Part 1 Questions
- What sports do you like?
- Where did you learn how to do it?
- Did you do some sports when you were young?
- Do you think students need more exercise?
- Do you know any schoolmates who are good at sports?
- Do you think it is important for people to exercise?
- Should schools encourage young students to take more physical exercise?
Read the complete transcript
I enjoy a mix of team and solo sports — mainly football and swimming, and I go cycling when the weather’s good. Football gives me that team buzz and friendly competition, while swimming and cycling help me clear my head and build endurance. I try to fit at least a few sessions into my week so I don’t get too sedentary.
See the topic before you speak
Use the images as idea prompts. Describe what you notice, connect it to your experience, then answer the real question.


Model answers, heard side by side
Start with the simpler answer, switch bands to hear how the same task can be developed, then record a personal response. These are teaching examples, not official answers or score guarantees.
What sports do you like?
I like football and swimming the most. I play football with friends at the weekend and I go swimming once or twice a week to relax. Sometimes I also go for runs if I have time.
I enjoy a mix of team and solo sports — mainly football and swimming, and I go cycling when the weather’s good. Football gives me that team buzz and friendly competition, while swimming and cycling help me clear my head and build endurance. I try to fit at least a few sessions into my week so I don’t get too sedentary.
Where did you learn how to do it?
I learned to play football at school and in a local club. For swimming I had lessons when I was small and then practised at the community pool.
I picked up football at primary school and then joined a local club where a coach taught me tactical skills and teamwork. Swimming started with lessons when I was quite young, and later I refined my technique at the community pool and from online tutorials for drills. Having a coach early on made a big difference to my basics and confidence.
Did you do some sports when you were young?
Yes, I did a lot of sport as a child. I played football and did swimming lessons. It was part of after-school activities.
Definitely — I was quite active as a youngster. I did football, went swimming and tried athletics at school. My parents also encouraged outdoor play, so I was always running about or riding my bike, which helped me develop basic fitness and coordination early on.
Do you think students need more exercise?
Yes, students need more exercise because it helps them stay healthy. Many spend too long sitting and that is bad for them.
I think students generally would benefit from more exercise. Apart from physical health, short regular activity boosts concentration and reduces stress — both important for learning. With so much screen time these days, building movement into the day, even through short breaks or active lessons, would be a sensible approach.
Do you know any schoolmates who are good at sports?
Yes, a few of my schoolmates are really good at sports. One friend was captain of the football team and another was strong at athletics.
Yes, I can think of several classmates who excelled in different sports. One of them captained the school football team and went on to play for a county side, while another was outstanding at athletics, winning regional events. They trained regularly, balanced studies and sport, and acted as role models for the rest of us.
Do you think it is important for people to exercise?
Yes, it is important for people to exercise. It keeps you fit and healthy and can stop you getting ill.
Absolutely — regular exercise is important across all ages. It reduces the risk of chronic illnesses, improves mood and sleep, and helps maintain mobility as you get older. Beyond health, exercise is great for social interaction and stress relief, so it’s a key part of a balanced life.
Should schools encourage young students to take more physical exercise?
Yes, schools should encourage more physical exercise. It would make children healthier and more active. PE lessons should be regular.
Yes, schools should actively encourage more physical activity and make it accessible for everyone. That could mean more varied PE options, daily short activity breaks, and well-supported extracurricular clubs so pupils find something they enjoy. Making exercise fun and inclusive is crucial — that way even less sporty kids are more likely to take part.
How to answer Doing Sports IELTS Speaking questions
This Doing Sports set contains 7 short interview questions. Start each answer with the information the examiner asked for, then extend it with one reason, example or contrast. The goal is spontaneous, connected speech—not a mini-essay.
- Answer the exact question in the first sentence.
- Add one reason or specific personal detail.
- Use an example or contrast only when it adds new information.
- Finish naturally and let the examiner ask the next question.
Question-by-question approach
| Practice question | Useful answer move |
|---|---|
| What sports do you like? | Name the thing first, then describe a specific feature or example. |
| Where did you learn how to do it? | Give a direct answer, one reason and a short example without memorising a script. |
| Did you do some sports when you were young? | Give a real past example, then say what changed or why it mattered. |
| Do you think students need more exercise? | State a likely view, explain the reason and add one condition or example. |
Vocabulary focus
Useful language already demonstrated in the model answers includes use precise words from your own answer. Learn the meaning and a natural word partnership, then use each item in a different answer instead of copying a complete script.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving a memorised response that only partly answers the question.
- Adding difficult vocabulary without checking meaning or collocation.
- Restarting after every error instead of correcting briefly and continuing.
- Reading the model answer before recording your own first attempt.
Doing Sports practice FAQ
How long should my answer be for Doing Sports in Part 1?
Aim for a direct answer plus a reason or detail, usually two to four sentences. Stop when the idea is complete rather than forcing a fixed word count.
Should I memorise the Doing Sports model answers?
No. Use them to notice structure and language, then answer from your own experience. Memorised wording can fail when the examiner changes the question.
What if I have no experience of the topic?
Say that honestly, then explain a related preference, observation or hypothetical example. You are assessed on language, not specialist knowledge.