IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe outdoor sports they want to try. This topic is a popular choice in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to appear in future exams. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal preferences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about outdoor sports. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
A: Absolutely! I’m quite fond of outdoor activities. There’s something invigorating about being in nature and challenging myself physically. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains or cycling through scenic routes, I find outdoor activities not only keep me fit but also help me destress and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Describe an activity you do to stay fit is another common topic in IELTS Speaking tests that relates closely to outdoor sports.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe an outdoor sport you want to try
You should say:
- What the sport is
- Where you can do this sport
- What equipment or preparation you need
- And explain why you want to try this sport
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The outdoor sport I’d like to try is rock climbing. It’s an activity where people climb up natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. You can do this sport in various places, from indoor climbing gyms to outdoor locations like cliffs or mountains.
For rock climbing, you need some essential equipment. This includes a harness, climbing shoes, a helmet, and ropes. You also need to prepare physically by building up your strength and flexibility.
I want to try rock climbing because it seems challenging and exciting. It’s not just a physical sport, but also a mental one, as you need to plan your route and overcome fears. I think it would be a great way to push my limits and enjoy nature at the same time.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The outdoor sport I’m eager to delve into is paragliding. This exhilarating activity involves soaring through the air using a wide canopy resembling a parachute, allowing individuals to glide over vast distances while being lifted by thermal currents.
Paragliding can be practiced in various picturesque locations, from coastal cliffs to mountainous regions. Some renowned spots include the Swiss Alps, the Andalusian coast in Spain, and even the Himalayan foothills in countries like Nepal and India.
In terms of equipment and preparation, paragliding requires a significant investment both financially and in terms of training. Essential gear includes a paraglider wing, harness, reserve parachute, and helmet. Moreover, extensive training is crucial to master the techniques of launching, steering, and landing safely. This typically involves theoretical study and practical lessons under the guidance of certified instructors.
My fascination with paragliding stems from its unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and connection with nature. The prospect of experiencing the world from a bird’s-eye view, feeling the rush of adrenaline as I launch off a cliff, yet also enjoying moments of serene gliding, is incredibly appealing. Furthermore, paragliding presents an opportunity to challenge myself both physically and mentally, requiring a combination of technical skill, quick decision-making, and the courage to overcome any fear of heights. Ultimately, I believe this sport would not only provide thrilling experiences but also foster a deep appreciation for the beauty of our natural world and the freedom of flight.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: What are the potential risks associated with this sport?
A: (Band 6-7) Paragliding can be dangerous. There’s a risk of accidents from bad weather, equipment failure, or pilot error. Injuries could happen during takeoff or landing. It’s important to get proper training and always follow safety rules.
A: (Band 8-9) Paragliding, like any extreme sport, carries inherent risks. The most significant dangers include the possibility of mid-air collisions with other paragliders or obstacles, unexpected weather changes leading to turbulence or loss of control, and equipment malfunctions. There’s also the risk of hard landings resulting in injuries. However, these risks can be substantially mitigated through comprehensive training, strict adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance, and exercising sound judgment regarding flying conditions.
Q: How do you think participating in extreme sports like paragliding affects a person’s character?
A: (Band 6-7) I think extreme sports can make people braver and more confident. They learn to face their fears and overcome challenges. It can also teach them to be more careful and responsible because of the risks involved.
A: (Band 8-9) Engaging in extreme sports like paragliding can have a profound impact on an individual’s character. Firstly, it fosters resilience and mental fortitude, as participants must confront and overcome their fears regularly. This process of pushing personal boundaries often leads to increased self-confidence and a more positive outlook on life’s challenges.
Moreover, extreme sports cultivate a heightened sense of responsibility and decision-making skills. Participants must constantly assess risks, make split-second decisions, and take accountability for their actions, which can translate into improved judgment in other areas of life.
Additionally, these activities often instill a deep appreciation for nature and environmental conservation, as enthusiasts develop a unique perspective on the natural world. Lastly, the camaraderie and shared experiences within the extreme sports community can enhance social skills and create a sense of belonging to a like-minded group of individuals.
Describe a mountain you want to visit is another topic that could be related to outdoor sports like paragliding or rock climbing.
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: Do you think outdoor sports are becoming more popular these days? Why or why not?
A: (Band 6-7) Yes, I think outdoor sports are getting more popular. People are more interested in health and fitness now. Also, social media shows a lot of exciting outdoor activities, which makes people want to try them. Plus, with busy city lives, many people want to spend time in nature to relax.
A: (Band 8-9) I firmly believe that outdoor sports are experiencing a significant surge in popularity, and this trend can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there’s an increasing awareness of the importance of physical and mental well-being in our society. Outdoor sports offer a holistic approach to health, combining physical exercise with the psychological benefits of being in nature.
Secondly, the rise of social media and adventure photography has played a crucial role in showcasing the exhilarating experiences and breathtaking scenery associated with outdoor sports. This visual inspiration has undoubtedly motivated many individuals to seek out similar experiences.
Moreover, as our lives become increasingly urban and digitally-focused, there’s a growing desire to reconnect with nature and find a counterbalance to our tech-saturated routines. Outdoor sports provide an perfect avenue for this, offering both a physical challenge and a chance to immerse oneself in natural environments.
Lastly, the outdoor industry has made significant strides in developing gear and equipment that is more accessible, safer, and user-friendly. This has lowered the barrier to entry for many outdoor sports, making them more appealing to a broader range of people.
Q: How do you think governments can encourage more people to participate in outdoor sports?
A: (Band 6-7) Governments can do several things to encourage outdoor sports. They can build more parks and sports facilities. They could also organize events or competitions to get people interested. Offering free or cheap lessons for beginners might help too. Also, they could run campaigns to show the benefits of outdoor sports.
A: (Band 8-9) Governments can play a pivotal role in promoting participation in outdoor sports through a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, they can invest in infrastructure development, creating and maintaining parks, trails, and recreational areas that are safe, accessible, and well-equipped for various outdoor activities. This could include the development of dedicated spaces for specific sports like climbing walls or mountain biking trails.
Secondly, governments can implement educational programs in schools and communities to introduce young people to outdoor sports from an early age. This could involve incorporating outdoor activities into physical education curricula and organizing field trips to natural areas.
Another effective strategy would be to offer financial incentives, such as tax breaks for outdoor sports equipment purchases or subsidies for outdoor adventure programs. This could make these activities more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people.
Governments could also collaborate with outdoor sports associations to organize events, competitions, and festivals that showcase various activities and provide opportunities for beginners to try them in a safe, controlled environment.
Lastly, launching public awareness campaigns that highlight the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor sports could be highly effective. These campaigns could feature local athletes and emphasize the positive impact of outdoor activities on individual health and environmental appreciation.
By implementing these strategies, governments can create a supportive environment that encourages more people to engage in outdoor sports, leading to healthier, more active communities.
Describe a sport you would like to play if you had the chance is another related topic that often appears in IELTS Speaking tests.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing outdoor sports, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:
-
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Very exciting and enjoyable.
Example: “Paragliding is an exhilarating experience that gives you a rush of adrenaline.” -
To push one’s limits (phrase): To test the extent of one’s abilities.
Example: “Extreme sports allow you to push your limits and discover what you’re capable of.” -
Picturesque /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ (adjective): Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
Example: “Rock climbing often takes place in picturesque locations with stunning views.” -
Inherent risks (phrase): Dangers that naturally exist in a situation.
Example: “While outdoor sports are exciting, it’s important to be aware of the inherent risks involved.” -
To foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “Participating in team outdoor sports can foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.” -
Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Overcoming challenges in outdoor sports builds resilience that can be applied to other areas of life.” -
To immerse oneself (phrase): To involve oneself deeply in an activity or interest.
Example: “When you immerse yourself in nature through outdoor sports, you gain a new appreciation for the environment.” -
Holistic approach (phrase): Dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part.
Example: “Outdoor sports offer a holistic approach to fitness, benefiting both body and mind.”
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to improve your performance in the Speaking test:
-
Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to speak English, focusing on describing outdoor sports and your experiences or interests in them.
-
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of words and phrases related to outdoor sports, nature, and personal experiences.
-
Use varied sentence structures: Incorporate both simple and complex sentences in your responses to demonstrate linguistic flexibility.
-
Provide specific examples: When describing an outdoor sport or your experiences, include detailed examples to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
-
Work on fluency: Practice speaking without long pauses. It’s okay to use fillers like “well” or “you know” occasionally, but try to maintain a smooth flow of speech.
-
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and explain your thoughts and opinions in detail.
-
Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.
-
Stay relevant: Always keep your answers relevant to the question asked, even when you’re expanding on a topic.
-
Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate interest in the topic through your tone of voice and the content of your answers.
-
Be prepared for follow-up questions: In Part 3, be ready to discuss more abstract ideas related to the topic of outdoor sports.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect grammar or extensive vocabulary, but also about communicating effectively and confidently on a range of topics.
Describe a cultural performance that left an impression on you might seem unrelated, but it can be connected to outdoor sports if you consider traditional sports or performances that take place outdoors.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing outdoor sports and related topics.