Natural wonders have been a popular topic in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly in Part 2. The question “describe a natural wonder in your country you want to see” is likely to appear in future tests due to its relevance to geography, tourism, and personal experiences. This topic allows candidates to showcase their descriptive language skills and cultural knowledge.
Describe a hill or mountain trek you want to do is a similar topic that may help you prepare for questions about natural wonders.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about nature and travel. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy visiting natural places?
- What’s your favorite natural wonder in your country?
- How often do you go to natural attractions?
Let’s focus on question 2. Here’s a sample answer:
“My favorite natural wonder in my country is Ha Long Bay. It’s a breathtaking seascape of limestone islands and emerald waters. What makes it truly special is the way the islands seem to rise out of the sea, creating a mystical atmosphere. I’m always in awe of its beauty whenever I see pictures or documentaries about it.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a natural wonder in your country you want to see.
You should say:
- What it is
- Where it is located
- What makes it special
- Why you want to see it
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about the Son Doong Cave, which is a natural wonder I’ve always wanted to visit. It’s located in Quang Binh province, in central Vietnam. Son Doong is special because it’s the world’s largest cave, discovered only in 2009. It’s so huge that it has its own ecosystem inside, including a jungle and a river. I want to see it because of its unique features and the sense of adventure it offers. The idea of exploring such a vast underground world is really exciting to me.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m eager to share with you about Son Doong Cave, an awe-inspiring natural wonder nestled in the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province, central Vietnam. This subterranean marvel holds the distinction of being the world’s largest cave, a title that piques the curiosity of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
What sets Son Doong apart is not merely its size, but the entire ecosystem that thrives within its cavernous expanse. Imagine, if you will, a hidden world beneath the earth’s surface, complete with its own jungle, river, and even a localized weather system. The cave boasts towering stalagmites that reach heights of up to 70 meters, dwarfing explorers who venture into its depths.
My fervent desire to experience Son Doong firsthand stems from a combination of factors. Foremost among these is the sheer sense of wonder and discovery that such a place evokes. The idea of treading where few have gone before, of witnessing the raw power of nature in creating such a magnificent subterranean realm, is simply irresistible. Moreover, as someone deeply passionate about conservation, I’m intrigued by the delicate balance that must be maintained to preserve this pristine environment while allowing for responsible exploration.
In essence, Son Doong Cave represents not just a destination, but a journey into the heart of our planet’s geological history and natural beauty. It’s a place that challenges our perceptions of what’s possible in the natural world and promises an experience that would be truly unforgettable.”
Son Doong Cave in Vietnam
Follow-up questions:
- What challenges might you face when visiting this natural wonder?
- How do you think tourism affects natural wonders like Son Doong Cave?
Sample answers:
Band 6-7:
“Visiting Son Doong Cave can be physically demanding. The trek to reach the cave is long and difficult, and exploring inside requires good fitness. Also, the number of visitors is limited, so getting a spot on a tour can be challenging.”
“Tourism can have both positive and negative effects on natural wonders. It can bring money for conservation, but too many visitors might damage the environment. For Son Doong, I think careful management is important to protect its unique ecosystem.”
Band 8-9:
“Embarking on an expedition to Son Doong Cave presents a myriad of challenges. The foremost hurdle is the physical demand of the journey. It requires traversing rugged terrain, navigating through dense jungle, and scaling steep inclines. Moreover, the cave’s unique microclimate necessitates specialized equipment and preparation. Another significant challenge is the limited accessibility. Due to conservation efforts, only a select number of permits are issued annually, making securing a spot on an expedition a formidable task in itself.”
“The impact of tourism on natural wonders like Son Doong Cave is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can foster appreciation for these geological marvels and generate revenue for conservation efforts. However, unchecked tourism poses risks such as ecological disruption and physical damage to delicate formations. In the case of Son Doong, a delicate balance must be struck. The current model of strictly limited, guided tours seems to be an effective approach. It allows for sustainable exploration while minimizing human impact, thereby preserving the cave’s pristine state for future generations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How can governments protect natural wonders while also promoting tourism?
Sample answers:
Band 6-7:
“Governments can protect natural wonders by setting limits on the number of visitors and creating strict rules for tourists. They can also use money from tourism to fund conservation projects. Education is important too, to help people understand why these places need protection.”
Band 8-9:
“Governments face a delicate balancing act when it comes to preserving natural wonders while harnessing their tourism potential. A multi-faceted approach is crucial. Firstly, implementing stringent visitor quotas and well-regulated access can significantly mitigate the environmental impact. This could involve timed entry systems or rotating access to different areas to allow for natural regeneration.
Secondly, governments should invest in comprehensive environmental impact assessments and use these to inform adaptive management strategies. This might include the development of eco-friendly infrastructure that blends with the natural surroundings and utilizes sustainable technologies.
Moreover, a portion of tourism revenue should be earmarked for conservation efforts. This creates a symbiotic relationship where increased tourism directly contributes to better preservation. Governments can also incentivize responsible tourism through tax breaks for eco-friendly operators or by promoting certification programs that recognize sustainable practices.
Lastly, public education and awareness campaigns are vital. By fostering a deep appreciation for these natural wonders, governments can cultivate a sense of stewardship among both locals and visitors. This could involve interpretive centers, guided tours that emphasize conservation, and partnerships with educational institutions to promote research and understanding.
In essence, the key lies in viewing tourism not as a threat, but as a tool for conservation when managed judiciously.”
Eco-friendly tourism infrastructure in a natural setting
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Awe-inspiring (adjective) /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ – extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration
Example: “The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight that leaves visitors speechless.”Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
Example: “The Amazon rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity.”Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
Example: “Coral reefs are delicate ecosystems that require careful protection.”Pristine (adjective) /ˈprɪstiːn/ – in its original condition; unspoiled
Example: “We hiked through pristine forests untouched by human development.”Sustainable tourism (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment
Example: “The government is promoting sustainable tourism to protect the Galapagos Islands.”
Describe a waterfall or river you want to visit is another topic that can help you practice using these vocabulary items in context.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a natural wonder:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases related to nature and geography.
- Employ complex grammatical structures and vary your sentence patterns.
- Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
- Provide detailed descriptions and personal opinions to fully develop your answers.
- Practice describing various natural wonders to improve your ability to speak at length on this topic.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly enhance your speaking skills. Consider discussing natural wonders with friends or language exchange partners to gain confidence in using relevant vocabulary and expressions.
Describe a famous landmark in your city can be a great way to practice describing notable locations, which can help you when talking about natural wonders as well.