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IELTS Speaking Sample Test: Topic 8 - Sports and Physical Activities

Posted on 03-10-2024 by theylem | 18 views

Part 1 (Introduction)

1. Do you like to watch or play sports? Why?
"I prefer to play sports because I enjoy being active and feeling the adrenaline. I play badminton regularly with my friends, which is a fun way to stay fit and improve my reflexes. Watching sports is enjoyable too, but playing them gives me a sense of achievement."

2. What kind of sports do you like to play?
"I like to play sports that involve a lot of movement and require strategy, like soccer, basketball, and table tennis. I find them not only physically challenging but also mentally stimulating, as they require quick decision-making."

3. How often do you exercise?
"I try to exercise at least four times a week. On weekdays, I usually go for a morning run or a workout session at the gym, and on weekends, I prefer to do something more social like joining a sports game or going on a hike with friends."

4. Do you think children should be encouraged to play sports?
"Definitely. Playing sports helps children develop teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle and teaches them how to handle success and failure gracefully. Encouraging sports from a young age can instill a love for physical activity that can last a lifetime."

5. Are there any sports you would like to try in the future?
"Yes, I'd love to try surfing. I've always been fascinated by how surfers can balance on the waves, and I think it would be a thrilling and challenging sport to learn. It would also be a great way to enjoy the ocean and improve my coordination."


Part 2 (Long Turn)

Describe a sport that you enjoy watching or playing. You should say:

  • What the sport is
  • How you learned about it
  • Why you enjoy it And explain why this sport is important to you.

Response:

"A sport that I really enjoy playing is badminton. I first learned about it when I was in primary school. There was a badminton court near my house, and I often saw people playing. One day, I decided to join, and I instantly fell in love with the game.

I love badminton because it’s a sport that requires agility, precision, and a lot of quick reflexes. Unlike some other sports, you don’t need a lot of players; even a one-on-one match can be extremely intense and fun. It's also a great way to de-stress after a long day and get a good workout without feeling like it's exercise.

The reason badminton is important to me is that it has not only helped me stay fit but has also allowed me to make many friends. Whenever I play, I feel a sense of community, as we all share a passion for the sport. It's become more than just a game for me; it’s a way to socialize, stay active, and push my physical limits."


Part 3 (Discussion)

1. Why do you think sports are important for people of all ages?
"Sports are crucial for people of all ages because they provide both physical and mental benefits. Physically, they improve fitness, coordination, and overall health. Mentally, sports can help reduce stress, improve focus, and provide a sense of accomplishment. They also encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition, which are important life skills."

2. What is the difference between team sports and individual sports?
"The main difference between team sports and individual sports lies in the dynamics of how they are played. Team sports, like soccer or basketball, require a lot of coordination and communication between players. You have to work together to achieve a common goal. On the other hand, individual sports like tennis or swimming are more focused on the athlete's personal skill and self-reliance. Both have their own set of benefits; team sports promote collaboration, while individual sports foster self-discipline and personal growth."

3. How do you think technology has affected sports today?
"Technology has had a profound impact on sports in various ways. It has improved the training methods of athletes through tools like wearable fitness trackers, which monitor their performance and health. It has also influenced how sports are viewed, with live streaming and instant replays making the viewing experience more interactive and engaging. Additionally, technology has helped improve the fairness of sports with systems like VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in soccer, which ensures accurate decisions."


Key Vocabulary and Pronunciation

Vocabulary Pronunciation (IPA) Meaning Example Sentence
Adrenaline /əˈdrɛnəlɪn/ A hormone that increases heart rate and energy levels "Playing sports gives me an adrenaline rush."
Achievement /əˈʧivmənt/ A result gained by effort or skill "Winning a match is a great achievement."
Agility /əˈʤɪlɪti/ Ability to move quickly and easily "Badminton requires a lot of agility."
Precision /prɪˈsɪʒən/ The quality of being exact and accurate "Archery is a sport that needs precision."
Coordination /kəʊˌɔrdɪˈneɪʃən/ The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly "Dancing requires strong coordination."
Sportsmanship /ˈspɔːrtsmənˌʃɪp/ Fairness and respect for others while playing sports "Good sportsmanship is essential in all games."
De-stress /diːˈstrɛs/ To reduce stress or tension "Playing tennis helps me de-stress."
Fitness tracker /ˈfɪtnəs ˈtrækər/ A device that monitors physical activity and health metrics "My fitness tracker helps me keep track of my exercise."
Teamwork /ˈtiːmwɜrk/ The combined effort of a group working together "Team sports teach valuable teamwork skills."
Sports enthusiast /spɔːrts ɪnˈθuːziæst/ A person who is passionate about sports "I'm a sports enthusiast who enjoys soccer."
Surfing /ˈsɜːrfɪŋ/ The sport of riding waves on a surfboard "Surfing is an exciting water sport."
Physical activity /ˈfɪzɪkəl ækˈtɪvɪti/ Bodily movement that enhances or maintains physical fitness "Regular physical activity is important for health."
Leadership skills /ˈliːdərʃɪp skɪlz/ The ability to lead and inspire a group or team "Playing sports helps develop leadership skills."
Accomplishment /əˈkɑmplɪʃmənt/ A feeling of pride from achieving something "Finishing a marathon is a big accomplishment."
One-on-one match /ˌwʌn ˌɒn ˈwʌn mæʧ/ A sports game between two individual players "Tennis is often played as a one-on-one match."
Physical limits /ˈfɪzɪkəl ˈlɪmɪts/ The maximum capability of one’s body in terms of physical performance "Athletes constantly push their physical limits."
Strategy /ˈstrætəʤi/ A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal "Winning a game requires a good strategy."
Reflexes /ˈriːflɛksɪz/ The body’s automatic and quick response to stimuli "Badminton improves your reflexes."
Self-discipline /sɛlf ˈdɪsɪplɪn/ The ability to control one’s feelings and overcome weaknesses "Sports help improve self-discipline."
Live streaming /laɪv ˈstriːmɪŋ/ Broadcasting media content live over the internet "Many sports events are available via live streaming."