IELTS Speaking Topic: Sport & Exercise Part 1 2 3 – Vocabulary & Sample Answers

Sport & Exercise is a common theme in IELTS Writing and Speaking because it is closely related to daily life. To maximize your score, it is crucial to master relevant phrases, vocabulary, and structured ideas.

IELTS Speaking lasts 11–14 minutes and includes three parts. Though shorter than other sections, it contributes 25% of your total IELTS score.

• Part 1: The examiner asks general personal questions about life, family, hobbies, or education. Duration: 4–5 minutes.

• Part 2: You receive a cue card and have one minute to prepare, followed by a two-minute monologue. The examiner might ask follow-up questions.

• Part 3: A deeper discussion on the Part 2 topic, featuring AI‑style questions for elaboration and analysis.

Question: What is the most popular sport in your country?

Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport in my country. Known as the “King of Sports,” two teams compete on a pitch, trying to take possession of the ball, pass to teammates, and score a goal while avoiding injuries and fouls. People love football for its energy and electrifying atmosphere.

Vocabulary highlights:

• acquire reputation for something

• take possession of the ball

• pass to

• score a goal

Question: Are boys and girls interested in the same sports?

Male and female sports interests vary significantly. Boys tend toward strenuous sports like volleyball or badminton to build strength, whereas girls often prefer relaxing activities like yoga or ballet to stay healthy and maintain shape.

Vocabulary highlights:

• strenuous

• build up strength and muscle

• big fan of

• get into shape

Question: Do you know anyone who exercises?

One of my friends is a semi-professional footballer. He has been passionate about football since childhood and plays weekly at a mini stadium. I admire his persistence and dedication.

Vocabulary highlights:

• semi‑professional

• passion for something

• mini‑stadium

• persistence

Cue Card: Talk about your favorite sport

There are many sports I enjoy, but swimming is my favorite and is also a popular choice in Vietnam.

I first learned swimming at age 12 when my mother enrolled me in a course with a personal instructor. Previously I only played in the pool, but within two weeks I could swim comfortably. I learned underwater breathing and how to float with minimal effort.

I still swim every weekend at nearby pools to avoid Ho Chi Minh City’s intense heat. I love swimming because it keeps my body in shape and supports weight management. Mentally, immersing in water refreshes my mind and recharges me. Additionally, swimming has improved my digestion and increased my appetite.

Vocabulary highlights:

• on a regular basis

• signed up for

• personal instructor

• soak my body in the water

• make my body float

• requires a little investment

• maintain the habit of

• boiling hot

• keep my body in shape

• immersing myself in the water

• refreshes my mind

• recharges the battery

• digestive disorders

• delectable

Cue Card: Describe an activity you do alone in your free time

Riding my bicycle is my favorite solo activity. I live near a large lake in Hanoi, a bike-friendly city. Cycling became enjoyable so I now ride around parks and riversides on weekends, sometimes splitting off to local villages for a meal or picnic.

Cycling alone gives me solitude while enjoying nature and staying fit. I normally cover 20–25 miles casually—not racing. It’s just about enjoying the day, staying healthy, and escaping the city.

Vocabulary highlights:

• bike-friendly

• riverside

• get out and about

• end up in

• head back

• keep fit

Question: Why do people play different games when they grow up?

As people grow older, their interests evolve. Children enjoy simple games like hide and seek or playing with toys for pure fun. Adults often prefer more challenging or competitive games. That is why board games have gained popularity globally.

Vocabulary highlights:

• hide and seek

• have a blast

• lame

• the in thing

Question: What are the benefits for children playing outdoor games?

Outdoor play offers multiple benefits. Physically, children build strong bones, burn calories, and absorb vitamin D from sunlight. Emotionally and socially, stepping out of comfort zones helps them take risks, improve confidence, and learn to explore independently.

Vocabulary highlights:

• burn off calories

• step out of comfort zone

• push one’s boundaries

Sports Vocabulary

Equipment Vocabulary

• badminton racquet

• boxing glove

• running shoes

• tennis racquet

• golf club

• ice skates

Venue and Game Vocabulary

• football pitch

• swimming pool

• ice rink

• squash court

• boxing ring

Competition Vocabulary

• league table

• opponent

• spectator

• semi-final, quarter-final

• to play at home / away

Collocations

• break / set the world record

• commit a foul

• promote team spirit

• win the championship

• reach fever pitch (excited atmosphere)

• intense competition

• experience good physical and mental health

• enhance my state of health

• require training and specialized equipment

Idioms

• the ball is in your court (it’s your turn)

• give someone a run for their money

• blow the competition away

• hit below the belt (unfair action)

• call the shots (make decisions)

• down to the wire (until the final moment)

• master something

Ace the Sport & Exercise Topic with IDP

By mastering these vocabulary lists and sample structures, you will not only improve your IELTS Speaking score but also expand your everyday English fluency. Explore further topics and practice with IDs materials on vocabulary, writing tips, and expert strategies.

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