Describing a natural landscape is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to paint a vivid picture with words. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about nature and landscapes. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy visiting natural landscapes?
- What’s your favorite type of natural scenery?
- How often do you go to natural places?
- Do you prefer mountains or beaches?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy visiting natural landscapes?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about exploring natural landscapes. There’s something incredibly rejuvenating about being surrounded by unspoiled nature. Whether it’s hiking through lush forests or admiring panoramic mountain views, I find these experiences both exhilarating and calming. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the natural world.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a natural landscape you'd like to visit
You should say:
- Where it is
- How you know about this place
- What you can see and do there
- And explain why you want to visit this placeSample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon in the United States. I first learned about it in geography class at school and have since seen many breathtaking photos of it online and in travel magazines.
The Grand Canyon is a massive gorge located in Arizona. It’s known for its layered bands of red rock that reveal millions of years of geological history. From what I’ve seen, the views are absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset when the colors of the rocks change.
There are many things to do there. You can hike along the rim or even down into the canyon itself. There are also helicopter tours that offer a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. I’ve heard that white-water rafting on the Colorado River, which runs through the canyon, is an unforgettable experience.
I want to visit this place because it seems like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sheer size and beauty of the canyon are awe-inspiring, and I think seeing it in person would be truly humbling. It would also be a great opportunity to challenge myself physically with some hiking and to learn more about geology and the natural history of the area.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m utterly captivated by the idea of visiting the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, which is the world’s largest salt flat. I first stumbled upon images of this surreal landscape while researching unique travel destinations, and I’ve been intrigued ever since.
Salar de Uyuni is a vast expanse of blindingly white salt crust, stretching as far as the eye can see, located in the Andes mountains of southwest Bolivia. What makes this place truly mesmerizing is its transformation during the rainy season when a thin layer of water turns the entire area into a giant mirror, creating an otherworldly effect where the sky and ground seem to merge.
The possibilities for exploration and photography there are endless. One can traverse the salt flats in a 4×4 vehicle, visit the colorful lagoons in the surrounding desert that are home to vibrant flamingo populations, or explore the quirky cactus-covered “islands” that dot the salt flat. During the dry season, the polygonal patterns formed by the salt crust create fascinating geometric shapes that are a photographer’s dream.
My desire to visit Salar de Uyuni stems from its unparalleled uniqueness and the opportunity it presents to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena. The chance to stand in a place where the horizon seems to disappear, creating an illusion of infinity, is profoundly appealing to me. Moreover, experiencing such an alien-like landscape firsthand would undoubtedly broaden my perspective on the diverse beauty our planet has to offer and leave me with memories that would last a lifetime.”
Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia during rainy season
Follow-up questions:
- What challenges might you face when visiting this landscape?
- How do you think tourism affects natural landscapes like this one?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Visiting Salar de Uyuni comes with its own set of unique challenges. The extreme altitude – around 3,656 meters above sea level – can lead to altitude sickness for many visitors, requiring a period of acclimatization. The harsh climate is another factor to contend with; temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between scorching days and freezing nights. Moreover, the remote location and lack of infrastructure in some areas mean that travelers need to be well-prepared with supplies and potentially face basic accommodation options. Navigating the vast, featureless expanse can also be disorienting and potentially dangerous without an experienced guide. Lastly, the delicate ecosystem of the salt flats requires visitors to be extremely mindful of their environmental impact, which can be challenging but is crucial for preserving this natural wonder for future generations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to natural landscapes and tourism. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think climate change is affecting natural landscapes around the world?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response):
“Climate change is having a profound impact on natural landscapes globally. We’re seeing more frequent and intense natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, which are drastically altering ecosystems. For instance, rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt at unprecedented rates, changing the face of mountainous regions and affecting water supplies. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable due to rising sea levels, which are eroding shorelines and threatening unique habitats like mangrove forests. Additionally, changing weather patterns are disrupting the delicate balance of many ecosystems, leading to shifts in plant and animal populations. It’s a complex issue that requires urgent attention and global cooperation to mitigate its effects and preserve these landscapes for future generations.”
Examiner: Do you think governments are doing enough to protect natural landscapes?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response):
“While efforts vary significantly from country to country, I believe that overall, governments are not doing nearly enough to protect natural landscapes. Many governments seem to prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental preservation, which is a shortsighted approach.
That being said, there are some positive initiatives worth noting. For instance, some countries have implemented stringent regulations on industrial activities in ecologically sensitive areas, established vast national parks, or introduced carbon pricing to curb emissions. However, these measures often fall short of what’s truly needed to address the scale and urgency of the environmental challenges we face.
One of the main issues is the lack of enforcement of existing environmental laws and the insufficient funding allocated to conservation efforts. Moreover, there’s often a disconnect between policy-making at the national level and implementation at the local level, which can hinder effective protection.
I believe governments need to take a more proactive stance, investing in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and education to foster a culture of environmental stewardship. They should also collaborate more closely with scientists, environmental organizations, and local communities to develop comprehensive, long-term strategies for landscape preservation.
Ultimately, protecting natural landscapes requires a paradigm shift in how we value nature, moving away from seeing it merely as a resource to exploit and towards recognizing its intrinsic worth and crucial role in maintaining the planet’s ecological balance.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Mesmerizing /ˈmezməˌraɪzɪŋ/ (adjective): Capturing one’s complete attention as if by magic
Example: “The aurora borealis created a mesmerizing display in the night sky.”Breathtaking /ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away
Example: “The view from the mountain peak was absolutely breathtaking.”Unspoiled /ˌʌnˈspɔɪld/ (adjective): Not damaged or impaired; pristine
Example: “We discovered an unspoiled beach far from the tourist areas.”Biodiversity /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
Example: “The rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity.”Ecosystem /ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəm/ (noun): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
Example: “Human activities are disrupting delicate ecosystems around the world.”Sustainable tourism /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ (noun phrase): Tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment
Example: “The country is promoting sustainable tourism to protect its natural landscapes.”Awe-inspiring /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Inspiring great admiration, respect, or fear
Example: “Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon was an awe-inspiring experience.”Serene /səˈriːn/ (adjective): Calm, peaceful, and untroubled
Example: “The serene atmosphere of the lake at dawn was incredibly relaxing.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing natural landscapes:
Use vivid vocabulary: Incorporate descriptive words that paint a clear picture in the listener’s mind.
Vary your sentence structure: Mix short and long sentences, and use different grammatical structures to demonstrate language flexibility.
Speak fluently: Practice speaking at length about various landscapes to improve your fluency.
Show enthusiasm: Your tone and expressions should convey your interest in the topic.
Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, give concrete examples and personal experiences.
Link ideas coherently: Use connecting words and phrases to ensure your speech flows logically.
Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze issues from multiple perspectives and provide balanced viewpoints.
Practice pronunciation: Work on clear enunciation, especially of landscape-related vocabulary.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a wide range of natural landscape descriptions will significantly improve your performance in this topic area.