The topic “describe a famous athlete you admire” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This subject allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response. It’s likely to remain a popular topic due to its relevance and the wide range of potential answers it can elicit.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about sports and athletes. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you follow any sports?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely. I’m quite passionate about following various sports, especially football and tennis. I find myself glued to the screen during major tournaments like the World Cup or Wimbledon. There’s something truly captivating about watching athletes perform at the pinnacle of their abilities.”
Describe a famous public figure in your country is another topic that requires similar skills in describing influential individuals.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a famous athlete you admire
You should say:
- Who this athlete is
- What sport they play
- What achievements they have
- Why you admire them
And explain how they have influenced you or others.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, a world-renowned footballer who I greatly admire. Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Al Nassr and captains the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, which is given to the best footballer in the world each year. He’s also won numerous league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, as well as five UEFA Champions League trophies. His goal-scoring record is phenomenal, having scored over 800 official senior career goals for club and country.
I admire Ronaldo for several reasons. Firstly, his dedication and work ethic are unparalleled. He’s known for his rigorous training regimen and always striving to improve, even after achieving so much. Secondly, his resilience is inspiring. He’s faced many challenges throughout his career but has always bounced back stronger. Lastly, his philanthropy is commendable. He’s involved in various charitable causes and has used his platform to make a positive impact.
Ronaldo has influenced me and many others to pursue excellence in our respective fields. His mantra of continuous improvement resonates with me, and I try to apply it in my own life. He’s also shown that with hard work and perseverance, one can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Moreover, his charitable work has inspired many of his fans to give back to their communities.
In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a football icon, but a role model who exemplifies the values of hard work, resilience, and giving back to society. His influence extends far beyond the football pitch, inspiring millions around the world to strive for greatness in their own lives.”
Cristiano Ronaldo in action on the football field
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I want to talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, a famous football player. He’s from Portugal and plays as a forward. He now plays for Al Nassr and is the captain of Portugal’s national team.
Ronaldo has won many awards. He’s won the Ballon d’Or five times, which means he was the best player in the world those years. He’s also won many leagues in different countries and the Champions League several times. He’s scored a lot of goals in his career.
I admire Ronaldo because he works very hard. He always tries to be better, even though he’s already very good. He also helps people by giving money to charities. This makes him a good person, not just a good player.
Ronaldo has influenced me to work harder in my life. When I see how much he practices and how he doesn’t give up, it makes me want to do the same in my studies and other activities. He shows that if you work hard, you can achieve great things.
In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo is a great footballer and a good example for people. He shows that hard work and helping others are important, and this is why I admire him.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How do you think professional athletes influence young people?
Candidate (Band 8-9): “Professional athletes wield significant influence over young people in various ways. Firstly, they serve as role models, embodying qualities such as dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Their success stories often inspire youth to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Moreover, athletes’ healthy lifestyles can motivate young people to adopt better habits, encouraging regular exercise and balanced diets. However, it’s crucial to note that this influence can be double-edged. While positive behaviors can be emulated, any misconduct by athletes can also negatively impact impressionable minds. Therefore, athletes bear a considerable responsibility in shaping the values and aspirations of the younger generation.”
Candidate (Band 6-7): “I think professional athletes have a big impact on young people. They are often seen as heroes, and young people want to be like them. This can be good because it can make young people interested in sports and staying healthy. Athletes can also show that hard work is important to succeed. But sometimes, if athletes do bad things, young people might copy that too. So, athletes need to be careful about how they act because many young people look up to them.”
Describe a famous person who is a role model for young people is another topic that explores the impact of public figures on youth.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think there’s too much emphasis on winning in professional sports?
Candidate (Band 8-9): “This is a nuanced issue that merits careful consideration. On one hand, the pursuit of excellence and the competitive nature of sports naturally lead to a focus on winning. This drive can push athletes to reach their full potential and can result in spectacular performances that inspire and entertain millions. Additionally, the economic aspects of professional sports, including sponsorships and prize money, often hinge on success, which further emphasizes winning.
However, I believe there are valid concerns about an excessive focus on victory. This can lead to several negative outcomes. Firstly, it may encourage unethical behavior, such as doping or match-fixing, as the pressure to win becomes overwhelming. Secondly, it can be detrimental to athletes’ mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and burnout. Thirdly, it might overshadow other important aspects of sports, such as personal growth, teamwork, and the sheer joy of participation.
Ideally, there should be a balance between the drive to win and the appreciation of other values in sports. We should celebrate not just victories, but also sportsmanship, personal improvement, and the spirit of fair competition. This more holistic approach would not only benefit the athletes themselves but also set a better example for aspiring young sportspeople and fans alike.”
Candidate (Band 6-7): “I think there is sometimes too much focus on winning in professional sports. Winning is important, and it’s what athletes aim for, but it’s not everything. When there’s too much pressure to win, it can cause problems. Athletes might cheat to win, or they might feel very stressed. Also, always focusing on winning can make people forget about other good things in sports, like having fun or improving yourself.
I believe it’s better to think about more than just winning. We should also value good sportsmanship and how athletes improve over time. This would be better for the athletes and would teach young people good values too. Sports should be about doing your best, not just about winning at any cost.”
Athletes celebrating a victory together
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
World-renowned /wɜːld rɪˈnaʊnd/ (adjective): Known and admired throughout the world.
Example: “Usain Bolt is a world-renowned sprinter.”Phenomenal /fəˈnɒmɪnl/ (adjective): Remarkable or exceptional, especially exceptionally good.
Example: “The athlete’s performance in the Olympics was nothing short of phenomenal.”Unparalleled /ʌnˈpærəleld/ (adjective): Having no equal; better or greater than any other.
Example: “Her dedication to training is unparalleled among her peers.”Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Example: “The boxer showed great resilience, bouncing back after a series of defeats.”Philanthropy /fɪˈlænθrəpi/ (noun): The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed by the generous donation of money to good causes.
Example: “Many admire the athlete not just for his skills, but also for his philanthropy.”Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Example: “Her perseverance in the face of multiple injuries is truly inspiring.”To strive for excellence (phrase): To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
Example: “Top athletes constantly strive for excellence in their respective sports.”Role model /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/ (noun): A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Example: “Many young basketball players see LeBron James as a role model.”
Describe a person who is a great role model for others provides more examples of using such vocabulary in context.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous athlete:
Prepare thoroughly: Research various athletes and their achievements. This will give you a range of examples to draw from.
Use diverse vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to sports and personal qualities.
Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice can help improve this.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts. Explain your thoughts and provide reasons for your opinions.
Use appropriate tenses: When discussing an athlete’s career, use a mix of past and present tenses accurately.
Show enthusiasm: Genuine interest in your chosen athlete can enhance your speaking performance.
Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2’s long turn.
Be prepared for follow-up questions: In Part 3, be ready to discuss broader topics related to sports and athletes.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about athletes, but being able to communicate your thoughts clearly and engagingly. Regular practice and exposure to English language content about sports can significantly improve your performance.
Describe a time when you felt proud of someone else can be a great way to practice expressing admiration and describing achievements, which are useful skills when discussing famous athletes.