In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners often ask candidates to describe people, experiences, or things they are familiar with. One common topic is “Describe a person who is good at sports.” To achieve a high band score, candidates need to present their answers coherently, employing a rich range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. In this article, we’ll delve into various aspects of answering this question in the IELTS Speaking test, providing sample answers, useful vocabulary, and top tips to impress IELTS examiners.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask general questions about your background, interests, and daily life to break the ice. Here’s a typical question you might encounter:
Example Question:
“Do you like playing sports?”
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I absolutely love playing sports. It’s a great way to stay fit and healthy, and it helps me unwind after a long day. My favorite sport is basketball because it’s fast-paced and requires a lot of teamwork. I often play with my friends at the local sports center.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The response is clear and flows naturally.
- Lexical Resource: Phrases like “absolutely love,” “stay fit and healthy,” and “fast-paced” enhance the lexical variety.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The use of the present simple tense and conjunctions like “because” shows grammatical competence.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2 of the Speaking test, you will be given a cue card with a specific topic. Here’s an example cue card related to describing a person who is good at sports.
Cue Card:
Describe a person you know who is good at sports. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What sports they play
- And explain why you think they are good at sports
Sample Answer:
“I would like to talk about my cousin, John, who is an exceptional athlete. I’ve known John since childhood, as we grew up in the same neighborhood. John is a fantastic soccer player, and he also excels in swimming. He practices soccer almost every day and has won several local tournaments. His dedication and passion for sports are truly inspiring. John’s agility, speed, and strategic thinking make him stand out in every match. Moreover, he maintains a strict fitness regimen, which includes not only regular training but also a balanced diet. This level of commitment is why I believe he is exceptionally good at sports.”
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Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The answer is logically structured and covers all the points on the cue card.
- Lexical Resource: Words like “exceptional,” “athlete,” “agility,” and “balanced diet” show a good range of vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The answer uses various tenses and sentence structures.
- Pronunciation: Emphasizing words such as “fantastic soccer player” and “strict fitness regimen” enhances clarity.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask further questions related to the topic in Part 2, but at a more abstract level. Here, you need to demonstrate your ability to discuss broader issues and ideas.
Example Discussion Questions:
“Why do you think some people are more successful than others in sports?”
Sample Answer:
“Success in sports often depends on a combination of natural talent, hard work, and opportunity. Some athletes are born with physical attributes that give them an advantage, such as height or natural agility. However, dedication and discipline are crucial, as even the most talented individuals need to put in countless hours of practice to hone their skills. Additionally, access to quality coaching, training facilities, and support systems can significantly impact an athlete’s success. Socioeconomic factors also play a role; those from affluent backgrounds may have more opportunities to pursue sports at a competitive level.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The answer is well-organized and coherent.
- Lexical Resource: Phrases like “natural talent,” “dedication and discipline,” and “socioeconomic factors” showcase a broad range of vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The use of conditional sentences and relative clauses demonstrates grammatical sophistication.
Vocabulary and Useful Phrases
To excel in your IELTS Speaking test, incorporating varied and precise vocabulary can make a substantial difference. Here are some key terms and phrases related to describing a person who is good at sports:
- Exceptional (adj.) /ɪkˈsɛpʃənl/: Unusually good; outstanding.
- Example: “She has an exceptional talent for gymnastics.”
- Athlete (n.) /ˈæθliːt/: A person who is proficient in sports.
- Example: “He is a professional athlete competing in international championships.”
- Agility (n.) /əˈdʒɪləti/: The ability to move quickly and easily.
- Example: “Her agility on the field is remarkable.”
- Strategic thinking (n.): The ability to plan things skillfully.
- Example: “His strategic thinking during matches is a significant advantage.”
- Fitness regimen (n.): A routine of physical exercises to improve fitness.
- Example: “She follows a strict fitness regimen to stay in peak condition.”
Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Keep practicing speaking English daily to improve fluency and confidence.
- Record and review your answers to identify areas for improvement.
- Use a variety of sentence structures to show grammatical range.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary naturally in your speech.
- Stay calm and composed during the test to ensure clarity and coherence.
Conclusion
Achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test requires a blend of good vocabulary, fluid expression, and accurate grammar. By following the tips and practicing with the sample answers provided, you can enhance your ability to describe a person who is good at sports effectively. Remember to stay engaged, be well-prepared, and use the feedback from these exercises to refine your speaking skills.
For more practice, you might find these topics helpful:
- Describe a time when you were very excited
- Describe a time when you tried something adventurous
- Describe a sport you enjoy watching
Good luck with your preparation!