This topic often appears in the IELTS Speaking test. If you are passionate about sports, you probably already have a favorite athlete you look up to, making this a relatively easy topic to speak about. However, if you are not interested in sports, it might be more challenging. In this guide, IDP will help you master the vocabulary, structures, and sample answers needed to confidently tackle this topic.
1. Topic Analysis – Describe a Sportsperson You Admire (Part 2)
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, the examiner will give you a cue card with a specific topic. You will have one minute to prepare your ideas using the provided paper and pencil. Then, you are expected to speak for one to two minutes.
Cue card: Describe a sportsperson you admire You should say:
Who the person is
What sport he or she does
When you first heard about this person
And why you admire him or her
2. Suggested Outline for Describe a Sportsperson You Admire – Part 2
In this section, the examiner will assess your ability to develop ideas, maintain coherence, and use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar. Below are some suggestions to help you build an engaging and impressive response.
Who the person is
The person I admire is Serena Williams, a tennis legend known for her outstanding skills and remarkable achievements.
What sport he or she does
Serena Williams is a world-renowned tennis player whose inspiring journey and incredible success have made her one of the greatest athletes of all time.
When you first heard about this person
I first heard about Serena Williams when I was a teenager watching highlights of her Grand Slam performances.
Why you admire him or her
I admire Serena for her determination and strength to overcome obstacles in life. She inspires young athletes, especially women of color, and advocates for social issues like gender equality and racial justice.
3. Sample Answer – Describe an Athlete You Admire (Part 2)
The athlete I admire the most is Serena Williams, a tennis icon whose remarkable skills and incredible achievements have secured her place among the greatest athletes in history. Serena is a world-famous tennis player who has significantly influenced the sport.
She is widely regarded as one of the best players ever, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era. I first heard about Serena Williams when I was a teenager. Her matches were often on TV, and I was immediately impressed by her power, determination, and athleticism.
What I admire most is her resilience. Despite growing up in a disadvantaged area in Compton, California, she overcame many difficulties to become a champion. Her story shows that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
In conclusion, Serena Williams is not only a phenomenal tennis player but also a powerful role model. Her dedication, resilience, and commitment to social justice make her an inspirational figure I truly admire.
4. Sample Answer – Describe a Sportsperson from Your Country Who Did Well in a Sports Event (Part 3)
After Part 2, the examiner will ask follow-up questions to explore your ideas further. This part tests your ability to expand arguments and use vocabulary and grammar naturally.
Question: Should students have physical education and do sports at school?
Yes, I believe students should take part in physical education even if they do not enjoy it. Sports promote a healthy lifestyle, improve fitness, reduce stress, and help students build discipline and teamwork skills.
High-scoring vocabulary:
Alleviate stress
Self-discipline
Healthy lifestyle
Question: What qualities does a top athlete have?
Top athletes often possess dedication, natural talent, a strong mindset, and sometimes a bit of luck. However, I believe the most important factor is consistent effort and training. Talent alone cannot replace hard work.
Vocabulary:
Elite athlete
Persistent effort
Dedication
Question: Is talent important in sports?
Talent plays an important role in sports, but it is not everything. Take Usain Bolt for example. Although he is naturally gifted, his success came from his relentless training and mental strength. So I think talent must be paired with hard work and determination.
Vocabulary:
Inherent talent
Unwavering commitment
Rigorous training
Relentless effort
Mental fortitude
5. Vocabulary for the Topic “Describe a Sportsperson You Admire”
Vocabulary | Part of Speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Athlete | Noun | A sportsperson |
Championship | Noun | A sports competition |
Dedication | Noun | Commitment |
Endurance | Noun | Physical stamina |
Fitness | Noun | Physical health |
Endure | Verb | To tolerate or last through |
Persevere | Verb | To continue despite difficulties |
Practice | Verb | To train regularly |
Overcome | Verb | To successfully deal with a problem |
Excel | Verb | To be very good at something |
Talented | Adjective | Gifted, skillful |
Dedicated | Adjective | Committed and hardworking |
Resilient | Adjective | Strong, able to recover from hardship |
Determined | Adjective | Showing firm decision |
Athletic | Adjective | Physically strong and fit |
Passionate | Adjective | Showing strong emotion or belief |
Inspirational | Adjective | Motivating others |
Admirably | Adverb | In a way that deserves respect |
Passionately | Adverb | With great passion |
Relentlessly | Adverb | Without stopping |
Determinedly | Adverb | With determination |
Skillfully | Adverb | With skill |
Wholeheartedly | Adverb | With complete sincerity |
Amazingly | Adverb | In an impressive way |
Professional athlete | Noun | A person who plays sports for a living |
Physical fitness | Noun | A state of good health and strength |
Training regimen | Noun | A planned training routine |
Competitive spirit | Noun | The desire to compete and win |
Mental toughness | Noun | Mental strength |
Inspirational figure | Noun | A person who inspires others |
Sporting achievement | Noun | A success in sports |
Common Phrases and Idioms for “Describe a Sportsperson You Admire”
Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
On top of their game | Performing at their best |
The ball is in your court | It is your decision |
Hit it out of the park | Do something very well |
Give it your best shot | Try your hardest |
A level playing field | Fair conditions for all |
Keep your eye on the ball | Stay focused |
Be a good sport | Be gracious in defeat or victory |
Throw in the towel | To give up |
Ahead of the game | Be more advanced or prepared |
Take it on the chin | Accept difficulty bravely |
Achieve great success | Become very successful |
Break a record | Set a new best result |
Overcome obstacles | Defeat challenges |
Set a high standard | Be a role model of excellence |
Serve as a role model | Inspire others through example |
Show exceptional skill | Perform with great talent |
Demonstrate dedication | Prove your commitment |
Inspire others | Motivate others to act |
Excel in their field | Be the best in their area |
Face challenges head-on | Deal with problems directly |
Master Vocabulary for “Describe a Sportsperson You Admire” with IDP
We hope these sample phrases and vocabulary lists help you confidently speak about a sportsperson you admire in your IELTS Speaking test. Using these expressions effectively will help you express admiration clearly and impressively.
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