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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.

When preparing for IELTS at IDP, you can choose to take the IELTS on computer with flexible test dates available every week. Don’t forget to explore IELTS test locations near you.

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About this Article

Published on 12 December, 2024

About this Author

One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục