As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve guided countless students through the intricacies of the IELTS Speaking test. One question that often arises, particularly in Part 1, is “What’s your favorite sport?”. While seemingly straightforward, this question offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your English fluency and vocabulary. Let’s delve into how to craft an impressive response that will resonate with the examiner.
Understanding the Question’s Intent
The examiner isn’t simply looking for the name of a sport. They want to assess:
- Vocabulary range: Can you use diverse adjectives, verbs, and idioms related to sports and hobbies?
- Fluency and coherence: Can you speak naturally and connect your ideas smoothly?
- Grammar accuracy: Are you using correct tenses and grammatical structures?
- Pronunciation and intonation: Is your speech clear, understandable, and engaging?
Crafting Your Response
Here’s a step-by-step guide to formulating an effective answer:
1. Choose a Sport (or Activity) You Can Discuss
It doesn’t have to be your absolute favorite, but pick something you know enough about to discuss for a minute or two. This could be:
- A mainstream sport like football, basketball, or swimming.
- A less common sport like badminton, table tennis, or squash.
- A physical activity like hiking, yoga, or dancing.
2. Expand on Your Choice
Go beyond simply stating your favorite. Here are some prompts:
- Why do you enjoy it? “I find swimming incredibly relaxing. It’s a great way to de-stress after a long day.”
- When did you start? “I’ve been playing tennis since I was a child. My grandfather was a tennis coach, so it’s always been a big part of my life.”
- How often do you participate? “I try to go for a run at least three times a week. It helps me stay fit and clears my head.”
- What are the benefits? “Yoga has improved my flexibility and balance significantly. It’s also taught me valuable breathing techniques.”
3. Use Vivid Language
Employ a range of vocabulary to make your response engaging:
- Adjectives: “thrilling,” “challenging,” “invigorating,” “strategic,” “graceful”
- Verbs: “compete,” “excel,” “train,” “endure,” “collaborate”
- Idioms: “team player,” “get my head in the game,” “go the extra mile,” “a level playing field”
Playing Badminton
Example Response
Examiner: “What’s your favorite sport?”
Candidate: “Well, I wouldn’t say I’m a die-hard fan of any particular sport, but I really enjoy playing badminton. I find it to be a fantastic way to stay active and socialize at the same time. I started playing in university with some friends, and we’ve been meeting up weekly ever since. It’s a really fast-paced and strategic game, which I find both challenging and incredibly rewarding.”
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to acing the IELTS Speaking test is practice. Record yourself answering this cue card and analyze:
- Your fluency
- Your vocabulary range
- Your grammatical accuracy
Remember, the examiner wants to hear you speak confidently and naturally. By preparing thoroughly and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-equipped to impress on exam day!
