As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about exercise and fitness are increasingly common in the test. The ability to describe a place where you like to exercise not only showcases your language skills but also demonstrates your awareness of health and lifestyle topics. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions like:
- Do you exercise regularly?
- Where do you usually go to exercise?
- What kind of exercise do you enjoy?
Let’s focus on answering the second question:
Where do you usually go to exercise?
Sample answer:
“I typically head to the local park for my workouts. It’s a spacious area with plenty of green space, which I find really invigorating. The park has a well-maintained jogging track that winds through beautiful scenery, making my runs both enjoyable and challenging.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to describing a place you like to exercise:
Describe a place where you like to exercise.
You should say:
- Where it is
- What kind of exercise you do there
- How often you go there
- And explain why you like exercising in this place
Sample answer:
“I’d like to talk about my favorite place to exercise, which is the community sports center in my neighborhood. It’s a state-of-the-art facility located just a 10-minute walk from my home, making it incredibly convenient to access.
The sports center offers a wide range of amenities, including a fully-equipped gym, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and several multi-purpose courts for various sports. Personally, I’m quite passionate about swimming, so I often find myself doing laps in the pool. It’s an excellent full-body workout that helps me stay fit and toned.
I try to make it a point to visit the sports center at least three times a week, usually in the evenings after work. It’s become such an integral part of my routine that I feel a bit off-kilter if I miss a session.
What I particularly appreciate about this place is its welcoming atmosphere. The staff are always friendly and helpful, and there’s a real sense of community among the regulars. Moreover, the center is impeccably clean and well-maintained, which is crucial for a public exercise space.
The variety of equipment and classes available means I can always switch up my routine to keep things interesting. Whether I’m in the mood for a high-intensity workout or a more relaxed session, there’s always something suitable.
In essence, this sports center ticks all the boxes for me. It’s conveniently located, well-equipped, and provides a motivating environment that keeps me committed to my fitness goals. It’s not just a place to exercise; it’s become a second home where I can de-stress and focus on my well-being.”
Modern community sports center
Possible follow-up questions:
- Do you prefer exercising alone or with others?
- How has your exercise routine changed over the years?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s talk more about exercise and public facilities. Do you think governments should invest more in public exercise spaces?”
Sample answer:
“Absolutely, I firmly believe that governments should prioritize investments in public exercise spaces. There are several compelling reasons for this.
Firstly, accessible public exercise facilities can play a crucial role in improving public health. With the rising rates of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, providing spaces where people can exercise free of charge or at a low cost can encourage more individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Secondly, public exercise spaces can foster a sense of community. When people have shared spaces to exercise, it can lead to increased social interactions and a stronger community bond. This is particularly important in urban areas where people might otherwise feel isolated.
Moreover, investing in such facilities can have long-term economic benefits. A healthier population means reduced healthcare costs for the government in the long run. It can also enhance the appeal of a city or town, potentially attracting more residents and businesses.
However, it’s important to note that merely building these facilities isn’t enough. Governments should also focus on maintaining these spaces and running programs to educate people on the importance of regular exercise.
In conclusion, while there are certainly many demands on government budgets, I believe that investing in public exercise spaces is a smart, forward-thinking strategy that can yield significant benefits for society as a whole.”
Examiner: “How do you think technology has changed the way people exercise?”
Sample answer:
“Technology has undeniably revolutionized the fitness industry and the way people approach exercise. There are several key areas where this impact is particularly noticeable.
Firstly, fitness trackers and smartwatches have made it easier for people to monitor their physical activity and set achievable goals. These devices provide real-time feedback on metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and steps taken, which can be highly motivating for users.
Secondly, mobile apps have transformed home workouts. People now have access to a wealth of exercise routines and instructional videos right at their fingertips. This has made it more convenient and affordable for individuals to maintain a regular exercise regimen, especially for those who may not have the time or inclination to go to a gym.
Moreover, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are creating immersive exercise experiences. For instance, you can now cycle through virtual landscapes or participate in virtual fitness classes, making exercise more engaging and enjoyable.
Social media platforms have also played a role by creating online fitness communities. People can share their progress, seek advice, and find motivation from like-minded individuals across the globe.
However, it’s worth noting that technology in fitness isn’t without its drawbacks. There’s a risk of becoming overly reliant on gadgets or obsessing over metrics, which can take away from the pure enjoyment of physical activity.
In conclusion, while technology has largely had a positive impact on exercise by making it more accessible and engaging, it’s important to strike a balance and not lose sight of the intrinsic benefits of movement and physical activity.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
State-of-the-art /ˌsteɪt əv ði ˈɑːrt/ (adjective): Very modern and using the latest technology.
Example: “The gym boasts state-of-the-art equipment that makes workouts more efficient.” -
Invigorating /ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making you feel energetic and healthy.
Example: “The crisp morning air makes my jog through the park particularly invigorating.” -
To make it a point (phrase): To do something intentionally or with special effort.
Example: “I make it a point to exercise at least three times a week, regardless of my schedule.” -
Impeccably /ɪmˈpekəbli/ (adverb): In a way that is perfect and without fault.
Example: “The sports center is always impeccably clean, which makes it a pleasure to use.” -
To tick all the boxes (idiom): To satisfy all requirements or criteria.
Example: “This gym ticks all the boxes for me – it’s close to home, affordable, and well-equipped.” -
To switch up (phrasal verb): To change or vary something.
Example: “I like to switch up my workout routine to keep things interesting and challenge different muscle groups.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a place you like to exercise:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture of the place.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally in your speech.
- Provide specific details about the place and your exercise routine to demonstrate fluency.
- Express your opinions clearly and support them with reasons and examples.
- Practice speaking about different aspects of exercise and fitness to improve your vocabulary range.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using complex vocabulary, but about communicating your ideas clearly and coherently. Regular practice will help you become more confident and fluent in discussing this topic.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a place you go to unwind in IELTS Speaking. This can provide additional insights into describing locations effectively.
