IELTS Speaking Cue Card

I know a number of renowned athletes and sports people who have achieved significant milestones in their careers. However, today, I would like to talk about one of the greatest Olympians, Michael Phelps who has made a niche for himself in swimming. 

I am a sports enthusiast and watch a variety of games and sports regularly. As part of my interest, I watch the Olympics conducted every 4 years. A few years ago, when I was watching the swimming competitions at the Olympics, I saw Michael Phelps take part in it and win a gold medal. I was riveted by his athleticism and looked him up online to know more about him. 

He is a competitive swimmer from Baltimore, USA. He has dominated four out of the five Olympic games he competed in. He began swimming at a young age of just seven years old and went on to make the Olympic team as the youngest male in history at the age of 15 years old. Four years later, he won six gold and two bronze medals and posthumously, has won a record number of 28 medals in total, of which 23 are gold in his fantastic career as a swimmer. He is a prodigy at his sport who created and broke records with his achievements and dominated the world of swimming for years.

Not only did he accomplish many medals at the Olympics, but he also started Michael Phelps Foundation to promote healthy living, water safety and encourage young swimmers to pursue their dreams. He received many accolades for his accomplishments in swimming and gained many prestigious awards making him gain recognition around the world. He is an adept swimmer as well as an inspiration to many who aspire to become expert swimmers and aim for Olympic championships.

 

Vocabulary:

1. Renowned - famous
2. Riveted - fascinated
3. Posthumously - subsequently
4. Adept - very skilled

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Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

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1. What kinds of exercises do Indian people like?

People in India like doing Yoga. It is a form of exercise that has been in India since ages which includes asanas that make a person get good exercise and become flexible. Some people also go to gyms for modern workout equipment to lift weights and some others go for a jog or walk every day in a park or the seaside. Some also go for Pilates or aerobics.

2. What characteristics do you think an athlete should have?

In my opinion, focus and perseverance are the two most vital attributes that an athlete should have. Success does not come quickly; it takes consistent hard work, which involves discipline, and not only exercise but also a strict diet. Furthermore, mental toughness is just as vital as physical conditioning in all sports and gymnastics.

3. Why are there so few top athletes?

There are just some top athletes because the road to being a top athlete is paved with many challenges. Many people have the physical power and athleticism to get to the top, but they lack the mental tenacity to stay there. Some talented people are let go in the middle of their careers because they can't keep up with the daily hardships and obstacles.

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

I believe that starting early is the most important criterion for becoming a top athlete. Almost the majority of today's athletes began their careers as children. Rafael Nadal, the king of clay, for instance, began playing tennis at the age of four. Because of his determination and commitment to the sport, he was able to become a legendary player.