The topic of describing a favorite outdoor activity with family is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to discuss personal experiences, describe events, and express emotions – all crucial skills for achieving a high band score in the Speaking module.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask several questions related to outdoor activities and family time. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
- What kind of outdoor activities do you like to do with your family?
- How often do you engage in outdoor activities with your family?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I really enjoy going hiking with my family. We usually go to nearby mountains and spend the day exploring nature trails. It’s a great way to get some exercise and spend quality time together.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“One of our favorite family pastimes is embarking on hiking expeditions in the nearby mountain ranges. We find it to be an invigorating way to not only get some much-needed exercise but also to bond as a family unit while immersing ourselves in the natural world. These trips often lead to fascinating discussions about local flora and fauna, which adds an educational dimension to our outings.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a favorite outdoor activity you enjoy with your family
You should say:
- What the activity is
- Where you do this activity
- Who you do it with
- And explain why you enjoy this activity
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“The outdoor activity I really enjoy with my family is camping. We usually go camping in a national park about two hours drive from our home. I go with my parents and my younger sister.
We love camping because it allows us to escape from the city and enjoy nature. We usually set up our tent near a lake, where we can go fishing and swimming. In the evenings, we sit around the campfire, roast marshmallows, and tell stories.
I enjoy this activity because it brings our family closer together. We don’t use our phones much while camping, so we spend more time talking and laughing with each other. It’s also a great way to relax and forget about work and school stress.
Camping also teaches us useful skills like how to set up a tent, start a fire, and cook outdoors. It’s always an adventure, and we often see interesting wildlife like deer or rabbits.
Overall, camping is my favorite outdoor activity with my family because it combines fun, relaxation, and valuable family time in a beautiful natural setting.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The outdoor activity that I thoroughly relish with my family is camping, particularly in the pristine wilderness of national parks. We habitually venture to a picturesque reserve approximately two hours’ drive from our urban dwelling. This cherished tradition involves my parents, my younger sibling, and myself.
Camping holds an irresistible allure for us as it provides an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature. We typically establish our base camp in close proximity to a serene lake, which affords us opportunities for fishing and swimming. As twilight descends, we congregate around a crackling campfire, indulging in the simple pleasure of roasting marshmallows while regaling each other with anecdotes and family lore.
This activity is particularly dear to my heart as it serves as a catalyst for familial bonding. The absence of technological distractions fosters genuine communication and shared laughter, creating indelible memories. It also provides a much-needed respite from the rigors of our daily routines, allowing us to recharge and reconnect.
Moreover, camping imparts valuable life skills, such as erecting a shelter, kindling a fire, and preparing meals in rustic conditions. Each expedition is an adventure unto itself, often yielding unexpected encounters with local wildlife, be it elusive deer or playful rabbits.
In essence, camping epitomizes my ideal outdoor family activity, seamlessly blending recreation, relaxation, and quality family time against the backdrop of nature’s splendor. It’s an experience that never fails to rejuvenate our spirits and strengthen our familial bonds.”
Family enjoying camping activity in a national park
Possible follow-up questions:
- How has technology changed the way families spend time outdoors?
- Do you think outdoor activities are becoming less popular among young people? Why or why not?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Technology has undeniably revolutionized the way families engage in outdoor activities. On one hand, it has enhanced accessibility and safety through GPS navigation and emergency communication devices, allowing families to venture into more remote areas with greater confidence. Additionally, apps that identify flora and fauna have transformed casual outings into educational experiences.
However, the pervasive nature of smartphones and social media has also posed challenges to genuine engagement with nature and family members. The compulsion to document and share experiences online can sometimes detract from living in the moment and fully appreciating the natural surroundings.
Despite these concerns, I believe technology, when used judiciously, can enrich outdoor experiences. For instance, fitness trackers can motivate families to set and achieve health goals together, while photography apps allow for the creation of lasting memories. The key lies in striking a balance between utilizing helpful technology and preserving the essence of outdoor activities as a means to connect with nature and loved ones.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:
- How important are outdoor activities for children’s development?
- Do you think urbanization has affected people’s ability to enjoy outdoor activities? How?
- What role do you think the government should play in promoting outdoor activities?
Let’s focus on question 1:
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think outdoor activities are very important for children’s development. They help kids stay physically active and healthy. Playing outside also helps children learn about nature and the environment. It can improve their social skills when they play with other kids. Outdoor activities can also help children become more independent and confident.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that outdoor activities play a pivotal role in children’s holistic development. Firstly, they are instrumental in promoting physical health and combating the growing issue of childhood obesity. The varied terrain and unpredictable nature of outdoor environments also contribute significantly to the development of motor skills and spatial awareness.
Moreover, outdoor activities provide a rich sensory experience that is crucial for cognitive development. Interacting with nature stimulates curiosity and fosters problem-solving skills, as children encounter and navigate various natural phenomena. This experiential learning often complements and reinforces classroom education in subjects like biology and environmental science.
From a social perspective, outdoor play facilitates peer interaction in a less structured environment, allowing children to develop crucial social skills such as teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution. It also provides opportunities for risk assessment and management, which are essential life skills.
Furthermore, regular exposure to nature has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve mental health in children. It can enhance attention spans and reduce symptoms of attention deficit disorders.
In essence, outdoor activities offer a multifaceted approach to child development, encompassing physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects. They provide a counterbalance to the increasingly digital world children are growing up in, ensuring a more well-rounded development that will serve them well into adulthood.”
Children engaged in outdoor activities in nature
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Embark on (phrasal verb) /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/ – to start a new project or activity
Example: “We embark on our camping trip every summer.”Pristine (adjective) /ˈprɪstiːn/ – in its original condition; unspoiled
Example: “The pristine wilderness of the national park was breathtaking.”Rejuvenate (verb) /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt/ – to give new energy or vigor to; revitalize
Example: “Spending time in nature helps to rejuvenate our spirits.”Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Example: “Outdoor activities often serve as a catalyst for family bonding.”Indelible (adjective) /ɪnˈdelɪbəl/ – not able to be forgotten or removed
Example: “Camping trips create indelible memories for our family.”Judiciously (adverb) /dʒuːˈdɪʃəsli/ – with good judgment or sense
Example: “We try to use technology judiciously during our outdoor activities.”
Family hiking together on a mountain trail
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing outdoor activities with family:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to nature, activities, and emotions.
- Incorporate complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Show awareness of broader issues related to outdoor activities, such as environmental conservation or the impact of technology.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently about your experiences and opinions.
- Be prepared to discuss both the benefits and potential challenges of outdoor activities.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by considering different perspectives on the topic.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in being able to communicate your thoughts clearly and engagingly on a variety of related topics. Regular practice with a variety of questions will help you develop the flexibility and confidence needed to excel in the IELTS Speaking test.
describe an activity you did that was challenging can provide additional insights into discussing personal experiences effectively in the IELTS Speaking test. Similarly, exploring topics like describe a favorite place in your country to relax can help you develop your descriptive language skills, which are crucial when talking about outdoor activities and locations.