How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Test: Describing a Natural Place You Enjoy

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about places, particularly natural locations that candidates enjoy visiting. This topic is a perennial favorite among examiners and has appeared consistently in past tests. As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ll guide you through answering questions related to “Describe A Natural Place That You Enjoy Going To” and provide sample responses to help you achieve a high band score.

Serene natural landscape

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about you and familiar topics. Here are some questions you might encounter related to natural places:

1. Do you enjoy spending time in nature?
2. What’s your favorite natural place to visit?
3. How often do you go to natural places?
4. Do you prefer natural places or urban areas?

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

Examiner: What’s your favorite natural place to visit?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“My favorite natural place to visit is definitely the beach near my hometown. I absolutely adore the feeling of sand between my toes and the sound of waves crashing on the shore. It’s incredibly rejuvenating to spend time there, especially during sunset when the sky turns into a spectacular canvas of orange and pink hues. The beach is also a great place for me to unwind and reflect on life.”

Key phrases: absolutely adore, incredibly rejuvenating, spectacular canvas, unwind and reflect

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe a natural place that you enjoy going to.
You should say:

• Where it is
• How often you go there
• What you do there
• And explain why you enjoy going to this place

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d like to talk about a breathtaking mountain lake that I absolutely love visiting. It’s located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, about a three-hour drive from my home. The lake is nestled between towering peaks and surrounded by dense pine forests, creating a truly awe-inspiring landscape.

I try to visit this natural paradise at least twice a year, usually once in summer and once in winter, as each season offers a unique and enchanting experience. In the summer, the area is teeming with vibrant wildflowers and the crystal-clear water of the lake is perfect for swimming. During winter, the lake freezes over, and the surrounding mountains are blanketed in pristine snow, creating a winter wonderland.

When I’m there, I engage in various activities depending on the season. In summer, I enjoy hiking the scenic trails, kayaking on the serene waters, and setting up camp under the star-filled sky. Winter visits usually involve snowshoeing through the tranquil forest and ice fishing on the frozen lake.

I find this place incredibly rejuvenating and spiritually uplifting. The sheer beauty of the untouched nature never fails to take my breath away and helps me disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a place where I can truly reconnect with nature and find inner peace. The clean mountain air and the absence of modern distractions allow me to clear my mind and gain a fresh perspective on life.

Moreover, observing the changing seasons and the resilience of nature in this place is a constant source of inspiration for me. It reminds me of the importance of preserving our natural environment and the profound impact that unspoiled wilderness can have on our well-being.”

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. Do you think it’s important for people to spend time in nature?
2. How has urbanization affected people’s connection with nature?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial for people to spend time in nature. In our increasingly digitalized and urbanized world, connecting with nature provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. It can reduce stress levels, improve cognitive function, and boost overall well-being. Moreover, spending time in natural environments can foster a greater appreciation for the environment, which is essential for promoting conservation efforts and sustainable living practices. It’s not just about personal benefits; it’s about cultivating a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this final section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample question and response:

Examiner: How do you think climate change might affect natural places in the future?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Climate change poses a significant threat to natural places worldwide. We’re likely to see a range of profound and far-reaching impacts. For instance, rising temperatures could lead to the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, dramatically altering landscapes and ecosystems in cold regions. This could result in the loss of habitats for numerous species and potentially cause extinctions.

In other areas, we might witness more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. These could drastically reshape natural landscapes, destroying forests, eroding coastlines, and disrupting delicate ecological balances.

Moreover, changing climate patterns could affect the distribution of plant and animal species, potentially leading to the invasion of non-native species in some areas and the disappearance of native species in others. This could fundamentally alter the character and biodiversity of many natural places.

Rising sea levels present another significant concern, particularly for coastal and island ecosystems. We might see the submergence of low-lying areas, leading to the loss of beaches, wetlands, and even entire islands.

However, it’s important to note that nature has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of change. While some natural places may be irrevocably altered or lost, others may evolve and transform in response to changing conditions. This underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the need for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from these invaluable natural spaces.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your speaking performance:

1. Awe-inspiring /ɔː ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ (adj): Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration.
   Example: The Grand Canyon is truly an awe-inspiring sight.

2. Biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (n): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
   Example: The rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity.

3. Ecosystem /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ (n): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
   Example: Coral reefs are complex ecosystems teeming with marine life.

4. Pristine /ˈprɪstiːn/ (adj): In its original condition; unspoiled.
   Example: We hiked through pristine forests untouched by human development.

5. Rejuvenating /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Making one feel or look young, fresh, or energetic again.
   Example: A walk in nature can have a rejuvenating effect on both body and mind.

6. Serene /səˈriːn/ (adj): Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
   Example: The serene lake reflected the surrounding mountains like a mirror.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing natural places:

1. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various natural settings and practice describing them in detail.

2. Use descriptive language: Employ vivid adjectives and sensory details to bring your descriptions to life.

3. Develop your opinions: Be prepared to discuss environmental issues and your personal views on nature.

4. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use sophisticated terms related to nature and the environment.

5. Work on fluency: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation and natural-sounding connected speech.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and a wide range of vocabulary will help you achieve a high band score.

For more IELTS speaking practice, you might want to describe a place you have visited more than once or discuss your favorite type of climate. These topics can help you further develop your skills in describing places and environmental conditions.