Vivek from Ranchi was asked why sport matters for young people. He said “sport is good for health” twice and ran out of ideas.

Learn IELTS sport and leisure vocabulary as phrases with their usual partners, not as single words. The 15 phrases below sit in two groups, with three Task 2 questions and three Part 3 questions to practise on.

How Do You Say More Than “Sport Is Good for Health”?

The official IELTS website says that for higher bands examiners look for flexible use of vocabulary, including synonyms and collocations. Repeating one sentence gives you little chance to show that.

Cricket, kabaddi, badminton, yoga and weekend treks give you everyday examples.

Sport Words: Sport

Word or phrase Meaning Example
physical fitness How healthy and strong your body is. Playing football at weekends can improve your physical fitness.
team sport A sport played by teams, such as football or cricket. Playing a team sport can teach children to work together.
competitive Wanting very much to win or to be better than others. He is very competitive and hates losing.
sportsmanship Fair, generous and polite behaviour when playing a sport. Both captains showed good sportsmanship after the match.
professional athlete A person who is paid to compete in sport. A professional athlete trains for many hours a week.
spectator A person who watches a sports event. Spectators cheered loudly when the team scored.
sponsorship Money that a company gives to support a person or an event. Sponsorship from companies helps to pay for tournaments.
sports facilities Places and equipment for playing sport, such as grounds and gyms. Better sports facilities may encourage more young people to exercise.

Leisure Words: Leisure

Word or phrase Meaning Example
leisure time Time when you are not working and can relax. Many workers have little leisure time during the week.
pursue a hobby To spend time regularly on an activity you enjoy. Retired people have time to pursue a hobby such as painting.
outdoor activities Activities done outside, such as walking or cycling. Weekend treks are one kind of outdoor activity.
recreational Done for pleasure when you are not working. Local parks provide recreational facilities for families.
active lifestyle A way of living that includes a lot of movement and exercise. An active lifestyle can include walking, cycling and sport.
extreme sports Very exciting and often dangerous sports, such as skydiving. Some people take part in extreme sports for the excitement.
unwind To stop worrying and relax. A walk in the evening helps me unwind after work.

How to Avoid Vocabulary Mistakes

Incorrect: “Both cricket captains showed a great sportsmanship after the match.”

Correct: “Both cricket captains showed great sportsmanship after the match.”

Oxford Learner’s lists sportsmanship as uncountable, so there is no “a”.

Incorrect: “Working adults should make a hobby at weekends to relieve stress.”

Correct: “Working adults should take up a hobby at weekends to relieve stress.”

Oxford Learner’s has the example “take up a new hobby”.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice: Sport and Leisure

Give yourself five minutes to plan each answer, which is our advice, not an IELTS rule. Then write it using at least four phrases from the tables.

Practice question 1 (written for this post)

Some people think top athletes are paid too much. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

  • Top athletes bring in money through ticket sales, advertising and sponsorship.
  • A sports career can be short, and an injury may end it.
  • Some people feel that jobs such as teaching or nursing deserve higher pay.
  • Pay may simply reflect how much people will pay to watch.

Practice question 2 (written for this post)

Some people believe that governments should fund local sports facilities, while others think the money should go to elite athletes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

  • Local facilities give many people a place to exercise.
  • Facilities may give teenagers something positive to do.
  • Successful athletes can inspire young people and bring national pride.
  • Funding elite athletes costs a lot and directly benefits few people.

Practice question 3 (written for this post)

Some schools encourage children to take part in competitive sport. Is this a positive or negative development?

  • Competition can teach children teamwork, discipline and how to cope with losing.
  • Pressure to win may cause stress and put off less sporty children.
  • Schools can combine team contests with non-competitive exercise.
  • Fair play can be taught alongside competition.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Sport and Leisure Questions and Sample Answers

Part 3 is a discussion of general, abstract issues linked to your Part 2 topic, so practise extended answers on abstract topics and language for giving reasons.

Why is cricket so popular in India?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

I think it’s easy to start. It’s a team sport, and children can play with just a bat and a ball in any open space. Spectators also enjoy watching matches together with friends and family, and sponsorship keeps the game in the news.

Do people have less leisure time than in the past?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

I think many people do, because phones keep us connected to work even at weekends. Checking emails can cut into the time we have to pursue a hobby or enjoy outdoor activities. On the other hand, appliances save time at home, so some people can still unwind.

Should dangerous sports be banned?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

I don’t think a ban is the answer. Adults should be free to choose extreme sports as a recreational activity, as long as they understand the risks. But the law could require safety equipment and trained instructors for things like paragliding.

Tip

Describe your favourite weekend activity aloud, using two phrases from the leisure table.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn sport phrases with their usual partners, not as single words.
  • Sportsmanship is uncountable, and you take up a hobby.
  • Give a reason and a balancing point in each Part 3 answer.

The bottom line: Replace “sport is good for health” with a specific benefit and a phrase such as team sport or physical fitness.