When it comes to IELTS Speaking, describing a sport you enjoy playing or watching is a common topic that often appears in Part 2 of the test. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample answers for different band scores, and offering valuable tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about sports. Here are a few examples:
- Do you play any sports?
- What’s your favorite sport to watch?
- How often do you exercise?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you play any sports?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I’m particularly fond of playing basketball. I try to hit the court at least twice a week with my friends. It’s not just a great way to stay fit, but it also helps me blow off steam after a long day at work. I find the fast-paced nature of the game really exciting and it’s a fantastic way to bond with my teammates.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a sport:
Describe a sport you enjoy playing or watching
You should say:
- What the sport is
- How you became interested in it
- How often you play or watch it
- And explain why you enjoy this sport
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about football, which is a sport I really enjoy watching. I first became interested in football when I was about 10 years old. My dad took me to a local match, and I was amazed by the atmosphere in the stadium. The cheering crowds and the skillful players really caught my attention.
Now, I try to watch football matches at least once a week, usually on weekends. I follow my favorite team’s games religiously, and I also enjoy watching big international tournaments like the World Cup or the European Championship.
I enjoy this sport for several reasons. Firstly, it’s very exciting to watch. The game can change in a matter of seconds, with goals being scored unexpectedly. Secondly, I admire the skill and teamwork displayed by the players. It’s impressive to see how they work together and use different strategies to outmaneuver their opponents. Lastly, football has a way of bringing people together. Whether I’m watching a match with friends or discussing the latest games with colleagues, it’s a great way to socialize and bond with others who share the same interest.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to delve into the topic of tennis, a sport that has captivated my interest for years. My fascination with tennis began when I was around 12 years old. I stumbled upon a live broadcast of a Wimbledon final, and I was instantly mesmerized by the grace, power, and mental fortitude displayed by the players.
Since then, I’ve made it a point to watch major tennis tournaments religiously. I tune in to Grand Slams like the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open without fail. Additionally, I try to catch ATP and WTA tour events whenever my schedule permits, which typically amounts to watching tennis at least once or twice a week.
The reasons for my enthusiasm for tennis are multifaceted. Primarily, I’m drawn to the unique blend of physical prowess and mental acuity required to excel in the sport. It’s awe-inspiring to witness players execute pinpoint shots under immense pressure, adapting their strategies in real-time to counter their opponents’ moves. The one-on-one nature of singles tennis also adds an intriguing psychological dimension to the game.
Moreover, tennis has taught me valuable life lessons about perseverance, sportsmanship, and the importance of maintaining composure under pressure. The way players bounce back from setbacks and remain focused throughout grueling five-set matches is truly admirable and applicable to various aspects of life.
Lastly, the global nature of tennis, with players hailing from diverse backgrounds and cultures, fosters a sense of international unity and understanding. It’s fascinating to see how the sport transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, bringing together fans from all corners of the world in appreciation of athletic excellence.”
Professional tennis player serving ball during match
Follow-up questions:
- How has your interest in this sport changed over time?
- Do you think this sport has any negative aspects?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“My interest in tennis has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, I was primarily drawn to the excitement of match outcomes and the thrill of watching my favorite players compete. However, as I’ve delved deeper into the sport, I’ve developed a much more nuanced appreciation for its technical aspects.
Nowadays, I find myself paying close attention to players’ strategies, shot selections, and how they adapt their gameplay to different surfaces and opponents. I’ve also become increasingly fascinated by the mental aspects of the game, such as how players handle pressure and maintain focus during crucial points.
Moreover, my interest has expanded beyond just watching matches. I now actively follow news about player development, coaching changes, and technological advancements in equipment. This broader engagement with the sport has enriched my understanding and deepened my appreciation for the complexities of tennis at the highest level.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to sports. Here’s an example:
Examiner: Do you think professional athletes are overpaid?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting and complex question. On one hand, it’s true that many professional athletes, especially in popular sports like football or basketball, earn astronomical sums that might seem disproportionate to their contribution to society. When you compare their salaries to those of teachers, nurses, or scientists, it can seem quite unfair.
However, we need to consider several factors. Firstly, professional athletes often have very short careers, with the constant risk of career-ending injuries. They also dedicate their entire lives to their sport, often starting intense training from a very young age.
Moreover, top athletes generate enormous revenues for their teams, leagues, and sponsors through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights. From this perspective, their high salaries could be seen as a fair reflection of their market value.
Ultimately, I believe it’s a matter of supply and demand. As long as people are willing to pay to watch these athletes perform, their salaries will likely remain high. However, I do think there’s an argument for ensuring that some of this wealth is redistributed to benefit grassroots sports and community initiatives.”
Describe a person who is an expert in health and fitness can be a related topic that you might encounter in your IELTS Speaking test. Being able to discuss various aspects of sports and fitness will help you perform well across different questions.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Exhilarating (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ – very exciting and enjoyable
Example: “I find the fast-paced nature of basketball exhilarating.”To foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage or promote the development of something
Example: “Team sports foster a sense of camaraderie among players.”Pinnacle (noun) /ˈpɪnəkl/ – the most successful or admired part of a system or achievement
Example: “Winning an Olympic gold medal is often considered the pinnacle of an athlete’s career.”Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
Example: “Competitive sports teach valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance.”To transcend (verb) /trænˈsend/ – to go beyond the usual limits of something
Example: “The influence of certain athletes transcends their sport, making them cultural icons.”
Diverse group of friends playing basketball in park
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to speak English, even if it’s just talking to yourself about various topics.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to sports and try to use them in context.
Work on fluency: Focus on speaking smoothly without too many pauses or hesitations. It’s okay to make minor mistakes as long as your overall message is clear.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your opinions.
Listen to sports commentary: This can help you pick up specific vocabulary and phrases used in discussing sports.
Record yourself: This allows you to identify areas for improvement in your pronunciation and fluency.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about perfect grammar or advanced vocabulary. It’s about communicating your ideas clearly, confidently, and naturally. Describe a place where you go to relax and reflect might be another topic you encounter, so being able to discuss various aspects of your life and experiences is crucial.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any sports-related questions in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!