The cue card
Describe a sport or physical activity that you have never done but would like to try.
You should say:
- what the sport is
- how you know about it
- what you would need to do it
- and explain why you would like to try it
Band 7 sample answer
A sport I have never played but would love to try is rock climbing. I have been interested in it for around two years, ever since I saw a climber on a documentary scaling a huge cliff with nothing but his hands and a rope.
I also know a few people who do it indoors. A colleague of my brother goes to a climbing gym twice a week, and he showed me videos of routes with colourful holds on a tall wall. It looks like a mixture of physical strength and problem-solving, because you have to plan every move. To start, I would need special shoes, a harness and a qualified instructor, and I would begin on an easy wall before trying anything outdoors.
I want to try it for a few reasons. Firstly, I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, and I need a more active hobby. Secondly, climbing seems to improve concentration and confidence, which would be good for my studies. Lastly, in Uzbekistan we have beautiful mountains in the Chimgan area, and I would love to climb there one day. I am a little afraid of heights, but I think that is another reason to try, because overcoming it would feel rewarding.
My parents are worried that it is dangerous, so I have promised to start only with a qualified instructor. I think that is a reasonable compromise, and I hope that once they see how careful the training is, they will support me completely.
About 253 words, roughly 2 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- adrenaline — a hormone that gives excitement and energy
- get in shape — become physically fit
- stamina — ability to continue effort for a long time
- a beginner's class — a lesson for new learners
- equipment — tools needed for an activity
- outdoor pursuit — activity done outside
- push my limits — go beyond what I think I can do
Tips for this cue card
- Use second conditional language: “If I had time, I would...”.
- Explain both health and personal reasons.
- Mention one worry and how you would deal with it.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Why are some sports more popular than others?
Idea: Cost, climate, media coverage and success of national teams shape popularity.
Should governments spend money on sports facilities?
Idea: Yes, because accessible facilities improve public health and give young people positive activities.
Are extreme sports too dangerous?
Idea: They carry risk, but with training and safety equipment many people enjoy them responsibly.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.