The topic of describing someone who enjoys outdoor activities is a common theme 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 candidates to demonstrate their vocabulary related to hobbies, personality traits, and nature, while also showcasing their ability to provide detailed descriptions.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about outdoor activities. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
Candidate: Absolutely. I’m quite passionate about outdoor pursuits. There’s something invigorating about being in nature, whether it’s hiking through lush forests or kayaking on serene lakes. I find these activities not only physically rewarding but also mentally refreshing. They provide a welcome respite from the daily grind and allow me to reconnect with nature.
Describe an adventure sport you wish to try if you’re looking to expand your vocabulary related to outdoor activities and extreme sports.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who enjoys outdoor activities.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What outdoor activities they enjoy
- How often they engage in these activities
- And explain why you think they enjoy outdoor activities so much
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my uncle, Mark, who is an avid outdoor enthusiast. He’s in his early forties and has been passionate about nature and outdoor pursuits for as long as I can remember.
Mark particularly relishes activities that allow him to immerse himself in nature. His favorite pastimes include trekking through dense forests, rock climbing challenging cliffs, and white-water rafting on turbulent rivers. He’s also an accomplished mountaineer and has scaled several impressive peaks.
As for the frequency of his adventures, Mark is incredibly dedicated to his outdoor lifestyle. He manages to squeeze in at least one outdoor excursion every weekend, regardless of the weather conditions. During holidays and vacation periods, he often embarks on more extensive expeditions, sometimes lasting several weeks.
I believe Mark’s profound love for outdoor activities stems from several factors. Firstly, he finds these pursuits incredibly invigorating and sees them as a perfect way to maintain his physical fitness. Moreover, being in nature provides him with a sense of tranquility and helps him disconnect from the stresses of his professional life. Mark often mentions how outdoor activities challenge him both physically and mentally, pushing him to surpass his limits and fostering personal growth.
Additionally, I think he genuinely appreciates the raw beauty of the natural world. He’s an amateur photographer and often captures breathtaking shots of landscapes and wildlife during his adventures. These activities also allow him to forge strong connections with like-minded individuals, creating a supportive community of outdoor enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Mark’s passion for outdoor activities is not just a hobby but a way of life that brings him joy, fulfillment, and a deep connection with nature.
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: What skills do you think people develop from outdoor activities?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Engaging in outdoor activities can foster a wide range of valuable skills. Firstly, it enhances one’s problem-solving abilities as nature often presents unexpected challenges that require quick thinking and adaptability. Survival skills are also honed, including navigation, first aid, and the ability to assess and mitigate risks. Moreover, outdoor pursuits often necessitate teamwork, thereby improving communication and leadership skills. Physical endurance and mental resilience are inevitably strengthened through facing and overcoming natural obstacles. Additionally, these activities can cultivate a deeper environmental awareness and appreciation for conservation efforts.
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think people can learn many useful skills from outdoor activities. They can get better at solving problems because nature can be unpredictable. They also learn how to survive in the wild, like finding directions and helping if someone gets hurt. Working with others is important too, so people get better at talking and leading. These activities make people stronger, both in body and mind. They also help people understand nature better and want to protect it.
Describe a hobby that you would like to try for more ideas on discussing various activities and their benefits.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think urbanization has affected people’s interest in outdoor activities?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Urbanization has had a profound impact on people’s relationship with outdoor activities, manifesting in both positive and negative ways. On one hand, the rapid expansion of cities and the subsequent disconnect from nature have led many urban dwellers to yearn for outdoor experiences. This has sparked a renewed interest in activities like hiking, camping, and nature photography as people seek to escape the concrete jungle and reconnect with the natural world.
Conversely, urbanization has also created barriers to engaging in outdoor pursuits. The fast-paced urban lifestyle often leaves little time for extended outdoor excursions. Moreover, the lack of easily accessible natural spaces in many cities can make it challenging for residents to cultivate a regular outdoor habit. This has led to a dichotomy where some urban dwellers are increasingly drawn to outdoor activities as a form of escapism, while others become more disconnected from nature due to limited exposure and opportunity.
Interestingly, this urban-nature tension has also given rise to innovative solutions such as urban parks, rooftop gardens, and indoor climbing facilities, which attempt to bridge the gap between city living and outdoor experiences. These developments reflect a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining a connection with nature, even within urban environments.
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think urbanization has changed how people feel about outdoor activities in different ways. Living in big cities can make people want to go outside more because they miss nature. They might start liking things like hiking or camping to get away from the city. But it can also be hard for city people to do outdoor activities because they’re busy and nature might be far away. Some people in cities might not get to experience nature much, so they lose interest in outdoor activities. But cities are trying to fix this by making more parks and places where people can do outdoor things, even in the city.
Describe a memorable camping trip you had to explore more vocabulary and ideas related to outdoor experiences.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Avid /ˈævɪd/ (adjective): Very enthusiastic about something.
Example: He’s an avid hiker who never misses a chance to explore new trails. -
Immerse oneself in (phrasal verb): To become completely involved in something.
Example: She loves to immerse herself in nature during her weekend camping trips. -
Relish /ˈrelɪʃ/ (verb): To enjoy something very much.
Example: Mark relishes the challenge of conquering difficult mountain peaks. -
Invigorating /ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making you feel energetic and healthy.
Example: The invigorating mountain air always leaves her feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. -
Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): To encourage the development of something.
Example: Outdoor activities foster a deep appreciation for the natural world. -
Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To try to develop or improve something.
Example: Regular hiking trips have helped him cultivate a strong sense of environmental responsibility.
Describe a person who enjoys gardening for additional vocabulary related to outdoor hobbies and nature appreciation.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing outdoor activities:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to nature, outdoor pursuits, and personal qualities.
- Provide detailed and well-developed answers, especially in Part 2.
- Use idiomatic expressions and collocations naturally throughout your responses.
- Demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts in Part 3, relating outdoor activities to broader social trends or personal development.
- Maintain fluency by practicing speaking about various outdoor activities and their impacts.
- Show your ability to use different tenses appropriately when describing past experiences or future aspirations related to outdoor activities.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English content about outdoor activities can significantly improve your performance. Consider watching nature documentaries or reading outdoor magazines to expand your vocabulary and ideas on this topic.
Describe a subject you enjoyed studying in school to explore how to discuss your interests and experiences in detail during the IELTS Speaking test.