The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is a test of your English communication skills. It assesses your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One of the common topics you might encounter is describing a time when you played a sport. Such a topic is popular because it gauges your ability to narrate personal experiences while using a variety of tenses and descriptive language.
In this article, we will break down potential questions, provide sample answers, and useful tips to help you achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Potential Examiner Questions
- Do you like playing sports?
- What is your favorite sport and why?
- How often do you engage in physical activities?
Sample Answer
Question: What is your favorite sport and why?
Answer:
“My favorite sport is basketball because it is an excellent way to stay fit and socialize at the same time. It requires teamwork and strategy, which makes it both challenging and enjoyable. Plus, it’s a sport that can be played indoors, which is convenient regardless of the weather.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you played a sport. You should say:
- What sport it was
- When and where you played it
- Who you played it with
- and explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer
“One memorable occasion when I played a sport was about two years ago when I participated in a local soccer tournament. The event took place at our community sports center on a sunny Saturday morning. I played as a part of our neighborhood team, which included my close friends and a few acquaintances from the area.
Soccer Tournament
The build-up to the match was filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. As the game began, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. During the match, I was able to score a goal, which was an exhilarating moment. Our team’s coordination and effort paid off, and we eventually won the game.
This experience was incredibly fulfilling as it brought us closer together and gave us a sense of achievement. After the match, we celebrated as a team, and that day remains one of my fondest memories involving sports.”
