The topic of describing a park you enjoy visiting for exercise is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss leisure activities, health and fitness, and describe local environments.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about parks and exercise. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you often visit parks?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I try to visit parks quite regularly. I usually go to the park near my house about once or twice a week, especially on weekends when I have more free time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’m quite passionate about spending time in green spaces, so I make it a point to visit parks as frequently as possible. I’d say I go to my local park at least three times a week, and I often explore different parks in my city when I have the chance.”
- What do you usually do when you visit a park?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“When I visit a park, I usually go for a walk or jog. Sometimes I bring a book to read on a bench or have a picnic with friends if the weather is nice.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“My activities in the park tend to vary depending on my mood and the time of day. In the mornings, I often engage in some form of exercise, like jogging or yoga. During afternoons, I might indulge in some quiet reading or practice photography, capturing the natural beauty around me. On weekends, I frequently organize picnics or outdoor games with friends, making the most of the open spaces and fresh air.”
Describe a park you would like to visit again for more ideas on discussing parks in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe A Park You Enjoy Visiting For Exercise
You should say:
- Where this park is located
- What kind of exercise facilities it has
- How often you go there
- And explain why you enjoy visiting this park for exercise
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about Central Park, which is located in the heart of my city. It’s a large park with plenty of space for various activities. The park has a jogging track that goes around the perimeter, which is about 2 kilometers long. There are also some outdoor gym equipment stations scattered throughout the park, where people can do pull-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises.
I try to go to this park at least twice a week, usually in the evenings after work or on weekend mornings. I enjoy visiting this park for exercise because it’s a great change of scenery from the usual indoor gym. The fresh air and green surroundings make exercising feel less like a chore and more enjoyable. It’s also a good place to meet friends and exercise together, which keeps me motivated.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d be delighted to describe Riverside Park, a veritable oasis in the bustling urban landscape of my city. This sprawling green space is strategically located along the river, offering not only a picturesque setting but also a perfect environment for various physical activities.
The park boasts an impressive array of exercise facilities. There’s a meticulously maintained 5-kilometer jogging track that meanders through diverse terrains, providing both scenic views and a challenging workout. Dotted throughout the park are state-of-the-art outdoor gym stations, equipped with resistance machines, pull-up bars, and even a dedicated area for calisthenics. For team sports enthusiasts, there are well-kept basketball and tennis courts.
I make it a point to frequent this park at least four times a week. My visits are typically in the early mornings before work, as I find the crisp air and serene atmosphere invigorating and the perfect way to kickstart my day.
The reasons I thoroughly enjoy visiting this park for exercise are multifaceted. Firstly, the natural surroundings provide a welcome respite from the concrete jungle, allowing me to reconnect with nature while working on my fitness. The varied terrain and exercise options keep my workouts diverse and challenging, preventing monotony. Moreover, the park has fostered a sense of community among regular visitors, creating a supportive and motivating environment. Lastly, the opportunity to combine exercise with the therapeutic effects of being in nature has significantly improved both my physical and mental well-being, making each visit a holistic health experience.”
Follow-up Questions
- What other activities do people enjoy in this park besides exercise?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“People enjoy various activities in the park. Many come for picnics with family and friends, especially on weekends. Some people like to read books or do painting in quiet corners of the park. There’s also a playground where children can play.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The park caters to a diverse range of interests and activities. Beyond fitness pursuits, it’s common to see people engaging in artistic endeavors such as plein air painting or photography, taking advantage of the park’s scenic beauty. The park also serves as a hub for community events, hosting outdoor concerts and local markets. Nature enthusiasts often partake in birdwatching or botany walks, while others simply seek solitude for meditation or yoga practices.”
- How has the park changed since you first started visiting it?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“The park has undergone some changes since I first started visiting. They’ve added more exercise equipment and improved the jogging track. There are also more benches and picnic areas now, which is nice for people who want to relax in the park.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The park has undergone a remarkable transformation since my initial visits. The local authorities have implemented a series of well-thought-out improvements that have significantly enhanced the park’s functionality and appeal. They’ve expanded and diversified the exercise facilities, introducing cutting-edge equipment that caters to a wider range of fitness levels and preferences. The landscaping has also been thoughtfully redesigned, with the addition of native plant species that have boosted biodiversity and created more visually appealing spaces. Furthermore, the park now boasts improved accessibility features, making it more inclusive for visitors of all abilities.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
- How important do you think parks are in urban areas?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe parks are very important in urban areas. They provide green spaces where people can relax and exercise, which is crucial in cities where there’s a lot of concrete and buildings. Parks also help to reduce pollution and make cities more beautiful.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Parks play a vital role in urban ecosystems and are indispensable for several reasons. Firstly, they serve as ‘green lungs’ for cities, mitigating air pollution and contributing to temperature regulation. From a social perspective, parks foster community cohesion by providing spaces for interaction and shared activities. They also offer crucial access to nature, which has been proven to have significant mental health benefits, counteracting the stress often associated with urban living. Moreover, well-maintained parks can enhance property values and contribute to the overall aesthetics of a city, making them important factors in urban planning and development.”
- Do you think the government should invest more in creating and maintaining parks?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think the government should invest more in parks. They’re important for public health and well-being. More investment could mean better facilities and more green spaces for people to enjoy, which would be good for the community.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. Government investment in parks is not merely an expense, but a strategic allocation of resources that yields multifaceted returns. Increased funding could facilitate the creation of more green spaces, which is particularly crucial in densely populated urban areas. This investment would contribute significantly to public health by providing accessible areas for physical activity and stress relief, potentially reducing healthcare costs in the long run. Moreover, well-maintained parks can boost tourism, stimulate local economies, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. From an environmental standpoint, parks play a critical role in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Therefore, increased government investment in parks is a holistic approach to addressing various urban challenges simultaneously.”
Describe a park or garden in your area that you enjoy visiting for more ideas on how to discuss this topic in depth.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some important words and phrases that can help you achieve a higher score in your speaking test:
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Veritable oasis /ˈverətəbəl 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 the busy city.” -
Sprawling /ˈsprɔːlɪŋ/ (adjective): Spreading out over a large area in an untidy or irregular way.
Example: “The sprawling park covers several acres of land.” -
Meander /miˈændər/ (verb): To follow a winding course.
Example: “The jogging path meanders through the park, offering varied scenery.” -
Invigorating /ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy.
Example: “The invigorating morning air in the park helps me start my day energized.” -
Holistic /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ (adjective): Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
Example: “Visiting the park provides a holistic health experience, benefiting both body and mind.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a park you enjoy visiting for exercise:
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Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and phrases to make your answer more engaging and demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, offer concrete examples and descriptions that paint a vivid picture of the park and your experiences there.
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Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, using discourse markers to connect your ideas smoothly.
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Show enthusiasm: Use intonation and emphasis to convey your genuine interest in the topic, as this can positively impact your fluency score.
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Extend your answers: In Part 3, try to discuss broader implications and provide well-reasoned opinions on related topics.
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Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various topics related to parks, exercise, and urban planning to build confidence and fluency.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and demonstrate your English language skills across all marking criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
Describe a famous mountain you want to visit or describe a building you visited as a child for practice with similar descriptive topics.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your ability to discuss parks and exercise confidently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to always provide relevant examples and personal experiences to support your answers.