The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about daily activities and personal experiences. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a place where you exercise regularly, such as a park. This article will guide you through answering questions related to “Describe A Park Where You Go To Exercise Regularly” in all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about parks and exercise. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

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

Let’s focus on the first question:

Do you often go to parks?

Band 6-7 answer:
“Yes, I try to go to parks quite often. I usually visit the park near my house about twice a week, usually on weekends. It’s a nice way to relax and get some fresh air.”

Band 8-9 answer:
“Absolutely! I make it a point to frequent parks as often as possible. In fact, I’ve incorporated park visits into my daily routine. Every morning before work, I head to the local park for a brisk walk and some light exercises. It’s not only a great way to stay active but also helps me start my day on a positive note.”

Person exercising in a park

Describe an activity you do to keep fit can be closely related to describing a park where you exercise regularly. Both topics focus on healthy habits and physical activities.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a park where you go to exercise regularly
You should say:

• Where this park is located
• What facilities it has for exercise
• What kind of exercise you do there
• And explain why you like exercising in this particular park

Band 6-7 answer:
“I’d like to talk about the community park near my home where I often go for exercise. It’s located about a 10-minute walk from my house, which makes it very convenient. The park has several facilities for exercise, including a jogging track, some basic outdoor gym equipment, and an open grassy area for activities like yoga or stretching.

When I visit this park, I usually start with a light jog around the track to warm up. Then, I use the outdoor gym equipment for some strength training exercises. Sometimes, I bring a yoga mat and do some stretching exercises on the grass.

I really enjoy exercising in this park because it’s close to home and offers a variety of options for working out. The fresh air and natural surroundings also make it more enjoyable than exercising indoors. Plus, seeing other people exercising around me is motivating and helps me stay committed to my fitness routine.”

Band 8-9 answer:
“I’d be delighted to describe the park where I regularly exercise. It’s a sprawling urban oasis called Greenwood Park, situated in the heart of our city, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling business district. Its strategic location makes it accessible to both residents and office workers, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.

Greenwood Park boasts an impressive array of exercise facilities that cater to various fitness preferences. There’s a state-of-the-art running track that encircles the park, complete with distance markers and a springy surface that’s kind to the joints. The park also features a well-equipped outdoor gym with resistance machines, pull-up bars, and even a dedicated area for bodyweight exercises. For those who prefer group activities, there are multipurpose courts suitable for basketball, volleyball, and badminton.

My exercise routine at Greenwood Park is quite diverse. I typically begin with a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session on the track, alternating between sprints and jogging. Following this, I move to the outdoor gym area for strength training, focusing on compound exercises like pull-ups, dips, and squats. To cool down, I often join a group yoga session held on the expansive lawn area, which helps me improve flexibility and mindfulness.

What sets Greenwood Park apart and makes it my preferred exercise venue is its perfect blend of natural beauty and functional design. The lush greenery and well-manicured landscapes provide a serene backdrop that makes working out feel less like a chore and more like a rejuvenating experience. Moreover, the park’s inclusive atmosphere, with people from all walks of life exercising together, creates a sense of community and motivation. The fact that I can enjoy such a comprehensive workout amidst nature, right in the middle of the city, is truly remarkable and keeps me coming back day after day.”

Outdoor gym equipment in a park

Follow-up questions:

1. How often do you visit this park?
2. Have you noticed any changes in the park over time?

Sample answer for “How often do you visit this park?” (Band 8-9):
“I make it a point to visit Greenwood Park at least four to five times a week. It’s become an integral part of my daily routine, almost like a second home for my fitness journey. On weekdays, I typically go early in the morning before work, which helps me kickstart my day with energy and focus. On weekends, I tend to spend more time there, often combining my workout with social activities like meeting friends for a game of basketball or joining community fitness events.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to parks and exercise. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. What are the benefits of exercising in parks compared to indoor gyms?
2. How can governments encourage more people to use parks for exercise?
3. Do you think technology has affected how people use parks for fitness?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Band 6-7 answer:
“I think exercising in parks has several advantages over indoor gyms. Firstly, it’s usually free, which makes it accessible to everyone. Secondly, being in nature can be more relaxing and enjoyable than being in a crowded gym. Also, parks often offer more space for activities like running or team sports.”

Band 8-9 answer:
“The benefits of exercising in parks versus indoor gyms are multifaceted and significant. Firstly, parks provide a natural, open-air environment which can enhance the overall exercise experience. The exposure to fresh air and natural light not only boosts vitamin D levels but also contributes to improved mood and mental well-being. This connection with nature, often referred to as ‘biophilia‘, has been shown to reduce stress and increase overall satisfaction with workouts.

Secondly, parks offer a more diverse and dynamic exercise setting. Unlike the controlled environment of a gym, parks present varied terrains and natural obstacles that can make workouts more challenging and engaging. This variability can lead to improved balance, coordination, and overall functional fitness.

Group yoga session in a park

Moreover, the social aspect of park exercise shouldn’t be underestimated. Parks often foster a sense of community, with people of all ages and fitness levels exercising together. This can provide motivation and support, especially for those who might feel intimidated in a traditional gym setting.

Lastly, the cost-effectiveness of park exercise is a significant advantage. While gyms often require membership fees, parks are typically free and accessible to all, promoting inclusivity in fitness and health.”

Describe a health routine you follow regularly is another topic that can complement the discussion about exercising in parks, as it focuses on consistent health practices.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Urban oasis /ˈɜːrbən əʊˈeɪsɪs/ (noun): A green space in a city.
   Example: “The park serves as an urban oasis amidst the concrete jungle.”
2. State-of-the-art /steɪt əv ði ɑːrt/ (adjective): Using the latest technology or methods.
   Example: “The park features state-of-the-art fitness equipment.”
3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) /haɪ ɪnˈtensəti ˈɪntəvəl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/ (noun): A type of workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or rest.
   Example: “I often do HIIT workouts in the park to maximize my fitness gains.”
4. Rejuvenating /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel younger or more energetic.
   Example: “Exercising in the park has a rejuvenating effect on both body and mind.”
5. Biophilia /ˌbaɪəʊˈfɪliə/ (noun): The innate human tendency to interact with nature.
   Example: “The concept of biophilia explains why many people prefer exercising in natural settings like parks.”

Describe a person who always has interesting ideas might seem unrelated, but you could connect it to innovative park designers or fitness instructors who create engaging workout routines in parks.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a park where you exercise regularly:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to parks, exercise, and nature.
2. Provide specific details about the park and your exercise routine to make your description vivid and engaging.
3. Discuss both the physical and mental benefits of exercising in the park.
4. Use complex sentence structures and advanced grammatical forms to showcase your language skills.
5. Practice speaking about this topic regularly, timing yourself to ensure you can speak for the required duration in Part 2.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and natural delivery in your responses.

Describe a place in your city you like could also be relevant if the park you’re describing is a favorite spot in your city.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to give an impressive response when asked to describe a park where you exercise regularly in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and adapt your answers to your personal experiences for the most authentic and engaging responses.