The topic of describing a game or sport you have learned is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It’s a versatile subject that allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal experiences. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its broad applicability.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about games and sports. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy playing sports or games?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about sports and games. They’re not just a source of entertainment for me, but also a great way to stay physically active and mentally sharp. I particularly enjoy team sports like basketball because they help me develop my interpersonal skills and foster a sense of camaraderie with my teammates.

Basketball player in action with teammates

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe A Game Or Sport You Have Learned to play
You should say:

• What the game or sport is
• When and where you learned it
• Why you decided to learn it
• And explain how you felt when you first started playing it

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

The sport I’d like to talk about is tennis. I started learning it about two years ago at a local sports club in my neighborhood. I decided to pick up tennis because I wanted to try something new and challenging. Plus, I’d always admired professional tennis players on TV and thought it looked like a fun sport to play.

When I first started, I felt pretty awkward holding the racket and trying to hit the ball. It was harder than I expected, and I missed a lot of shots. But my coach was patient and encouraging, which helped me stay motivated. I remember feeling a mix of frustration and excitement during those early lessons.

As I practiced more, I began to improve slowly. I learned about different types of shots like forehand, backhand, and serve. It was satisfying to see my progress, even though I was still far from being good at it. Now, I enjoy playing tennis with friends on weekends, and it’s become a great way to exercise and socialize.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

The sport I’d like to elaborate on is tennis, a game that I embarked on learning approximately two years ago at a state-of-the-art sports facility in my vicinity. My decision to delve into this sport stemmed from a desire to challenge myself physically and mentally, coupled with a long-standing admiration for the finesse and strategy displayed by professional players on the international circuit.

Initially, I felt rather overwhelmed by the technical aspects of the game. The nuances of grip techniques, the precise timing required for various shots, and the mental fortitude needed to maintain focus throughout a match were all formidable challenges. However, my coach’s methodical approach and unwavering support were instrumental in helping me navigate these early hurdles.

As I dedicated myself to regular practice, I began to witness tangible improvements in my performance. Mastering the intricacies of different shots – from the power-packed forehand to the subtle drop shot – became an exhilarating journey of continuous learning. The sport has not only enhanced my physical fitness but has also sharpened my strategic thinking and mental resilience.

Tennis has evolved from a mere hobby into a passion that enriches various aspects of my life. It serves as an excellent outlet for stress, a platform for social interaction, and a constant source of personal growth. The sense of achievement I experience after a well-played match, regardless of the outcome, is truly unparalleled.

Tennis player executing a forehand shot

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has learning tennis impacted your life outside of the sport?
2. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start learning tennis?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

1. Learning tennis has had a profound impact on various facets of my life. Firstly, it has significantly bolstered my time management skills, as I’ve had to meticulously balance my tennis practice with work and other commitments. Additionally, the mental fortitude required in tennis has translated remarkably well into my professional life, enhancing my ability to stay focused under pressure and approach challenges with a strategic mindset. Moreover, the social aspect of the sport has expanded my network, leading to meaningful friendships and even professional connections.

2. For anyone looking to start their tennis journey, I would strongly advise patience and consistency. Tennis is a sport that rewards persistent effort, so it’s crucial to commit to regular practice. I’d recommend starting with proper technique under the guidance of a qualified coach to build a solid foundation. It’s also important to invest in appropriate equipment, particularly well-fitted shoes to prevent injuries. Lastly, I’d encourage them to embrace the learning process and not get discouraged by initial difficulties – improvement in tennis is often gradual but immensely rewarding.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think team sports differ from individual sports in terms of personal development?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Team sports and individual sports each offer unique benefits for personal development. Team sports excel in fostering collaboration, communication, and leadership skills. Players must learn to coordinate their efforts, adapt to different personalities, and work towards a common goal. This can translate directly into valuable skills for professional settings where teamwork is crucial.

On the other hand, individual sports tend to develop a strong sense of self-reliance, mental toughness, and personal accountability. Athletes in individual sports must rely solely on their own abilities and mindset to succeed, which can build exceptional self-discipline and intrinsic motivation.

Both types of sports contribute significantly to physical fitness and strategic thinking. However, the choice between team and individual sports often depends on an individual’s personality and goals. Some people thrive in collaborative environments, while others prefer the self-driven nature of individual sports.

Ultimately, I believe that engaging in a mix of both team and individual sports can provide the most comprehensive personal development, allowing individuals to cultivate a wide range of skills and attributes that are valuable in various aspects of life.

Comparison of team and individual sports

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Embark on (phrasal verb) /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/ – to start or begin a new project or activity
   Example: I embarked on learning tennis two years ago.

2. Finesse (noun) /fɪˈnes/ – skill and elegance
   Example: Professional tennis players display great finesse in their shots.

3. Nuance (noun) /ˈnjuːɑːns/ – a subtle difference in meaning or opinion
   Example: Understanding the nuances of different grip techniques is crucial in tennis.

4. Formidable (adjective) /ˈfɔːrmɪdəbl/ – inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, or capable
   Example: The mental aspect of tennis can be a formidable challenge for beginners.

5. Exhilarating (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ – making one feel very happy, animated, or elated
   Example: Mastering a difficult shot in tennis can be an exhilarating experience.

6. Unparalleled (adjective) /ʌnˈpærəleld/ – having no equal; better or greater than any other
   Example: The sense of achievement after a well-played tennis match is unparalleled.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a game or sport you’ve learned:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate sports-specific terms and idiomatic expressions where appropriate.

2. Demonstrate your ability to use different tenses accurately, especially when talking about when you started learning the sport and how you’ve progressed.

3. Provide detailed examples and personal anecdotes to support your points. This shows your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

4. Show your capacity for critical thinking by discussing both the positive aspects and challenges of learning the sport.

5. Practice speaking fluently and coherently for 2 minutes without long pauses. This is particularly important for Part 2 of the test.

6. In Part 3, aim to give extended responses that showcase your ability to discuss abstract ideas related to sports and personal development.

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly improve your speaking skills. Consider joining English-speaking sports clubs or discussion groups to enhance your fluency in sport-related conversations.

describe a hobby you find relaxing

By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about sports and games in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!