Are you a passionate fan of a specific sport? Or do you simply enjoy watching matches and tournaments? Regardless of your answer, the topic “Talk about your favorite sport” in the IELTS Speaking test is an exciting opportunity to share your interests and opinions about sports.
In this guide, IDP will show you how to tackle this topic effectively—from generating ideas to using relevant vocabulary and sentence structures—so you can confidently perform your best in the IELTS Speaking test.
1. Common Questions – IELTS Speaking Part 1: Talk About Your Favorite Sport
Do you like playing sports?
What sports are popular in your country?
Do you like watching sports programmes on TV?
What sport would you like to try in the future?
What is your favorite sports star?
Do you regularly participate in sports activities?
Do you prefer team sports or individual sports?
Do you prefer to watch sports games alone or with a group of friends?
2. Sample Answers – IELTS Speaking Part 1
Question: Do you like playing sports?
If outdoor walking qualifies as a sport, then it is definitely a yes from me. I enjoy taking leisurely strolls in the park, and sometimes I switch to a light jog. This weekly routine helps me recharge mentally and physically, offering a break from my otherwise sedentary lifestyle. I especially enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings during these moments.
Question: What sports are popular in your country?
In Vietnam, football is definitely the most popular sport. It is easy to play, requiring only a ball and makeshift goalposts made from bags or clothing. The simplicity, fast pace, and competitive spirit make football both exciting to play and fun to watch.
Question: What sport would you like to try in the future?
If I had more free time, I would love to try tennis. It looks like a great way to improve both my physical health and mental focus. Plus, it seems like a fun activity to enjoy with friends or family while building stronger social bonds.
3. IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Talk About Your Favorite Sport
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will need to speak continuously for about 1–2 minutes on a specific topic given by the examiner on a cue card. This is the part where you demonstrate your ability to speak coherently, develop ideas, and use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar.
Talk about your favorite sport or game
You should say:
What the sport is
How did you first know about it?
How often do you practice?
And explain why it is your favorite sport.
4. Sample Outline – Football
Below is a sample outline and sample arguments you can refer to for the topic “Talk about your favorite sport - Football”
What the sport is | Football is my absolute favorite sport, and it's incredibly popular among youngsters Whether it's watching thrilling matches, emulating our favorite international football stars, or participating in local tournaments, football has a special place in the hearts of Vietnamese youth |
How did you first know about it?
| I came to know about it when I was 15 years old. My school had a big sports stadium in which all sports were played such as cricket, football, basketball, volleyball and various others. I had an interest in football as compared to the remaining activities. |
How often do you practice?
| I used to play it after school with my friends as it was the only free time I have for the whole day. |
And explain why it is your favorite sport.
| This sport has many advantages which improves both the physical and mentally peace of a person It also teaches me teamwork skills which would help me further in my life. Whether it's the thrill of competition, the camaraderie with teammates, or the sheer joy of playing, it has been a source of happiness and fulfillment in my life. |
5. Sample Answer – IELTS Speaking Part 2: Badminton
Talk about your favorite sport – Badminton
I’d like to talk about badminton, which has consistently been one of my all-time favorite sports.
Although it may appear simple at first glance, the rules of badminton can be rather intricate for beginners. Essentially, a player scores a point when their opponent fails to return the shuttlecock within a single hit. Conversely, if the shuttle goes out of bounds during a serve, the opposing player is awarded the point. A typical set ends when one side reaches 21 points. However, if the score is tied at 20–20, the game must continue until one side achieves a two-point lead, making it even more intense and competitive.
Thanks to the flexibility of my work schedule, I’m fortunate enough to play badminton in the morning without compromising my professional responsibilities. I usually aim to play at least twice a week, preferably on weekdays, since it’s easier to reserve a court when most people are at work. The only downside is finding a playing partner, as many of my friends are unavailable during that time.
What makes badminton so compelling to me is that it demands both physical stamina and mental sharpness, while also being immensely enjoyable and strategically engaging. It’s a sport that requires speed, endurance, agility, and a well-thought-out game plan. Given that it involves constant running, jumping, and swift directional changes, it serves as an excellent way to boost cardiovascular health, enhance muscle tone, and elevate overall physical fitness.
6. Sample Questions – IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question: What are the benefits of playing sports?
Playing sports improves physical health and mental well-being. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases and boosts endurance. It also relieves stress, builds confidence, and encourages teamwork and discipline—essential skills in work and life.
Question: How can sports bring people together from different countries?
Sports unite people through shared passion, regardless of language or culture. International events like the Olympics allow people to connect, celebrate, and foster global understanding and solidarity.
7. Useful Vocabulary – Talk About Your Favorite Sport
Sports Vocabulary
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Badminton | A racquet sport played with a shuttlecock | I usually play badminton every weekend. |
Football | Soccer | Football is very popular in Vietnam. |
Table tennis | Ping pong | Table tennis requires sharp reflexes. |
Archery | Sport of shooting arrows | Archery teaches patience and precision. |
Martial arts | Combat sports | Martial arts build self-discipline. |
Rugby | Contact team sport | Rugby is intense but builds teamwork. |
Windsurfing | Surfing with a sail | Windsurfing is thrilling and fun. |
Equipment Vocabulary
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Tennis racquet | Equipment for playing tennis | I borrowed a tennis racquet from my coach. |
Fishing rod | Used for fishing | We set up our fishing rods early in the morning. |
Skateboard | Used for skating | I learned to skateboard when I was 10. |
Baseball bat | Used in baseball | He hit the ball with the bat so hard it left the field. |
General Sports Vocabulary
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Champion | Winner of a tournament | She became the national tennis champion. |
Competitive spirit | Willingness to compete | Sports helped me develop a competitive spirit. |
Scoring opportunities | Chances to score | We missed several scoring opportunities. |
Resilience | Mental and physical strength | Her resilience is admirable. |
Home crowd | Local audience | The home crowd motivated the team to win. |
Common Sentence Structures – Favorite Sport
To introduce your favorite sport:
One sport I am truly passionate about is...
If I had to pick one sport, it would be...
I have always had a soft spot for...
To describe your experience:
I have been playing ... since I was...
I usually play ... on weekends.
I picked it up naturally, and it became a habit.
To explain the rules or features:
The rules are straightforward. You need to...
It requires a lot of strength, focus, or agility.
It is a high-energy sport that keeps me alert.
9. Common Idioms Related to Sports
Idiom | Meaning |
The ball is in your court | It is your decision or responsibility |
Blow the competition away | Win easily |
Throw in the towel | Quit or give up |
No pain, no gain | Hard work leads to success |
Neck and neck | Very close competition |
Get a head start | Start earlier than others |
Master IELTS Speaking with Confidence at IDP
“Talk about your favorite sport” is a frequent and engaging IELTS Speaking topic. To answer effectively, focus on personal stories, authentic feelings, and vivid vocabulary. Practice regularly to become fluent and confident in your delivery.
When registering for IELTS with IDP, you can choose between the paper-based and computer-delivered test formats. IDP offers flexible test dates and convenient test locations, helping you stay on track toward your academic or professional goals.
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