IELTS Speaking Part 2: A Famous Athlete — Band 6/7/8/9 Sample Answers (2026)

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The Prompt

Describe a famous athlete you admire. You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know about this person
• What they have achieved
• And explain why you admire them

You will have 1-2 minutes to speak. I will remind you when the time is up.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

I want to talk about Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a famous soccer player from Portugal. I know about him because he is very popular and often on TV. He has played for many big teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He has won many awards, including the Ballon d'Or five times. I admire him because he is very dedicated and works hard to be the best.

Scoring Breakdown:

• TR (Task Response): 5.0 - Addresses all parts of the task but with some irrelevant details.
• CC (Coherence and Cohesion): 5.5 - Ideas are logically organized but with some abrupt transitions.
• LR (Lexical Resource): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex vocabulary with some errors.
• GRA (Grammatical Range and Accuracy): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but maintains overall intelligibility.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

I would like to talk about Serena Williams, a legendary tennis player from the United States. I first learned about her when I watched the Wimbledon tournament on TV. She has achieved so much in her career, winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, which is one of the highest records in tennis history. She is known for her powerful serve and strong personality. I admire her not just for her skills but also for her resilience and determination. She has overcome many challenges, including injuries and personal struggles, to become one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Scoring Breakdown:

• TR (Task Response): 7.0 - Fully addresses all parts of the task with relevant details.
• CC (Coherence and Cohesion): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions.
• LR (Lexical Resource): 7.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary appropriately with some minor errors.
• GRA (Grammatical Range and Accuracy): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but maintains overall accuracy.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

One athlete I deeply admire is Usain Bolt from Jamaica. I first heard about him during the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he won three gold medals and set world records in the 100m and 200m sprints. His achievements are truly remarkable, including eight Olympic gold medals and numerous world championships. What sets him apart is not just his speed but his charismatic personality and sportsmanship. He has inspired many young athletes to pursue their dreams and work hard. I admire him because he represents the pinnacle of athletic excellence and has a positive impact on the world of sports.

Scoring Breakdown:

• TR (Task Response): 8.0 - Fully addresses all parts of the task with detailed and relevant examples.
• CC (Coherence and Cohesion): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• LR (Lexical Resource): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately with few errors.
• GRA (Grammatical Range and Accuracy): 8.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but maintains overall accuracy and complexity.

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

I would like to talk about Simone Biles, an extraordinary gymnast from the United States. I first learned about her during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won four gold medals and one bronze. Her achievements are nothing short of extraordinary, including a total of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast of all time. What truly sets her apart is her incredible talent, combined with her courage and advocacy for mental health awareness. She has used her platform to speak out about the importance of mental well-being, inspiring countless individuals to prioritize their mental health. I admire her not just for her athletic prowess but also for her bravery and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Scoring Breakdown:

• TR (Task Response): 9.0 - Fully addresses all parts of the task with detailed, relevant, and insightful examples.
• CC (Coherence and Cohesion): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices and clear progression.
• LR (Lexical Resource): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately with rare errors.
• GRA (Grammatical Range and Accuracy): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Achievements (noun) - Things that someone has succeeded in doing.

• Example: Her achievements in the field of science are remarkable.

1. Admire (verb) - To respect and approve of someone or something.

• Example: I admire her for her dedication and hard work.

1. Charismatic (adjective) - Having compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.

• Example: His charismatic personality draws people to him.

1. Determination (noun) - Firmness of purpose; resoluteness.

• Example: Her determination to succeed is evident in her work ethic.

1. Excellence (noun) - The quality of being outstanding or extremely good.

• Example: She strives for excellence in everything she does.

1. Impact (noun) - A strong effect or influence.

• Example: His impact on the community is undeniable.

1. Inspire (verb) - To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

• Example: Her story inspires many young girls to pursue their dreams.

1. Legendary (adjective) - Celebrated, famous, or well-known.

• Example: He is a legendary figure in the world of sports.

1. Resilience (noun) - The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

• Example: Her resilience in the face of adversity is admirable.

1. Sportsmanship (noun) - Fair and generous behavior or treatment of others in a sports contest.

• Example: His sportsmanship is respected by all his teammates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lack of Specific Details: Avoid vague statements. Provide specific examples of the athlete's achievements and personal qualities.
2. Poor Time Management: Practice speaking for 1-2 minutes. Use a timer to ensure you cover all parts of the task.
3. Repetitive Vocabulary: Use a variety of words to describe the athlete's qualities and achievements. Avoid repeating the same words.
4. Grammatical Errors: Pay attention to your grammar. Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
5. Lack of Fluency: Practice speaking naturally and fluently. Avoid long pauses and fillers like "um" and "ah."

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