The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to people and their interests, including those who enjoy spending time in nature. This subject is a common theme in IELTS exams and is likely to appear in future tests as well. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about describing a person who enjoys spending time in nature.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about nature and outdoor activities. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you enjoy spending time in nature?
A: Absolutely! I find being in nature incredibly rejuvenating. There’s something special about immersing myself in the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking through lush forests or simply relaxing by a tranquil lake. The fresh air and natural surroundings always help me unwind and recharge my batteries.
Describe a place in your country that is famous for adventure sports if you want to explore more outdoor-related topics for IELTS Speaking.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who enjoys spending time in nature:
Describe a person you know who enjoys spending time in nature.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What kind of nature activities they enjoy
- And explain why you think they enjoy spending time in nature
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since high school. She’s always been passionate about nature and outdoor activities.
Sarah absolutely loves hiking and camping. Whenever she gets the chance, she packs her backpack and heads off to explore new trails or spend a weekend in the wilderness. She often shares pictures of her adventures on social media, showing beautiful landscapes and wildlife she encounters.
I think Sarah enjoys spending time in nature because it allows her to escape from the busy city life and find peace in the natural world. She often tells me how refreshed and energized she feels after a day in the mountains or forests. Nature seems to have a calming effect on her and helps her reduce stress.
Sarah’s love for nature has also made her more environmentally conscious. She participates in local clean-up events and tries to educate others about the importance of preserving our natural surroundings.
Nature enthusiast hiking in mountains
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to describe my colleague, Alex, who has an insatiable passion for nature and outdoor pursuits. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Alex for the past three years in our environmental conservation organization.
Alex is an avid naturalist with a particular affinity for birdwatching and botanical exploration. He frequently embarks on expeditions to remote wilderness areas, armed with his trusty binoculars and field guides. His weekends are often spent traversing rugged terrains in search of rare species or documenting biodiversity in local ecosystems.
I believe Alex’s deep connection with nature stems from his innate curiosity about the natural world and his desire to understand the intricate relationships within ecosystems. He often expresses how being immersed in nature provides him with a profound sense of tranquility and perspective. For Alex, each venture into the wild is an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection.
Moreover, Alex’s passion for nature has manifested in his commitment to environmental education. He regularly organizes workshops and leads nature walks to inspire others to appreciate and protect our natural heritage. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he has a remarkable ability to kindle a sense of wonder in those around him about the marvels of the natural world.
Follow-up Questions:
- What skills do you think people can develop by spending time in nature?
- How has technology affected people’s relationship with nature?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think spending time in nature can help people develop several important skills. For example, it can improve problem-solving abilities as you need to navigate unfamiliar terrains or set up a campsite. It also teaches patience and observation skills, especially when watching wildlife or identifying plants. Additionally, outdoor activities often require teamwork and communication, which are valuable social skills.
Technology has had both positive and negative effects on people’s relationship with nature. On the positive side, apps and online resources make it easier for people to learn about nature and find new outdoor locations to explore. However, excessive use of technology, especially smartphones, can distract people from fully experiencing nature. Some people might spend more time taking photos for social media rather than truly enjoying their surroundings.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Immersing oneself in nature can foster a diverse array of skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional spheres. Firstly, it hones one’s adaptability and resilience, as natural environments are often unpredictable and challenging. This cultivates critical thinking and resourcefulness. Furthermore, activities like orienteering and wildlife tracking sharpen observational skills and spatial awareness. Engaging with nature also tends to nurture emotional intelligence and self-awareness, as individuals often find moments of introspection and mindfulness in natural settings. Lastly, it can enhance leadership and teamwork capabilities, particularly in group expeditions where cooperation is essential for safety and success.
Technology has profoundly transformed our relationship with nature, yielding both beneficial and detrimental consequences. On the positive side, it has democratized access to information about the natural world, enabling people to identify species, understand ecosystems, and locate scenic areas with unprecedented ease. Citizen science apps have also allowed individuals to contribute to scientific research, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility towards nature. Conversely, the ubiquity of digital devices has led to what some term “nature deficit disorder”, where individuals, especially younger generations, become disconnected from the natural world. The constant connectivity can impede the restorative benefits of nature experiences, as people struggle to disengage from virtual realms and fully immerse themselves in their surroundings. Striking a balance between leveraging technology to enhance our understanding of nature while still maintaining authentic, unmediated experiences in the natural world remains a significant challenge.
Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young for more ideas on how to discuss leisure activities in IELTS Speaking.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How can spending time in nature benefit people’s mental health?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Spending time in nature can have many positive effects on people’s mental health. Firstly, it helps reduce stress and anxiety. Being in a natural environment, away from the noise and pressure of city life, can be very calming. It also gives people a chance to exercise, which is good for both physical and mental health. Additionally, nature can inspire creativity and help people feel more connected to the world around them. This can lead to improved mood and a more positive outlook on life.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The therapeutic effects of nature on mental health are multifaceted and well-documented in scientific literature. Immersion in natural environments has been shown to significantly reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, leading to decreased anxiety and improved mood. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an innate affinity for nature, which, when indulged, can foster a sense of belonging and alleviate feelings of isolation.
Moreover, natural settings provide an ideal backdrop for mindfulness practices, encouraging individuals to be present in the moment and detach from rumination and negative thought patterns. The visual and auditory stimuli in nature, such as the sound of flowing water or the sight of a verdant forest, can induce a state of ‘soft fascination’, allowing for mental restoration and improved cognitive function.
Engaging with nature also often involves physical activity, which triggers the release of endorphins, natural mood elevators. This combination of physical exertion and natural surroundings can be particularly potent in combating symptoms of depression and enhancing overall psychological well-being.
Person meditating in nature
Q: Do you think urbanization has changed people’s attitudes towards nature?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I believe urbanization has definitely changed people’s attitudes towards nature. As more people live in cities, they have less daily contact with natural environments. This can make some people feel disconnected from nature and less concerned about environmental issues. However, it has also made others more aware of the importance of preserving green spaces in urban areas. Many city dwellers now value parks and gardens more because they provide a rare opportunity to experience nature in their daily lives.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Urbanization has undeniably reshaped our collective relationship with nature, engendering a complex and often paradoxical shift in attitudes. On one hand, the estrangement from natural environments that urbanization fosters has led to what some scholars term ‘environmental generational amnesia’ – a phenomenon where each generation’s baseline for what constitutes a normal natural environment is reset, often to a more degraded state. This disconnection can breed apathy towards conservation efforts and diminish ecological literacy.
Conversely, urbanization has also catalyzed a renewed appreciation for nature among city dwellers. The scarcity of green spaces in urban environments has heightened their perceived value, leading to increased demand for urban parks, community gardens, and biophilic architecture. This has given rise to movements like ‘urban rewilding’ and ‘green urbanism’, which seek to reintegrate nature into cityscapes.
Furthermore, the stark contrast between urban and natural environments has sparked a ‘back-to-nature’ trend, with many urbanites seeking out wilderness experiences as a form of escapism and self-discovery. This has fueled eco-tourism and outdoor recreation industries, but also raised concerns about the commodification of nature.
Ultimately, urbanization has created a more nuanced and often conflicted attitude towards nature, where it is simultaneously revered and overlooked, sought after and taken for granted. This dichotomy presents both challenges and opportunities for fostering a more sustainable relationship between urban populations and the natural world.
Describe a situation when you felt very calm to explore more topics related to relaxation and well-being in IELTS Speaking.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who enjoys spending time in nature, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:
Avid naturalist /ˈævɪd ˈnætʃərəlɪst/ (noun): A person who is very interested in studying plants, animals, and other features of the natural world.
Example: “My uncle is an avid naturalist who can identify dozens of bird species by their calls alone.”Biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Example: “The rainforest has incredible biodiversity, with thousands of unique species.”Eco-conscious /ˈiːkəʊ ˈkɒnʃəs/ (adjective): Aware of and concerned about the environment.
Example: “Sarah is very eco-conscious and always tries to minimize her impact on nature.”Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ (phrasal verb): To become completely involved in something.
Example: “He loves to immerse himself in nature, often spending days hiking in remote areas.”Rejuvenate /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt/ (verb): To give new energy or vigor to; to restore to a former state.
Example: “A weekend camping trip in the mountains always rejuvenates her spirit.”Tranquility /træŋˈkwɪləti/ (noun): The quality or state of being calm and peaceful.
Example: “The tranquility of the forest helps him escape the stress of city life.”Unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (verb): To relax and free oneself from tension or anxiety.
Example: “After a long week at work, she likes to unwind by taking a leisurely walk in the park.”Wilderness /ˈwɪldənəs/ (noun): An uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.
Example: “He feels most alive when exploring the untouched wilderness.”
Using these words and phrases will demonstrate a rich vocabulary and help you express your ideas more precisely and eloquently during your IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a place where you like to spend time with family for more practice on describing favorite locations in IELTS Speaking.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who enjoys spending time in nature, consider the following tips:
Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of nature-related terms and descriptive language to showcase your lexical resource.
Provide specific examples: When describing the person’s activities or experiences in nature, give detailed examples to support your points.
Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the topic through your tone of voice and use of positive language.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts about the person; explain their motivations, feelings, and the impact of their nature experiences.
Use appropriate tenses: Practice using different tenses accurately to describe past experiences, habitual activities, and future plans related to nature.
Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Use relevant idioms or collocations related to nature and outdoor activities to demonstrate language fluency.
Maintain coherence: Ensure your response flows logically from one point to the next, using appropriate linking words and phrases.
Practice pronunciation: Work on clearly pronouncing nature-related vocabulary and place names that might come up in your description.
Be prepared for follow-up questions: Anticipate and practice answering questions about environmental issues, outdoor activities, and the benefits of spending time in nature.
Reflect on personal experiences: If possible, relate the topic to your own experiences or observations to add authenticity to your response.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally while demonstrating a good command of English vocabulary and grammar.