The topic of describing a famous sports event is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to recount personal experiences, express opinions, and use appropriate vocabulary related to sports and events. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about sports and events. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you enjoy watching sports events?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy watching sports events. I find them exciting and entertaining. It’s fun to see athletes competing at a high level.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about watching sports events. There’s something captivating about witnessing athletes push their limits and showcase their skills. The atmosphere and excitement that surrounds major sporting events are truly exhilarating.
Question: What’s the most popular sport in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In my country, football (soccer) is definitely the most popular sport. People love watching matches and supporting their favorite teams.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Without a doubt, football reigns supreme in my country. It’s not just a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites people from all walks of life. The fervor and dedication of fans during major tournaments or local derbies is truly remarkable.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a famous sports event you watched. You should say:
- What the event was
- When and where you watched it
- Who you watched it with
- And explain why this event was memorable for you
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The famous sports event I’d like to talk about is the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia. I watched it in July 2018 at home with my family and some friends. We all gathered in our living room to watch the match on TV.
This event was really memorable for me because it was such an exciting game. France won 4-2, and there were some great goals scored. I remember being impressed by the skills of players like Kylian Mbappé and Luka Modric. The atmosphere in our living room was electric, with everyone cheering and commenting on the game.
What made it even more special was sharing the experience with my loved ones. We had snacks and drinks, and it felt like a real celebration of football. It was also interesting to see how a small country like Croatia could make it to the final and compete against a powerhouse like France.
Overall, it was a thrilling match that I won’t forget anytime soon. It reminded me why I love watching sports and how they can bring people together.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The sporting event that stands out vividly in my memory is the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia. I had the privilege of watching this monumental match on July 15, 2018, in the comfort of my home, surrounded by an eclectic mix of family members and close friends. We had transformed our living room into a miniature stadium, complete with flags and jerseys representing our favorite teams.
This particular event was etched into my memory for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the sheer quality of football on display was breathtaking. The French team, spearheaded by the prodigious talent of Kylian Mbappé, showcased a masterclass in attacking football. Conversely, the Croatian side, led by the indomitable Luka Modric, demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, defying expectations to reach the final.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with France ultimately clinching victory with a 4-2 scoreline. Each goal was met with rapturous applause or groans of disappointment in our makeshift living room stadium, creating an atmosphere that mirrored the intensity on the pitch.
What made this experience truly unforgettable was the sense of unity it fostered. Despite our diverse backgrounds and varying levels of football knowledge, we were all united in our appreciation of the beautiful game. The event transcended mere sport, becoming a catalyst for bonding and creating shared memories.
Moreover, witnessing Croatia’s underdog story unfold was particularly inspiring. Their journey to the final, as a nation of just over 4 million people, was a testament to the power of determination and teamwork, resonating deeply with me and many others watching.
In retrospect, this World Cup Final encapsulated everything I adore about sports – the skill, the drama, the unity, and the ability to inspire. It served as a poignant reminder of sport’s unique power to bring people together and create moments of collective joy and excitement.
Enthusiastic fans watching World Cup Final
Follow-up Questions:
- How did watching this event influence your interest in football?
- Do you think such international sporting events can promote unity among countries?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Watching this event definitely increased my interest in football. I started following more matches and learning about different teams and players. I think these events can promote unity by bringing people together to enjoy sports, regardless of their country.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This event significantly heightened my appreciation for football. It sparked a keen interest in me to delve deeper into the tactical aspects of the game and follow the careers of emerging talents. As for promoting unity, I believe these international sporting events play a crucial role in fostering global camaraderie. They provide a unique platform for cultural exchange and mutual respect, transcending political boundaries and reminding us of our shared humanity.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How do you think major sporting events impact the host country’s economy?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think major sporting events can have both positive and negative impacts on a host country’s economy. On the positive side, they can bring in a lot of tourists and create jobs. However, they also require a lot of money to organize and build new facilities, which can be a burden on the country’s finances.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The economic impact of major sporting events on host countries is a complex and multifaceted issue. On one hand, these events can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, generating significant revenue through tourism, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating infrastructure development. They often put the host country in the global spotlight, potentially attracting foreign investment and boosting the nation’s brand value.
However, it’s crucial to consider the potential drawbacks. The massive financial outlay required for hosting such events, including the construction of state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure upgrades, can strain public resources. There’s also the risk of creating white elephant structures that see little use post-event. Moreover, the economic benefits are often short-lived and unevenly distributed, potentially exacerbating social inequalities.
In my view, the long-term economic viability of hosting major sporting events depends on careful planning and strategic foresight. Countries need to ensure that investments align with their broader economic goals and can deliver sustainable benefits beyond the event itself.
Question: Do you believe that professional athletes are overpaid compared to other professions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
This is a difficult question. On one hand, professional athletes work very hard and have unique skills that entertain millions of people. On the other hand, their salaries are often much higher than those in important professions like teaching or healthcare. I think it depends on how we value different types of work in society.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The question of whether professional athletes are overpaid is a contentious issue that warrants careful consideration. To approach this objectively, we need to examine several factors.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that top-tier athletes possess extraordinary skills honed through years of dedicated training. Their careers are often short-lived and fraught with the risk of career-ending injuries. Moreover, they operate in an intensely competitive environment where only a small fraction reach the highest levels of success.
Additionally, professional sports have evolved into global entertainment industries generating billions in revenue. Athletes, as the primary creators of this value, naturally command a significant share. Their high salaries can be seen as a reflection of their market value and the economic realities of the sports industry.
However, when we juxtapose these earnings with those of professions that are arguably more critical to societal well-being – such as healthcare workers, educators, or scientists – it does raise ethical questions. These professions often require extensive education and training, yet typically offer far more modest compensation.
Ultimately, I believe this disparity is more a reflection of our society’s values and priorities rather than a simple case of athletes being overpaid. It underscores the need for a broader discussion about how we value different contributions to society and whether our current economic system adequately reflects these values.
Infographic comparing salaries of athletes and other professions
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Monumental (adjective) – /ˌmɒnjʊˈmentl/: Very important or significant.
Example: The World Cup Final was a monumental event in football history.Eclectic mix (noun phrase) – /ɪˈklektɪk mɪks/: A diverse group or collection.
Example: The party had an eclectic mix of guests from various backgrounds.Prodigious talent (noun phrase) – /prəˈdɪdʒəs ˈtælənt/: Exceptional or extraordinary ability.
Example: Lionel Messi’s prodigious talent was evident from a young age.Indomitable (adjective) – /ɪnˈdɒmɪtəbl/: Impossible to subdue or defeat.
Example: The team showed an indomitable spirit throughout the tournament.Catalyst (noun) – /ˈkætəlɪst/: Something that causes an important event to happen.
Example: The Olympics often serve as a catalyst for urban development in host cities.Transcend (verb) – /trænˈsend/: To go beyond the usual limits of something.
Example: Great sporting moments can transcend national rivalries and bring people together.Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The impact of major sporting events on host countries is multifaceted, affecting various sectors of the economy.Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/: To make a problem or bad situation worse.
Example: Poor planning can exacerbate the negative economic effects of hosting large sporting events.
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
Practice regularly: Engage in daily conversations in English about sports and current events to build fluency and confidence.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use sports-specific terms and idiomatic expressions to enhance your responses.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts and provide examples to support your points.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Work on pronunciation: Pay attention to word stress and intonation, especially for sports-related terms.
Stay informed: Keep up with current sporting events to have relevant examples to discuss.
Listen actively: Make sure you understand the examiner’s questions fully before responding.
Be authentic: Share your genuine opinions and experiences rather than trying to guess what the examiner wants to hear.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing sports events or describing an athlete from your country who has influenced you. Remember, the key is to communicate effectively and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.