How to Describe Different “Types of Jumps” in Track and Field for IELTS

As an IELTS teacher, I often get asked about specific vocabulary for different sports. It’s true that having a good range of vocabulary for common IELTS topics, like sports, can help you achieve a higher score. So, let’s look at some useful vocabulary for describing different types of jumps in track and field, which is a common topic in the IELTS speaking exam.

Types of Jumps and Key Vocabulary

There are four main types of jumping events in track and field:

1. High Jump

Aim: To jump over a horizontal bar, clearing it without knocking it down.

Key Vocabulary:

• Clearance: Successfully jumping over the bar.
  Example: “The high jumper failed to make the clearance.”
• Fosbury Flop: The most common high jump technique, where the athlete goes over the bar backwards.
  Example: “The Fosbury Flop revolutionized the sport.”
• Personal Best (PB): An athlete’s best ever performance.
  Example: “She managed to beat her personal best by three centimeters.”

2. Long Jump

Aim: To jump as far as possible horizontally.

Key Vocabulary:

• Run-up: The approach run before the jump.
  Example: “He stumbled during his run-up, affecting his distance.”
• Takeoff: The moment the jumper leaves the ground.
  Example: “A powerful takeoff is essential for a good jump.”
• Landing: How and where the athlete lands in the sandpit.
  Example: “Her landing was a little short of the 8-meter mark.”

3. Triple Jump

Aim: To jump the furthest distance possible in a hop, step, and jump combination.

Key Vocabulary:

• Hop: The first jump, landing on the same foot.
  Example: “He lost his balance on the hop.”
• Step: The second jump, landing on the opposite foot.
  Example: “The step is crucial for gaining momentum.”
• Jump: The final and longest jump, landing on both feet.
  Example: “He really extended his legs on the final jump.”

4. Pole Vault

Aim: To use a pole to propel oneself over a high bar.

Key Vocabulary:

• Pole: The long, flexible pole used for vaulting.
  Example: “Modern poles are made from fiberglass or carbon fiber.”
• Plant: To place the pole in the box set in the ground.
  Example: “His plant wasn’t firm enough, causing the pole to slip.”
• Vault: The act of propelling oneself over the bar.
  Example: “The crowd gasped as she completed a perfect vault.”

Pole Vault

Using Jump Vocabulary in the IELTS Exam

Here’s how you can use this vocabulary effectively:

• Speaking Part 1: If asked about hobbies or interests, you could mention that you enjoy watching track and field, especially the jumping events. Briefly describe a particular type of jump and why you find it interesting.
• Speaking Part 2: You might get a cue card asking you to describe a memorable sporting event. This vocabulary would be very useful if the event involved track and field.
• Listening: You might hear this vocabulary used in a conversation about sports or in a lecture on biomechanics.
• Reading: A passage might discuss the history of jumping events or a specific athlete’s accomplishments.

Tips for Success

• Practice makes perfect! Use the vocabulary in your speaking and writing practice to improve fluency.
• Don’t be afraid to use simpler synonyms if you can’t remember the specific word (e.g., “jump” instead of “vault”).
• Focus on clear pronunciation and natural intonation.

By learning and practicing this vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss track and field jumps in your IELTS exam, potentially boosting your vocabulary score.