill a sense of achievement and reinforce the belief in our ability to face challenges in other areas of life.
Moreover, trying new activities often exposes us to diverse groups of people, fostering social skills and cultural awareness. This exposure can broaden our perspectives and make us more open-minded individuals.
Lastly, exploring new activities can help us discover hidden talents or passions that we might not have been aware of otherwise. This self-discovery process is integral to personal growth as it can lead to new career paths, hobbies, or life directions.
However, it’s important to note that the impact of trying new activities on personal growth largely depends on one’s attitude and willingness to learn from the experience. Approaching new activities with an open mind and a growth mindset is key to maximizing their potential for personal development.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that regularly stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new experiences is essential for continuous personal growth and leading a fulfilling life.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Exhilarating (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/: Extremely exciting and thrilling.
Example: “The experience of surfing for the first time was truly exhilarating.”To push out of one’s comfort zone (phrase): To challenge oneself by trying something new or unfamiliar.
Example: “Rock climbing really pushed me out of my comfort zone.”Indescribable (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈskraɪbəbl/: Too intense, extreme, or unusual to be described.
Example: “The feeling of catching my first wave was indescribable.”To connect with nature (phrase): To feel a strong bond or relationship with the natural world.
Example: “Surfing allowed me to connect with nature in a unique way.”Transformative (adjective) /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/: Causing a major change in someone or something.
Example: “Learning to surf was a transformative experience that changed my perspective on life.”To foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/: To encourage the development of something.
Example: “Trying new activities fosters personal growth and self-discovery.”Cognitive flexibility (noun phrase) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/: The ability to adapt thinking or attention in response to changing goals or environmental stimuli.
Example: “Engaging in diverse activities can enhance our cognitive flexibility.”Growth mindset (noun phrase) /ɡrəʊθ ˈmaɪndset/: The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
Example: “Approaching new activities with a growth mindset is key to personal development.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a new sport or activity experience:
Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to sports, emotions, and personal growth. This demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to express complex ideas.
Provide specific details: When describing your experience, include vivid details about the location, people involved, and your feelings. This makes your answer more engaging and authentic.
Use a range of tenses: Accurately employ different tenses to narrate your experience, such as past simple for completed actions, past continuous for ongoing actions, and present perfect for connecting past experiences to the present.
Show reflection: Don’t just describe what happened; explain how the experience affected you or what you learned from it. This demonstrates critical thinking skills.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses. Regular practice with a variety of topics can help improve your fluency.
Develop your answers: In Part 3, provide extended responses with examples and explanations to support your opinions. This shows your ability to discuss abstract ideas in depth.
Use appropriate body language: Maintain eye contact with the examiner and use natural hand gestures to appear confident and engaged.
Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully before answering. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.
By following these tips and regularly practicing with diverse topics, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to communicate effectively and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.
You might also be interested in learning how to describe an interesting outdoor activity you tried or how to describe a memorable journey you had recently. These topics can help you further expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to narrate personal experiences in the IELTS Speaking test.