Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and looking to boost your score? One common topic that often appears is describing a sport you want to try for the first time. This article will guide you through answering questions related to this topic, providing sample answers and 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 and new experiences. Here are a few potential questions along with a sample answer:
- Do you enjoy trying new sports?
- What kind of sports do you usually watch?
- Have you ever tried an extreme sport?
Let’s focus on the third question:
Examiner: Have you ever tried an extreme sport?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, to be honest, I haven’t had the chance to try any extreme sports yet, but I’ve always been fascinated by the idea. I’m particularly intrigued by rock climbing, which I consider quite extreme. The combination of physical challenge and mental focus required really appeals to me. I’ve watched countless videos of professional climbers tackling seemingly impossible rock faces, and it’s inspired me to give it a go someday. Of course, I’d start with indoor climbing walls and proper training before even considering anything too adventurous outdoors!”
Indoor rock climbing wall for beginners
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a sport you want to try for the first time
You should say:
- What the sport is
- Where you would like to try it
- Why you want to try this sport
- And explain how you plan to learn itSample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a sport I’ve been eager to try for quite some time now – surfing. It’s a water sport that involves riding waves on a specially designed board, and I’ve always been captivated by its blend of athleticism and harmony with nature.
I’ve set my sights on trying surfing for the first time in Bali, Indonesia. The island is renowned for its beautiful beaches and excellent surfing conditions, making it an ideal location for beginners. Plus, the warm tropical waters would be much more inviting than the chilly seas near my home.
The main reason I want to try surfing is the unique challenge it presents. It’s not just about physical strength or skill, but also about understanding and working with the ocean’s rhythms. I find this connection with nature incredibly appealing. Moreover, the sense of freedom and exhilaration that surfers describe when catching a wave sounds absolutely thrilling.
As for learning, I plan to take a structured approach. First, I’ll start with some basic fitness training to build my core strength and balance. Then, when I get to Bali, I intend to book a series of lessons with a certified instructor. I believe this will give me a solid foundation in safety procedures and basic techniques. After that, I’ll practice regularly in beginner-friendly spots, gradually working my way up to more challenging waves. I’m under no illusion that it will be easy, but I’m excited about the journey and the new skills I’ll develop along the way.”
Key points for high band score:
- Use of varied vocabulary: eager, captivated, renowned, ideal, inviting
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization following the cue card points
- Personal opinions and feelings expressed
- Specific details provided (location, learning plan)
Surfer riding a wave on a Bali beach
Follow-up Questions
- What challenges do you think you might face when learning this new sport?
- How do you think trying new sports can benefit people?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I anticipate several challenges when learning to surf. Firstly, developing the physical stamina and balance required will be demanding. Surfing engages muscles that aren’t typically used in everyday activities, so I expect some initial soreness and fatigue. Secondly, reading the ocean and understanding wave patterns is a skill that takes time to develop. I’ll need to be patient and persistent as I learn to identify suitable waves and time my movements accordingly. Lastly, overcoming any fear of the ocean, particularly in larger swells, will be a mental hurdle to conquer. However, I believe these challenges are part of the allure of surfing and will make the experience all the more rewarding.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think trying new sports impacts personal development?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe trying new sports can have a profound impact on personal development in several ways. Firstly, it pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, which is essential for growth. When we attempt a new sport, we’re often faced with initial failures and frustrations, which can help build resilience and perseverance.
Moreover, learning a new sport enhances cognitive flexibility. It requires us to adapt to new rules, strategies, and physical movements, which can improve our problem-solving skills and mental agility. This adaptability often translates into other areas of life, making us more open to new experiences and better equipped to handle challenges.
Additionally, trying new sports can boost self-confidence. As we progress and see improvements in our abilities, it reinforces the belief that we can learn and master new skills. This increased self-efficacy can have a ripple effect on other aspects of personal and professional life.
Lastly, engaging in new sports often involves interacting with different groups of people, which can enhance social skills and cultural understanding. This is particularly true for team sports or activities that have a strong community aspect.
In essence, the process of learning a new sport is a microcosm of personal development itself – it involves setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and continually striving for improvement.”
Diverse group of people learning a new sport together
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores:
- To be fascinated/intrigued by
- To appeal to someone
- To be captivated by
- To be renowned for
- To work with (nature, in this context)
- To take a structured approach
- To build core strength
- To have a profound impact
- To enhance cognitive flexibility
- To have a ripple effect
Remember to use these phrases naturally and in the appropriate context. Practice incorporating them into your responses to various questions about sports and new experiences.
Tips for Success in IELTS Speaking
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific words and idiomatic expressions related to sports and personal experiences.
Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Use fillers like “well,” “you see,” and “actually” sparingly to maintain flow.
Provide specific examples: Support your opinions with personal anecdotes or concrete scenarios to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences, conditionals, and different tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Show enthusiasm: Even if you’re not particularly interested in sports, try to convey enthusiasm about learning new things in general.
Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question fully before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.
Stay on topic: While it’s good to elaborate, ensure your answers remain relevant to the question asked.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about trying new sports in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express yourself clearly and confidently while showcasing your English language skills. Good luck with your exam!
If you found this article helpful, you might also be interested in learning about describing a game or sport you have learned or describing a bicycle or car trip you had. These topics can help you further expand your IELTS Speaking repertoire.