The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about famous people, including athletes. Being able to describe a well-known sports figure effectively can help you showcase your English language skills and achieve a high score. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject with confidence and precision.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to sports and athletes. Here are some common questions an examiner might ask:

1. Do you follow any sports?
2. Who is your favorite athlete?
3. Have you ever met a famous athlete?
4. Do you think athletes make good role models?

Let’s focus on answering the second question:

Examiner: Who is your favorite athlete?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“My favorite athlete is Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s a really famous football player from Portugal. I admire him because he’s very skilled and works hard. He’s won many awards and is known for his amazing goals.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d have to say my favorite athlete is Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football sensation. What sets him apart, in my opinion, is not just his exceptional technical skills on the field, but also his unwavering dedication to continuous improvement. His remarkable work ethic and numerous accolades, including multiple Ballon d’Or awards, truly inspire me. Moreover, his philanthropy off the pitch, particularly his support for children’s charities, adds another dimension to his appeal as an athlete.”

Describe a talented person you admire for more tips on discussing admirable individuals in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a famous athlete:

Describe A Famous Athlete You Know
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What sport they play
- How you know about them
- And explain why you think they are famous

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about Serena Williams, a famous tennis player from the United States. She’s been playing professional tennis for many years and has won lots of Grand Slam titles. I first learned about her from watching tennis matches on TV. She’s famous because she’s one of the best tennis players ever, both in women’s and men’s tennis. Her powerful playing style and strong personality make her stand out. She’s also known for speaking up about important issues like equality in sports.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to discuss Serena Williams, an iconic figure in the world of tennis. As an American professional tennis player, she has dominated the sport for over two decades, amassing an impressive 23 Grand Slam singles titles, which is the most by any player in the Open Era.

I first became aware of Serena through her remarkable performances in major tournaments, which often made headlines. Her powerful playing style, characterized by explosive serves and formidable ground strokes, immediately caught my attention.

Serena’s fame extends far beyond her on-court achievements. She’s renowned for her tenacity and mental strength, often staging dramatic comebacks from seemingly impossible situations. Moreover, she’s become a cultural icon, using her platform to advocate for racial and gender equality in sports and society at large.

Her influence transcends tennis, as she’s also made significant strides in fashion and business. Serena has launched her own clothing line and has been a brand ambassador for numerous global companies. Her resilience in returning to top-level competition after becoming a mother has further cemented her status as an inspirational figure for athletes and non-athletes alike.

In essence, Serena Williams’ fame is a result of her extraordinary athletic prowess, coupled with her impactful presence both on and off the court. She’s not just a tennis champion, but a trailblazer who has redefined what it means to be a professional athlete in the modern era.”

Serena Williams on tennis court

Examiner: How has this athlete influenced younger generations?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Serena Williams has influenced younger generations by showing them that they can achieve great things in sports. She’s a role model for many young tennis players, especially girls. Her success has inspired more people to take up tennis and believe in themselves.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Serena Williams has had a profound impact on younger generations in multiple ways. Firstly, her unprecedented success in tennis has shattered barriers and shown young athletes, particularly women and people of color, that they can excel at the highest levels of sport. Her resilience and determination in overcoming various challenges, including racial discrimination and health issues, serve as a powerful example of perseverance.

Moreover, Serena has championed causes such as gender equality and racial justice, encouraging young people to use their voices for positive change. Her entrepreneurial ventures and fashion endeavors have also inspired youth to pursue diverse interests beyond their primary field of expertise.

Perhaps most significantly, Serena’s unapologetic embrace of her identity as a strong, successful Black woman has empowered countless young individuals to be confident in their own skin and aspire to break societal norms and expectations.”

Describe a sportsperson or athlete you admire for more insights on discussing admirable athletes in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:

Examiner: Do you think athletes should be considered role models for society? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think athletes can be good role models. They show the importance of hard work and dedication. Many athletes also use their fame to support good causes. However, sometimes athletes make mistakes, which can disappoint their fans. Overall, I believe most athletes set a positive example for others.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The question of whether athletes should be considered role models for society is indeed complex and multifaceted. On one hand, athletes often embody qualities that are highly valued in society, such as discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Their journey to success can inspire individuals, particularly young people, to set ambitious goals and work diligently towards achieving them.

Moreover, many athletes use their platform and influence to raise awareness about important social issues, advocate for positive change, and contribute to charitable causes. This social responsibility aspect of their public persona can set a powerful example of how to use one’s success for the greater good.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that athletes, like all public figures, are human beings susceptible to flaws and mistakes. The intense scrutiny they face can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations being placed upon them. There’s a valid argument that the role model status should be earned through consistent positive actions both in their sport and in their personal lives, rather than automatically bestowed based on athletic prowess alone.

Additionally, the commercialization of sports and the immense pressure to perform can sometimes lead athletes to make questionable decisions, such as using performance-enhancing drugs or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct. These actions can have a detrimental effect on their status as role models.

In conclusion, while athletes have the potential to be positive role models due to their dedication, achievements, and often their philanthropic efforts, it’s important for society to maintain a balanced perspective. We should appreciate their athletic accomplishments and positive contributions while also recognizing that they are not infallible. Perhaps the most constructive approach is to view athletes as potential sources of inspiration in specific areas, particularly those related to their sport and work ethic, rather than as all-encompassing role models for every aspect of life.”

Athletes as role models concept

Describe a time when you met someone you greatly admire to learn more about discussing influential figures in your IELTS Speaking test.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when describing a famous athlete, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Iconic figure /aɪˈkɒnɪk ˈfɪɡə(r)/ (noun phrase): A person who is widely recognized and admired, often symbolizing a particular idea or quality.
   Example: “Muhammad Ali was an iconic figure in boxing and civil rights activism.”

2. To dominate /ˈdɒmɪneɪt/ (verb): To have a commanding influence on; to prevail over.
   Example: “Usain Bolt dominated sprint events for over a decade.”

3. Tenacity /təˈnæsəti/ (noun): The quality of being determined to do something; persistence.
   Example: “Her tenacity in overcoming injuries impressed fans and critics alike.”

4. Trailblazer /ˈtreɪlbleɪzə(r)/ (noun): A person who is the first to do something; an innovator.
   Example: “Billie Jean King was a trailblazer for gender equality in tennis.”

5. To shatter barriers (idiom): To break through limitations or obstacles, often in a dramatic way.
   Example: “Jesse Owens shattered barriers both on and off the track.”

6. Philanthropic efforts /ˌfɪlənˈθrɒpɪk ˈefəts/ (noun phrase): Activities undertaken to promote the welfare of others, typically through charitable donations.
   Example: “LeBron James is known for his philanthropic efforts in education.”

Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve to explore how to discuss personal aspirations, which can be inspired by famous athletes.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous athlete:

1. Prepare thoroughly: Research various athletes across different sports to have a wide range of examples to draw from.

2. Use specific details: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of the athlete’s achievements, personality traits, and impact.

3. Demonstrate critical thinking: When discussing the athlete’s influence or role model status, consider both positive and negative aspects to show balanced reasoning.

4. Employ a variety of vocabulary: Use synonyms and advanced vocabulary related to sports, personality traits, and achievements to showcase your language skills.

5. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently about the topic, using appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas.

6. Engage with the examiner: Show interest in the topic and be ready to elaborate on your answers when prompted.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your thoughts clearly and coherently are crucial factors in achieving a high score.

IELTS Speaking test preparation

Describe a talented person you know well for additional practice in discussing remarkable individuals, which can help you prepare for questions about famous athletes.