Mastering the Art of Describing Your Favorite Season in IELTS Speaking

The topic of seasons is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when candidates are asked to describe a season they enjoy the most. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. To help you prepare effectively, let’s explore how to approach this topic with confidence and sophistication.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about seasons. Here are a few examples:

1. What’s your favorite season of the year?
2. Do you like the season you’re currently in? Why or why not?
3. How do the seasons affect your daily life?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: What’s your favorite season of the year?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): My favorite season is definitely autumn. I absolutely adore the way the leaves change color, creating a breathtaking landscape of reds, oranges, and yellows. The crisp air and mild temperatures make it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or simply taking long walks in the park. Plus, there’s something incredibly cozy about curling up with a good book and a warm drink on a cool autumn evening.

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s move on to the cue card task. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a season:

Describe a season you enjoy the most

You should say:
- What season it is
- What the weather is like during this season
- What activities you like to do in this season
- And explain why you enjoy this season so much

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The season I enjoy the most is undoubtedly spring. It’s a time of renewal and rebirth, when nature awakens from its winter slumber and bursts into life once again.

During spring, the weather is pleasantly mild, with temperatures gradually warming up after the cold winter months. The days become longer, and we’re treated to an abundance of sunshine, interspersed with the occasional refreshing spring shower. These rain showers are essential for nourishing the emerging plant life and creating that distinctive petrichor scent that I find so invigorating.

In terms of activities, spring offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. I particularly relish going on nature walks to observe the blossoming flowers and budding trees. It’s also an ideal time for picnics in the park, where I can bask in the gentle warmth of the sun while enjoying good food and company. Additionally, spring is perfect for pursuing my passion for gardening, as I can start planting seeds and nurturing my vegetable garden.

I find spring so enjoyable because it symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts. The sight of delicate blossoms and the sound of chirping birds never fail to lift my spirits and fill me with a sense of optimism. There’s an infectious energy in the air as people emerge from their winter routines, eager to embrace the outdoors once again. This season also holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of cherished childhood memories, like flying kites with my family or going on Easter egg hunts.

In essence, spring represents a perfect balance for me – neither too hot nor too cold, full of natural beauty, and brimming with possibilities. It’s a season that rejuvenates my soul and inspires me to embrace life with renewed enthusiasm.

Spring blossoms in a park symbolizing nature's awakening

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. Do you think people’s favorite seasons change as they get older?
2. How do different seasons affect people’s moods?

Sample answers:

1. (Band 7-8) I believe people’s seasonal preferences can indeed evolve with age. As we grow older, our priorities and lifestyle choices often shift, which can influence our favorite season. For instance, children might favor summer for its long school holidays and outdoor play, while adults might appreciate the milder temperatures and aesthetic appeal of autumn. Additionally, health considerations may play a role – older individuals might prefer seasons with more moderate weather conditions to avoid extreme temperatures that could affect their well-being.

2. (Band 8-9) Seasons can have a profound impact on people’s moods due to various factors. Firstly, the amount of sunlight we receive significantly affects our circadian rhythms and serotonin levels, which directly influence our mood and energy. For example, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder during winter months with limited daylight. Conversely, the abundance of sunlight in summer often leads to increased feelings of happiness and vitality. Additionally, each season brings unique activities and social opportunities that can boost mood – like festive gatherings in winter or outdoor adventures in summer. The psychological associations we have with each season, based on past experiences and cultural traditions, also play a role in shaping our emotional responses to different times of the year.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to seasons. Here are some examples:

Examiner: How do you think climate change is affecting the traditional four seasons?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Climate change is undeniably altering the traditional patterns of the four seasons in numerous ways. We’re witnessing more extreme weather events across all seasons, such as intense heatwaves in summer, prolonged droughts in traditionally wetter seasons, and unseasonably warm winters. These changes are disrupting natural ecosystems, affecting wildlife migration patterns and plant blooming cycles. For instance, some species are blooming earlier in spring, which can lead to a mismatch with their pollinators. Additionally, the boundaries between seasons are becoming increasingly blurred, with winter-like conditions extending into spring in some regions, while others experience shorter, milder winters. These shifts have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, water resources, and even human health, as we struggle to adapt to these rapidly changing seasonal norms.

Examiner: Do you think people in different parts of the world have different attitudes towards seasons?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Absolutely, I believe people’s attitudes towards seasons can vary greatly depending on their geographical location and cultural background. In tropical countries with little seasonal variation, people might not place as much emphasis on seasonal changes as those in temperate climates. For example, someone living in a country with distinct seasons might eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring after a long winter, whereas this transition would be less significant in a place with year-round warm weather. Cultural factors also play a role – many societies have traditions and festivals tied to specific seasons, which can shape people’s perceptions and emotional connections to those times of year. Additionally, the economic impact of seasons can influence attitudes; for instance, people in agricultural communities might view the seasons through the lens of crop cycles, while those in tourist-dependent areas might favor seasons that bring more visitors.

Global seasonal diversity influencing cultural attitudes

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, consider incorporating these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Seasonal transitions /ˈsiːzənəl trænˈzɪʃənz/ (noun phrase): The process of changing from one season to another.
   Example: “The seasonal transitions in New England are particularly stunning, especially the shift from summer to autumn.”

2. Meteorological phenomenon /ˌmiːtiərəˈlɒdʒɪkəl fɪˈnɒmɪnən/ (noun phrase): A notable weather-related occurrence.
   Example: “El Niño is a fascinating meteorological phenomenon that can significantly impact seasonal patterns globally.”

3. Circadian rhythm /sɜːˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm/ (noun phrase): The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
   Example: “The changing seasons can affect our circadian rhythms, particularly when daylight hours shift dramatically.”

4. Seasonal affective disorder /ˈsiːzənəl əˈfektɪv dɪsˈɔːdə/ (noun phrase): A type of depression related to changes in seasons.
   Example: “Many people experience seasonal affective disorder during the darker winter months.”

5. To acclimatize /əˈklaɪmətaɪz/ (verb): To become accustomed to a new climate or conditions.
   Example: “It takes me a while to acclimatize to the hot summer weather after a long, cool spring.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing seasons:

1. Diversify your vocabulary: Use a range of descriptive words and phrases to vividly portray the characteristics of different seasons.

2. Provide personal anecdotes: Share specific experiences related to seasons to make your answers more engaging and authentic.

3. Discuss broader impacts: When appropriate, touch on how seasons affect society, the economy, or the environment to demonstrate critical thinking.

4. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently about seasonal topics, reducing hesitations and filler words.

5. Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts about seasons; explain your thoughts and feelings to showcase your language proficiency.

By following these tips and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss seasons confidently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your performance and achieving a high band score.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might want to describe a new hobby you are considering or describe a special day you spent with friends. These topics can help you further develop your speaking skills and expand your vocabulary in different contexts.