As an IELTS teacher with over 20 years of experience, I often see students struggle to express their passion, especially when it comes to something like sports. Describing your passion effectively is key to achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly in Part 1 where you might be asked about your hobbies or interests.
Understanding the Task
When examiners ask about your passion for a sport, they’re looking for several things:
- Vocabulary Range: Can you go beyond basic adjectives like “fun” and “interesting”?
- Grammar Accuracy: Can you use complex sentences structures to elaborate on your ideas?
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak naturally and connect your thoughts in a logical way?
Describing Your Passion: Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some effective ways to articulate your passion for a sport, moving beyond simple words:
Intensity of Emotion:
- “I’m absolutely crazy about…” (e.g., “I’m absolutely crazy about football. It’s all I think about!”)
- “I’m completely hooked on…” (e.g., “I’m completely hooked on surfing. The adrenaline rush is incredible!”)
- “…is a huge part of my life.” (e.g., “Basketball is a huge part of my life. I’ve been playing since I was a child.”)
Reasons for Your Passion:
- “What excites me most about… is…” (e.g., “What excites me most about tennis is the strategic thinking involved.”)
- “I find… incredibly rewarding because…” (e.g., “I find running incredibly rewarding because it helps me clear my head.”)
- “The reason I’m so passionate about… is…” (e.g., “The reason I’m so passionate about swimming is that it makes me feel free and powerful.”)
Describing the Experience:
- “When I’m on the court/field/pitch, I feel…” (e.g., “When I’m on the court, I feel completely in the zone.”)
- “…gives me a sense of…” (e.g., “Cycling gives me a sense of freedom and adventure.”)
- “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of…” (e.g., “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of scoring the winning goal.”)
Playing Badminton
Example IELTS Speaking Question and Answer:
Examiner: “What sport are you passionate about and why?”
Candidate: “Well, I’m absolutely crazy about badminton. I’ve been playing since I was a teenager, and it’s become a huge part of my life. What excites me most is the speed and agility required. It’s such a fast-paced game, and it keeps me on my toes. I also find it incredibly rewarding to see myself improve over time.”
Analysis: The candidate uses a variety of vocabulary to express their passion (“absolutely crazy about,” “huge part of my life,” “excites me most”). The answer is also well-structured and easy to follow.
Tips for Success:
- Practice Regularly: Speak about your favorite sport using the vocabulary and phrases above.
- Record Yourself: Listen back to identify areas for improvement in fluency and pronunciation.
- Be Specific: Instead of just saying “It’s fun,” explain why you find it enjoyable.
- Don’t Memorize: While it’s good to prepare, avoid sounding scripted. Speak naturally and enthusiastically.
Conclusion
Describing your passion for a sport in the IELTS Speaking test is an opportunity to showcase your language skills. By using vivid vocabulary, explaining your reasons, and speaking with genuine enthusiasm, you can make a positive impression on the examiner and achieve a higher score.