IELTS Speaking · Part 3
Sport and competition: IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
Sport and competition is a common IELTS Speaking Part 3 discussion theme. After the Part 2 long turn, the examiner explores broader, abstract questions on the topic. This guide groups real practice questions from concrete to abstract, explains how to tackle each question type, and gives the vocabulary and linking language to answer with depth.
Discussion questions
The examiner usually opens the discussion with: "Why do you think sport is so popular around the world?", then works up from concrete to abstract.
Warm-up (concrete)
What are the benefits of playing sport for young people?
Opinion
Development (societal)
Do you think there is too much money in professional sport?
OpinionHow has the way people follow sport changed in recent years?
ComparisonWhy are some sports far more popular than others?
Cause & effectShould schools place more importance on sport?
Opinion
Depth (abstract & hypothetical)
How might the sports people play and watch change in the future?
SpeculationIf competitive sport were removed from schools, would children lose out?
HypothesisDoes competition bring out the best or the worst in people?
Evaluation
Useful vocabulary for this theme
Band 7+ language for discussing sport and competition.
- a team player
- someone who works well within a group
- “Coaches always want someone who's a team player.”
- a level playing field
- a fair situation with equal chances for all
- “Everyone just wants a level playing field in sport.”
- give it your all
- put in your maximum effort
- “I always give it my all when I'm out on the pitch.”
- healthy competition
- friendly rivalry that motivates people
- “A bit of healthy competition brings out the best in me.”
- raise the bar
- set a higher standard than before
- “The new champion has really raised the bar.”