Describe a Place Where You Go to Exercise: IELTS Speaking Guide

The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Each part is designed to assess different aspects of your speaking ability, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The question “Describe a place where you go to exercise” is common and allows examiners to evaluate your ability to discuss familiar topics, describe experiences, and express opinions.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions

1. Do you exercise regularly?
2. What kind of exercises do you do?
3. Why do you think exercise is important?

Sample Question and Suggested Answer

Question: Do you exercise regularly?

Suggested Answer: “Yes, I make it a point to exercise at least three times a week. This helps me to stay fit and relieve stress from my daily life. I usually go jogging in the morning or hit the gym after work.”

Analysis: This answer demonstrates clear and direct communication, which is essential for obtaining a high score. It includes specific details about the frequency and types of exercise.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a place where you go to exercise.

You should say:

• Where this place is
• What it looks like
• What you do there
• And explain why you like to exercise there

Suggested Answer

Where this place is: “The place where I regularly go to exercise is a gym located just a few blocks from my home. It’s called ‘Fitness World’ and it’s pretty accessible.”

What it looks like: “Fitness World is a modern gym with state-of-the-art equipment. The interior is spacious and well-lit, with a variety of workout machines and free weights. There’s also a designated area for aerobics and other group activities.”

modern gym

What you do there: “I usually start with a warm-up on the treadmill, followed by some weight training. Occasionally, I join the yoga classes they offer in the evenings.”

And explain why you like to exercise there: “I like this gym because it has all the facilities I need, it’s clean, and the staff are very friendly and supportive. Moreover, they offer flexible membership plans, which is quite convenient for me.”

Analysis: This response is detailed and well-structured, covering all points in the cue card. The use of specific vocabulary related to fitness and exercise contributes to a higher lexical resource score.

Follow-up Questions

1. How often do you visit this place?
2. Have you met new people at the gym?

Suggested Answers:

1. “I visit the gym about three to four times a week, depending on my schedule.”
2. “Yes, I’ve made quite a few friends there. It’s a great way to stay motivated and share fitness tips.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner Questions and Suggested Answers

Question: Is it important for people to join exercise facilities, such as gyms or fitness clubs?

Suggested Answer: “Absolutely. Joining a gym or fitness club provides a structured environment where people can exercise safely and effectively. The availability of professional trainers and various fitness programs can help individuals achieve their fitness goals more efficiently.”

Question: How can government policies promote physical fitness among the population?

Suggested Answer: “Governments can promote physical fitness by funding public parks and recreational facilities, organizing community sports events, and implementing physical education programs in schools. Additionally, they could offer subsidies for gym memberships to make fitness more accessible.”

Analysis: These answers demonstrate an ability to discuss abstract ideas and offer solutions, which are crucial for scoring high in Part 3. The use of specific examples and a structured response helps in presenting a coherent argument.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

• State-of-the-art (adj.) /ˌsteɪt əv ði ˈɑrt/: very modern and using the most recent ideas and methods.
  • Example: “The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art exercise machines.”
• Structured environment (n.): a controlled setting designed to facilitate learning or specific activities.
  • Example: “A structured environment helps individuals stick to their exercise routines.”
• Flexibility (n.) /ˌflɛksəˈbɪləti/: the quality of bending easily without breaking.
  • Example: “Flexible membership plans make it easier for people to join gyms.”
• Subsidy (n.) /ˈsʌbsɪdi/: a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive.
  • Example: “Government subsidies for gym memberships could promote public health.”

Tips for High Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will help improve your fluency and confidence.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of vocabulary related to different topics, especially those commonly seen in IELTS Speaking questions.
3. Stay Coherent: Ensure your responses are logical and well-structured.
4. Get Feedback: Practice with a partner or a tutor who can provide constructive feedback.