The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about well-known personalities from your home country. One common topic is describing a famous sports figure. This article will provide you with valuable tips and sample answers to help you excel in this task and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand that this topic is frequently featured in IELTS Speaking tests. Examiners often use it to assess your ability to describe people, express opinions, and discuss sports-related topics. Being prepared for this question can significantly improve your performance.
Famous Vietnamese Sports Figure
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about sports and famous athletes. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you follow any sports?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I’m quite interested in football. I try to watch matches whenever I have free time, especially when the national team is playing.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for football. I make it a point to keep up with both local and international matches, and I find myself thoroughly engrossed in the game, especially when our national team is competing.
Q: Who is a famous sports figure in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
One of the most famous sports figures in Vietnam is Nguyen Tien Minh. He’s a badminton player who has represented our country in many international competitions.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In Vietnam, one sports figure who has gained widespread recognition is Nguyen Tien Minh, a world-class badminton player. He has consistently represented our country in numerous international tournaments and has significantly contributed to putting Vietnam on the global badminton map.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a famous sports figure:
Describe a famous sports figure from your country
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What sport they play
- What achievements they have
- And explain why they are famous in your country
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about Nguyen Tien Minh, a famous badminton player from Vietnam. He’s been playing badminton professionally for many years and has represented our country in numerous international competitions.
Minh has achieved several notable accomplishments in his career. He won a bronze medal at the 2013 World Championships, which was a significant achievement for Vietnamese badminton. He has also consistently ranked among the top players in the world for many years.
Nguyen Tien Minh is famous in Vietnam because he’s one of the first Vietnamese athletes to achieve such high rankings in an individual sport on the world stage. His success has inspired many young people to take up badminton and has helped raise the profile of the sport in our country.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to draw your attention to Nguyen Tien Minh, a renowned badminton player who has put Vietnam on the map in the world of international badminton. Minh has been wielding the racket professionally for over two decades, showcasing his skills and representing our nation with distinction in countless global tournaments.
Throughout his illustrious career, Minh has amassed an impressive array of achievements. His crowning glory came in 2013 when he clinched a bronze medal at the World Championships, a groundbreaking feat for Vietnamese badminton. Moreover, he has consistently maintained a position among the world’s top-ranked players for an extended period, demonstrating remarkable longevity and consistency in a highly competitive sport.
Nguyen Tien Minh has become a household name in Vietnam for several reasons. Firstly, he blazed a trail as one of the pioneering Vietnamese athletes to achieve such high rankings in an individual sport on the global stage. His success has served as a catalyst, inspiring a new generation of young talents to take up badminton and pursue their dreams. Furthermore, Minh’s achievements have significantly elevated the status of badminton in our country, transforming it from a recreational activity to a serious competitive sport with international potential.
Follow-up Questions
- How has this sports figure influenced young people in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Nguyen Tien Minh has had a big impact on young people in Vietnam. Many young players look up to him and want to follow in his footsteps. His success has shown that Vietnamese athletes can compete at the highest level.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Nguyen Tien Minh has exerted a profound influence on the youth of Vietnam. His success has served as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with dedication and perseverance, Vietnamese athletes can excel on the global stage. This has led to a surge of interest in badminton among young people, with many aspiring to emulate his achievements. Moreover, Minh’s journey has instilled a sense of national pride and broadened horizons for many, showing that international success in sports is within reach for Vietnamese athletes.
- Do you think it’s important for a country to have famous sports figures? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s important. Famous sports figures can inspire people to be active and healthy. They also bring pride to the country when they win international competitions.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that having famous sports figures is crucial for a country’s development, both in terms of sports and national identity. These athletes serve as role models, inspiring not just aspiring sportspeople but also the general public to adopt healthier, more active lifestyles. Furthermore, their success on the international stage fosters a sense of national pride and unity, boosting the country’s morale and enhancing its global image. Additionally, renowned sports figures can attract investment into sports infrastructure and training programs, paving the way for future generations of athletes to excel.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think sports celebrities influence society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Sports celebrities have a big influence on society. They can inspire people to be more active and healthy. They also sometimes use their fame to support good causes or charities.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Sports celebrities wield considerable influence in society, often transcending their roles as mere athletes. Their impact is multi-faceted and far-reaching. Firstly, they serve as powerful motivators, inspiring people of all ages to adopt healthier lifestyles and engage in physical activities. This can have a ripple effect on public health, potentially alleviating the burden on healthcare systems.
Moreover, many sports celebrities leverage their platform to champion social causes and support charitable initiatives. This amplifies awareness of important issues and can catalyze positive change in society. Their involvement often lends credibility to these causes and can mobilize resources more effectively than lesser-known advocates.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that this influence comes with significant responsibility. The actions and words of sports celebrities are often scrutinized and can shape public opinion, particularly among impressionable youth. This underscores the need for these figures to be mindful of their impact and strive to be positive role models.
Q: Do you think too much attention is given to sports in the media compared to other important issues?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Sometimes I think there is too much sports coverage in the media. While sports are important, there are other serious issues that need attention too, like education and the environment.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The prevalence of sports coverage in the media is indeed a contentious issue. While sports undeniably play a significant role in society, offering entertainment, promoting health, and fostering national pride, one could argue that the disproportionate attention they receive may overshadow other critical matters.
On one hand, the extensive coverage of sports reflects public interest and serves a demand for such content. Sports events often unite people across diverse backgrounds and provide a common ground for social interaction. They also offer a form of escapism from daily stresses, which many find valuable.
However, this focus on sports can sometimes come at the expense of more pressing issues. Matters such as climate change, economic disparities, and global health crises may receive less airtime or public attention due to the overwhelming presence of sports in the media landscape. This imbalance could potentially lead to a less informed public on crucial societal challenges.
That being said, I believe the solution lies not in diminishing sports coverage, but rather in striking a balance. Media outlets should strive to provide comprehensive coverage across a spectrum of topics, ensuring that important issues are not eclipsed by the allure of sports. This approach would allow for the continued enjoyment of sports while also fostering a well-rounded, informed society.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your responses:
Wield influence (phrasal verb) – /wiːld ˈɪnfluəns/ – to have and use power or influence
Example: “Famous athletes often wield significant influence over young fans.”Trailblazer (noun) – /ˈtreɪlbleɪzər/ – a person who is the first to do something; an innovator
Example: “Nguyen Tien Minh is a trailblazer in Vietnamese badminton.”Groundbreaking (adjective) – /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ – innovative; pioneering
Example: “His performance at the World Championships was truly groundbreaking for Vietnamese sports.”Catalyst (noun) – /ˈkætəlɪst/ – a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Example: “Success in international competitions can be a catalyst for increased interest in a sport.”Transcend (verb) – /trænˈsend/ – to go beyond the usual limits of something
Example: “The influence of sports celebrities often transcends the realm of athletics.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing a famous sports figure from your country in the IELTS Speaking test:
- Prepare in advance: Research famous sports figures from your country and their achievements.
- Use specific examples: Mention particular tournaments, medals, or records to support your points.
- Practice pronunciation: Ensure you can pronounce the names of athletes and sports correctly.
- Develop your opinions: Be ready to discuss the impact of sports figures on society and culture.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sports-specific terms and idiomatic expressions in your responses.
- Stay current: Keep up with recent sports news from your country to provide up-to-date information.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about famous sports figures in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so rehearse your responses regularly to build confidence and fluency.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, check out our guides on describing a famous writer in your country and discussing how people become famous.