In the IELTS Speaking test, you might be asked to describe various people, including a “professional athlete.” This can seem straightforward, but it requires a nuanced understanding of vocabulary and the ability to provide specific, engaging examples.

Understanding the Prompt

The key to effectively describing a “professional athlete” lies in breaking down what the term entails:

1. Professionalism: This goes beyond simply being paid for their sport. It encompasses dedication, discipline, a strong work ethic, and often involves adhering to specific rules and regulations.

2. Athleticism: This refers to the physical prowess and skills required for a specific sport. Think about strength, speed, agility, endurance, and hand-eye coordination.

Describing a Professional Athlete: Key Vocabulary and Structures

Here are some useful vocabulary words and structures you can use to describe a professional athlete:

Personality and Traits:

• Dedicated: “A professional athlete is incredibly dedicated, often sacrificing personal time for training.”
• Disciplined: “Discipline is key for athletes, as they follow strict diet and training regimes.”
• Resilient: “They face setbacks and injuries, but their resilience helps them bounce back.”
• Competitive: “The drive to win and constantly improve is a hallmark of professional athletes.”
• Role model: “Many athletes understand their position as role models, inspiring younger generations.”

Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional hand-eye coordination: “Tennis players, for example, display exceptional hand-eye coordination.”
• Remarkable stamina/endurance: “Marathon runners demonstrate remarkable stamina, pushing their physical limits.”
• Tactical awareness: “Professional athletes possess a keen tactical awareness, making split-second decisions during games.”
• Teamwork (for team sports): “Successful teams rely on the seamless teamwork and communication of their athletes.”

Impact and Influence:

• Inspire: “Professional athletes often inspire millions with their dedication and achievements.”
• Raise awareness: “Many athletes use their platform to raise awareness about important social issues.”
• Promote healthy living: “They can encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles through sports and fitness.”

Serena Williams – Professional Tennis Player

IELTS Speaking Example:

Examiner: Describe a professional athlete you admire.

Candidate: “One professional athlete I deeply admire is Serena Williams. Her dedication to tennis is truly remarkable, evident in her numerous Grand Slam victories. She’s incredibly disciplined, maintaining a rigorous training schedule for years. Beyond her athletic achievements, I respect her for being a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports. She inspires millions around the world, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is achievable.”

Analysis: This response effectively combines vocabulary related to personality (“dedicated,” “disciplined”), achievements (“Grand Slam victories”), and positive influence (“advocate,” “inspires”).

Tips for Success:

• Be specific: Avoid generic descriptions. Use specific details and examples to illustrate your points.
• Use a range of vocabulary: Showcase your vocabulary by incorporating a variety of adjectives, adverbs, and descriptive phrases.
• Connect to personal experience (if possible): If you have a personal anecdote or connection to a particular athlete or sport, sharing it can make your response more engaging.

Remember, the IELTS exam assesses your ability to communicate effectively. By using precise language and providing thoughtful examples, you can confidently describe a “professional athlete” and impress the examiner.