Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe Your Favorite Sport and Its Benefits

The topic of describing your favorite sport and its benefits is a common theme in IELTS Speaking exams. It’s a versatile subject that allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal interests and health awareness. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.

Describe a hobby you find relaxing can be closely related to discussing your favorite sport, as many people find sports to be a relaxing hobby. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about your favorite sport in the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about sports and physical activities. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you play any sports?
2. What’s your favorite sport to watch?
3. How often do you exercise?
4. Did you play any sports as a child?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the question: “Do you play any sports?”

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, I do. My favorite sport is swimming, which I try to do at least three times a week. I find it to be an excellent full-body workout that helps me stay fit and relaxed. It’s also a great way to beat the heat during our hot summers.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe your favorite sport and how it benefits you.
You should say:

• What the sport is
• How often you play it
• Why you enjoy it
• And explain how it benefits you

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my favorite sport, which is swimming. I’ve been passionate about swimming since I was a child, and it has become an integral part of my life.

I make it a point to swim at least three times a week, usually early in the morning before work or in the evening after I’ve finished my daily tasks. I find that this routine helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance and keeps me energized throughout the day.

There are several reasons why I enjoy swimming so much. Firstly, it’s an incredibly versatile sport that provides a full-body workout without putting excessive strain on my joints. The weightlessness I experience in the water is both relaxing and invigorating. Moreover, swimming allows me to set personal goals and constantly challenge myself, whether it’s improving my technique or increasing my endurance.

As for the benefits, swimming has had a profound positive impact on both my physical and mental well-being. Physically, it has helped me improve my cardiovascular health, build strength, and maintain a healthy weight. I’ve noticed significant improvements in my lung capacity and overall stamina since I started swimming regularly.

Mentally, swimming serves as a form of moving meditation for me. The rhythmic nature of the strokes and the focus required to maintain proper technique help me clear my mind and reduce stress. After a swimming session, I always feel refreshed and mentally rejuvenated, ready to tackle any challenges that come my way.

In conclusion, swimming is more than just a sport for me – it’s a lifestyle choice that contributes significantly to my overall health and happiness.”

Swimming benefits for physical and mental health

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has swimming impacted your social life?
2. Would you recommend swimming to others? Why or why not?

Sample Answers:

1. (Band 7-8) “Swimming has had a positive impact on my social life. I’ve made several friends at the local pool, and we often motivate each other to maintain our swimming routines. We sometimes participate in local swimming events together, which has been a great way to expand my social circle.”

2. (Band 8-9) “I would wholeheartedly recommend swimming to others. It’s a low-impact sport suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Swimming offers numerous health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to building overall strength and flexibility. Moreover, it’s an excellent stress-reliever and can be enjoyed year-round, making it a versatile and sustainable form of exercise.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to sports and their impact on society. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do you think sports contribute to a person’s character development?
2. What role do sports play in promoting international understanding?
3. Do you think professional athletes are overpaid? Why or why not?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Sports play a crucial role in character development, particularly for young people. Engaging in sports helps individuals develop discipline, as regular practice and training require commitment and time management skills. It also teaches the importance of teamwork and cooperation, especially in team sports where players must work together towards a common goal.

Moreover, sports provide valuable lessons in handling both success and failure. When athletes win, they learn how to be gracious in victory, and when they lose, they develop resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. This emotional intelligence is invaluable in all aspects of life.

Sports also foster a sense of fair play and ethical behavior. Athletes learn to respect rules, opponents, and officials, which translates into a strong moral compass in their personal and professional lives.

Lastly, participating in sports can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. As individuals improve their skills and achieve their goals, they develop a stronger sense of self-worth and belief in their abilities.

In essence, sports serve as a microcosm of life, providing numerous opportunities for personal growth and character development that extend far beyond the playing field.”

Infographic on sports and character development

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing sports, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Endurance (noun) – /ɪnˈdjʊə.rəns/ – The ability to continue doing something difficult for a long time
   Example: “Swimming has significantly improved my endurance.”

2. Cardiovascular (adjective) – /ˌkɑː.di.əʊˈvæs.kjʊ.lər/ – Related to the heart and blood vessels
   Example: “Regular swimming provides excellent cardiovascular benefits.”

3. To foster (verb) – /ˈfɒs.tər/ – To encourage the development of something
   Example: “Team sports foster a sense of camaraderie among players.”

4. Versatile (adjective) – /ˈvɜː.sə.taɪl/ – Able to adapt to many different functions or activities
   Example: “Swimming is a versatile sport that exercises almost every muscle in the body.”

5. Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: “Participating in competitive sports builds resilience in young athletes.”

Describe a sport you would like to play if you had the chance is another common topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being familiar with sports terminology and having well-structured responses can greatly enhance your performance in such questions.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing sports or any other topic, consider the following tips:

1. Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day to speaking English, focusing on fluency and pronunciation.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to sports and health, and practice using them in context.

3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points and provide examples to support your opinions.

4. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your language skills.

5. Stay calm and confident: Remember that the examiner is interested in your language ability, not your expertise in sports.

6. Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully before answering.

7. Be authentic: Share your genuine opinions and experiences, as this will help you speak more naturally and fluently.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing your favorite sport and its benefits, or any other topic that may arise.

IELTS Speaking practice tips

Remember, describing an area in your home where you feel relaxed or describing a memorable night out with friends are other potential topics that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. The skills and strategies you develop when practicing how to describe your favorite sport can be applied to these and many other topics, helping you to perform well across a range of subjects in the IELTS Speaking test.