Adventure sports have become increasingly popular topics in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. The ability to vividly Describe An Adventure Sport You Wish To Try can significantly boost your score by showcasing your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal opinions. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and impress the examiner.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may warm up with some general questions about sports and adventure. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy watching adventure sports on TV?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find adventure sports utterly captivating to watch on TV. There’s something thrilling about seeing athletes push their limits in extreme environments. I particularly enjoy watching documentaries about mountaineering expeditions or surfing competitions in massive waves. It’s not just the adrenaline rush that appeals to me, but also the stunning landscapes and the human stories of perseverance behind these sports.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to adventure sports:
Describe an adventure sport you wish to try
You should say:
- What the sport is
- Where you would do it
- What equipment or preparation you would need
- And explain why you want to try this sport
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The adventure sport I’m absolutely itching to try is skydiving. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of free-falling through the air and experiencing the ultimate rush of adrenaline.
I’ve researched several locations, but the place that stands out to me is Interlaken, Switzerland. The prospect of jumping from a plane with the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps seems utterly unparalleled. The combination of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and lush green valleys would make for an unforgettable visual experience during the descent.
In terms of equipment and preparation, I understand that proper training is crucial. I’d need to undergo a comprehensive ground course to learn about safety procedures, body positions, and landing techniques. Essential equipment would include a jumpsuit, helmet, goggles, and of course, a parachute. I’d also need to ensure I’m in good physical condition and mentally prepared for the challenge.
The reason I’m so keen on trying skydiving is multifaceted. Firstly, I’m drawn to the sheer thrill and excitement of conquering my fears and pushing my boundaries. There’s something incredibly empowering about voluntarily stepping out of a plane at such a high altitude. Secondly, I believe the experience would give me a unique perspective on life – quite literally seeing the world from a different angle. Lastly, I think successfully completing a skydive would boost my confidence and prove to myself that I’m capable of tackling extreme challenges. The sense of accomplishment after landing safely would be truly unparalleled.”
Examiner: How long do you think it would take you to prepare for this adventure?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Well, from what I’ve gathered, the preparation time can vary significantly depending on the individual and the type of skydiving experience. For a tandem jump, which is what most beginners opt for, the training can be completed in a single day. However, I’d prefer to take a more comprehensive approach. I’d likely spend several weeks building up my physical fitness, particularly focusing on core strength and flexibility. Additionally, I’d dedicate time to mental preparation, perhaps through meditation or visualization techniques. I’d also want to thoroughly familiarize myself with the equipment and procedures, so I’d probably spend a few weekends at a skydiving center, observing jumps and talking to experienced skydivers. All in all, I’d estimate about 2-3 months of preparation to ensure I’m fully ready, both physically and mentally, for this exhilarating challenge.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think adventure sports are becoming more popular these days? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I definitely think adventure sports are gaining popularity in recent years. There are several factors contributing to this trend. Firstly, social media has played a huge role in showcasing these thrilling activities to a wider audience. Instagram and YouTube are filled with stunning videos and photos of people engaging in extreme sports, which naturally piques interest.
Secondly, there’s a growing desire among people, especially younger generations, to seek unique experiences and push their boundaries. Adventure sports offer a way to break out of the routine of everyday life and experience an adrenaline rush.
Moreover, advancements in technology and safety equipment have made many adventure sports more accessible and relatively safer. This has encouraged more people to give them a try.
Lastly, I think there’s an increasing emphasis on physical fitness and mental well-being in society. Adventure sports often provide a comprehensive workout and can be great for building confidence and overcoming fears.”
Examiner: What are some potential dangers of adventure sports?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While adventure sports can be exhilarating and rewarding, they undeniably come with inherent risks. The most obvious danger is the potential for physical injury or even fatality. Activities like rock climbing, skydiving, or white-water rafting involve elements of height, speed, or unpredictable natural forces that can lead to accidents if not properly managed.
Another significant risk is the psychological impact. The intense stress and adrenaline rush associated with extreme sports can be overwhelming for some individuals, potentially leading to panic attacks or post-traumatic stress in case of near-miss incidents.
There’s also the danger of overconfidence. As participants become more experienced, they might be tempted to take unnecessary risks or push beyond their limits, which can have dire consequences.
Environmental risks are another factor to consider. Adverse weather conditions or unexpected natural events like avalanches or flash floods can quickly turn a thrilling adventure into a life-threatening situation.
Lastly, there’s the risk of inadequate preparation or equipment failure. Adventure sports often rely on specialized gear, and any malfunction can be catastrophic. Similarly, insufficient training or lack of proper guidance can lead to dangerous situations.
It’s crucial to emphasize that many of these risks can be significantly mitigated through proper training, using quality equipment, following safety protocols, and respecting one’s limits and the natural environment.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated.
Example: “The exhilarating rush of free-falling through the air is unparalleled.” -
Adrenaline junkie /əˈdrenəlɪn ˌdʒʌŋki/ (noun): A person who enjoys activities that produce a surge of adrenaline.
Example: “As an adrenaline junkie, I’m always seeking out new and extreme sports to try.” -
Push one’s boundaries (phrase): To extend the limits of what one can do or experience.
Example: “Adventure sports offer a unique opportunity to push your boundaries and discover what you’re truly capable of.” -
Take the plunge (idiom): To commit oneself to a course of action.
Example: “After years of hesitation, I finally decided to take the plunge and sign up for a skydiving course.” -
Breathtaking /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away.
Example: “The breathtaking views from the top of the mountain made the challenging climb worthwhile.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing adventure sports:
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Use a wide range of vocabulary related to sports, emotions, and experiences. Don’t just stick to basic terms like “exciting” or “fun”.
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Practice describing experiences vividly, using all your senses. Even if you haven’t tried the sport, imagine what it would be like and describe it in detail.
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Show your ability to discuss both pros and cons. While expressing your enthusiasm, also demonstrate awareness of potential risks and the importance of safety.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures, including conditional sentences (e.g., “If I were to try skydiving, I would…”) and complex sentences to express cause and effect.
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Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just give short answers, but elaborate on your points with examples and explanations.
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Be prepared to discuss related topics, such as the impact of adventure sports on the environment or their role in tourism.
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Practice speaking about your chosen adventure sport for 2 minutes without stopping. This will help you build fluency and confidence for Part 2 of the test.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural, conversational tone while showcasing your language skills.
If you’re interested in exploring more outdoor-related topics for IELTS Speaking, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe an outdoor activity you want to take up or describe a sport you have learned to play. These resources can provide additional vocabulary and ideas to enrich your responses.