When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to be ready for a variety of topics. One common theme that often appears is describing personal experiences, such as trying a new sport. This topic allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing something engaging and relatable. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about trying a new sport in the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask some general questions about sports and new experiences. Here are a few potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question: Do you enjoy trying new sports?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy trying new sports. It’s always exciting to learn something different and challenge myself physically. Recently, I’ve been thinking about giving rock climbing a try.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find great pleasure in pushing my boundaries and experiencing new physical challenges. There’s something exhilarating about mastering the techniques of a sport you’ve never tried before. In fact, I make it a point to try at least one new sport each year to keep things interesting and maintain a diverse set of skills.
Describe a place in your country that you discovered recently can be an equally exciting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, allowing you to showcase your descriptive language skills.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a time when you tried a new sport
You should say:
- What sport it was
- When and where you tried it
- Who you were with
- And explain how you felt about trying this new sport
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about the time I tried surfing for the first time. It was last summer when I went on a beach vacation with my friends to the coast. We decided to take a surfing lesson at a local surf school.
The instructor taught us the basics on the beach first, showing us how to stand on the board and maintain balance. Then we went into the water to practice. It was quite challenging at first, and I fell off the board many times. But with practice and encouragement from my friends, I managed to stand up and ride a small wave by the end of the lesson.
I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness throughout the experience. The adrenaline rush when I finally caught a wave was incredible. It was physically demanding but also very rewarding. Overall, I enjoyed trying surfing and would definitely do it again.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d love to share my experience of trying rock climbing for the first time. This exhilarating adventure took place about six months ago at an indoor climbing gym in the city center. I was accompanied by a colleague who’s an avid climber and had been encouraging me to give it a shot for quite some time.
Upon arrival, we were thoroughly briefed on safety protocols and essential techniques. The instructor meticulously explained the importance of proper hand and foot placement, as well as how to use the safety harness effectively. As I began my ascent on the beginners’ wall, I was immediately struck by the physical and mental demands of the sport.
The experience was nothing short of transformative. Initially, I felt a potent mix of trepidation and excitement coursing through my veins. As I progressed higher up the wall, I found myself completely immersed in the present moment, focusing intently on each movement. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top was utterly euphoric.
What truly captivated me about rock climbing was its unique blend of physical strength, problem-solving skills, and mental fortitude. It challenged me in ways I hadn’t anticipated, pushing me to overcome my fear of heights and trust in my own abilities. The supportive atmosphere in the gym, with climbers cheering each other on, added to the positive experience.
In retrospect, trying rock climbing was an eye-opening adventure that not only provided a great workout but also boosted my confidence and taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and self-trust. It’s undoubtedly sparked a new passion, and I’ve been regularly climbing ever since.
Follow-up Questions:
- Did you continue with this sport after trying it?
- Would you recommend this sport to others? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I did continue surfing after that first lesson. I’ve been to the beach a few times since then to practice. I would recommend surfing to others because it’s a fun way to exercise and enjoy nature.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’ve become quite passionate about rock climbing since that initial experience. I’ve been consistently dedicating time to improve my skills, both at the indoor gym and on outdoor routes. As for recommending it, I wholeheartedly endorse rock climbing to others. It offers a unique combination of physical exercise, mental challenge, and a supportive community. Moreover, it teaches valuable life skills such as problem-solving, risk assessment, and overcoming fears. However, I always emphasize the importance of proper training and safety measures to potential new climbers.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: What are the benefits of trying new sports?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Trying new sports can be very beneficial. It helps you stay physically active and can improve your overall fitness. It’s also a good way to meet new people and make friends. Additionally, learning a new skill can boost your confidence and keep your mind active.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The benefits of exploring new sports are multifaceted and profound. Firstly, it promotes physical versatility, engaging different muscle groups and improving overall fitness in ways that might be overlooked in our regular routines. Moreover, it enhances cognitive flexibility as we adapt to new rules, strategies, and physical demands, which can have positive spillover effects in other areas of life.
Trying new sports also fosters personal growth by pushing us out of our comfort zones and building resilience in the face of initial failures. It’s an excellent way to expand social circles and develop cross-cultural understanding, especially with sports popular in different regions or cultures.
Furthermore, it can reignite a sense of play and joy in physical activity, which is often lost in adulthood. This renewed enthusiasm can lead to improved mental health and stress relief. Lastly, exposure to various sports broadens our appreciation for different forms of athleticism and can inspire lifelong learning and curiosity.
Question: Do you think schools should introduce students to a wide variety of sports? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think schools should introduce students to many different sports. It gives students the chance to find a sport they really enjoy and are good at. It also helps students stay healthy and active. Different sports can teach different skills, like teamwork or individual focus.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that schools should indeed expose students to a diverse range of sports, as this approach offers numerous advantages. Primarily, it allows for the holistic development of students, catering to different physical aptitudes and preferences. This variety ensures that every student has the opportunity to find a sport that resonates with their individual strengths and interests, potentially fostering a lifelong commitment to physical activity.
Moreover, introducing a wide array of sports cultivates adaptability and versatility in students. Each sport demands unique skill sets, strategic thinking, and physical capabilities, thereby enhancing students’ overall cognitive and motor development. This exposure also promotes inclusivity, as it moves away from the traditional focus on a few popular sports, giving all students a chance to excel and build confidence.
From a cultural perspective, introducing diverse sports can broaden students’ global awareness, as they learn about games popular in different parts of the world. This can foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Additionally, a varied sports curriculum can help in identifying and nurturing talent across different disciplines, potentially paving the way for future athletic careers or simply lifelong hobbies that contribute to well-being.
However, it’s crucial to balance this variety with the depth of instruction, ensuring that students have enough time to develop proficiency in at least a few sports. Overall, a diverse sports program in schools can significantly contribute to students’ physical, mental, and social development.
Describe a place in your country that is known for its cultural diversity could be an interesting topic to explore in relation to how different sports are popular in various regions.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To score high in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing trying a new sport, consider using these advanced words and phrases:
-
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): very exciting and enjoyable
Example: “The experience of surfing for the first time was truly exhilarating.” -
To push one’s boundaries (phrase): to extend the limits of what one can do
Example: “Trying rock climbing really helped me push my boundaries.” -
Adrenaline rush /əˈdrenəlɪn rʌʃ/ (noun): a sudden burst of energy from excitement
Example: “I felt an incredible adrenaline rush when I caught my first wave.” -
To be out of one’s comfort zone (phrase): to be in a situation that is unfamiliar or uncomfortable
Example: “Learning a new sport often puts you out of your comfort zone.” -
Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties
Example: “Mastering any new sport requires a great deal of perseverance.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing trying a new sport:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to vividly portray your experience.
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your points.
- Show enthusiasm and engagement with the topic through your tone and body language.
- Practice speaking about different sports experiences to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your thoughts clearly are crucial in achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a time when you traveled to a rural area could be another interesting topic to practice, as it might involve outdoor activities or traditional sports unique to that area.