Sport and Leisure

Sources: NgocBach Q1 2024, NgocBach Q3

Key Ideas (IELTS Simon)

Positives

Watching television is a good way to relax.
It is many people’s favourite way to wind down after a hard day at work.
Television programmes can be entertaining and enjoyable.
Viewers have access to a huge variety of entertainment channels.
Television brings the best comedians, musicians and actors into our homes.
Programmes can also be informative and educational.
News coverage makes the public aware of events around the world.
Documentaries can make learning more interesting.
There are many advantages to using the Internet.
It gives us instant access to information on almost any subject.
Shops and other services are now available online.
People can buy goods and services from the comfort of their homes.
The Internet is starting to replace other forms of entertainment.
It has revolutionised communication.
We can keep in touch by e-mail or instant messenger services.
Video messaging is becoming common for business meetings.
The mobile phone is the most popular gadget in today’s world.
Mobile phones have revolutionised the way we communicate.
We can stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues wherever we are.
Users can send text messages, surf the Internet, take photos and listen to music.
Mobiles have also become fashion accessories.
Tourism is a popular leisure activity.
People go on holiday to relax and have fun.
Tourists can experience different cultures.
They can sunbathe on beaches or go sight-seeing.
Travelling abroad opens our minds.
We can learn to speak other languages.
The tourist trade is vital for some economies.
It creates employment in services like accommodation, transport and entertainment.
Some areas rely on tourism for their income.
Tourists spend money.
Tourism attracts investment from multi-national companies.
It helps to improve the standard of living.
Low-cost airlines are making it cheaper to travel abroad.
Negative Effects of Tourism
Tourism can have a negative effect on the natural environment.
The building of facilities and infrastructure can destroy the habitat of wild animals.
Beautiful beaches are spoilt by the building of hotels.
Tourism creates pollution and waste.
It puts pressure on local resources.
Local traditions and cultures may be endangered.
A rise in the cost of living affects local people.
The price of goods, services and housing may increase significantly.
The Future of Tourism
Governments should introduce laws to protect natural environments and local cultures.
Tourism should have a low impact on wildlife.
Renewable resources like solar or water power should be used.
Waste should be recycled.
Local businesses such as farms should be supported.
Losing Traditional Skills
Because of industrialisation and global trade, many traditions have disappeared.
Global advertising encourages everyone to buy the same products.
Most products are now made in factories.
Machinery has replaced skilled human labour.
Factory work is boring and leaves people feeling unfulfilled.
Goods are produced very quickly and in large numbers.
Products are cheaper, which means that more people can buy them.
Clothes are mass produced in standard sizes.
People wear similar clothes, rather than traditional costumes.
Jeans and T-shirts are now worn throughout the world.
Historic buildings took skilled craftsmen years to build.
Modern concrete, steel and glass buildings are built in only weeks or months.
There are fewer people who can create hand-made goods.
Traditional Customs
Traditional customs are still important during weddings and religious festivals.
People wear traditional costumes and eat special foods.
It is important to maintain our different cultural identities.
We should celebrate festivals, teach traditional skills and protect historic places.
Traffic Problems
Traffic congestion is caused by commuters travelling to work.
Most people live in the suburbs outside city centres.
Commuters tend to travel at the same time of day.
They tend to travel alone.
Cars and road space are not used efficiently.
This causes traffic jams during the rush hour.
Traffic Solutions
In order to reduce traffic we should change our working habits.
The Internet can now be used to connect people.
More people could work from home.
Meetings can be held as video conferences.
Workers could be given flexible timetables.
Another solution would be to tax drivers.
Workers should share their cars and travel together.
In London, for example, there is a congestion charge.
This helps to raise money for better public transport.
Public transport needs to be reliable and efficient.
We need to reduce our dependence on cars.
Parking a car can be extremely difficult in big cities.
Well-designed transport systems are comfortable and convenient.
Modern public transport can be fast and cheap.
Public transport can help to reduce pollution in cities.
Investment in buses and trains will ease traffic congestion.
Buses can be given special lanes to avoid traffic.

Negatives

Television is having a negative impact on society.
Some people link violence on television with crime rates in the real world.
Children copy the behaviour they see on the screen.
Children are less healthy because they spend less time playing.
Advertisers direct their marketing at children.
Most programmes do not require much thought.
Watching TV is a waste of time.
Many websites contain offensive content.
Some sites show violent or sexual images.
Parents find it difficult to control what their children see online.
They do not always know who their children are chatting to.
With so many websites it is difficult to search for good information.
Criminals increasingly use the Internet to steal people’s money.
Internet Compared to Newspapers and Books
Newspapers and books are now published online as well as in print.
We can read the news in any language from any country in the world.
It costs nothing to publish or access information on the Internet.
The Internet allows anybody to publish their own writing.
Newspaper articles and books are written by professionals.
Professionals produce better quality writing than amateurs.
People still buy newspapers and books because they are portable.
People do not like reading from a screen.
Mobile phones can be a problem in some public places.
Ringing phones cause disturbances in cinemas and school lessons.
Some people are not aware that others can hear their conversations.
Mobile phones may also interfere with electronic equipment.
Their waves could cause damage to our brains.
Mobile phones can also be a dangerous distraction.
Using a phone while driving reduces the driver’s concentration.
Mobile phones are a popular target for thieves.
Opinion about Mobile Phones
The benefits of mobile phones outweigh the drawbacks.
We need to use these phones with care.
Public transport is often slow and unreliable.
Metro systems and trains are often dirty and crowded.
People feel like “sardines in a can”.
Cars are much more comfortable.
Driving while tired or drunk is extremely dangerous.
Mobile phones can be a dangerous distraction for drivers.
They draw the driver’s attention away from the road.
The use of phones while driving has been banned in many countries.
Punishments are becoming stricter.
Television campaigns are used to remind people to drive safely.
Speed cameras have become more common.
Speed bumps are another form of traffic calming.
Many streets are designed with the aim of slowing traffic down.
Importance of Clean Water
Water is an essential natural resource.
Humans need access to clean, safe drinking water in order to live.
Poor water quality is a major cause of disease and death in some countries.
Water usually needs to be treated before we can drink it.
Developing countries often lack the means to treat and supply water to citizens.
Developed countries tend to have much better sanitation.
Citizens have access to clean tap water.
Drinking water is not contaminated by sewage or waste water.
The supply of clean water would improve public health in many developing countries.
Urban life would be impossible without water supply systems.
These systems are massive engineering projects.
Many professionals are involved in their planning, construction and maintenance.
The supply and distribution of water are major concerns.
Water is becoming scarce in some countries.
Areas that suffer droughts often need to import water.
As populations grow, there is more pressure on water supplies.
This could lead to a water crisis.
Water and Politics
The supply of water is also an important political issue.
Huge amounts of water are needed for agriculture and industry.
The irrigation of crops accounts for a large proportion of water use.
A water crisis could lead to political conflicts or even wars.
Argument: water should be free
Some people believe that water should be free for everyone.
Governments should supply water to all homes at no cost.
Private companies should not be allowed to profit from this natural resource.
Money from taxes can be used to pay for water supply systems.
Argument: water should not be free
If water is free, people take it for granted.
They do not think about how much water they waste.
They leave taps running while washing or brushing their teeth.
If we have to pay for water, we will use it more responsibly.
Water supply systems are extremely expensive.
Investment is needed to maintain and improve them.
Private companies may provide a better service than governments.
If they provide an efficient service, they will make more money.
They will repair leaks to avoid losing money.
Bottled Water: Opinions
Some people carry bottles of water wherever they go.
For example, they take bottles of water to work or to the gym.
They believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water.
They also argue that it tastes better.
However, other people believe that we should consume less bottled water.
Plastic water bottles add to litter and waste problems.
Companies should not be able to make a profit from water.
It is unethical to make money by selling packaged water.
There is no difference in quality between bottled and tap water.
The benefits of staying in the same job for life:
Employees have a stable career with one employer.
They have a good pension and health insurance.
Their salaries gradually increase.
They may be promoted within the organisation.
They demonstrate loyalty.
Experienced staff can be trusted with more responsibility.
They become part of a team.
There is a clearly defined path for development.
The benefits of not staying in the same job:
People often change jobs in order to further their career.
Another company may offer a promotion or a higher salary.
People who change jobs can gain experience.
They can learn different skills.
Changing jobs is interesting and challenging.
People can retrain in a different occupation.
In a fast-changing world workers need to be flexible.
People need to develop a range of experience and skills.
Nowadays, it is easy to set up a company.
The Internet provides a global marketplace.
Self-employment offers greater freedom than working for a company.
However, there are risks to starting a new business.
Self-employed people may face financial difficulties.
Many businesses fail to make a profit.
There is less stability in self-employment.
There are no benefits like pensions, sick pay and holiday pay.
Self-employment involves hard work, long hours and total responsibility.
Unemployment is a big problem for individuals, communities and society.
Some people are unable to find a job.
They may not have the sufficient level of education or qualifications.
They may find themselves homeless.
Unemployment causes frustration and stress.
Jobless people may become involved in crime as a means to get money.
The unemployed need careers advice.
Governments need to provide vocational courses and retraining.
Unemployment Benefits: Positives
Some governments pay unemployment benefits in order to help jobless people.
Unemployed people need financial support until they find a new job.
By claiming benefits they can continue to pay for their homes.
The benefits system helps to reduce poverty, homelessness and crime.
Unemployment Benefits: Negatives
Some people claim benefits rather than working.
They become dependent on the government.
They are not motivated to find a job.
The benefits system is a burden on taxpayers.
All citizens should work to earn a living and support themselves.
Receiving benefits affects people’s self esteem.
Work / Life Balance
It is important to achieve a balance between work time and leisure or family time.
Too much work can result in stress and poor health.
“Workaholics” may neglect their families and friends.
People need to take regular holidays.
Companies should not expect employees to work overtime.
Nowadays, many people work part-time or have flexible working hours.
Technology allows people to work from home.
Many companies provide childcare facilities.
A good work/life balance can raise job satisfaction.
Happy, healthy workers are more productive.
Technology and Work
Internet, fax and mobile phone technologies have revolutionised working life.
Workers can communicate via e-mail, online networks and video conferencing.
Technology can connect workers in different countries.
It gives people more freedom.
It can also save time and money.
Some people believe that offices could disappear in the future.
Virtual online offices may replace them.
In some countries, children are exploited.
They do repetitive jobs for very low pay.
Children are often used in agriculture and factory work.
The employment of children is prohibited in other countries.
Many people think that children should be free to enjoy their childhood.
Governments should make education a priority.
They should build new schools.
They should supply the resources to educate children.
Children need to be given the knowledge and skills for adult life.
Thank you for buying this ebook. By paying for it, you are helping
me to continue developing free IELTS materials for the website
ielts-simon.com.
Simon (email: ieltssimon@gmail.com)

Opinions

Television has many benefits.
However, it can be addictive.
Children should play outside rather than sit in front of a screen all day.
Behaviour shown on TV can influence people.
Parents should choose carefully what their children watch.
Children should not be exposed to violence, swearing or sexual images.
Advertising during children’s programmes should be strictly controlled.
TV companies should make more positive, educational programmes.

Part 1 — Questions (12 total)

Running

Source: NgocBach Q1 2024

Do you go running a lot?
Where do you usually like to run?
What do you think of running?
What do you think of running as a form of exercise?

Sport

Source: NgocBach Q3

Do you often do exercise?
What kinds of exercise do you do?
In the future, do you want to try some new ways of exercises?
Do people around you do exercises? Do young people in your country often do?
Why some people can’t do exercise?
Should people do exercise?
Did you like sport when you were a child?
Do you think more people play sports nowadays than in the past?

Part 2 — Cue Cards (3 total)

Cue card 1

Source: NgocBach Q1 2024

Describe a sportsperson from your country who did well in a sports event

You should say: - Who he/she is - What you know about him/her - What he/she is like in real life - What achievement he/she has made - And explain why you admire him/her

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. Should students have physical education and do sports at school? 2. What qualities make an athlete? 3. Is talent important in sports? 4. Is it easy to identify children’s talents? 5. What is the most popular sport in your country?

Cue card 2

Source: NgocBach Q3

Describe a game that you played in your childhood

You should say: - What the game was - When you played it - Who you played it with - How you felt about the game

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. Do VN people like to play indoor sports or outdoor sports? 2. What are the benefits for children to play outdoor games? 3. What kinds of games do children play these days? 4. Why do people play different kinds of games after they grow up? 5. Do you think winning is the most important goal for playing games? 6. Do parents in your country encourage children to play games?

Cue card 3

Source: NgocBach Q3

Describe a sport (you watched on TV) and you would like to try for the first time

You should say: - What it is - How would learn it - What equipment would you need to plat this sport? - And expain why you want to learn this sport

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. Do you play an sports at night?? 2. What are the benefits of playing sports?? 3. What’s the difference between playing sports on your own and playing sports in a? 4. Do children need to exercise?? 5. Why do people need to play sports??

Part 3 — Discussion Questions (16 total)

Should students have physical education and do sports at school?
What qualities make an athlete?
Is talent important in sports?
Is it easy to identify children’s talents?
What is the most popular sport in your country?
Do VN people like to play indoor sports or outdoor sports?
What are the benefits for children to play outdoor games?
What kinds of games do children play these days?
Why do people play different kinds of games after they grow up?
Do you think winning is the most important goal for playing games?
Do parents in your country encourage children to play games?
Do you play an sports at night??
What are the benefits of playing sports??
What’s the difference between playing sports on your own and playing sports in a?
Do children need to exercise??
Why do people need to play sports??

Generated Practice Questions

Additional IELTS-style questions for practice (generated from topic themes).

Part 1 (5 questions)

What sports or leisure activities do you enjoy?
Do you prefer watching or playing sports?
Did you play sport at school?
How much leisure time do you have?
Do you think leisure time is important?

Part 2 — Cue Cards (1 cards)

Cue card 1

Describe a sporting event you watched or took part in

You should say: - what the event was - where and when it took place - who was involved - and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. Why are professional sports players paid so much? 2. Should politics be kept out of sport? 3. What are the benefits of competitive sport for young people? 4. Is watching sport a good use of leisure time?

Part 3 — Discussion (3 questions)

Should governments invest more in public sports facilities?
How has technology changed the way people do leisure activities?
Is esports a real sport?

Sample Answers Band 6.5–7.0

Part 1 — Sport & Leisure

1. Are you interested in free time and exercise?

Yes, to some extent. I would not say I am an expert, but free time and exercise affects daily life, so I find it worth thinking about. For example, when I read news or talk with friends, this topic often comes up naturally.

2. Is free time and exercise important in your country?

Yes, definitely. In my country, free time and exercise matters because it influences families, young people, and the wider community. It may not be something people discuss every day, but it has a real impact on quality of life.

3. Has free time and exercise changed in recent years?

Yes, quite a lot. Technology, education, and modern lifestyles have changed the way people think about free time and exercise. Older people may have more traditional views, while younger people tend to be more open and practical.

4. Do young people care about free time and exercise?

I think many young people do care, especially when it affects their future directly. However, they may express interest through social media or online discussions rather than traditional conversations.

Part 2 — Cue card sample

A sport or activity i enjoy

I would like to talk about a sport or activity I enjoy, which is closely connected to free time and exercise.

I first became aware of it a few years ago, and since then it has stayed in my mind because it reflects both the positive and negative sides of modern life.

The positive side is that it shows the value of health, teamwork, and stress relief. This is important because people often need practical examples, not just abstract ideas, to understand a topic clearly.

At the same time, it also reminds me of the problem of too much screen time. That makes the topic more complex, because there is rarely a perfect solution.

Overall, I find it meaningful because it helps me think more deeply about society and my own choices. If I had to summarise my feeling, I would say it is both interesting and relevant to everyday life.

Part 3 — Discussion

1. Why is free time and exercise important?

It is important because it affects individuals and society at the same time. For example, health, teamwork, and stress relief can improve peoples quality of life, while too much screen time can create long-term problems. That is why this topic deserves more attention from both citizens and governments.

2. What are the advantages related to free time and exercise?

The main advantages are connected to health, teamwork, and stress relief. If this area is managed well, people can benefit through better opportunities, more convenience, and a higher standard of living. It can also help communities become more organised and forward-thinking.

3. What are the disadvantages or risks?

The biggest risk is too much screen time. If people ignore this issue, it can lead to social pressure, inequality, or environmental damage depending on the situation. In my view, the negative side should not be exaggerated, but it should be taken seriously.

4. What should governments do about free time and exercise?

Governments should create clear policies, invest in public education, and make sure rules are enforced fairly. For example, they can fund useful programmes and raise public awareness. However, government action alone is not enough; individuals also need to change their habits.

5. Do you think free time and exercise will change in the future?

Yes, I think it will continue to change, mainly because of technology, globalisation, and younger generations. People are becoming more aware of both benefits and risks. In the future, I expect more practical solutions rather than simple arguments for or against it.

6. Do older and younger people think differently about free time and exercise?

Yes, in many cases. Older people may value tradition, stability, and personal experience, while younger people are often influenced by online information and global trends. Neither side is completely right or wrong; the best approach is to combine experience with fresh ideas.