IELTS Speaking Part 3 Model Answers: Sport

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Here are some IELTS questions and model answers for the topic of sport in Speaking Part 3. This topic can appear in part 1 and part 2 as well.

This topic isn’t just about sport, but also about exercise in general. Make sure you don’t confuse exercise and sport – they are two different things even though they overlap. This part of the test takes 4-5 mins and it is the part when you can speak more freely, give longer answers, express your opinions and talk about the world in general. It’s also the part when the examiner can challenge your answers so be ready for that – this is the discussion part of the IELTS Speaking Test. These questions are not about you personally, but world issues.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions & Answers: SPORT

Note: These questions appear each year in the test so they are definitely worth preparing for. The model answers below are only an example of the many ways the questions can be answered. You can give whatever opinion you wish, but do explain it well for a high score.

1. Do you think children get enough exercise these days?  ANSWER

No, I don’t. Personally, I think that children spend too much time sitting in front of computers or tablets instead of being outside playing and exercising. A few generations ago, children were much more active but nowadays they only do exercise at school during PE lessons. I think that’s a problem because it will really impact their health later on. It’s hardly surprising that obesity is on the rise.

  • Comment: Is it ok to give information that isn’t asked for, such as giving your opinion about the effects of lacking of exercise when it isn’t asked for? The answer – yes, it’s fine. You can take the questions in any direction you want and the examiner will direct you from there. Part 3 is the flexible part of the speaking test and you should allow the examiner to guide you through it by challenging your answers or asking for more details.

2. Do you think exercise is important? ANSWER

Yes, very much so. Of course, there are the health implications. I mean, exercise is essential to ensure that we burn off calories and encourage blood to circulate as well as all the other health benefits it brings. But it’s also important for our mental health. It’s a way to release stress and become more mindful. As technology develops, people are living more and more sedentary lifestyles so we must focus on exercise to ensure we lead a balanced life.

  • Comment: The examiner isn’t testing your knowledge. So, just try to speak naturally and give your opinions confidently. Even an answer like the one above, which contains limited ideas will still get a good band score because ideas are not marked in IELTS Speaking (ideas are marked in IELTS Writing Task 2)

3. Is there a difference between exercises or sports that boys like and those that girls usually enjoy?  ANSWER

Well, I’m not sure. Traditionally, boys tended to prefer doing more strenuous, active and competitive sports which required more strength and stamina, such as football, boxing or basketball, whereas girls often preferred more relaxing and gentle exercises, like yoga or walking. However, these days things are different. There are many female football teams now and many boys take up yoga. I don’t think sports are so gender oriented any more, which is great, and I hope sports will continue to diversify in the future.

  • Comment – it’s great not to take a black and white new of issues in the speaking test. Part 3 is a discussion and it’s great to open topics up to discussion about how things have changed or your personal views on things. It takes confidence to do this in English which is great for your band score. And as you will notice, it also means, particularly in the answer above, that you could end up using a variety of tenses.

4. How can parents encourage their children to take more exercise? ANSWER

To be honest, I don’t think it’s easy for parents to encourage their children to be more active. However, one possible way would be for parents to get involved in sports themselves and take their children along to join in. I think, if exercise is made fun for children and they can do it together with their parents, it would probably result in more children being more active.

  • Comment – you are not restricted to how many solutions you offer in your answer. But for the speaking test, it’s always best to explain what you mean in detail rather than giving a list of solutions. The more details you give, the better.

5. Do you think sports have changed much over the last few decades? ANSWER

Yes, I do. I think one of the main changes has been in sports technology which is so much more advanced now than it was years ago. For example, the speed with which tennis players can hit the ball now is so much faster mainly because rackets are made from compost materials which provide more durability and power. Also, there is a trend for more extreme sports such as such as skydiving, bungee jumping and kitesurfing, which are getting more and more popular.

6. What are the benefits of international sports events? ANSWER

That’s an interesting question. Let me see, well I guess one of the main benefits is that it encourages international cooperation. I mean, sports are a neutral, non-political activity that can bring countries together in a peaceful way. Although, they are competitive, events still promote international harmony between countries and reminds us all that we are all on one planet living together. Also, it’s a great way for people to open their eyes to cultures and countries that are different from their own. It’s a way to promote tolerance and understanding, which are seriously needed in the world today. And of course, international sporting events are just great fun for everyone. It’s a time for people to feel proud of their country and support their sports professionals. I think that can be really inspiring for young people.

7. Are there any downsides to international sports events? ANSWER

Yes, there are. I think the most obvious disadvantage is the cost. When a country offers to host an big sporting event, like the Olympics, they have to build new facilities, expand infrastructure, spend money on security and pay for labour costs. For countries that aren’t rich, this is a huge burden. Certainly, there can be financial advantages to hosting, but it the costs are still enormous. Some countries have also been known to use slave labour for sporting events which really goes against everything that international sports events represent.

8. Do sports people make good role models? ANSWER

That’s a good question. I haven’t really thought about that before. I guess I would say that on the whole, they make good role models. I mean a professional sports person is someone who has dedicated their time and energy to their discipline and that is a great lesson for all young people, particular those who lack the motivation or determination to apply themselves to something. However, not all of them are good role models. I mean, some of them have been caught taking drugs to enhance their performance, which is obviously a terrible model for young people.

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Note: As you see, my answers are written in speaking style with expressions like “I mean” and “let me see”. The IELTS Speaking Test is informal so do get used to using a more relaxed way of speaking.

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Comments

  1. Wonderful Adu-Gyamfi says
    November 11, 2024 at

    Greetings Liz. I wrote my ielts on 13 October and I had 8.5 in reading and 7.5 in all, I want to thank you for the good work you do. May God heal you for this good work

    Reply
  2. ZAP says
    October 26, 2024 at

    Hi dear liz.
    Let me first appreciate the selfless work you do for the thousands of ielts aspirants throughout the world. That is undoubtedly a great service for mankind for which I am at a loss of words to express my true sentiments.
    It just crossed my mind a while ago and it might not be relevant to the topic but I was wondering where did you get your training from as an ielts examiner, BC or IDP. I am asking this because I am still indecisive about which one to choose for my test which I am planning to take next month. I have been following your lessons for quite some time and I find them way easier and logical. Your reply help in my decision.

    Reply
    • Liz says
      October 27, 2024 at

      I think you might have misunderstood IELTS if you think there is a different types of IELTS or different marking systems between IDP and BC. IELTS is a company owned by three companies: BC, IDP and Cambridge. They all worked together as one for IELTS. Cambridge is responsible for writing the tests. BC and IDP manage those tests in their centers and train the examiners in the same way because it is the same company (IELTS). So, if you take the test in BC or IDP, it is the same test because all tests are written by Cambridge. The way examiners are trained in BC and IDP is the same, because it is all one company – IELTS. So, there is no difference in examiners from BC or IDP – because they are all IELTS examiners working for IELTS. And all candidates take the same tests.

      When it comes to individual testing centers around the world, they can vary sometimes. This is because some of the them have different facilities, such as some using headphones for the listening test, but some might still use loud speakers (referring to the paper test). This has nothing to do with BC or IDP, but just variations in what test centers can offer – varying from center to center, city to city and country to country. So, before you book your test, you contact all the test centers in your area to find one that you feel is most convenient for you.

      Reply
  3. chandu says
    October 24, 2024 at

    what are the hardest questions asked about sports/sports person in IELTS speaking part 3 ?

    Reply
    • Liz says
      October 24, 2024 at

      I’ve just put a few more questions and answers for this topic on the page above, so have a look. Some of them are considered quite tricky for this topic.

      Reply
  4. Ela says
    February 26, 2024 at

    Hi Liz. I wonder if I can mention hiking in the forest and mountains as sports, or can I mention chess as a sport I’ve played in childhood or I would like to learn in the future?

    Reply
    • Liz says
      February 26, 2024 at

      Chess is generally considered a game rather than a sport. For something to be categorised as a sport, it needs to involve exercise. Hiking is exercise, which some people consider a sport and could more or less fit into this topic as long as you explain that you don’t do conventional sports but do exercise.

      Reply

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