IELTS Speaking Part 1: sport

Some students worry about the 'sport' topic because they don't do any sports. Today's example answers are for those students. Remember to give short, direct answers.

1. What sports or physical activities do you regularly do?

Unfortunately, I don't have time to do any sports or physical activities because of my work commitments. I'd like to find more time for regular exercise.

2. Which sport or game would you like to be good at?

I'd like to be good at tennis. It must be great to be able to hit the ball as hard as you can and watch it land exactly where you wanted it to.

3. Do you prefer watching or playing sports?

I don't watch much sport on TV and I'm not a big sports fan, so I think I would probably enjoy doing sports more than watching them.

4. Do you think children should be encouraged to do more sport?

Yes, I think that sport is really important for children. Sports and games teach children to play together and try their best.

Comments

[Anju Jose]

thank you very much for publishing such a good speaking topic with answers.

[Jennifer]

Thank you for your website,Simon!
My latest IELTS score:
Overall 7, listening 7.5, reading 8.5,
writing 6.5, speaking 6
Thank you very much for your website! The new year is coming, so I wish you a happy new year!

[Maryam]

Hi simon,
I am used to say "you know" in the beginnig and the middle of most of my answers. also, I often use "well" in the beginnig.
it seems like I am getting into the habit of using them.
Does this influence my score?

thanks

[Suresh]

Hi simon,
Let me take the opportunity to wish you Happy and a Prosperous New year to you.

I need a clarification on Writing Band calculation on GT,

In writing (General Training) we have two task, one is writing letters and the essay writting.

Let's assume I score Band 8 in Task 1 and 6.5 in task 2, will they average as 8+6.5=14.5. Hence, the average as 7.25 so the band score in writing would be 7 or is their any calculation behind it

[Simon]

Congratulations Jennifer! Happy new year to you too!

...

Hi Maryam,

Saying those things is quite natural and it won't have a negative effect on your score. Just make sure you don't say them TOO often (some people say 'you know' 3 times in one sentence!)

...

Hi Suresh,

No, it's a bit more complicated. Task 2 is worth two thirds (66.6%) of your writing score, and task 1 is worth one third (33.3%).

[saman]

Hi Simon, thank you very much for your kind answering, My score was 5 and I try to improve it, Does your site can help me? I need at least band 6.5? what should I do? what is your advise? I don't have enough time to get a class, I just can do myself. Thanks in advanced.

[sanam]

To Milad,

Thanks for you messege. Maybe you have mistaken me for the above person, Saman. I have not asked for any help and most important that I (Sanam) have not taken ielts yet. You can send ur messeges to Saman and NOT Sanam.

If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks

Sanam

[Light]

Dear Simon,

As there is another name similar to that of mine(Sanam) on this blog, I am going to change my name to Light so that you do not mistake me in case I post a question.

Thanks in advance

Light

[Laila]

Hi Simon,

Happy New Year!I like your website very much! Many thanks for your efforts.

[Abe]

Hi Simoon, thanks a lot for your great effort in this website. I have attended one day IELTS instruction course given by IELTS examiner. He says that in the introductory paragraph of writing tasks 1&2 just give an overview or general statements by paraphrasing the task sentences & not even mention changes in rate if it is task 1 or give your opinion if it is agree/disagree type of assays.
Given the fact that I have been stuck in 6.5 in writing while 7 in needed. I am really wondering if this approach is correct?
Best Wishes

[Simon]

Hi Saman,

I'm sure this website will help you. My advice is: try to follow the daily lessons on this site, use the Cambridge IELTS books for test practice, and try to find someone who can check your work and correct your mistakes. Good luck!

...

Hi Abe,

I more or less agree with the advice you were given. Have a look through my task 1 and 2 lessons to see my advice for introductions.

[Mary]

Hi Simon
How can I improve my reading and writing band? I need a band 7 in academic but I always get 5.5 in reading and 6 in writing. I don't know what technique to use really.

[KP]

Hi, Simon.
Thanks for providing such a great blog for learners.

I'd like to ask a question regards Speaking task 3.

Should I use "first-person narrative" or "third-person narrative" to answer questions from task 3.

For example,when talking about environmental issues,should I say:
"I think it's very controversial and I agree that....."
or
"Environmental problem is believed to be very controversial which..."

To me,first-person narrative is subjective while third-person narrative is more objective.Which one is suitable for speaking test?

Also, in your writing lessons, you've mentioned that writing should avoid "big words" which is forceful and unnatural. Does the same rule apply to speaking test?

Thanks so much.

[Simon]

Hi Mary,

I'm afraid there is no special technique or fast way to improve your score. Just keep working hard, follow the lessons on this site, use the Cambridge books for test practice, and take some lessons with a teacher who can check your work and highlight your mistakes.

...

Hi KP,

I definitely recommend speaking in the first person (I think...). Using "It is believed..." when someone asks YOU a question sounds very strange.

I didn't really mean that you should avoid ALL big words, just that you shouldn't memorise strange words that you find in the dictionary. If there is a question about a topic that you have read about in a newspaper, you might be able to use some RELEVANT big words that you read in the newspaper article. This advice is even more important for the speaking test - it sounds very strange when students use memorised 'big' words in normal conversation.

[gwapo]

1. What sports or physical activities do you regularly?

I'm a sport fan even I was little. I really love playing basketball.. If I'm off, I enjoy playing this game with my friends. However, these days I don't play basketball a lot as much as I used to.

2. Which sport or game would you like to be good at?
To be honest with you, I'm a solid basketball fan. Though there are lots of active sports out there or even more popular than basketball. I would still stick to it and do as much practice as I can to do well to this sport that I love doing ever since.

3. Do you prefer watching or playing sports?
Actually, I love both. It's really hard to choose between them but I'd rather play basketball more than watching t.v. I believe there are undeniably several benefits of playing the game instead of just sitting and watch it

4. Do you think children should be encouraged to do more sport?

I think they should be encouraged. The early the better.In fact, it can curb childhood obesity at the same time can widen their horizon through socialization which is health for their well being.

[gwapo]

3. Do you prefer watching or playing sports?
Actually, I love both. It's really hard to choose between them but I'd rather play basketball more than watching the game. I believe there are undeniably several benefits of playing the game instead of just sitting and watching it.

[Ming]

Hi Simon

Im confused.
Which is the proper one? 'Sport' or 'Sports'?

Please reply me as soon as possible!
Thank you

[murali603]

Frankly speaking, now a days i am not doing any sports or physical activity because of lack of time. But i am intrested in doing sport.

I want to be good at Cricket. if i want to do some sports then i prefer this only. Its good to see hitting bal with full force to make it to move over the boundry.

I prefer playing sports rather than watching sports on TV. But i almost watch all matches of Indian cricket on tv

Yes,I think children should be encouraged to do sports because it will be in socializing and making new friend and improve skills to work in team. That too its good for health also.