Gardens have long been a source of inspiration and tranquility, making them a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme not only allows candidates to showcase their descriptive abilities but also offers an opportunity to discuss environmental concerns, personal preferences, and cultural significance. Let’s explore how you can cultivate a high-scoring response when asked to describe a garden you would like to visit.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about gardens. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy spending time in gardens?
Band 7-8 Answer:
“Absolutely! I find gardens to be incredibly rejuvenating. There’s something magical about being surrounded by nature, with the vibrant colors of flowers and the soothing sound of rustling leaves. I particularly enjoy visiting botanical gardens when I travel, as they often showcase unique plants that I wouldn’t see in my everyday life. It’s a great way to unwind and reconnect with nature, especially after a busy week.”
Garden enthusiast enjoying nature
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a garden:
Describe a garden you would like to visit
You should say:
- Where this garden is located
- What you know about this garden
- What you expect to see there
- And explain why you would like to visit this gardenBand 6-7 Answer:
“I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of visiting the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada. Located on Vancouver Island, these gardens are renowned for their stunning beauty and rich history. From what I’ve read, the gardens were originally created to rehabilitate an old quarry site, which I find quite inspiring.
I expect to see an incredible variety of flowers and plants, arranged in different themed gardens. I’ve heard there’s a spectacular rose garden, a Japanese garden with serene ponds, and even a sunken garden that’s particularly breathtaking. I imagine walking along winding paths, surrounded by vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrances.
The main reason I’d like to visit is to experience the sheer beauty of nature at its finest. I’m also interested in learning about the horticultural techniques used to maintain such a vast and diverse collection of plants. Additionally, I think it would be a great opportunity to practice photography and capture some truly memorable scenes.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’ve been captivated by the prospect of visiting the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While its exact historical location remains a subject of debate among scholars, most place it in modern-day Iraq, near Baghdad.
The Hanging Gardens have long been shrouded in mystery and legend. Allegedly built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his homesick wife, they’re described as a marvel of engineering – a series of tiered gardens rising high above the desert landscape, defying gravity and the arid climate.
If I were to visit this mythical garden, I’d expect to be awestruck by the ingenuity of ancient engineering. I envision lush terraces cascading down stone pillars, with exotic plants and flowers from across the known world of that time. I’d be fascinated to see the intricate irrigation systems that would have been necessary to sustain such verdant life in a desert environment.
My desire to visit stems from a deep appreciation for both history and horticulture. The Hanging Gardens represent a pinnacle of human achievement, blending architectural prowess with a profound understanding of plant life. It’s a testament to our age-old desire to create beauty and to tame nature while also celebrating it. Moreover, the gardens’ legendary status sparks my imagination – the idea of walking through a living myth is incredibly appealing. It would be an unparalleled opportunity to connect with an ancient civilization and gain insights into their values, technologies, and relationship with the natural world.”
Illustration of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Examiner: How do you think gardens like this contribute to urban environments?
Band 7-8 Answer:
“Gardens play a crucial role in urban environments. They serve as green lungs for cities, helping to purify the air and reduce pollution. Moreover, they provide much-needed spaces for relaxation and recreation, offering city dwellers a chance to reconnect with nature. Gardens can also enhance biodiversity in urban areas, providing habitats for various species of plants and animals.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Gardens are indispensable to the fabric of urban life. They serve multiple functions, from environmental mitigation to psychological well-being. In terms of ecology, urban gardens act as vital carbon sinks, helping to counteract the heat island effect common in cities. They also play a crucial role in stormwater management, reducing runoff and alleviating pressure on urban drainage systems.
From a social perspective, gardens foster a sense of community cohesion. They provide spaces for interaction, education, and even urban agriculture, contributing to food security and sustainable living practices. Psychologically, access to green spaces has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and increased productivity among city residents.
Moreover, well-designed gardens can elevate the aesthetic appeal of urban landscapes, potentially boosting property values and attracting tourism. They also offer opportunities for innovative urban planning, such as the integration of vertical gardens or rooftop green spaces in high-density areas.
In essence, urban gardens are not mere embellishments but integral components of sustainable, livable cities, offering a multitude of ecological, social, and economic benefits.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How have gardens changed over the past few decades?
Band 7-8 Answer:
“Gardens have undergone significant changes in recent decades. There’s been a noticeable shift towards sustainable gardening practices, with more people opting for native plants that require less water and maintenance. Urban gardening has also gained popularity, with people finding creative ways to grow plants in small spaces like balconies or rooftops. Additionally, there’s been an increased focus on creating wildlife-friendly gardens that support local ecosystems.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The evolution of gardens over the past few decades reflects broader shifts in societal values and environmental awareness. We’ve witnessed a paradigm shift from purely ornamental gardens to more functional and ecologically conscious spaces.
One of the most significant changes has been the emphasis on sustainability. Modern gardens often incorporate water-efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and drought-resistant plants, reflecting growing concerns about water scarcity and climate change. There’s also been a resurgence of interest in permaculture and food forests, with many people integrating edible plants into their ornamental gardens.
Technological integration has revolutionized garden design and maintenance. Smart irrigation systems, robotic lawnmowers, and apps for plant identification and care have made gardening more accessible and efficient.
Moreover, there’s been a shift towards biodiverse gardens that support local wildlife, with native plant species taking center stage. This approach not only promotes ecological balance but also reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
The concept of therapeutic gardens has gained traction, with more emphasis on creating spaces for mental health and well-being. This includes sensory gardens designed for individuals with special needs and healing gardens in healthcare settings.
Lastly, the rise of vertical and rooftop gardens in urban areas represents a creative response to increasing urbanization, allowing city dwellers to reconnect with nature despite space constraints.
These changes reflect a more holistic understanding of gardens as multifunctional spaces that can address environmental challenges, support biodiversity, provide sustenance, and enhance human well-being.”
Modern sustainable urban garden
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Example: “The garden’s biodiversity is impressive, featuring plants from various ecosystems.”Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
Example: “The garden uses sustainable practices, such as composting and rainwater harvesting.”Ecosystem /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ (noun): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Example: “The pond in the garden creates a unique ecosystem for aquatic plants and animals.”Permaculture /ˈpɜːməˌkʌltʃə/ (noun): A system of agricultural and social design principles centered on simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems.
Example: “The garden’s design follows permaculture principles, maximizing efficiency and sustainability.”Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adjective): Having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being.
Example: “Many find gardening to be a therapeutic activity, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.”
Discover more about relaxing destinations here
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing gardens or any other topic:
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific terms and idiomatic expressions.
- Practice descriptive language: Use vivid adjectives and sensory details to bring your descriptions to life.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and opinions in depth.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your language skills.
- Stay relevant: Always address the question directly and stay on topic.
- Speak fluently: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation.
- Be authentic: Draw from personal experiences or knowledge to make your answers more engaging and natural.
Remember, practice is key. Regularly discussing various topics in English will help you become more comfortable and proficient in expressing your ideas clearly and confidently.
Learn more about describing memorable experiences here
By applying these strategies and expanding your knowledge about gardens and environmental topics, you’ll be well-prepared to flourish in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!