Of course! "New activities" is a very common and high-frequency topic in IELTS Speaking, especially in Part 1 and Part 3. It's a great topic to demonstrate your vocabulary and ability to discuss personal experiences and abstract ideas.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic effectively, including vocabulary, sample answers, and key strategies.

核心词汇与短语

Having a rich vocabulary is key to scoring well. Here are categorized words and phrases you can use.

A. Types of New Activities (活动类型)

• Physical / Active:
  • Adrenaline-pumping: 刺激的 (e.g., bungee jumping, skydiving)
  • Water sports: 水上运动 (e.g., surfing, scuba diving, kayaking)
  • Extreme sports: 极限运动
  • Team sports: 团队运动 (e.g., basketball, volleyball)
  • Martial arts: 武术 (e.g., judo, karate)
  • Hiking / Trekking: 远足 / 徒步旅行
  • Rock climbing: 攀岩
• Intellectual / Creative:
  • Learning a new skill: 学习新技能
  • A new hobby: 新爱好 (e.g., pottery, knitting, calligraphy)
  • Playing a musical instrument: 弹奏乐器
  • Coding / Programming: 编程
  • Learning a new language: 学习一门新语言
  • Creative writing: 创意写作
• Social / Community-based:
  • Volunteering: 志愿服务
  • Joining a club: 加入俱乐部 (e.g., a book club, a chess club)
  • Attending a workshop: 参加工作坊
  • Social gatherings: 社交聚会
  • Networking: 建立人脉

B. Verbs to Describe Doing Activities (描述活动的动词)

• Take up: 开始从事 (a new hobby)
• Try out: 尝试
• Give something a go: (英式口语) 试一试
• Get into: 对...产生兴趣，开始做
• Attempt: 试图，尝试 (more formal)
• Embark on: 着手，开始 (more formal, e.g., embark on a new journey)
• Master / Get the hang of: 掌握，摸到门道

C. Adjectives to Describe the Experience (描述体验的形容词)

• Positive:
  • Rewarding: 有回报的，值得的
  • Fulfilling: 使人满足的
  • Exhilarating: 令人兴奋的
  • Therapeutic: 有疗愈作用的
  • Eye-opening: 令人大开眼界的
  • Fun / Enjoyable: 有趣的
  • Relaxing: 放松的
• Negative:
  • Daunting: 令人生畏的
  • Intimidating: 令人害怕的
  • Overwhelming: 压倒性的
  • Challenging: 有挑战性的
  • Frustrating: 令人沮丧的

D. Nouns for Feelings and Results (感受和结果的名词)

• Sense of accomplishment / achievement: 成就感
• Adrenaline rush: 肾上腺素激增，兴奋感
• Personal growth: 个人成长
• Confidence boost: 增强自信
• Stress relief: 缓解压力
• Broaden one's horizons: 开阔眼界
• Stepping out of one's comfort zone: 走出舒适区

Part 1: Interview

This part is about you. Give natural, personal answers. Follow the "STAR" method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) briefly if needed.

Sample Questions & Answers

Q1: What new activities have you tried recently?

A good answer: "That's a great question. Recently, I've been trying to get into hiking. I used to be a bit of a homebody, always staying indoors. But I realized I needed more fresh air and exercise, so I decided to give it a go. I started with some easy trails near my city, and now I'm hooked. It's been a really rewarding experience."

• Why it's good: It uses phrases like "get into," "give it a go," and "rewarding." It shows a clear reason and a change in habit.

Q2: Do you like to try new things?

A good answer: "Yes, absolutely. I'm quite an adventurous person by nature. I believe that trying new things is a fantastic way to break the monotony of daily life and broaden my horizons. It doesn't have to be anything extreme; even trying a new cuisine or visiting a new neighborhood in my city can feel exciting."

• Why it's good: It gives a direct "yes" and explains the why ("break monotony," "broaden horizons"). It provides a specific example, which is always good.

Q3: Is there anything new you would like to try in the future?

A good answer: "Definitely. The one activity I'm really keen on trying is surfing. I've seen videos of people catching waves, and it looks both exhilarating and incredibly peaceful. I know it's going to be challenging at first, and I'll probably wipe out a lot, but I'm excited to give it a shot and hopefully get the hang of it one day."

• Why it's good: It's specific (surfing). It uses descriptive words ("exhilarating," "peaceful"). It acknowledges the difficulty ("challenging," "wipe out") but shows a positive attitude.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

This is where you need to structure your answer clearly. Use the P.E.E.L. method: Point, Explain, Example, Link.

Cue Card:

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

• what the activity is
• where and when you would like to do it
• who you would do it with
• and explain why you would like to try this activity.

Sample Answer:

(P - Point) Alright, the new activity I'm really excited about trying is scuba diving. It's something I've been fascinated with for a long time, but I've never had the chance to actually do it.

(E - Explain) The main reason I'm drawn to it is the idea of exploring a completely different world underwater. On land, we're so used to our environment, but the ocean is a whole new universe, teeming with life and vibrant colours. It seems like a truly humbling and eye-opening experience.

(E - Example & L - Link) I would love to do this in the Maldives or perhaps the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. I'd ideally go sometime during the dry season when the water is clearest and visibility is best. As for who I'd do it with, I think I'd prefer to go with a small group of friends who are also into adventure sports. It would be more fun and safer to have buddies to explore with. The thought of swimming alongside sea turtles and colourful fish, just floating weightlessly in the blue, is something I find incredibly therapeutic. It would be a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a chance to create some unforgettable memories.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

This part tests your ability to discuss more abstract ideas. Use linking words and provide well-reasoned opinions.

Sample Questions & Answers

Q1: Why do you think some people are afraid to try new things?

A good answer: "I believe there are several reasons for that. Primarily, it often comes down to fear of the unknown and a fear of failure. People might worry that they won't be good at the new activity, which can damage their self-esteem. Also, there's the comfort of routine; stepping out of one's comfort zone can be daunting and requires a lot of mental energy. For some, it's simply a matter of personality—introverts, for instance, might be more hesitant to engage in new social activities."

• Why it's good: It provides multiple, well-explained points. It uses specific vocabulary like "fear of the unknown," "fear of failure," and "daunting."

Q2: How can schools encourage students to try new activities?

A good answer: "Schools play a crucial role in this. I think they should focus on creating a **non-judgment