The topic of describing a sport or exercise you enjoy is a common and important one in IELTS Speaking exams. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express personal preferences, describe activities, and discuss health-related topics. This theme has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to remain relevant in future exams.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions such as:
- Do you play any sports?
- What’s your favorite form of exercise?
- How often do you exercise?
Let’s focus on answering the second question:
Examiner: What’s your favorite form of exercise?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I really enjoy jogging. It’s a great way to stay fit and clear my mind. I usually go for a run in the park near my house three times a week.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“My preferred form of exercise is undoubtedly swimming. I find it incredibly invigorating and appreciate its low-impact nature, which makes it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. What I particularly relish about swimming is the sense of weightlessness and the full-body workout it provides, engaging virtually every muscle group.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a sport or exercise you enjoy
You should say:
- What the sport or exercise is
- How often you do it
- Where you usually do it
- And explain why you enjoy it
Band 6-7 Answer:
“The sport I really enjoy is basketball. I started playing it in high school and have loved it ever since. I usually play twice a week with my friends at the local community center. We meet up on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons for a couple of hours each time.
What I like about basketball is that it’s a team sport, so I get to spend time with my friends while exercising. It’s also very fast-paced, which makes it exciting. Playing basketball helps me stay fit and relieves stress after a long day at work.
I enjoy the competitive aspect of the game too. We often split into teams and have mini-tournaments, which adds an element of fun and challenge. Overall, basketball is a great way for me to stay active and socialize at the same time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The sport that I’m particularly passionate about is rock climbing. I was introduced to this exhilarating activity about five years ago, and it has since become an integral part of my lifestyle. I typically engage in this sport three to four times a week, alternating between indoor climbing gyms and outdoor natural rock formations.
For indoor sessions, I frequent a state-of-the-art climbing facility in the city center, which offers a diverse range of routes catering to various skill levels. On weekends, I often venture out to nearby cliffs or bouldering sites, where I can challenge myself in a more natural setting.
What draws me to rock climbing is its unique combination of physical and mental demands. It requires not only strength and flexibility but also problem-solving skills and mental fortitude. Each climb presents a new puzzle to solve, forcing me to analyze the rock face, plan my route, and execute precise movements.
Moreover, I find the sport incredibly meditative. When I’m on the wall, my focus narrows to the present moment, providing a welcome respite from daily stresses. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top of a challenging route is unparalleled.
Rock climbing has also fostered a strong sense of community in my life. I’ve met numerous like-minded individuals who share my passion, and we often support and motivate each other to push our limits.
In essence, rock climbing offers me a perfect blend of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction, making it an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable pursuit.”
Rock climbing enthusiast tackling challenging routes in an indoor gym
Follow-up questions:
- How has this sport or exercise impacted your life?
- Would you recommend this activity to others? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
“Rock climbing has had a big impact on my life. It’s improved my fitness and helped me overcome my fear of heights. I’ve also made new friends through this sport.”
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“Rock climbing has profoundly influenced various aspects of my life. Physically, it has significantly enhanced my overall strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Mentally, it has fostered resilience and problem-solving skills that have translated into my professional life. Perhaps most importantly, it has instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and has broadened my social circle with a diverse group of like-minded individuals.”
Rock climber scaling a challenging outdoor cliff with beautiful nature backdrop
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think the government should invest more in promoting sports and exercise among the general public?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think the government should invest more in promoting sports and exercise. It’s important for public health. They could build more sports facilities and organize community events. This would encourage people to be more active and healthier.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe that increased government investment in promoting sports and exercise is not only beneficial but crucial for societal well-being. Such initiatives can have far-reaching positive impacts on public health, community cohesion, and even the economy.
Firstly, by allocating more resources to sports infrastructure and programs, the government can significantly contribute to reducing healthcare costs in the long term. Regular physical activity is proven to prevent numerous chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
Moreover, promoting sports and exercise can foster a sense of community and social integration. Community sports events and facilities provide spaces for people to interact, reducing social isolation and improving mental health.
However, it’s essential that such investments are made strategically. This could involve partnering with schools to enhance physical education programs, subsidizing gym memberships for low-income individuals, or developing user-friendly public spaces that encourage spontaneous physical activity.
In conclusion, while the initial investment may be substantial, the long-term benefits to public health, social cohesion, and potentially reduced healthcare costs make it a worthwhile endeavor for any government.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Integral part /ˈɪntɪɡrəl pɑːrt/ (adjective phrase): Essential or fundamental.
Example: “Exercise has become an integral part of my daily routine.” -
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated.
Example: “The exhilarating rush of completing a challenging climb is unparalleled.” -
Venture out /ˈventʃər aʊt/ (phrasal verb): To go somewhere that might be dangerous or unpleasant.
Example: “On weekends, I often venture out to explore new climbing spots.” -
Mental fortitude /ˈmentl ˈfɔːrtɪtjuːd/ (noun phrase): Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage.
Example: “Rock climbing requires not just physical strength, but also mental fortitude.” -
Unparalleled /ʌnˈpærəleld/ (adjective): Having no equal; unmatched.
Example: “The sense of achievement after a difficult climb is unparalleled.”
Diverse group of people exercising together in an outdoor park
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a sport or exercise you enjoy:
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Use a wide range of vocabulary: Incorporate sport-specific terms and descriptive language to make your answer more vivid and engaging.
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Demonstrate fluency: Practice speaking about your chosen sport or exercise to ensure smooth delivery without unnecessary pauses.
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Provide detailed responses: Don’t just answer the questions briefly. Elaborate on your points and provide examples to showcase your language skills.
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Show enthusiasm: Your tone and expression should reflect your enjoyment of the sport or exercise you’re describing.
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Structure your answer: Especially in Part 2, organize your thoughts logically, covering all the points mentioned in the cue card.
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Connect to broader themes: In Part 3, try to link the topic to wider issues such as health, society, or government policy.
Remember, regular practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly improve your performance. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
describe a park you enjoy visiting for relaxation can provide additional insights into describing enjoyable activities. Similarly, describe an activity that helps you relieve stress might offer valuable perspectives on discussing the benefits of physical exercise. For those interested in exploring new physical activities, describe an outdoor activity you want to try could be a helpful resource. Lastly, describe a time when you felt very relaxed and peaceful might provide useful language for expressing the mental benefits of your chosen sport or exercise.
