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Physical activities play a vital role in promoting health. When combined with elements like wind, water, and outdoor settings, sports become even more exciting and beneficial. The topic "Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future" is commonly featured in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections.

This article provides a complete overview, effective sample answers, and useful ideas to help you succeed in your IELTS exam.

1. Topic Breakdown – Describe a Water Sport You Would Like to Try

Cue Card Prompt: Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future

You should say:

  • Which sport it is

  • Where you would like to try it

  • Whether it is difficult

  • And explain why you would like to try this sport

2. Suggested Outline – Scuba Diving Example

To answer the cue card clearly, divide your ideas into sections: an introduction, personal experience, reasons for your choice, and a conclusion.

Which sport is it: 

  • Scuba diving is an amazing water sport, it allows a person to get deep into the water and experience marine life.

  • It allows a person to stay in deep water for a long time.

  • To go scuba diving, a person must wear safety gear and carry an oxygen cylinder in the water.

Where would you like to try it?

  • I’m planning on going to Andaman for the holidays with my friends. It has a diving resort, and I would do scuba diving there.

  • This water sport costs approximately 5-10 thousand for half an hour of experience

  • Although the cost is a bit on the higher end, I believe that the experience will be worth it.

Whether it is difficult

  • It is difficult for beginners, but it is easy for professionals.

  • So before going to scuba dive, make sure you have enough training, and your trainer has certified you to scuba dive.

And explain why you would like to try this sport

  • Kiteboarding is also a great method to be physically active and in shape. 

  • I look forward to the unique experience of seeing marine life in its natural habitat. 

  • The combination of the serene underwater environment and the thrill of diving is something I eagerly anticipate. 

  • I believe that scuba diving will not only be enjoyable but also an enriching experience that connects me with nature in a profound way.

3. Sample Answer – Describe a Water Sport You Would Like to Try

A water sport that I have always been fascinated by and would love to try in the future is paddleboarding. It’s a growing sport that involves standing on a board and using a paddle to move across water. The thought of calmly gliding across the surface, surrounded by natural beauty, really excites me.

I imagine myself doing paddleboarding in peaceful lakes or along the coast, where I can relax, observe marine life, and enjoy the views. It's a chance to explore nature in a unique and calming way.

Besides the mental relaxation it brings, paddleboarding also offers physical benefits. It strengthens your core and improves balance while also working the upper body. It’s a full-body workout that combines fun and fitness.

Overall, paddleboarding sounds like the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. I look forward to the day I get to try it and enjoy both the thrill and tranquility it promises.

High-scoring Vocabulary:

  • Fascinate

  • Paddleboarding

  • Glide

  • Ripple

  • Enticing

  • Envision

  • Serene

  • Immerse

  • Simultaneously

  • Appeal

  • Look forward to

4. Part 3 Sample Questions and Answers

Q: What is the most popular water sport in your country?

The most popular water sport in my country is swimming. It’s accessible to people of all ages, thanks to public pools and natural water bodies like lakes and beaches. Swimming is not only a sport but also considered a basic life skill.

Vocabulary:

  • Resonate

  • Accessibility

  • Widespread

  • Essential

Q: Should schools teach students how to swim?

Absolutely. Swimming is a valuable skill that promotes water safety, physical health, and confidence. It also reduces the risk of drowning and prepares students for a lifetime of aquatic activities. Including swimming in the school curriculum would benefit both health and safety.

Vocabulary:

  • Valuable

  • Instill

  • Vital

  • Drowning accident

  • Aquatic

Q: Should the government invest in water sports facilities?

Yes, government investment in water sports facilities is a smart move. It encourages a healthy lifestyle, boosts tourism, and supports local economies through events and sports competitions. These facilities also promote community bonding and mental well-being.

Vocabulary:

  • Invest

  • Facility

  • Boost

  • Foster

5. Topic Vocabulary – Describe a Water Sport You Would Like to Try

General Water Sport Vocabulary:

Term / Phrase

Meaning

Example

A keen sportsman

A person who loves sports

He is a keen sportsman with daily training.

Coordination

Body movement control

Good coordination is key for water skiing.

Snorkeling

Surface swimming with snorkel

I tried snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Synchronized swimming

Artistic group swimming

The show included synchronized swimming.

Kayak surfing

Surfing with a kayak

Kayak surfing requires great balance.

Unwind

Relax

I go to the beach to unwind.

Underwater hockey

Hockey played underwater

He joined the local underwater hockey team.

Surfing

Riding waves on a board

Surfing is a popular beach sport.

Kitesurfing

Surfing with a kite

Kitesurfing is a thrilling water activity.

Water Sport Equipment Vocabulary:

Term / Phrase

Meaning

Swimsuit

Swimming clothes

Swim cap

Headwear for swimming

Diving gas cylinder

Air tank for diving

Swimfin

Flippers for movement

Inflatable boat

Air-filled watercraft

Diving mask

Face mask for underwater

Surfboard

Board for surfing

Useful Phrases and Idioms:

Expression

Meaning

Not for the faint of heart

Not suitable for timid people

Give it a shot

Try something new

Conquer my fears

Overcome fear

Take basic precautions

Follow safety steps

Have a crack at something

Try something with effort

Have a strong natural attraction

Be highly interested in something

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We hope this guide has provided you with insightful ideas and vocabulary to confidently tackle the topic “Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future” in the IELTS Speaking test.

To prepare more effectively, take a computer-based IELTS test with IDP. Choose from multiple flexible test dates and locations, and register for your IELTS test with IDP today!

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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