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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Famous Athlete You Know: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 13, 2024, 05:23

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking test, a cue card is a tool used to assess your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a specific topic. You receive a card with a topic and prompts, which you must discuss for 1-2 minutes.

 

For the cue card "Describe a Famous Athlete You Know," you'll be asked to talk about a renowned sports figure who stands out to you. This could be an athlete from any sport known for their accomplishments, skills, or personal qualities. You'll discuss their career highlights, what makes them famous, and why you admire them. This topic allows you to showcase your ability to speak about a specific individual and reflect on their impact both on and off the field.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Famous Athlete You Know

You should say

  • Who he/she is?
  • How do you know him/her?
  • What has he/she achieved?
  • And explain why he/she is famous.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Who he/she is?)

 

  • One famous athlete I admire is Serena Williams, a professional tennis player. Known for her powerful game and resilience, Serena has made a significant impact in the world of sports.
  • I first became aware of Serena Williams through her numerous Grand Slam victories. Her presence on the court and her ability to dominate matches has made her a household name.
  • She has been an inspiration to many young athletes, especially women, showcasing what dedication and hard work can achieve in sports.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How do you know him/her?)

 

  • I started following Serena Williams when she won her first major Grand Slam, and since then, I have watched many of her matches. Her determination and skill are truly impressive.
  • I’ve read several interviews and articles about her career, which have deepened my appreciation for her. Her journey through challenges and setbacks is quite motivating.
  • I admire her not only for her sportsmanship but also for her advocacy on social issues and her entrepreneurial ventures off the court.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What has he/she achieved?)

 

  • Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era. This achievement highlights her dominance and consistency in tennis.
  • She has held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 319 weeks, showcasing her long-term excellence in the sport.
  • Beyond her athletic achievements, Serena has also been a powerful voice for gender equality and has used her platform to address various social issues.

 

Conclusion (Covers: And explain why he/she is famous?)

 

  • Serena Williams is famous not just for her impressive records but also for her influence both on and off the court. Her achievements have set a high standard in tennis.
  • She continues to inspire many people with her resilience, hard work, and dedication to her sport and her causes.
  • Personally, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and dedication from Serena Williams. Her journey teaches us that with passion and effort, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Who he/she is?)

 

  • One famous athlete I admire is Sachin Tendulkar, a legendary cricketer from India. Known as the "Little Master," he has made a significant impact on the sport of cricket with his exceptional skills.
  • I first became familiar with Sachin Tendulkar through his remarkable performances in international cricket, where he has set numerous records. His talent and dedication have made him a beloved figure in Indian sports.
  • Sachin has inspired countless cricket enthusiasts and aspiring athletes, showcasing what commitment and hard work can achieve.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How do you know him/her?)

 

  • I started following Sachin Tendulkar's career during the 1990s when he was making headlines with his incredible batting performances. I have watched many of his memorable matches and innings.
  • I’ve read several biographies and articles about his career, which have enhanced my admiration for him. His ability to maintain top form over two decades is truly inspiring.
  • I appreciate Sachin not only for his cricketing prowess but also for his humility and dedication to charitable causes off the field.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What has he/she achieved?)

 

  • Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in the history of international cricket, with over 34,000 runs in Tests and One Day Internationals combined. This record highlights his unparalleled skill and longevity in the game.
  • He has scored 100 international centuries, a feat no other cricketer has achieved, demonstrating his consistency and excellence.
  • Beyond his on-field achievements, Sachin has been awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, and has contributed significantly to various charitable causes.

 

Conclusion (Covers: And explain why he/she is famous?)

 

  • Sachin Tendulkar is famous not only for his cricketing records but also for his influence on the sport and his role as a national hero. His contributions have set a benchmark in cricket.
  • He continues to inspire many with his dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship. His career serves as a powerful example of how passion and hard work lead to success.
  • Personally, I have learned the value of resilience and dedication from Sachin Tendulkar. His journey shows that with commitment and effort, one can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Who he/she is?)

 

  • A famous athlete I admire is Mary Kom, an Indian boxer known for her remarkable achievements in the sport. Often referred to as "Magnificent Mary," she has gained international recognition for her boxing skills.
  • I first learned about Mary Kom through her inspiring performances in various boxing championships and the Olympics. Her achievements have made her a celebrated figure in Indian sports.
  • Mary Kom's dedication and success have motivated many aspiring athletes, especially women, to pursue their dreams in sports.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How do you know him/her?)

 

  • I began following Mary Kom's career when she won her first World Boxing Championship. Her resilience and skill in the ring immediately caught my attention.
  • I’ve watched several of her fights and interviews, which have deepened my respect for her. Her ability to excel in a sport that is often dominated by men is incredibly impressive.
  • I admire Mary Kom not only for her boxing achievements but also for her role as a mentor and advocate for women in sports.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What has he/she achieved?)

 

  • Mary Kom is a six-time World Boxing Champion, making her one of the most successful female boxers in history. Her dominance in the ring is widely recognised.
  • She has also won an Olympic bronze medal, adding to her list of significant achievements and showcasing her talent on the global stage.
  • Mary Kom's influence extends beyond her boxing career, as she actively promotes women's empowerment and has been involved in various charitable activities.

 

Conclusion (Covers: And explain why he/she is famous?)

 

  • Mary Kom is famous not only for her impressive boxing records but also for her impact on the sport and society. Her achievements have set a high standard for female athletes.
  • She continues to inspire many with her perseverance, strength, and commitment to her sport and community. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work.
  • Personally, I have learned about the importance of resilience and perseverance from Mary Kom. Her journey illustrates that with dedication and passion, one can overcome obstacles and achieve excellence.

 

Also Read:

 

Understanding how to answer IELTS cue card topics effectively is crucial for performing well in the Speaking test. When you know how to structure your responses, you can present your ideas clearly and confidently, making the most of the 2-minute speaking time. This preparation helps you stay focused and organised, ensuring that you cover all necessary points and maximise your score.

 

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will give you a card with a topic and a minute to prepare your response. You will then speak for up to 2 minutes about the topic. 

 

Introduction (Covers: Who he/she is?)

 

  • State the athlete’s name and the sport they are known for.
  • Give a brief overview of their fame or achievements.
  • Mention why you chose this athlete.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How do you know him/her?)

 

  • Describe any personal experiences related to the athlete.
  • Explain why you find their achievements impressive.
  • Mention any qualities or traits you admire in them.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What has he/she achieved?)

 

  • Highlight major awards or records they hold.
  • Discuss significant moments in their career.
  • Mention any impact they have had on their sport or society.

 

Conclusion (Covers: And explain why he/she is famous?)

 

  • Recap why you admire the athlete.
  • Reflect on their overall impact.
  • Conclude with a final thought about their significance to you.

Follow-Up Questions

In the final part of the IELTS Speaking test, known as the follow-up questions or Part 3, the examiner will engage you in a two-way discussion based on the topic you spoke about in Part 2. This segment lasts for 4-5 minutes and allows you to explore the topic more deeply. You’ll be asked to share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions on related issues. For instance, if you spoke about a famous athlete, you might be asked about the characteristics of athletes or the popularity of sports. This part of the interview tests your ability to discuss abstract concepts and provide detailed responses.

Q1. What kinds of exercises do Indian people like?

Answer 1: In India, people often prefer exercises like yoga and cricket. Yoga, with its focus on flexibility and mental well-being, is deeply embedded in Indian culture. Cricket, a widely followed sport, involves various fitness routines and is popular across different age groups for maintaining physical health and social interaction.

 

Answer 2: Many Indians enjoy jogging and traditional exercises such as weight training. Jogging is common in urban areas for its simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining cardiovascular health. Weight training is popular in gyms and reflects the growing awareness of fitness, especially among younger generations interested in bodybuilding and strength training.

Q2. What characteristics do you think an athlete should have?

Answer 1: An athlete should have determination and discipline. Determination enables them to overcome obstacles and persist through tough training regimes. Discipline is crucial for adhering to strict schedules, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying committed to their sport, all of which are essential for achieving top performance.

 

Answer 2: Focus and resilience are also vital traits for an athlete. Focus helps them concentrate on their performance and goals, especially during high-pressure situations. Resilience allows them to bounce back from injuries and setbacks, maintaining their drive and enthusiasm despite challenges and failures in their sporting career.

Q3. Why are there so few top athletes?

Answer 1: The rarity of top athletes can be attributed to the combination of exceptional talent, rigorous training, and intense competition. Many aspiring athletes may not reach the top level due to the high demands of the sport, including the need for continuous improvement and overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.

 

Answer 2: There is a scarcity of top athletes because developing elite-level talent requires significant resources and support. Many talented individuals lack access to quality coaching, training facilities, and financial backing, which are crucial for reaching the highest levels of competition and achieving notable success in their sport.

Q4. What's the best way to become a top athlete?

Answer 1: To become a top athlete, one should focus on consistent, high-quality training and a strong commitment to their sport. This involves regular practice, working with experienced coaches, and continuously improving techniques. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and rest is essential to optimise performance and achieve peak results.

 

Answer 2: Achieving top athletic status also requires setting clear goals and persevering through challenges. Athletes should surround themselves with a supportive team, including coaches, family, and mentors, who can provide guidance and motivation. Embracing a growth mindset, where one is open to learning and adapting, plays a crucial role in reaching the highest levels of success.

FAQs

Q. Is the IELTS speaking test easy?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test isn’t necessarily easy, but it can be manageable with preparation. It evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English through a conversation with the examiner. To perform well, practice speaking on a variety of topics, improve your fluency and pronunciation, and become familiar with the test format. Confidence and preparation are key to doing well in this part of the exam.

Q. Are speaking tests for Academic and General the same?

Ans. Yes, the speaking tests for both Academic and General IELTS are the same. They both involve a face-to-face interview with an examiner and are divided into three parts: an introduction and interview, a long turn where you speak on a topic, and a discussion related to the topic. The content of the topics may differ, but the speaking test format and assessment criteria are identical.

Q. How do I frame my answer in 1 minute?

Ans. To frame your answer effectively in one minute, start by addressing the main point directly. Then, provide a brief explanation or example to support your point. Lastly, conclude with a summary or a final thought. Practice structuring your answers with a clear introduction, a few supporting points, and a concise conclusion to ensure you cover all aspects of the question within the time limit.

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