Of course! "Water activity" is a fantastic and flexible topic for IELTS Speaking. It can cover a wide range of vocabulary, from simple and descriptive to more complex and nuanced. Here’s a complete guide to help you tackle this topic, with Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 questions and sample answers.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

This part is about your general experiences and preferences. Keep your answers natural and conversational.

Do you like water activities? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8): "Absolutely, I'm a big fan. I find water activities incredibly refreshing and a great way to unwind. There's something very therapeutic about being in or near water, whether it's the calming sound of waves at the beach or the focus required for something like swimming. It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life."

What water activities have you done?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8): "I've been lucky to try quite a few. The most common one for me is swimming, which I do regularly for exercise. I've also gone snorkelling a couple of times in the tropics, which was an amazing experience. On a more adventurous note, I tried white-water rafting once, which was thrilling, though a bit terrifying at first!"

Is there a water activity you would like to try in the future?

Sample Answer (Band 8): "Yes, definitely. I've always been fascinated by scuba diving. The idea of exploring the underwater world, swimming with marine life in a completely silent environment, sounds absolutely magical. I think it would be a whole new perspective on nature. I'm planning to get certified sometime next year."

Do you prefer to be in the water, on the water, or by the water?

Sample Answer (Band 7): "That's an interesting question. I think I prefer being in the water the most. It feels more immersive and active. Being by the water is lovely for relaxation, like reading a book on the shore, but being submerged, whether swimming or diving, gives me a real sense of freedom and peace."

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

You have 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1-2 minutes on the following topic.

Describe a water activity you would like to try. You should say:

• What the activity is
• Where you would like to do it
• Who you would like to do it with
• And explain why you would like to try this activity.

(Preparation Notes - 1 minute)

• Activity: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It's popular, visually descriptive, and allows for a good story.
• Where: A calm, scenic lake at sunrise or sunset. This adds atmosphere.
• Who: A close friend. This allows for talking about shared experience and conversation.
• Why: Combine physical benefits, mental relaxation, the beauty of nature, and the social aspect.

(Sample Answer - Band 8-9)

"Well, the water activity I'm really keen to try is stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP for short. I've seen pictures and videos of it, and it looks like a perfect blend of exercise and relaxation.

I would most like to do this on a calm, picturesque lake, preferably early in the morning. I imagine a place surrounded by mountains or a dense forest, with the water being completely still, like a mirror. I think the tranquillity of a sunrise session would be incredibly peaceful, far away from any crowds and noise.

As for who I'd do it with, I'd probably invite my best friend, Alex. We both enjoy the outdoors and are always looking for new adventures to share together. I think it would be a great activity to do as a pair—we could chat while paddling, and if one of us falls in, which I'm sure we might at first, it would just be a funny shared memory rather than an embarrassing moment!

The main reason I'm so drawn to stand-up paddleboarding is that it seems to offer the best of both worlds. On one hand, it's a fantastic full-body workout, engaging your core, legs, and arms. On the other hand, it's also incredibly meditative. Once you find your balance and start gliding across the water, it must feel incredibly liberating. I'm also a big fan of photography, so I imagine the views from the board, especially at golden hour, would be absolutely stunning. It just seems like a wonderful way to connect with nature while also challenging myself physically."

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

This part requires you to discuss more abstract ideas and express opinions in a more formal, analytical way.

Why do you think water activities are so popular all over the world?

Sample Answer (Band 8): "I believe their popularity stems from a few key factors. Firstly, water is a fundamental part of our environment, and we have a natural, almost primal connection to it. Activities like swimming or sailing tap into that. Secondly, water offers a unique sense of freedom and weightlessness that you can't get on land. It's a great escape from gravity and daily stresses. Finally, the range of possibilities is enormous. You can have a relaxing time kayaking or an extreme adventure with surfing or kitesurfing, so there's truly something for every age, fitness level, and personality."

How has the popularity of water activities changed over time?

Sample Answer (Band 8): "I think it's become much more accessible and diverse. In the past, water activities were often limited to swimming at the beach or boating, which required a lot of equipment. Now, with technology and better equipment, you have a huge variety of options like paddleboarding, scuba diving, and jet-skiing that are more user-friendly. Social media has also played a huge role; seeing beautiful photos of people doing these activities in exotic locations has created a strong aspirational culture, encouraging more people to try them."

What are the main differences between water activities for tourists and those for locals?

Sample Answer (Band 8.5): "That's an interesting distinction. For tourists, water activities are often about novelty and creating memorable experiences. They might try something once, like parasailing or a guided snorkelling tour, because it's part of the holiday package and offers a thrill or a unique perspective of a new place. It's often more of a 'tick-box' activity.

For locals, on the other hand, these activities can be a regular part of their lifestyle. They might go for a swim before work, use paddleboarding as their main form of commute, or join a local surfing or rowing club. The focus shifts from the novelty to the routine, the community, and the personal fitness and well-being aspects. It becomes less of an event and more of a habitual part of their week."

Do you think governments should do more to promote water safety?

Sample Answer (Band 8.5): "Absolutely. I think it's a critical public safety issue. While people are generally aware of basic swimming safety, there's often a lack of knowledge about specific risks in different environments. For example, the dangers of rip currents at the beach, or the requirements for wearing life jackets on a boat.

Governments could promote this through public information campaigns, especially before the holiday season. They could also enforce stricter regulations, like mandatory life jackets for certain water sports or better signage at beaches and lakes. Ultimately, educating the public can prevent accidents and save lives, which is a responsibility that authorities should definitely take seriously."

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

To help you build your own answers, here is a list of topic-specific vocabulary.

Nouns:

• Recreation / Leisure: pastime, hobby, leisure activity
• Types of activities: swimming, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, yachting, water-skiing, jet-skiing, rowing, white-water rafting
• Locations: beach, coast, ocean, sea, lake, river, reservoir, lagoon, pool, marina
• Equipment: life jacket / buoyancy aid, paddle, oar, surfboard, wetsuit, flippers / fins, mask, snorkel, buoy, paddleboard

Adjectives:

• Positive: refreshing, invigorating, exhilarating, thrilling, relaxing, calming, tranquil, serene, peaceful, liberating, therapeutic, scenic, picturesque
• Negative: dangerous, treacherous, risky, challenging, exhausting, daunting

Verbs & Phrases:

• General: to be into sth, to be a fan of sth, to try sth out, to give sth a go, to get the hang of sth
• Describing: to glide across the water, to paddle, to dive, to plunge into, to bob up and down, to ride the waves, to go with the flow
• Abstract concepts: to unwind, to de-stress, to escape the hustle and bustle, to connect with nature, to get a sense of perspective, to challenge oneself, to push