Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Sportsperson You Admire

The topic of describing an admired sportsperson is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal opinions. This article will guide you through answering questions related to this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about sports and athletes. Here are some common questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you like watching sports?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I enjoy watching sports, especially football and tennis. I find them exciting and entertaining.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m an avid sports enthusiast, particularly when it comes to football and tennis. There’s something incredibly thrilling about watching skilled athletes compete at the highest level. I find that it not only provides entertainment but also serves as a source of inspiration.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

Band 6-7 Answer:
My favorite athlete is Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s a very talented football player and I admire his skills.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I have immense admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo. His exceptional talent on the football field is undeniable, but what truly sets him apart is his unwavering dedication and work ethic. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s most renowned athletes is truly inspiring.

Part 2: Long Turn

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 describing a sportsperson you admire:

Describe a sportsperson or athlete you admire
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What sport they play
- What achievements they have
- Why you admire them

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

The sportsperson I admire is Serena Williams. She’s a professional tennis player from the United States. Serena has won many Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold medals. I admire her because she’s very talented and has overcome many challenges in her career.

Serena started playing tennis when she was very young and has become one of the best players in the world. She’s known for her powerful serves and strong playing style. What I find most impressive about her is her determination and fighting spirit on the court.

I think Serena is a great role model for young athletes, especially girls. She has shown that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve great things in sports. Her success has also helped to bring more attention to women’s tennis.

In conclusion, I admire Serena Williams not just for her achievements in tennis, but also for her strength of character and the positive influence she has on others.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

The sportsperson I have chosen to talk about is Serena Williams, an iconic figure in the world of tennis. Serena’s journey in professional tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary, spanning over two decades and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Serena’s list of achievements is truly awe-inspiring. She has clinched an astounding 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era. Her dominance extends beyond individual accolades, as she has also secured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Venus, and four Olympic gold medals. These accomplishments solidify her status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

What I find particularly admirable about Serena is not just her on-court prowess, but her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. She has overcome numerous challenges throughout her career, including injuries, health issues, and societal barriers, yet has consistently bounced back stronger. Her ability to maintain peak performance well into her 30s, in a sport often dominated by younger players, is a testament to her exceptional work ethic and unwavering passion.

Moreover, Serena’s influence extends far beyond the tennis court. She has been a vocal advocate for equality and diversity in sports, using her platform to address important social issues. Her success has inspired countless young athletes, particularly women and people of color, to pursue their dreams in tennis and other sports.

In conclusion, my admiration for Serena Williams stems from her extraordinary athletic achievements, her resilience in overcoming challenges, and her positive impact on society. She embodies the qualities of a true champion both on and off the court, making her an inspirational figure not just in sports, but in life.

Serena Williams demonstrating her powerful serve

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this athlete influenced their sport?
2. Do you think athletes make good role models for young people?

Band 6-7 Sample Answers:

1. Serena Williams has had a big impact on tennis. She’s made the game more popular and has inspired many young players to take up the sport.

2. Yes, I think athletes can be good role models. They show the importance of hard work and dedication, which are valuable lessons for young people.

Band 8-9 Sample Answers:

1. Serena Williams has revolutionized women’s tennis in numerous ways. Her powerful playing style has raised the bar for athleticism in the sport, compelling other players to elevate their game. Moreover, her success and visibility have significantly increased the popularity of women’s tennis, attracting more viewers and sponsorships. She has also been instrumental in advocating for equal pay and treatment for female athletes, which has had ripple effects across various sports.

2. I believe that athletes can indeed be excellent role models for young people, but it’s important to consider this with nuance. On one hand, top athletes exemplify the values of discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting – qualities that are invaluable in any field of endeavor. Their journeys often involve overcoming significant obstacles, which can be incredibly inspiring. However, it’s also crucial to remember that athletes are human beings with flaws, and the intense scrutiny they face can sometimes lead to behavior that isn’t ideal for emulation. Therefore, while athletes can provide positive examples in many aspects, it’s important for young people to critically evaluate and selectively adopt the traits they admire.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:

Q: How do you think professional sports have changed in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Professional sports have changed a lot recently. There’s more money involved now, and technology is used more in training and during games. Also, social media has made athletes more visible to fans.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Professional sports have undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by various factors. The influx of substantial financial investments has revolutionized the landscape, leading to improved facilities, more sophisticated training methods, and higher player salaries. This has raised the overall standard of competition but has also widened the gap between top-tier and lower-level sports organizations.

Technological advancements have permeated every aspect of professional sports. From data analytics informing strategic decisions to wearable tech optimizing athlete performance, technology has become integral to the modern sporting experience. Additionally, innovations like VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in football have changed how games are officiated, albeit not without controversy.

The rise of social media and digital platforms has transformed the relationship between athletes, fans, and sponsors. Athletes now have direct channels to engage with their audience, which has both humanized them and subjected them to increased scrutiny. This digital revolution has also created new revenue streams through online content and virtual experiences.

Lastly, there’s been a growing emphasis on athlete welfare and social responsibility. Issues like mental health, equality, and social justice are now at the forefront of sports discourse, reflecting broader societal trends.

Q: Do you think there’s too much emphasis on winning in sports today?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think there is too much focus on winning nowadays. It’s important to win, but sometimes people forget about the joy of playing and the value of good sportsmanship.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The emphasis on winning in contemporary sports is indeed a double-edged sword. On one hand, the pursuit of victory drives athletes to push their boundaries, leading to remarkable achievements and advancements in human physical potential. This competitive spirit often results in thrilling spectacles that captivate audiences worldwide.

However, I believe the current level of emphasis on winning has reached a point where it can be detrimental. The immense pressure to succeed can lead to various negative consequences, such as athletes resorting to performance-enhancing drugs, engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, or suffering from severe mental health issues. Moreover, this win-at-all-costs mentality can overshadow other crucial aspects of sports, such as personal growth, team cohesion, and the sheer joy of participation.

It’s particularly concerning when this mentality permeates youth sports, where the focus should be on skill development, character building, and fostering a lifelong love for physical activity. The overemphasis on winning at young ages can lead to burnout and discourage many children from continuing in sports.

Ideally, there should be a balance. While striving for excellence and celebrating achievements are important, equal emphasis should be placed on values like fair play, personal improvement, and the social benefits of sports. A more holistic approach to sports, especially at grassroots levels, could lead to not only better athletes but also more well-rounded individuals.

Athletes celebrating victory and demonstrating teamwork

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Exemplify /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ (verb): To be a typical example of.
   Example: “Serena Williams exemplifies perseverance and dedication in sports.”

2. Tenacity /təˈnæsəti/ (noun): The quality of being very determined.
   Example: “His tenacity in the face of numerous setbacks is truly admirable.”

3. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The athlete’s unique playing style caused a paradigm shift in how the sport is played.”

4. Indomitable spirit /ɪnˈdɑːmɪtəbl ˈspɪrɪt/ (phrase): An attitude of never giving up, no matter the obstacles.
   Example: “Despite facing numerous injuries, her indomitable spirit kept her going.”

5. Transcend /trænˈsend/ (verb): To go beyond the usual limits of something.
   Example: “Great athletes often transcend their sport, becoming cultural icons.”

Describe a famous sportsperson from your country using these advanced terms to elevate your speaking performance.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing sportspeople or athletes you admire:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of athletes from different sports ready to discuss. This demonstrates broad knowledge and interest.

2. Focus on specific details: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of the athlete’s achievements, character traits, or memorable moments.

3. Practice expressing opinions: Be ready to discuss not just facts, but your personal views on the athlete’s impact and importance.

4. Develop your vocabulary: Incorporate sports-specific terminology and advanced vocabulary related to personal qualities and achievements.

5. Consider broader impacts: Be prepared to discuss how the athlete has influenced their sport, society, or culture beyond their athletic achievements.

6. Practice fluency: Regular speaking practice will help you articulate your thoughts more smoothly and confidently during the test.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just what you say, but how articulate and confident you are in expressing your ideas.