The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people, including sports figures. The topic “Describe A Famous Sports Figure You Admire” is a common one that candidates should be prepared to address. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about sports and athletes. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you follow any sports?
2. Who is your favorite athlete?
3. How often do you watch sports on TV?

Let’s focus on question 2:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“My favorite athlete is Serena Williams. She’s not only a tennis legend but also an inspiration off the court. I admire her determination and how she’s broken barriers in the sport. Her powerful playing style and mental toughness are truly remarkable.”

describe a person you consider a role model

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a famous sports figure you admire
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What sport they play
• What achievements they have
• And explain why you admire them

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, a famous footballer from Portugal. He’s been playing professional football for over two decades and is known for his incredible skills on the field. Ronaldo has won numerous awards, including five Ballon d’Or trophies, which are given to the best footballer of the year. He’s also scored over 700 career goals, which is an amazing achievement.

I admire Ronaldo because of his dedication to the sport. He’s known for his strict training regimen and always strives to improve his game. His work ethic is inspiring, and it shows that success comes from hard work and determination. Additionally, Ronaldo is involved in various charitable causes, which shows he uses his fame to help others. His journey from a modest background to becoming one of the world’s top athletes is truly motivating.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss Simone Biles, the phenomenal American gymnast who has revolutionized the sport of gymnastics. Biles has been dominating the gymnastics world since her senior debut in 2013. Her unprecedented achievements include being a seven-time Olympic medalist and a 25-time World Championship medalist, making her the most decorated American gymnast in history.

What sets Biles apart is not just her medal count, but her innovation in the sport. She has four gymnastics elements named after her, a testament to her groundbreaking contributions to gymnastics. The ‘Biles’ on floor exercise and vault are particularly awe-inspiring, showcasing a level of difficulty that pushes the boundaries of what’s considered possible in the sport.

I admire Biles for several reasons. Firstly, her technical proficiency is unparalleled. The precision and power she brings to each movement are a result of years of rigorous training and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Secondly, her mental fortitude is truly inspiring. Biles has been open about her struggles with mental health, particularly during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events to prioritize her well-being. This courageous decision highlighted the importance of mental health in sports and sparked a global conversation on athlete welfare.

Moreover, Biles has used her platform to advocate for positive change within gymnastics, speaking out against abuse and pushing for reforms to protect athletes. Her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, combined with her advocacy work, makes her not just a sports icon, but a role model for people of all ages and backgrounds.

In conclusion, Simone Biles embodies the qualities of a true champion – exceptional skill, mental toughness, and a commitment to making a positive impact beyond her sport. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness involves not just achieving personal success, but also using one’s influence to uplift others and drive meaningful change.”

Simone Biles executing a complex gymnastics move

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this sports figure influenced others in their field?
2. Do you think famous athletes have a responsibility to be role models?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Simone Biles has had a profound impact on gymnastics and sports in general. Her innovative techniques have inspired a new generation of gymnasts to push their limits and attempt more challenging routines. Beyond her athletic influence, Biles has been a trailblazer in advocating for athlete mental health and safety. Her decision to prioritize her well-being during the Tokyo Olympics sparked a global conversation about the pressures faced by elite athletes and the importance of mental health in sports performance. This has led to increased support and resources for athletes’ mental health across various sports. Additionally, Biles’ outspoken stance against abuse in gymnastics has been instrumental in driving reforms within the sport’s governing bodies, creating a safer environment for future athletes.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. How do sports celebrities influence young people in your country?
2. Do you think there’s too much pressure on professional athletes to perform well?
3. How has social media changed the way we view sports figures?

Let’s focus on question 2:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe there is often excessive pressure on professional athletes to perform well, which can have both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, this pressure can drive athletes to excel and push the boundaries of human performance, leading to spectacular achievements and records. It can also teach valuable lessons about perseverance and handling stress.

However, the downside of this pressure is significant. Many athletes face mental health challenges due to the constant scrutiny and expectations placed on them. We’ve seen numerous cases of burnout, anxiety, and depression among top athletes. This pressure can also lead to unhealthy practices, such as overtraining or the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

I think it’s crucial to strike a balance. While maintaining high standards in professional sports is important, there needs to be more emphasis on the overall well-being of athletes. This could involve better mental health support, more reasonable training and competition schedules, and a shift in public and media attitudes towards accepting that athletes are human and can have off-days or periods of lower performance.”

describe a sportsperson you admire

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The pressure on professional athletes to perform well is indeed a double-edged sword that merits careful consideration. On one hand, this pressure can be a catalyst for greatness, pushing athletes to reach the pinnacle of their potential and inspiring millions worldwide. The pursuit of excellence under pressure has led to numerous breathtaking moments in sports history and has shown us the incredible limits of human capability.

However, we must also acknowledge the dark underbelly of this relentless pressure. The mental toll on athletes can be severe, leading to a range of issues from performance anxiety to clinical depression. The recent paradigm shift in discussions around athlete mental health, spearheaded by figures like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, has shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of professional sports.

Moreover, the pressure to perform can lead to ethical compromises, such as doping or playing through injuries, which can have long-term consequences on an athlete’s health and the integrity of the sport. The commercialization of sports has exacerbated this issue, with athletes often viewed as commodities rather than human beings.

I believe we need a holistic approach to address this issue. This could involve:

1. Implementing robust mental health support systems for athletes at all levels.
2. Educating the public and media about the realities of high-level sports performance to foster more realistic expectations.
3. Reforming sports governance to prioritize athlete welfare alongside performance.
4. Encouraging a culture that values an athlete’s overall journey and character development, not just their medals or records.

In conclusion, while pressure is an inherent part of professional sports, we must strive to create an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field, fostering a healthier, more sustainable approach to sporting excellence.”

Professional athletes receiving mental health support

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Phenomenal /fəˈnɒmɪnl/ (adjective): Remarkable or exceptional, especially exceptionally good.
   Example: “Usain Bolt’s phenomenal speed revolutionized sprint racing.”

2. To revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): To completely change the way people do something or think about something.
   Example: “Michael Jordan revolutionized basketball with his unique playing style.”

3. Unprecedented /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ (adjective): Never done or known before.
   Example: “Serena Williams’ 23 Grand Slam singles titles are an unprecedented achievement in the Open Era.”

4. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
   Example: “Rafael Nadal’s resilience in overcoming injuries has been crucial to his long-term success.”

5. To advocate /ˈædvəkeɪt/ (verb): To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
   Example: “Many athletes advocate for social justice causes, using their platform to raise awareness.”

describe a person you would like to be similar to

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of sports figures from different sports and countries that you can discuss in detail.

2. Focus on specific details: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of the athlete’s achievements, personality traits, or impact on their sport.

3. Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases related to sports, personality traits, and achievements.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts. Explain your thoughts and opinions, and provide reasons for your admiration.

5. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas coherently.

6. Show enthusiasm: Your tone and manner should convey genuine interest in the topic.

7. Be prepared for follow-up questions: Think about broader issues related to sports figures, such as their influence on society or the pressures they face.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will help you express your ideas more effectively and achieve a higher band score.

describe a famous athlete you know

IELTS candidate practicing speaking skills

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss famous sports figures and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to describe the athlete, but to demonstrate your English language skills through clear, detailed, and well-structured responses.