Talk About a Famous Athlete you Know- IELTS Cue Card

In the IELTS Speaking section, one of the most common question types is the Cue Card Speaking prompt. The IELTS Cue Card topics will prompt you to formulate a response and speak on the given topic. To attempt this question, you must narrow down the essential questions on the given topic to answer within the given time. Consider the sample Cue Card below. Study the types of questions that have been formulated based on the cue card and how to go about with your response:

Sample Answer

There are a plethora of athletes who have earned themselves a special position of reverence and popularity. However, one such athlete who has always entranced me with his achievements and grit is Michael Phelps, one of the most celebrated Olympians of all time.

I have always been an avid swimmer and have taken part in a lot of swimming contests. Hence, being from the same field of sports, I have always looked up to Michael Phelps and especially the way of swimming he has developed over the years of tenacity and diligence. The first time I learned about him was when he performed phenomenally in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics, where he won several medals under his name.

He has won 28 gold medals in his Olympics career, thereby making him one of the most revered and admired athletes of all time. He zoomed past many of his competitors within a span of a few years and that too, at such a young age. The very fact that he was just 15 when he took part in the 2000 Beijing Olympics is enough to admire him and get awed by his achievements.

He has won several accolades for his country and has made several world records. One of them is qualifying for five consecutive Olympics events in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016. Each time he made sure to ensnare everyone with his impeccable performance and unmatchable skills.

Vocabulary

• Plethora

Meaning: many
Eg.: There are a plethora of study options available for you.

• Entranced

Meaning: attracted
Eg.: We were entranced when we heard him play the cello.

• Tenacity

Meaning: perseverance
Eg.: His tenacity would soon take him to the pinnacle of his career.

• Accolades

Meaning: awards
Eg.: Having won a lot of titles and accolades, he has established himself as one of the key players in this industry.

• Impeccable

Meaning: excellent
Eg.: The service of this eatery is impeccable.

Part 3 Questions

What kinds of exercises do Indian people like?

Indians have changed their exercising patterns and activities in recent years. However, the most common exercises that Indians love to do or are more commonly found doing are walking, jogging, dancing, yoga, pranayama, etc. Regardless, these days, many youngsters have started going to gyms and are performing pilates, Zumba, cardio exercises, etc., which is in stark opposition to how Indians used to exercise five to six years ago.

What characteristics do you think an athlete should have?

The first and the foremost quality of an athlete includes sportsmanship and discipline. An athlete should be disciplined and extremely serious about what s/he chooses as her/his sport and then stay committed to it. Apart from that, an athlete should be humble, focussed and goal-oriented.

Why are there so few top athletes?

An athlete should have a lot of commitment and conviction. It is not an easy task to choose a field of sports and stay unwavering. It takes a lot of dedication, determination and conviction to be a top-quality athlete. Unfortunately, not many can maintain that vigour and zeal throughout their life. Hence there are a few top-notch athletes.

What’s the best way to become a top athlete?

The best way to become a top athlete is to, first of all, choose a sport in which one finds interest. There is no point in choosing a sport depending upon how the mass perceives it. Secondly, one must be dynamic and informed about the dos and don’ts of the sport one chooses to pursue. Besides, choosing a sound and accomplished mentor is another important point to get an apt orientation.

Vocabulary

• Stark

Meaning: clear
Eg.: He was a stark contrary to what we perceived him to be.

• Zeal

Meaning: enthusiasm
Eg.: The children had a lot of zeal in them upon knowing that they would be going for a tour.

• Dynamic

Meaning: ever-changing
Eg.: One should be dynamic in order to survive the current wave of competition.

• Accomplished

Meaning: expert in a field
Eg.: He is an accomplished journalist.

• Apt

Meaning: right/correct
Eg.: The way she solved this problem was very apt and to-the-point.