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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe Your Favourite Sport: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 15, 2024, 15:13

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt used in the Speaking test where you are asked to speak about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. These cue cards are essential to the test and are designed to assess your ability to speak fluently and coherently in English.

 

One such topic is  "Describe Your Favourite Sport." You'll be discussing your preferred sport, how you initially discovered it, the frequency of your practice, and why it holds such significance for you. This allows you to share personal insights and anecdotes related to your chosen sport, highlighting its importance in your life.

 

On this page, we'll explore sample answers to help you understand how to structure your response effectively.

 

Cue Card/Topic:Describe Your Favourite Sport

You should say

  • What sport it is?
  • How did you first know about it?
  • How often do you practice?
  • Why it is your favorite sport?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What sport is it?)

 

  • My favourite sport is badminton. It's a popular sport in India, especially among youngsters. 
  • The first time I came to know about badminton was when I saw my elder brother playing it in our backyard. 
  • From that moment, I was hooked and eager to learn more about the sport.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest  (Covers: How did you first know about it?)

 

  • I was introduced to badminton at a young age when my brother invited me to join him for a game. 
  • Initially, I was hesitant, but as soon as I held the racket and hit the shuttlecock, I felt a rush of excitement. 
  • The fast-paced nature of the game and the thrill of smashing the shuttlecock across the net instantly captured my interest.
  • Since then, I have been passionate about badminton and have dedicated myself to improving my skills on the court.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How often do you practice?)

 

  • I try to practice badminton at least three times a week. 
  • Whether it's playing singles matches with friends or participating in doubles tournaments at my local club, I always make time for the sport I love. 
  • Practising regularly not only helps me stay fit and active but also allows me to refine my techniques and strategies on the court.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why it is your favourite sport?)

 

  • Badminton is my favourite sport for several reasons. 
  • Firstly, I enjoy the physical and mental challenges it presents, keeping me engaged and motivated during each game. 
  • Secondly, the sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among fellow players adds to the overall enjoyment of playing badminton. 
  • Lastly, the thrill of scoring points and achieving victory fills me with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, making badminton my go-to sport for recreation and competition alike.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction  (Covers: What sport is it?)

 

  • My favourite sport is cricket, a game deeply ingrained in the fabric of Indian culture. 
  • Cricket found its way into my life through the lively streets of my neighbourhood, where children would gather to play impromptu matches. 
  • Watching cricket matches with my family on lazy Sunday afternoons further sparked my interest in the sport.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did you first know about it?)

 

  • My fascination with cricket began when I witnessed the sheer excitement and fervour surrounding matches played in stadiums across the country. 
  • The passion of the players, the roar of the crowd, and the strategic gameplay captured my imagination. 
  • From that moment on, I became an ardent follower of the sport, eagerly awaiting every match and tournament.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How often do you practice?)

 

  • I make it a point to play cricket whenever I can, whether it's playing with friends at a local ground or participating in office cricket tournaments. 
  • The camaraderie shared among teammates and the adrenaline rush of hitting boundaries and taking wickets make every game memorable. 
  • Additionally, the lessons of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance learned through cricket resonate with me both on and off the field.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why it is your favourite sport?)

 

  • Cricket is my favourite sport because it encapsulates the essence of unity, passion, and pride. 
  • It's more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon that unites people from all walks of life. 
  • The thrill of cricket matches, the camaraderie among players, and the sense of belonging to a larger community make cricket an integral part of my identity. 
  • As I continue to cherish cricket's timeless appeal, I am reminded of its enduring legacy and its ability to bring people together in celebration of sport.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What sport is it?)

 

  • My favourite sport is football, a sport that has captivated the hearts of millions across India. 
  • It was during a family gathering that I first witnessed the exhilarating atmosphere of a football match on television. 
  • From that moment, I was drawn to the energy and excitement that surrounded the game.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did you first know about it?)

 

  • My interest in football deepened as I started playing with friends in our local park. 
  • The thrill of kicking the ball and scoring goals ignited a passion within me for the sport. 
  • Watching professional football matches further fueled my enthusiasm, as I admired the skill and dedication of players like Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia.

 

Key Highlights  (Covers: How often do you practice?)

 

  • I try to practice football at least three times a week, whether it's playing with friends or participating in amateur leagues. 
  • The camaraderie shared among teammates and the competitive spirit of the game keep me motivated to improve my skills. 
  • Additionally, football has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship, which I apply both on and off the field.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why it is your favourite sport?)

 

  • Football holds a special place in my heart because it transcends boundaries and brings people together in unity and celebration. 
  • The excitement of football matches, the camaraderie among players, and the sense of belonging to a global community make football my favourite sport. 
  • As I continue to cherish football's timeless appeal, I am grateful for the joy and inspiration it brings into my life.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some guiding points. You’ll have one minute to prepare your response and then speak for up to two minutes.

 

The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe Your Favourite Sport”:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Begin by introducing your favourite sport.
  • Mention why you enjoy it and how long you've been involved in it.
  • Provide a brief overview of what the sport entails.

 

Describing Your Experience:

 

  • Share how you first discovered the sport and why it appealed to you.
  • Discuss your personal experiences playing or watching the sport.
  • Explain what aspects of the sport you find most enjoyable or interesting.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Highlight any memorable moments or achievements related to the sport.
  • Discuss the physical or mental benefits you derive from participating in the sport.
  • Mention any role models or inspirations within the sport that have influenced you.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise why the sport is your favourite and what it means to you.
  • Reflect on the impact the sport has had on your life.
  • Conclude with a final thought or reflection on your passion for the sport.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you finish speaking about your cue card topic, the examiner will ask follow-up questions. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. 

 

You should expect to answer questions related to your personal experiences, opinions, or general ideas about the topic.

 

Q1. What sports are popular in your country?

Answer 1: In India, cricket is undeniably the most popular sport, followed by football and field hockey. These sports have a massive fan base and attract significant attention during tournaments and matches. Additionally, traditional sports like kabaddi and wrestling also enjoy widespread popularity, especially in rural areas.

 

Answer 2: Popular sports in India vary regionally, with some states having a strong affinity for traditional games like kho kho and gilli-danda. However, cricket remains a unifying force across the nation, transcending cultural and regional differences to unite people in their love for the game.

Q2. What are the major differences between ‘extreme sports’ and ordinary sports?

Answer 1: Extreme sports often involve high levels of risk and adrenaline, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and snowboarding. These sports require specialised skills and equipment, and participants often seek thrills and challenges beyond traditional sports.

 

Answer 2: Ordinary sports, on the other hand, are more mainstream and typically involve structured gameplay with established rules and regulations. Activities like football, tennis, and swimming focus on skill, strategy, and teamwork rather than the adrenaline rush associated with extreme sports.

Q3. What do you think of expensive sports?

Answer 1: Expensive sports, such as golf and polo, often require substantial financial investment in equipment, facilities, and coaching. While these sports may be inaccessible to many due to their high costs, they offer unique experiences and opportunities for networking and socialising.

 

Answer 2: Although expensive sports can be elitist, they also contribute to the economy through tourism, sponsorships, and sporting events. Additionally, initiatives to promote accessibility and inclusivity in sports aim to make these activities more accessible to individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Q4. Why do people dislike playing sports?

Answer 1: Some people may dislike playing sports due to a lack of interest or motivation, preferring other forms of physical activity or leisure pursuits. Additionally, negative past experiences, such as injuries or bullying during sports activities, can deter individuals from participating in sports.

 

Answer 2: Physical limitations, health conditions, or disabilities may also prevent people from enjoying sports. Furthermore, societal pressures, stereotypes, or cultural attitudes towards gender roles in sports may discourage certain individuals from engaging in physical activities. Efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in sports can help address these barriers and encourage broader participation.

FAQs

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. No, you must speak on the topic provided by the examiner during the speaking test. Attempting to change the topic may result in penalties and could impact your score.

Q. Which tense is used in cue card?

Ans. The tense used in the cue card prompt may vary depending on the specific topic. It could be in the present, past, or future tense. Pay attention to the instructions and tailor your response accordingly.

Q. How to answer part 2 in IELTS?

Ans. To answer Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, carefully read the cue card prompt, take one minute to plan your response, and then speak for two minutes on the given topic. Structure your response with an introduction, main body, and conclusion, and aim for fluency, coherence, and accuracy in your speech.

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