IELTS Speaking: Swimming Vocabulary & Sample Answers (Parts 1, 2, 3)

Hi everyone! I’m Hoang Hanh from ECE. Continuing our lesson series on the latest IELTS Speaking topics, today we’re going to dive into a super interesting yet challenging topic: Swimming.

This is a highly practical topic in IELTS Speaking. Swimming isn’t just a sport—it’s a vital survival skill. Mastering vocabulary on this topic will make it easy to score big points when the examiner asks about your hobbies, leisure activities, or health. Examiners love candidates who can use rich vocabulary to describe sensory feelings in the water and the health benefits of swimming. Let’s master this topic together!

High-Scoring Vocabulary & Useful Phrases for Swimming

• To take the plunge: To commit to doing something (literally jumping into water; idiomatically taking on a challenge or making a big decision).
• To do laps: To swim back and forth across the length of a pool for fitness.
• Buoyancy (n): The ability to float in water.
• Refreshing / Revitalizing (adj): Feeling invigorating, energizing, and refreshing.
• To paddle (v): To splash or swim casually in shallow water.
• Breaststroke / Freestyle / Backstroke (n): Different swimming strokes (breaststroke, front crawl, backstroke).
• Lifeguard (n): A certified rescue swimmer on duty.
• Low-impact exercise (n): Gentle exercise that doesn’t put pressure on bones or joints.
• Survival skill (n): An essential skill needed to stay safe or alive in emergency situations.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Swimming

Q: Do you like swimming?

Oh, absolutely! Swimming is my go-to activity to beat the heat during the sweltering summer days in Vietnam. Immersing myself in cool water is incredibly revitalizing; it just washes away all the stress from my workday.

Q: Where do you usually go swimming?

I’m a member of a local fitness center, so I usually do laps in their indoor pool. It’s quite convenient because the pool is temperature-controlled, so I can swim even during the colder months.

Q: When did you learn to swim? 

I learned how to swim when I was in primary school. My parents signed me up for a summer course because they believed that swimming is a fundamental survival skill that everyone should master. It took me a while to pick it up, but once I got the hang of it, I really enjoyed being in the water.

Q: Do you prefer swimming in a pool or in the ocean? 

It really depends on my purpose. If I want to get a serious workout, I prefer a swimming pool because the environment is controlled and the water is clear, which is perfect for doing laps. However, for a relaxing getaway, I’m definitely a fan of the ocean. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of swimming in pristine seawater, even though you have to be careful about unpredictable currents.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Swimming

Topic: Describe a sport or physical activity you enjoy.

Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about swimming, which has been my favorite physical activity for years.

I usually head to the pool early in the morning, around 6 AM. There’s something peaceful about the water before the pool gets crowded. I typically swim freestyle for about 45 minutes, focusing on my breathing technique.

What I love about swimming is that it’s a low-impact exercise. Unlike running, which puts a lot of pressure on my knees, swimming feels gentle on the body. I love the feeling of buoyancy. It’s almost like floating in zero gravity, which helps me clear my mind completely.

Besides the physical benefits, it’s a great way to disconnect. When I’m in the water, I can’t check my phone or think about emails. It’s just me, the rhythmic sound of my strokes, and the water. It’s a therapeutic experience that keeps me both physically fit and mentally balanced.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Swimming

Q: Why is swimming considered an essential skill?

First and foremost, it’s a critical survival skill. Given that a large portion of our planet is covered by water, knowing how to swim can literally save your life in emergency situations. Additionally, it promotes water safety, allowing people to enjoy aquatic activities without fear.

Q: Do you think schools should make swimming a mandatory subject?

I strongly agree. In many countries, drowning is still a significant cause of accidental death among children. By making swimming compulsory in the curriculum, schools can ensure that every child learns basic water safety, which ultimately reduces the risk of accidents.

Q: What are the health benefits of swimming compared to other sports? “Unlike high-impact sports, swimming provides a full-body workout without damaging joints. It’s excellent for cardiovascular health and muscle toning. Furthermore, the water environment creates a sense of calm that helps reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.”

Summary of Key Expressions

I hope this post gives you plenty of ideas and vocabulary to shine in your IELTS Speaking test on the topic of Swimming. As a final tip, remember to incorporate sensory adjectives like “calming,” “soothing,” or “refreshing.” Examiners love hearing candidates describe these sensory experiences in detail!