In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners evaluate your fluency, coherence, vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation. One common topic you may encounter is describing a place where you go to do physical exercise. This question is designed to assess your ability to convey information clearly and engagingly. Given the growing emphasis on health and fitness, it’s highly likely you’ll face this type of question. Below, we explore effective strategies and provide examples to help you excel.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Examiners often start with simpler questions to ease you into the conversation. Here are some common questions you might face in this part:
Common Questions:
- Do you like to exercise regularly?
- What kind of exercises do you usually do?
- Do you prefer indoor or outdoor exercises?
Sample Question and Answer:
Question: Do you prefer to exercise indoors or outdoors?
Answer: I prefer to exercise outdoors because I find it more refreshing. There’s something invigorating about the fresh air and the natural surroundings that you just don’t experience when exercising indoors. For instance, I often go jogging in the local park, which is both calming and invigorating.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and a few points to cover in your response. You have one minute to prepare and then must speak for 1-2 minutes.
Cue Card Example:
Describe A Place Where You Go To Do Physical Exercise. You should say:
- Where this place is
- What it looks like
- Why you like to go there
- And explain how you feel after exercising there
Sample Answer:
Answer: One of my favorite places to do physical exercise is a gym called “Healthy Bodies.” It’s located just a few blocks away from my house, which makes it incredibly convenient. The gym is spacious and filled with state-of-the-art equipment, including treadmills, free weights, and resistance machines. There are also dedicated areas for yoga and pilates.
What sets this gym apart from others is its vibrant and friendly atmosphere. It’s painted in bright, welcoming colors and has plenty of large windows that let in natural light. The staff are always cheerful and supportive.
I love going to “Healthy Bodies” because it offers a variety of classes that keep my workouts diverse and exciting. Sometimes I take a Zumba class, and other times I opt for weight training. This variety keeps me motivated and engaged.
After a good workout session at the gym, I always feel a sense of accomplishment and well-being. It’s a great way to relieve stress and boost my energy levels. Plus, being in a positive environment with like-minded people is incredibly uplifting.
Follow-Up Questions:
-
Do you think it’s important to have a variety of physical activities?
Yes, I believe variety in physical activities is crucial because it helps to work different muscle groups and keeps your routine interesting, which can prevent burnout. -
What are some advantages of exercising outdoors compared to a gym?
Exercising outdoors often provides fresh air and natural scenery, which can be more uplifting and motivating. Additionally, outdoor exercise is usually free, whereas gym memberships can be quite costly.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will engage you in a more abstract discussion related to the topic.
Possible Questions and Sample Answers:
Question: How has the perception of physical exercise changed over recent years?
Answer: I believe the perception of physical exercise has significantly evolved. Nowadays, people are more aware of the myriad benefits associated with regular exercise, including improved mental health and increased longevity. Social media and public health campaigns have played substantial roles in promoting this awareness.
Question: Do you think schools should put more emphasis on physical education?
Answer: Absolutely. Schools should definitely place more emphasis on physical education. Not only does it help in the physical development of children, but it also instills a lifelong habit of staying active. More importantly, it can improve focus and academic performance by releasing pent-up energy.
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Vocabulary:
- Invigorating (/ɪnˈvɪɡ.ər.eɪ.tɪŋ/): making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy.
- Exercising outdoors can be very invigorating.
- State-of-the-art (/ˌsteɪt əv ði ˈɑːt/): very modern and using the most recent ideas and methods.
- The gym has state-of-the-art equipment.
Useful Phrases:
- “One of my favorite places is…”
- “It’s located just a few blocks away from…”
- “What sets this gym apart from others is…”
- “After a good workout session, I always feel…”
Tips for Practicing:
- Use a variety of sentence structures to showcase your grammatical range.
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary naturally without forcing it.
- Practice speaking for the full 2 minutes in Part 2.
- Record yourself to analyze your fluency and coherence.
By focusing on these strategies and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and aim for higher band scores.
For further practice, consider linking to these related topics:
- Describe a person who is very committed to their goals
- Describe a place where you go to clear your mind
Conclusion
Achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test involves careful preparation and practice. Remember to stay calm and composed during your test, and focus on delivering your answers clearly and confidently. Happy studying!