Band 7 Example
Topic: Describe a sport that you only have watched before but had not played by yourself
Example
Watching Ice Hockey What it is I'm going to talk about ice hockey, a fast-paced sport played on an ice rink where two teams compete to score goals by hitting a puck into the opponent's net using a hockey stick. It's incredibly dynamic and known for its speed and occasional physicality. When you watched it I first watched an ice hockey game last winter, around mid-December. It was during the regular season of the National Hockey League, which is widely followed in many countries, especially in North America. Where you watched it I watched the game at a local sports bar in my hometown. The place is known for its vibrant atmosphere during sports events, making it the perfect spot to get the full experience of watching a live sports game, even though it was broadcast on TV. Who you watched it with I was with a group of friends who are avid sports enthusiasts. They have been following ice hockey for years and were eager to introduce me to the sport. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it definitely enhanced the whole experience. And explain how you felt about it Watching ice hockey for the first time was exhilarating. The game was much faster than I expected, and the skill level of the players was impressive. The constant change in momentum and the strategic plays kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the match. The energy in the bar, with fans cheering for their teams, added to the excitement. I felt a rush of adrenaline, especially during the intense moments when the scores were close. It was a thrilling introduction to a sport I had only known about through references, and it sparked an interest in me to perhaps try playing it someday, or at least to learn more and continue watching it. The experience was not only entertaining but also a great way to bond with my friends over a shared interest in sports.
Grammar Analysis
The response effectively utilizes a variety of grammatical structures which contribute to a clear and engaging narrative. It employs both simple and complex sentences to describe experiences and details, such as "I'm going to talk about ice hockey, a fast-paced sport played on an ice rink where two teams compete to score goals by hitting a puck into the opponent's net using a hockey stick." This not only sets the scene but also packs in a lot of information elegantly. The use of past continuous ("was watching") and simple past tenses ("watched") appropriately reflects the actions that took place at specific times. Additionally, modal verbs like "could" and "would" are used effectively to discuss possibilities and hypotheticals, enhancing the descriptive quality of the speech.
Vocabulary
  • - **fast-paced**: Describes the quick nature of the game, adding to the excitement.
  • - **dynamic**: Suggests the energetic and changing nature of ice hockey.
  • - **physicality**: Refers to the physical aspect of the sport, indicating it's not just skill-based but also involves physical contact.
  • - **National Hockey League**: Specific reference adds authenticity and shows knowledge about the sport.
  • - **vibrant atmosphere**: Conveys the lively and energetic environment of the sports bar, enhancing the viewing experience.
  • - **avid sports enthusiasts**: Indicates the high level of interest and expertise of the company the speaker was with.
  • - **exhilarating**: Describes the thrilling and exciting nature of the experience.
  • - **momentum**: Used to discuss the shifts in advantage or pace within the game, important in sports commentary.
  • - **strategic plays**: Highlights the importance of tactics and planning in ice hockey.
  • - **rush of adrenaline**: Expresses the intense emotional response elicited by watching the sport.
  • These vocabulary choices not only describe the sport and the experience vividly but also demonstrate an effective use of language suitable for a higher band score in IELTS speaking.