B2 First Speaking Part 1 Sample - Individual or Team Sports?

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These are high-scoring sample answers for the B2 First Speaking Part 1 question: Do You Prefer Individual or Team Sports? There are three versions of the answer, each using a method from ‘B2 First Speaking Part 1: How to vary Your Answers‘. Read them to understand what you need to talk about and the kind of answers you need to start your C1 advanced speaking test well. For practice questions and other tips, go here and here.

3 Sample Answers for the Question

Do You Prefer Individual or Team Sports?

1/ Comparing to the past

When I was at school, I always used to prefer playing team sports, such as rugby or football. Sometimes even hockey. But these days, I much prefer just playing sports by myself. Maybe some golf, for example.

2/ Giving a reason

When I was at school, I much preferred playing team sports. To be quite honest, I enjoyed the camaraderie. I enjoyed relying on each other to get a result. But these days I find playing such games inconvenient, to say the least. And so, because of my busy schedule, I usually like to play sports by myself.

3/ Time detail

In my mind, playing team sports takes up far too much time these days. So you have to arrive, you have to get changed, you have to play your game, you have to get changed again and maybe go out and socialise after. Whereas if I want to go cycling, for example, I can go cycling on my own, straight from my house, and it can be over in an hour, which is much more convenient for my busy schedule.

Speaking Analysis

This is my opinion of the above answers. The answer was given as in a test, with minimal preparation time.

Answer 1 – Good. I answer the question then compare the past with the present.

Answer 2 – Good. I answer the question, then add reasons. this answer also compares the past and present. There is no need to stick completely to one method.

Answer 3 – Good. I answer the question and add details related to time to extend it.

Less Common and Idiomatic Vocabulary

camaraderie – mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together
to say the least – used as an understatement (implying reality is worse)
get changed – to change clothes
socialise – participate in social activities; mix socially with others

Let me know if you think the sample answer is useful or not in the comments below. Good luck with your IELTS Speaking test!