Describe a sporting event you watched: cue card and sample answer

Cue card

Describe a sporting event you watched, either live or on television.

You should say:

what the event was
where and when you watched it
who you watched it with

and explain why you remember this event.

You have one minute to prepare and should speak for one to two minutes.

Try it before you read the sample. Answer this card out loud with our AI examiner and get an estimated band.

Practise with the AI examiner

Sample answer

About 231 words, or roughly two minutes of speaking.

The sporting event I remember best is the final of the 2022 Football World Cup between Argentina and France, which I watched on television.

It was played on a Sunday evening our time, and I watched it with about ten friends at a café near my home that had set up a big screen. The place was absolutely packed, and people had come wearing both teams' shirts, so the atmosphere was electric even before kick-off.

Argentina took an early lead, and by half-time they were two goals up, so most people assumed the match was over. But then France scored twice in about two minutes near the end and the whole café went wild. The game went into extra time, both teams scored again, and in the end it had to be decided by a penalty shootout, which Argentina won.

I think I remember it so vividly because it was such a rollercoaster. Every time you thought you knew how it would end, something changed. It was also a special moment for Lionel Messi, who'd never won the World Cup before, so even people who weren't supporting Argentina seemed pleased for him. And watching it with a crowd made it far more exciting than watching it alone at home. Even now, when I see highlights of that match, I can remember exactly where I was sitting and how tense everyone felt.

Why this works: it covers every point on the card in order, gives specific details and a short story rather than general statements, and ends by explaining the feeling or reason, which the last line of the card asks for.

Useful vocabulary

packed: extremely crowded
the atmosphere was electric: people were very excited
take an early lead: to start winning near the beginning
go wild: to become very excited and noisy
a rollercoaster: an experience with many sudden changes
remember something vividly: to remember it very clearly

Rounding-off question

After you finish, the examiner may ask one short question, such as:

Do you often watch sport with other people?

Part 3 questions: Sport and health

In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract questions linked to the cue card topic. Give an opinion, explain why, and add an example.

Why do you think professional athletes earn so much money?

Largely because of the huge audiences they attract. Top athletes generate enormous income for their clubs through ticket sales, television rights and sponsorship, so their salaries reflect that. Their careers are also short, often ending in their thirties, which is sometimes used to justify the high pay.

Should sport be compulsory in schools?

I think some physical activity should be, because it's important for children's health and many don't exercise otherwise. But schools should offer a range of options, not just competitive team sports. A child who hates football might really enjoy dancing, swimming or climbing.

Now say it out loud

Reading a good answer helps, but speaking is what improves your band. This set includes this cue card, Part 1 questions on sport and mornings, and a Part 3 discussion.

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This sample answer was written by TestWise Prep to show language that scores well. It is not official IELTS material. Use it for ideas, not to memorise, because examiners mark rehearsed answers down.