As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students who struggle with the IELTS Speaking test. Many find themselves stumped when asked about their hobbies, particularly sports. “Which sports do you like playing? Why?” seems like a simple enough question, but it can trip you up if you’re unprepared. This article will guide you on how to confidently and effectively discuss your favorite sports in the IELTS Speaking test.
Why Talking About Sports is Important in IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. The examiner wants to see how well you can express your ideas, opinions, and experiences. The topic of sports often comes up because it’s a universal subject that allows you to demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Effectively Discussing Your Favorite Sports
Here’s how to impress the examiner when the topic of sports arises:
1. Choose a Sport You Can Talk About
You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but selecting a sport you genuinely enjoy or know something about will make your responses more engaging. This could be anything from badminton to swimming, yoga, or even hiking.
2. Expand on Your Answers
Don’t just state the sport you like. Explain why you enjoy it. Use this opportunity to showcase your vocabulary and grammar skills. Here are some ideas:
- Reasons: It’s a great way to stay fit, relieve stress, challenge myself, socialize with friends, etc.
- Benefits: Improves my stamina, coordination, focus, teamwork skills, etc.
- Personal Experiences: Share a memorable experience related to the sport. Did you win a competition? Overcome a challenge? Learn a valuable lesson?
playing-badminton|Playing Badminton|A group of friends playing badminton in a park.
3. Use a Variety of Vocabulary and Grammar
Instead of repetitive phrases like “I like…” try using:
- Verbs: I enjoy…, I’m passionate about…, I’m keen on…, I’m an avid…
- Adjectives: It’s exhilarating, challenging, rewarding, relaxing, social…
- Tenses: Talk about your past experiences (past simple/present perfect), your current routine (present simple), and your future aspirations (future tenses).
Example IELTS Speaking Questions and Answers
Let’s look at some sample questions and answers:
Examiner: What sports do you like playing?
Candidate: I’m an avid badminton player. I’ve been playing since I was a child, and it’s become an integral part of my life.
Examiner: Why do you enjoy playing badminton?
Candidate: Well, it’s a fantastic way to stay active and maintain my fitness. I find it incredibly exhilarating, especially when I’m engaged in a competitive match. Badminton also requires a lot of focus and strategic thinking, which I find mentally stimulating.
Tips for Success
- Practice makes perfect: Practice talking about your chosen sport using a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures.
- Think about potential questions: Be prepared to discuss different aspects of the sport, such as its history, rules, famous players, etc.
- Speak naturally and confidently: Don’t memorize answers. Focus on communicating your ideas clearly and fluently.
Conclusion
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your overall communication skills, not just your knowledge of sports. By choosing a sport you’re genuinely interested in and using a range of vocabulary and grammar, you can demonstrate your English proficiency and achieve a great score.
