IELTS Speaking Part 3: Extreme Sports

1.    What do you think of extreme sports?

Well personally I’m not a great fan of them. You know, I think it’s crazy to, um… engage in that kind of stuff. You know, you’re putting your life at risk, and there are a lot of other fun things one can do which are much safer! But you know, everyone’s different, and if some people like doing it, then good for them!

2.    Should governments ban dangerous sports for young people?

No, I wouldn’t really say they should, because I mean, people should be able to make their own decision on whether or not they want to engage in a dangerous sport. Obviously, young people shouldn’t be forced to take part in them, you know, it should be something they do voluntarily, out of their own will. And they should also be well aware of the risks involved. So yeah, on the whole I think it’s something that young people can decide for themselves without the government having to get involved.

well aware – 深知，很清楚

the risks involved – 包含的风险

3.    Would you encourage young people to do these sports?

I don’t think I would, no, because I think you have to have a genuine interest in them to participate in them. Only if I personally got a lot out of doing such sports myself would I encourage someone else to do them, but seeing as I’ve never really benefited from them myself, I can’t see how I could encourage others to do one.

genuine interest – 真正的兴趣

get a lot out of… - 从中得到很多

seeing as – 考虑到

4.    What kinds of ball games do Chinese people like to do?

Well I’d say definitely the most popular ball game here in China is basketball. And if you’ve spent any amount of time here, I’m sure you’ve seen yourself just how popular it is. And as well as basketball, ping pong is also super popular, which I’m sure you’re also well aware of. As for other ball sports, um… football, I guess you could say, is kind of popular, but definitely not to the same degree as basketball and table tennis.

just how – here, “just” is used for emphasis. A bit like “有多么的…”

pool = 美式台球

5.    Are there many TV programs about sports in your country?

Yeah, there are, and you know, we even have, like, sports channels which are devoted to showing sports programs. For example, there’s a nationwide one, CCTV5, which you might know, and there are also numerous regional sports channels. Um… so yeah, I think it’s fair to say that there’s a lot of sport on TV here. You’re definitely not short of choice.

You’re definitely not short of choice = you have a lot of choice.

There are absolutely loads of sports programs

6.    Do you think these programs can help people be better at sport?

Yeah, I’d say in a way they can. You know, there’s a lot one can learn from watching professionals play, for example things like technique, strategy, positioning. If I was serious about a sport, then I’m sure I could learn a considerable amount.

7.    Do you think these programs can help people play more sport?

Yeah, I’d say they can. Because for example, they can help inspire people to play the sport. You know, when you see a sport being played really well on TV, it kind of gives you an urge to go out and play yourself, if you know what I mean. Like, for instance, when I watch Federer playing tennis, I just wanna grab a racket and start hitting a ball! I don’t know if you’ve had similar feelings when watching sport, but I definitely get it, and I’m sure a lot of other people do as well.

An urge to… -一种想要…….的冲动

8.    Why do people play extreme sports?

I dunno, I guess they get some kind of buzz out of it. You know, the feeling of living on the edge, which makes you feel more alive, that kind of thing. So yeah, I guess that would be the main reason really, although I can’t honestly say for sure because I’ve never really tried one myself.

Get a buzz out of sth – (短暂的）快乐，兴奋If something gives you a buzz, it makes you feel very happy or excited for a short time.

(E.g. Performing still gives him a buzz... 表演仍然能让他兴奋不已。)

9.    What’s the difference between professional athletes and amateur athletes?

Well I suppose the main difference is that professional athletes are paid for doing sport, whereas amateurs aren’t. That’s the standard definition I think. But obviously there are other differences too, like the level they’re at, because it kind of goes without saying that professionals are, by and large, way better at their sport than amateurs. After all, that’s what they’re paid to do, and they can spend most of their time practicing and developing their skills in the sport.

It goes without saying - …不言而喻的

Way better = much much better