IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a successful sportsperson you admire.

Describe a successful sportsperson you admire. You should say: - who this person is - what sport this person plays - what this person has achieved - and explain why you admire this person

Part 2 model answer

The sportsperson I admire the most is Lionel Messi, the Argentine footballer. I think it's fair to say that in Bangladesh, he's almost like a national hero, even though he's from the other side of the world. During every World Cup, you can see Argentina flags hanging from houses, rickshaws, and even trees all over the country.

As everyone knows, he plays football, and he's widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He spent most of his career at Barcelona, where he won countless trophies, including several Champions League titles. He has also won the Ballon d'Or, the award for the world's best player, a record number of times. But his biggest achievement, in my opinion, was finally winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022, after so many years of heartbreak.

I still remember watching that final late at night with my friends. When Argentina won, people in our neighbourhood were celebrating on the streets as if Bangladesh had won.

What I admire most about him, though, is not just his talent, but his journey. As a child, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone problem, and his family couldn't afford the treatment. Many people doubted he could ever become a professional player because of his small size. But he never gave up. Even after losing several major finals and facing harsh criticism, he kept working hard and eventually achieved his dream. He's also known for being humble and quiet off the field. So for me, he's a great example of how determination and patience can overcome any obstacle.

Part 3 discussion

What qualities do successful sportspeople have?

They usually have a lot of discipline, determination, and mental strength. Natural talent helps, but without years of hard training, it's not enough. They also need to handle pressure well and recover quickly from defeats and injuries.

Are sportspeople good role models for children?

Many of them are, because they show the value of hard work, teamwork, and staying healthy. However, some athletes behave badly on or off the field, which can set a poor example. So parents should guide children to admire the right qualities, not just the fame.

Do you think professional athletes are paid too much?

In some ways, yes. Top footballers earn millions, while important professionals like nurses and teachers earn much less. But on the other hand, athletes have very short careers, and they generate huge income for clubs and sponsors. So their high salaries are partly a reflection of the market.

Why is football so popular in Bangladesh even though the national team isn't very strong?

I think it's mainly because of international stars and big tournaments like the World Cup, which are broadcast everywhere. Football is also simple and cheap to play, since you only need a ball. And supporting teams like Argentina or Brazil gives people a sense of excitement and shared passion.

Should the government invest more in sports?

Yes, I strongly believe so. Investing in sports facilities, coaching, and youth programmes can help discover new talent and improve public health. It also brings national pride when athletes succeed internationally. In Bangladesh, apart from cricket, most sports really need more support.