As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who are unsure how to answer seemingly simple questions like “Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?” While it appears straightforward, this type of question in the IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess more than just your preference. It evaluates your vocabulary, fluency, coherence, and ability to expand on your ideas. This guide will delve into how to effectively tackle this question and other related prompts, ensuring you are well-prepared for your IELTS Speaking exam.

Understanding the Question’s Purpose

The examiner isn’t just curious about whether you’d rather be inside or outside. They are listening for your ability to:

• Use a range of vocabulary: Instead of just saying “indoor” and “outdoor,” showcase your knowledge of synonyms and related terms like “leisure activities,” “recreational pursuits,” “natural surroundings,” etc.
• Provide reasons and explanations: Don’t just state your preference. Elaborate on why you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, giving specific examples and details.
• Maintain fluency and coherence: Speak smoothly and logically, using linking words and phrases to connect your ideas.

How to Structure Your Answer

Here’s a possible structure for answering the “indoor or outdoor activities” question:

1. State your preference clearly:

• “To be honest, I generally gravitate towards…”
• “I’ve always been more of an…person.”
• “If I had to choose, I’d say I prefer…”

2. Provide reasons for your preference:

• Outdoor: “I find exercising in the fresh air invigorating.” “Being in nature helps me relax and de-stress.” “I enjoy the social aspect of team sports.”
• Indoor: “I appreciate being able to control the environment.” “I find comfort in familiar surroundings.” “I can focus better when I’m not distracted by external factors.”

3. Give specific examples:

• Outdoor: “For instance, I love going for hikes in the mountains on weekends.” “I recently joined a local soccer team, and it’s been a blast.”
• Indoor: “I’m an avid reader, and there’s nothing like curling up with a good book on a rainy day.” “I’m learning to play the piano, and practicing at home brings me a lot of joy.”

4. (Optional) Offer a balanced perspective:

While it’s fine to have a strong preference, you can demonstrate flexibility by acknowledging the benefits of both indoor and outdoor activities:

• “Although I’m more drawn to indoor pursuits, I recognize the importance of getting fresh air and exercise.”
• “I usually prefer being outdoors, but there are times when I enjoy the comfort and relaxation of being inside.”

IELTS Speaking Indoor vs. Outdoor Activities

Example Answer

“If I had to choose, I’d say I’m more of an outdoor person. I find exercising in the fresh air incredibly invigorating, and being in nature helps me to relax and de-stress. For instance, I love going for hikes in the mountains on weekends. There’s something so peaceful and inspiring about being surrounded by natural beauty. I also recently joined a local soccer team, and it’s been a fantastic way to stay active and socialize with new people.”

Tips for Success

• Practice speaking about your hobbies and interests. The more comfortable you are discussing these topics, the easier it will be to answer related questions in the exam.
• Use a variety of vocabulary related to activities. Think about hobbies, sports, leisure pursuits, and describe them using precise and descriptive language.
• Be prepared for follow-up questions. The examiner may ask you to elaborate on your reasons, give specific examples, or compare different activities.

Remember, the key is to answer authentically and enthusiastically. By demonstrating your language skills and ability to elaborate on your ideas, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.