Describing a new activity you’ve tried is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use varied vocabulary. Let’s explore effective ways to answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about new activities or experiences. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
- Do you enjoy trying new activities?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m always eager to step out of my comfort zone and experience new things. It’s not just about the activity itself, but also the personal growth that comes with it. Recently, I’ve been particularly interested in exploring different cultural activities to broaden my horizons.”
- What was the last new activity you tried?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The last new activity I tried was rock climbing at an indoor facility. It was both exhilarating and challenging. I had to overcome my fear of heights while simultaneously focusing on technique and strategy. The experience taught me a lot about physical and mental resilience.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you tried a new activity that challenged you
You should say:
- What the activity was
- When and where you tried it
- Why you decided to try it
- And explain how you felt about the experience
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about the time I tried surfing for the first time. It was during my summer vacation last year when I visited a coastal town in California. I decided to give it a shot because I’ve always been fascinated by water sports and wanted to challenge myself physically.
On the first day of my lesson, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The instructor taught us the basics on the beach before we entered the water. It was much harder than I expected. Balancing on the board while paddling was tough, and I fell off countless times.
Despite the difficulties, I found the experience incredibly rewarding. The feeling of finally standing up on the board, even for a few seconds, was exhilarating. It taught me the importance of perseverance and staying positive in the face of challenges.
Overall, trying surfing was an unforgettable experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a new appreciation for the sport and the ocean. I’m looking forward to trying it again and improving my skills in the future.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience of attempting aerial yoga for the first time. This unconventional form of yoga involves performing poses while suspended in a silk hammock hanging from the ceiling. I decided to give it a try last winter at a specialized studio in my city, primarily because I was intrigued by its unique blend of traditional yoga, pilates, and aerial arts.
From the moment I stepped into the studio, I was filled with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The sight of colorful silk hammocks dangling from the ceiling was both exciting and slightly intimidating. As we began the class, I quickly realized that aerial yoga demanded not just physical strength and flexibility, but also a significant amount of trust in the equipment and one’s own abilities.
The most challenging aspect was overcoming my initial fear of being suspended upside down. However, with the instructor’s guidance and my own determination, I gradually became more comfortable with the inversions and suspended poses. The experience was truly transformative, offering a new perspective both literally and figuratively.
What struck me most about aerial yoga was its ability to challenge my preconceptions about fitness and my own capabilities. It required a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and mental focus that I hadn’t encountered in other forms of exercise. The feeling of accomplishment after successfully executing a difficult pose was incredibly rewarding.
In retrospect, trying aerial yoga was an enlightening and empowering experience. It not only provided a novel way to engage with fitness but also taught me valuable lessons about pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. The activity has since become a regular part of my fitness routine, serving as a constant reminder of the benefits of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.”
Aerial yoga class in session
Possible follow-up questions:
- How has this experience changed your approach to trying new activities?
- Would you recommend this activity to others? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience has profoundly impacted my approach to new activities. It’s taught me to embrace the unknown with enthusiasm rather than apprehension. Now, I actively seek out opportunities to try new things, viewing them as chances for personal growth and self-discovery.
I would wholeheartedly recommend aerial yoga to others, but with a caveat. It’s an excellent activity for those looking to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. However, it’s important to approach it with an open mind and patience. The unique nature of aerial yoga means it might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain health conditions. That said, for those willing to step out of their comfort zone, it offers a rewarding and transformative experience that can boost confidence and provide a fresh perspective on fitness and personal capabilities.”
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:
- Why do you think some people are reluctant to try new activities?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“There are several reasons why people might hesitate to try new activities. Fear of the unknown is a significant factor; many individuals prefer to stick to familiar routines rather than venture into uncharted territory. Additionally, fear of failure or embarrassment can be a powerful deterrent, especially if the activity is perceived as challenging or requires a certain level of skill.
Time constraints and financial considerations also play a role. Trying new activities often requires an investment of both time and money, which can be limiting factors for many people. Moreover, some individuals might lack the confidence or self-belief necessary to push themselves out of their comfort zones.
Lastly, cultural or societal norms can influence people’s willingness to try new things. In some cultures, there may be less emphasis on individual exploration or risk-taking, which could discourage people from seeking out novel experiences.”
- How can societies encourage people, especially the younger generation, to engage in new and challenging activities?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Encouraging people, particularly the younger generation, to engage in new and challenging activities requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, education systems can play a crucial role by incorporating diverse experiences into the curriculum. This could involve integrating unconventional subjects or organizing field trips that expose students to a wide range of activities.
Social media and technology can be leveraged to showcase the benefits of trying new activities. Influencers and role models who actively engage in diverse experiences can inspire young people to do the same. Additionally, gamification of new experiences through apps or online platforms could make the process more appealing and less daunting.
Community initiatives and local government programs can also be instrumental. Offering free or subsidized trials of various activities can lower the financial barrier and encourage participation. Creating safe spaces for experimentation and learning can help alleviate fears of failure or judgment.
Furthermore, promoting a growth mindset in society is crucial. This involves fostering a culture that values learning, resilience, and personal development over perfection or immediate success. By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can encourage more people to step out of their comfort zones.
Lastly, recognizing and celebrating diversity in achievements can motivate individuals to explore different areas. This could involve highlighting success stories in various fields, not just traditional academic or professional realms, thereby broadening the definition of what constitutes valuable experiences and accomplishments.”
Community adventure program for youth
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Step out of one’s comfort zone [idiom] – To do something that you are not comfortable doing
Example: “Trying aerial yoga really forced me to step out of my comfort zone.”Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ [adjective] – Very exciting and enjoyable
Example: “The experience of surfing for the first time was truly exhilarating.”Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ [noun] – Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties
Example: “Learning to surf taught me the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.”Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ [adjective] – Causing a marked change in someone or something
Example: “The aerial yoga class was a transformative experience that changed my perspective on fitness.”Embrace the unknown [phrase] – To accept or welcome new and unfamiliar experiences
Example: “After trying aerial yoga, I learned to embrace the unknown with enthusiasm.”Push boundaries [phrase] – To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable
Example: “Engaging in new activities allows us to push our boundaries and discover our true potential.”Multifaceted approach [phrase] – A strategy that considers many different aspects of a situation
Example: “Encouraging people to try new activities requires a multifaceted approach involving education, community support, and cultural shifts.”
Describe a place you visited that you would like to go back to can be another interesting topic to practice for your IELTS Speaking test. It allows you to demonstrate your ability to describe locations and express personal preferences, which are valuable skills in the exam.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a new activity:
Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary where appropriate.
Provide specific details and examples to support your points. This demonstrates your ability to give full and coherent answers.
Practice speaking about different activities and experiences to improve your fluency and confidence.
Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.
Develop your answers fully, especially in Part 2 and Part 3. Aim to speak for the full 2 minutes in Part 2 and provide extended responses in Part 3.
Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts in Part 3 by considering different perspectives and providing thoughtful analysis.
Be prepared to discuss related topics, such as the impact of challenging activities on personal growth or the role of new experiences in shaping one’s worldview.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice and preparation. Regularly engaging with English-language content and seeking opportunities to speak English will greatly enhance your performance on test day.