Sports - Band 8+ sample

All speaking samples

Speaking Sample Test

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Q1

Do you enjoy being physically active in your free time?

Sample response

Yes, definitely. I’m not a hardcore athlete or anything, but I really enjoy doing something active in my free time because it helps me clear my head after work or study. Even a short walk or a game of badminton can lift my mood quite a bit.

Q2

What kind of physical activities did you like when you were a child?

Sample response

When I was a child, I was really into outdoor games, especially cycling and playing football with my friends in the neighborhood. I also loved running around in the park for hours without getting tired, which feels impossible now, to be honest.

Q3

How often do you do exercise or play games that involve movement?

Sample response

I try to do some form of exercise at least three or four times a week. If I’m busy, I’ll just go for a brisk walk, but if I have more time, I prefer something more energetic like jogging or badminton.

Q4

Do you prefer doing these activities alone or with other people?

Sample response

I’d say I prefer doing them with other people, because it feels more motivating and more fun. If I exercise alone, I sometimes get bored quite quickly, whereas with friends there’s a bit of encouragement and even friendly competition.

Q5

Is there a particular game or activity that is popular where you live?

Sample response

Yes, badminton is quite popular where I live. A lot of people play it in local sports centers or even outside in the evening, because it doesn’t require too much equipment and people of different ages can enjoy it.

Q6

Do you usually watch competitions on television or online?

Sample response

Yes, I do, especially online. I occasionally watch football matches and major events like the Olympics, mainly because it’s convenient to stream them on my phone, and I can just follow the highlights if I don’t have much time.

Q7

What do you think makes some people more interested in these activities than others?

Sample response

I think personality plays a big role. Some people naturally enjoy challenge, teamwork, or competition, while others prefer quieter hobbies like reading or music. Also, if someone grows up in a family that values sport, they’re more likely to get into it.

Q8

Have your habits changed over the years in terms of keeping fit?

Sample response

Yes, quite a lot actually. When I was younger, I stayed active without really thinking about it because I was always outside, but now I have to make a conscious effort to exercise. These days I focus more on staying healthy than just having fun.

Q9

Would you like to try a new outdoor activity in the future?

Sample response

Yes, I’d love to try hiking in the mountains. I think it would be a great way to combine exercise with nature, and it seems much more refreshing than working out indoors. If possible, I’d also like to try kayaking one day, because it looks exciting and a bit challenging.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Describe a physical activity you enjoy. You should say: - What it is - When and where you do it - Who you usually do it with And explain why you enjoy it so much.

Sample response

One physical activity I really enjoy is badminton. It’s probably my favorite form of exercise because it’s fun, fast-paced, and it doesn’t feel as repetitive as going to the gym. I usually play it in the late afternoon or at weekends, depending on how busy I am. There’s a sports center not far from my home, so that’s where I normally go. Sometimes, if the weather is nice, I also play outdoors in a nearby park, although indoor courts are obviously better because there’s no wind to affect the game. Most of the time, I play with a couple of close friends. We’re not professional or anything like that, but we all enjoy it and we try to meet at least once a week. What stood out to me when I first started playing regularly was how demanding it actually is. You have to move quickly, react fast, and stay focused the whole time, so it gives you a full-body workout without being boring. Another thing is that it helps me mentally as well as physically. After a long day, playing badminton helps me release stress and forget about work for a while. There’s also a social side to it, because we laugh a lot and encourage each other during the game. Overall, I enjoy badminton so much because it keeps me fit, improves my mood, and gives me a chance to spend quality time with friends at the same time.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q1

Why do some people enjoy taking part in competitive activities while others do not?

Sample response

I think it mainly comes down to personality and motivation. Some people love competition because it gives them a clear goal and a sense of achievement, so winning feels exciting and rewarding. Others, however, find that kind of pressure stressful rather than enjoyable. For example, a very ambitious person might thrive in a competitive sport, while someone more relaxed may prefer activities like yoga or casual cycling.

Q2

How important is regular physical activity for people in modern society?

Sample response

It’s extremely important, maybe more than ever before. In modern society, many people spend most of their day sitting at desks, commuting, or looking at screens, so regular exercise is essential for both physical and mental health. It can help prevent problems like obesity, heart disease, and even anxiety. In my view, even simple habits like walking daily or taking the stairs can make a real difference over time.

Q3

Do you think schools should give more time to physical education? Why or why not?

Sample response

Yes, I do, to some extent. Schools often focus heavily on academic subjects, but physical education is just as important because it supports health, discipline, and teamwork. If children develop active habits early in life, they’re more likely to stay healthy as adults. That said, the quality of PE matters too, so schools should make it enjoyable and inclusive rather than treating it as a secondary subject.

Q4

In what ways can major competitions influence national pride?

Sample response

Major competitions can have a huge impact on national pride because they give people a shared moment of excitement and unity. When athletes represent their country well, many citizens feel personally connected to that success, even if they don’t usually follow sport. You can really see this during events like the World Cup or the Olympics, when people wave flags and celebrate together. In that sense, sport can strengthen a sense of identity, at least temporarily.

Q5

How can governments encourage people to lead more active lifestyles?

Sample response

Governments can encourage active lifestyles in several practical ways. First of all, they can invest in public facilities such as parks, cycling lanes, sports centers, and safe walking areas, because people are more likely to exercise if the environment supports it. They can also run awareness campaigns about the benefits of staying active and organize community events like fun runs or free fitness classes. In addition, schools and workplaces could be encouraged to include more movement in daily routines, which would help turn exercise into a normal habit rather than a special effort.

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