Similar to describe a live sports match you attended, discussing sports events is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests that allows candidates to demonstrate their language abilities through personal experiences.
IELTS Speaking Test Examiner and Candidate Discussion
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you like watching sports? Why/Why not?
- What sports do you usually watch on TV?
- Have you ever watched a live sports event?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m absolutely passionate about watching sports, especially football. I find it incredibly thrilling to witness athletes performing at their peak. I primarily follow the English Premier League and make it a point to catch important matches live whenever possible. The atmosphere is simply electric when watching with other fans.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a sports event you enjoyed watching
You should say:
- What the event was
- When and where you watched it
- Who you watched it with
- And explain why you enjoyed watching it
Just as describe a performance you enjoyed watching, this topic requires detailed description and personal engagement.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about the 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France. This unforgettable match took place in December 2022, and I watched it at home with my closest friends. The game was absolutely spectacular from start to finish, featuring dramatic twists and turns throughout the 120 minutes of play.
What made it particularly memorable was watching Messi lead his team to victory in what many consider his last World Cup appearance. The match was incredibly intense, with both teams demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. The nail-biting penalty shootout at the end had us all on the edge of our seats.
I thoroughly enjoyed this event because it embodied everything that makes sports beautiful – passion, skill, drama, and the human spirit. The electric atmosphere among my friends, combined with the historical significance of the match, created an absolutely unforgettable experience.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to describe a sports match you attended recently, these questions explore broader themes about sports and society.
Q: How has technology changed the way we watch sports?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized sports viewing in numerous ways. High-definition broadcasts and multiple camera angles provide viewers with an immersive experience. Additionally, instant replay technology and VAR (Video Assistant Referee) have enhanced the fairness of decision-making in sports. Social media has also transformed how fans engage with sports, creating global communities that discuss matches in real-time.”
Q: Why do some people prefer watching sports live rather than on TV?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“There are several compelling reasons why people prefer live viewing. The atmosphere is incomparable – being surrounded by passionate fans creates an electric environment that TV simply cannot replicate. You can fully immerse yourself in the experience and feel the energy of the crowd. Moreover, watching live allows you to develop a deeper appreciation for the sport’s technical aspects and the athletes’ skills.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Nail-biting (adj) /neɪl baɪtɪŋ/ – very exciting or tense
- Electric atmosphere (phrase) /ɪˈlektrɪk ætməsfɪə/ – highly charged, exciting environment
- Edge-of-your-seat (phrase) /edʒ ɒv jɔː siːt/ – very exciting or suspenseful
- Spectacular (adj) /spekˈtækjʊlə/ – impressive and dramatic
- Game-changing moment (phrase) /ɡeɪm tʃeɪndʒɪŋ ˈməʊmənt/ – a crucial point that alters the outcome
For those interested in describe a time you spent time outdoors with friends, many of these descriptive techniques can be applied to other speaking topics as well.
