Describing a person who enjoys gardening is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary related to hobbies, personality traits, and nature. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions on this subject and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about gardening. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Do you enjoy gardening?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy gardening. It’s a relaxing hobby that allows me to connect with nature. I find it satisfying to grow my own plants and vegetables.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I’m passionate about gardening. It’s not just a hobby for me; it’s a way to unwind and reconnect with nature. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about nurturing plants from seeds to full bloom or harvesting vegetables I’ve grown myself.”
What kinds of plants do people usually grow in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“In my country, people often grow vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. Many also have flower gardens with roses and sunflowers. In cities, indoor plants are popular too.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The plant choices in my country are quite diverse and climate-dependent. In rural areas, people tend to focus on practical crops like rice, wheat, and various vegetables. Urban dwellers often opt for ornamental plants such as orchids or bonsai trees. There’s also a growing trend of vertical gardening and herb gardens in apartments, reflecting a desire to bring nature into limited spaces.”
Person enjoying gardening for IELTS Speaking description
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person you know who enjoys gardening.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of gardening they do
- Why they enjoy gardening
- And explain how gardening affects this person’s life
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my grandmother, Elizabeth, who is an avid gardener. She’s been nurturing her garden for over four decades now, and it’s truly become her passion and pride.
My grandmother primarily focuses on ornamental gardening, creating a vibrant tapestry of flowers, shrubs, and trees in her expansive backyard. She has a particular fondness for roses and has cultivated numerous varieties, from classic red hybrid teas to delicate climbing roses that adorn her pergola. Additionally, she maintains a small vegetable patch where she grows seasonal produce.
Elizabeth’s love for gardening stems from several factors. Firstly, it serves as a form of therapeutic relaxation for her. The act of tending to plants, whether it’s pruning, weeding, or simply watering, provides her with a sense of calm and purpose. Secondly, she finds great satisfaction in witnessing the fruits of her labor – quite literally in the case of her vegetable garden! The process of nurturing a tiny seed into a flourishing plant never ceases to amaze and inspire her.
Gardening has had a profound impact on my grandmother’s life. It keeps her physically active and mentally sharp, as she’s constantly learning about new plants and gardening techniques. Her garden has become a social hub of sorts, attracting admiration from neighbors and providing a beautiful setting for family gatherings. Moreover, it’s given her a strong connection to nature and the changing seasons, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.
In essence, gardening isn’t just a hobby for my grandmother – it’s a way of life that brings her joy, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment. Her garden is a living testament to her patience, creativity, and nurturing spirit.”
Follow-up Questions
- How has your grandmother’s gardening influenced your family?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“My grandmother’s gardening has brought our family closer. We often help her in the garden, which gives us time to talk and bond. Her vegetables are used in family meals, making our gatherings more special.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“My grandmother’s passion for gardening has had a ripple effect on our entire family. It’s become a unifying activity that spans generations. Many of us have developed our own interest in plants, leading to engaging discussions about gardening techniques and plant varieties. Her garden has become a cherished gathering place for family events, creating lasting memories. Moreover, her dedication has instilled in us a deeper appreciation for nature and sustainability.”
- Do you think gardening is a good hobby for young people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think gardening is great for young people. It teaches them responsibility and patience. It’s also a good way to learn about nature and where food comes from.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, gardening can be an incredibly beneficial hobby for young people. It fosters a sense of responsibility and nurtures patience, crucial life skills in our fast-paced world. Gardening also provides a tangible connection to nature, which is increasingly important as many youths spend more time in digital environments. It can serve as a practical education in biology, ecology, and even nutrition. Furthermore, the sense of accomplishment from growing something from seed to harvest can be a significant confidence booster.”
Grandmother tending to her rose garden for IELTS description
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s consider the broader impact of gardening. How do you think urban gardening projects can benefit communities?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Urban gardening projects can really help communities. They make cities look nicer and give people a chance to grow their own food. These gardens can also be places where neighbors meet and talk, helping to build community spirit. They’re good for the environment too, as they add more green spaces to cities.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Urban gardening initiatives can have multifaceted benefits for communities. Firstly, they contribute to urban beautification, transforming neglected spaces into vibrant green areas. This aesthetic improvement can boost community pride and potentially increase property values. Secondly, these projects promote food security and sustainability by enabling residents to grow their own produce, which is particularly valuable in areas with limited access to fresh foods.
Moreover, community gardens serve as social catalysts, fostering connections between neighbors who might otherwise remain strangers in the urban landscape. They become hubs for knowledge exchange, where experienced gardeners can mentor newcomers, bridging generational and cultural gaps.
From an environmental perspective, urban gardens play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity within cities, providing habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. They also contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect and improving air quality.
Lastly, engaging in gardening activities can have significant health benefits for participants, both physical and mental. It encourages outdoor activity and can be a form of stress relief, potentially reducing healthcare burdens on the community.
In essence, urban gardening projects are powerful tools for community development, blending environmental, social, and economic benefits in a single initiative.”
Examiner: “Do you think the government should provide more support for community gardening projects?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe the government should support community gardening more. They could provide land for gardens and maybe help with tools and seeds. This would encourage more people to start gardening. It’s good for health and the environment, so it’s worth the government’s support.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I believe increased government support for community gardening projects would be a wise investment with far-reaching benefits. Government involvement could take various forms, each addressing different aspects of establishing and maintaining successful community gardens.
Firstly, the government could play a crucial role in land allocation. By identifying and repurposing suitable unused urban spaces for gardening, they could overcome one of the primary barriers to starting community gardens in densely populated areas.
Financial support is another critical area. Governments could offer grants or subsidies for initial setup costs, covering expenses like soil preparation, irrigation systems, and basic tools. This would make it more feasible for communities, especially those in less affluent areas, to initiate these projects.
Furthermore, the government could facilitate educational programs on gardening techniques, composting, and sustainable practices. This knowledge dissemination would enhance the success rate of these projects and promote environmental awareness.
Regulatory support is equally important. Implementing policies that encourage or mandate the inclusion of community gardens in urban planning could ensure the long-term integration of these spaces into city landscapes.
Lastly, government backing could help in creating networks between different community gardens, fostering knowledge sharing and potentially enabling larger-scale initiatives like local food markets.
By providing this multifaceted support, governments would not only be promoting healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability but also fostering community cohesion and local food security. The relatively modest investment required could yield significant returns in terms of public health, community well-being, and urban ecology.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Avid gardener [ˈævɪd ˈɡɑːrdnər] (adjective + noun): A person who is very enthusiastic about gardening.
Example: “My neighbor is an avid gardener; her flowers are always in bloom.”Nurture [ˈnɜːrtʃər] (verb): To care for and encourage the growth or development of something.
Example: “She nurtures her plants with great care, providing them with the perfect balance of water and sunlight.”Ornamental gardening [ˌɔːrnəˈmentl ˈɡɑːrdnɪŋ] (noun phrase): The practice of growing plants for decorative purposes.
Example: “The palace grounds are known for their extensive ornamental gardening, featuring intricate topiary and colorful flower beds.”Therapeutic relaxation [ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk ˌriːlækˈseɪʃn] (noun phrase): The use of an activity to reduce stress and promote well-being.
Example: “Many people find gardening to be a form of therapeutic relaxation, helping them unwind after a stressful day.”Urban beautification [ˈɜːrbən ˌbjuːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn] (noun phrase): The process of making urban areas more visually appealing.
Example: “The community garden project contributed significantly to urban beautification, transforming a vacant lot into a colorful oasis.”Mitigate the urban heat island effect [ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt ðə ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd ɪˈfekt] (phrase): To reduce the higher temperatures found in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas.
Example: “Rooftop gardens help mitigate the urban heat island effect by absorbing sunlight and reducing surface temperatures.”
Urban community garden with diverse group of people
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who enjoys gardening:
Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary related to gardening, nature, and personal characteristics. Include specific plant names and gardening techniques to demonstrate depth of knowledge.
Fluency: Practice speaking about this topic to improve your ability to talk at length without hesitation. Try to elaborate on your answers naturally.
Coherence: Organize your ideas logically, especially in Part 2. Use linking words to connect your thoughts smoothly.
Pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of gardening-related terms. Practice saying plant names and technical terms clearly.
Grammar: Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences. Be mindful of verb tenses when describing past and present gardening activities.
Relevance: Stay on topic and address all parts of the question, especially in Part 2 where you need to cover multiple points.
Personal touch: Include personal anecdotes or opinions to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
Expand on ideas: In Part 3, try to discuss broader implications of gardening, such as its impact on communities or the environment.
Remember, the key to success is practice. Regularly discuss this topic with others or record yourself speaking to improve your performance.
