When it comes to IELTS Speaking, being able to vividly describe a favorite park or garden is a valuable skill. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, where candidates are asked to speak at length about a familiar place. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about parks and gardens. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you often visit parks or gardens?
2. What do you usually do when you go to a park?
3. Are there many public parks in your city?

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

Examiner: Do you often visit parks or gardens?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I do. I try to visit the local park near my house at least once a week. It’s a great place to relax and get some fresh air.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely! I make it a point to frequent parks and gardens as often as my schedule allows. Not only do these green spaces provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, but they also offer numerous health benefits. I find that spending time in nature, even if it’s just for a short stroll, significantly boosts my mood and overall well-being.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe A Favorite Park Or Garden In Your Area
You should say:

• Where it is located
• What it looks like
• What activities people do there
• And explain why it is your favorite park or garden

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

My favorite park is Central Park, located in the heart of my city. It’s quite large, covering several acres, with plenty of green spaces and trees. The park has a beautiful lake in the center, surrounded by walking paths and benches.

People come to Central Park for various activities. Many enjoy jogging or cycling on the paths, while others prefer to have picnics on the grass. There’s also a playground for children and a small amphitheater where concerts are sometimes held.

I love this park because it offers a peaceful escape from the busy city life. It’s a great place to relax, exercise, or spend time with friends and family. The scenery changes with the seasons, which makes every visit unique and enjoyable.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to talk about my absolute favorite green space, Riverside Botanical Gardens, which is a veritable oasis nestled along the banks of the River Thames in central London. This meticulously curated garden spans approximately 30 acres and boasts an impressive array of both native and exotic flora.

The gardens are a feast for the senses, with vibrant flowerbeds that change with the seasons, winding paths shaded by majestic oak and elm trees, and the soothing sound of water features scattered throughout. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the Victorian-style glasshouse, which houses a stunning collection of tropical plants and serves as a testament to the garden’s rich history.

Visitors to Riverside Botanical Gardens engage in a plethora of activities. Horticultural enthusiasts can often be seen examining rare plant species or attending workshops on sustainable gardening practices. Fitness aficionados take advantage of the well-maintained jogging trails, while artists and photographers find endless inspiration in the garden’s picturesque landscapes. The gardens also serve as an outdoor classroom for local schools, fostering an appreciation for nature and biodiversity among younger generations.

What sets Riverside Botanical Gardens apart, and the reason it holds such a special place in my heart, is its perfect balance of educational value and tranquil beauty. It’s not merely a place to admire nature, but a living, breathing encyclopedia of plant life. Every visit offers an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s about plant conservation efforts or the intricate relationships between different species in the ecosystem. Moreover, the gardens provide a much-needed respite from the frenetic pace of city life, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and find moments of peace and reflection. It’s this unique combination of intellectual stimulation and serene ambiance that makes Riverside Botanical Gardens my favorite park, and a place I return to time and time again.

Aerial view of Riverside Botanical Gardens in London

Follow-up Questions

1. Has this park changed much since you were a child?
2. Do you think there are enough parks in your city?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

1. Yes, the park has changed quite a bit. They’ve added more facilities like a new playground and improved the walking paths.
2. I think we have a good number of parks, but it would be nice to have more green spaces, especially in the busy downtown area.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

1. The park has undergone a remarkable transformation since my childhood. While the core layout remains largely unchanged, there have been significant enhancements to both the infrastructure and the botanical collections. The most notable addition is the state-of-the-art visitor center, which houses interactive exhibits on biodiversity and climate change. Additionally, the gardens have embraced sustainable practices, implementing water-saving irrigation systems and incorporating more native plant species to support local ecosystems.

2. While our city does have several well-maintained parks, I believe there’s always room for improvement when it comes to green spaces. Urban planners should prioritize the integration of more parks and gardens, particularly in densely populated areas. These green oases not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our cityscape but also play a crucial role in improving air quality, reducing urban heat island effects, and promoting public health. Innovative solutions like rooftop gardens and vertical green walls could help address the space constraints in urban environments while still providing the numerous benefits of green spaces.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How important are public parks and gardens for urban communities?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Public parks and gardens are very important for urban communities. They provide spaces for people to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature. They also help to improve air quality and make cities more attractive.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Public parks and gardens play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life in urban communities. These green spaces serve multiple crucial functions that contribute to the physical, mental, and social well-being of city dwellers.

Firstly, they act as the “lungs” of the city, helping to mitigate air pollution and regulate urban temperatures. This is particularly significant in the context of climate change and the increasing challenges faced by metropolitan areas.

Secondly, parks and gardens provide essential venues for physical activity and recreation, which is vital in combating the sedentary lifestyles often associated with urban living. They offer accessible spaces for exercise, team sports, and outdoor activities, promoting public health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Moreover, these green spaces foster social cohesion and community engagement. They serve as gathering places where people from diverse backgrounds can interact, helping to build stronger, more connected communities. This is especially important in densely populated urban areas where social isolation can be a significant issue.

Lastly, public parks and gardens contribute to the aesthetic and cultural value of cities. They often preserve local biodiversity, provide habitats for urban wildlife, and can serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In many cases, they also preserve historical landscapes and cultural heritage, adding depth to the urban experience.

In essence, public parks and gardens are not just amenities, but fundamental components of sustainable, livable cities, playing a critical role in addressing various urban challenges and enhancing overall quality of life.

Examiner: Do you think governments should invest more in creating and maintaining public green spaces?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I think governments should invest more in green spaces. They’re important for people’s health and well-being. More parks could help reduce pollution and make cities nicer places to live.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely, I firmly believe that increased government investment in creating and maintaining public green spaces is not just beneficial, but imperative for the sustainable development of our cities.

Such investments yield multifaceted returns that extend far beyond mere aesthetics. From an environmental perspective, green spaces act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. They also play a crucial role in urban biodiversity conservation and can contribute to more effective stormwater management, thus reducing the strain on urban infrastructure.

From a public health standpoint, the benefits are equally significant. Access to green spaces has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and increased physical activity among urban residents. This, in turn, can lead to decreased healthcare costs and a more productive workforce.

Economically, well-maintained parks and gardens can boost property values in surrounding areas and attract tourism, potentially generating revenue for local economies. They can also play a role in urban regeneration, transforming neglected areas into vibrant community spaces.

However, it’s crucial that these investments are made equitably, ensuring that green spaces are accessible to all segments of the population, particularly in underserved communities where the benefits could be most impactful.

In conclusion, government investment in public green spaces should be viewed not as an expense, but as a strategic investment in public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity – key pillars for building resilient and livable cities for future generations.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some advanced vocabulary items and phrases that can help you achieve a higher band score:

1. Veritable oasis /ˈverɪtəbl əʊˈeɪsɪs/ (noun phrase): A place that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast to its surroundings.
   Example: “The park is a veritable oasis in the midst of our busy city.”

2. Meticulously curated /məˈtɪkjʊləsli ˈkjʊəreɪtɪd/ (adjective phrase): Carefully and precisely selected and organized.
   Example: “The botanical garden features a meticulously curated collection of rare plant species.”

3. Biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
   Example: “Urban parks play a crucial role in preserving local biodiversity.”

4. Urban heat island effect /ˈɜːbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd ɪˈfekt/ (noun phrase): A phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities.
   Example: “Green spaces help mitigate the urban heat island effect in large cities.”

5. Ecosystem services /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/ (noun phrase): The benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as clean air, water, and recreation opportunities.
   Example: “Parks provide numerous ecosystem services that improve urban life quality.”

Infographic: Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Parks

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing a favorite park or garden in your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Use vivid descriptive language to paint a clear picture of the place in the examiner’s mind.
2. Structure your answer logically, covering all points mentioned in the cue card.
3. Incorporate a range of vocabulary related to nature, urban planning, and leisure activities.
4. Speak fluently and coherently, using appropriate linking words to connect your ideas.
5. Provide specific examples and personal experiences to make your description more engaging and authentic.
6. Practice describing different types of parks and gardens to be prepared for various scenarios.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and a natural conversation flow.

To further enhance your IELTS Speaking skills, you might want to describe a plant or tree that is important in your country or describe a famous landmark or historical site you visited. These topics can help you develop a broader vocabulary and improve your ability to describe places and their significance.

By mastering these techniques and expanding your descriptive abilities, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about parks, gardens, or other natural spaces in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!