The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about familiar places and leisure activities. One common topic is describing a place you frequently visit for relaxation or enjoyment in your city. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask simple questions about places you like to visit in your city. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you often visit places in your city for leisure?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I try to visit different places in my city during my free time. It helps me relax and enjoy myself after a busy week.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I make it a point to explore various leisure spots in my city whenever I can. Not only does it provide a much-needed break from my routine, but it also allows me to discover hidden gems and appreciate the diverse offerings of my urban environment.

describe a place in nature you often visit

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card based on our theme:

Cue Card:

Describe A Place In Your City You Often Visit For Leisure.
You should say:

• Where it is
• How often you go there
• What you do there
• And explain why you enjoy visiting this place

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about the central park in my city, which I often visit for leisure. It’s located in the heart of the downtown area, about a 15-minute walk from my home. I try to go there at least once a week, usually on Saturday afternoons when I have some free time.

When I’m at the park, I enjoy taking long walks on the various trails. There’s a beautiful lake in the center where I sometimes sit and read a book or just relax and watch people. On weekends, there are often small concerts or art exhibitions in the park, which I like to check out.

I really enjoy visiting this park because it offers a peaceful escape from the busy city life. The green spaces and fresh air help me unwind and clear my mind. It’s also a great place to meet friends or just people-watch. Overall, it’s my favorite spot in the city to relax and recharge.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to describe the botanical gardens in my city, which I frequently visit for leisure. This verdant oasis is situated on the outskirts of the metropolitan area, approximately a 20-minute drive from the city center. Given its proximity and allure, I make it a point to visit at least bi-weekly, typically on Sunday mornings when the gardens are at their most serene.

Upon entering this horticultural haven, I’m immediately enveloped by a symphony of colors and fragrances. My visits usually commence with a leisurely stroll through the meticulously manicured themed gardens, each offering a unique visual and olfactory experience. I’m particularly fond of the Japanese zen garden, where I often pause for some quiet contemplation or mindfulness exercises.

The gardens also boast an impressive conservatory housing exotic plant species from various climates. Here, I indulge my passion for photography, capturing the intricate details of rare flora. On occasion, I participate in the guided tours or workshops on sustainable gardening practices, which have significantly enhanced my knowledge of botany and environmental conservation.

The allure of this botanical sanctuary lies in its ability to transport me to a tranquil realm, far removed from the urban hustle. It serves as a restorative retreat where I can reconnect with nature, expand my horticultural knowledge, and find inspiration in the beauty of the natural world. Moreover, the gardens’ commitment to biodiversity and conservation resonates deeply with my environmental values, making each visit not just enjoyable, but also meaningful and educational.

Urban botanical garden as a popular leisure spot

Follow-up questions:

1. Has this place changed much since you first started visiting it?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, it has changed a bit. They’ve added some new features like a children’s playground and improved the walking paths. It’s become more popular over the years.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, the gardens have undergone significant transformations since my initial visits. The management has implemented a series of enhancements, including the introduction of interactive educational exhibits on climate change and biodiversity. They’ve also expanded the tropical greenhouse, now showcasing an even more diverse array of exotic species. These changes have not only elevated the visitor experience but have also reinforced the gardens’ role as a vital educational resource for the community.

2. Do you think there are enough leisure places in your city?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think our city has a good number of leisure places, but there’s always room for more. We could use more green spaces in some areas of the city.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While our city boasts a commendable array of leisure destinations, I believe there’s still scope for improvement. The distribution of these spaces across the urban landscape is somewhat uneven, with certain neighborhoods lacking easily accessible recreational areas. Additionally, given the growing emphasis on mental health and work-life balance, there’s a pressing need for more diverse leisure options that cater to various interests and age groups. Ideally, urban planning should prioritize the integration of green spaces and recreational facilities in future developments to ensure a more balanced and livable city environment.

describe a recent experience you had in a park

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: How have leisure activities in cities changed over the past few decades?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Leisure activities in cities have changed quite a lot over the past few decades. In the past, people might have just gone to parks or cinemas for entertainment. Now, there are many more options like shopping malls, indoor sports centers, and interactive museums. Technology has also changed how people spend their free time, with many people now using smartphones or computers for entertainment at home.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The evolution of leisure activities in urban areas over recent decades has been profound and multifaceted. We’ve witnessed a significant shift from predominantly outdoor, community-based activities to a more diverse array of options that blend technology, entertainment, and social experiences.

One notable change has been the rise of immersive, technology-driven leisure experiences. Virtual reality arcades, interactive art installations, and augmented reality games like Pokémon Go have transformed city spaces into playgrounds for digital exploration. This trend reflects a broader societal move towards more individualized and customizable leisure pursuits.

Simultaneously, there’s been a resurgence of interest in wellness and mindfulness-oriented activities. Urban yoga studios, meditation centers, and eco-friendly retreats within city limits have proliferated, catering to a growing desire for mental and physical well-being amidst the urban hustle.

The concept of ‘edutainment’ has also gained traction, with many leisure activities now incorporating educational elements. Science centers, living history museums, and maker spaces offer engaging, hands-on experiences that combine learning with entertainment.

Furthermore, the globalization of urban cultures has led to a rich tapestry of international leisure options in many cities. From authentic ethnic cuisines to cultural festivals celebrating diverse traditions, urban dwellers now have unprecedented access to global experiences within their local environment.

Lastly, there’s been a notable shift towards sustainable and eco-conscious leisure activities. City bike-sharing schemes, urban gardening projects, and nature conservation volunteer programs reflect a growing awareness of environmental issues and a desire to incorporate sustainability into leisure time.

These changes collectively paint a picture of urban leisure that is more diverse, technologically integrated, globally influenced, and increasingly aligned with values of wellness, education, and sustainability than in decades past.

describe a place where you go to enjoy fresh air

Question: Do you think the government should provide more public spaces for leisure in cities?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think the government should provide more public spaces for leisure in cities. These spaces are important for people’s health and well-being. They give people places to relax, exercise, and socialize without spending money. More public spaces could also help reduce stress and improve the overall quality of life in cities.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe it’s imperative for governments to prioritize the creation and maintenance of public leisure spaces in urban environments. These spaces serve multiple crucial functions in the fabric of city life.

Firstly, public leisure spaces act as vital ‘green lungs’ for cities, helping to mitigate air pollution and contribute to urban biodiversity. In an era of increasing environmental concerns, these areas play a significant role in improving urban ecology and combating the heat island effect common in densely populated areas.

Moreover, these spaces are essential for public health, both physical and mental. They provide accessible venues for exercise, relaxation, and social interaction, which are crucial for maintaining well-being in often stressful urban environments. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the importance of outdoor public spaces as safe gathering areas.

From a social perspective, public leisure spaces serve as equalizers in urban societies. They offer free recreational opportunities to all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status, fostering social cohesion and community building. These spaces can become hubs for cultural events, outdoor education, and civic engagement, enriching the social life of the city.

Additionally, well-designed public spaces can enhance the aesthetic appeal and livability of cities, potentially boosting tourism and contributing to the local economy. They can also increase property values in surrounding areas, indirectly benefiting the city’s tax base.

However, it’s crucial that the development of these spaces is done thoughtfully and equitably. Governments should ensure that public leisure areas are distributed fairly across different neighborhoods, catering to diverse community needs and preventing the exacerbation of existing urban inequalities.

In conclusion, increased government investment in public leisure spaces is not just desirable but necessary for creating sustainable, healthy, and socially vibrant urban environments that can meet the challenges of 21st-century city living.

Diverse urban public leisure space

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

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

1. Verdant oasis [ˈvɜːdənt ˈəʊeɪsɪs] (noun phrase): A green, lush area in an otherwise dry or urban environment.
   Example: The botanical garden is a verdant oasis in the heart of our concrete jungle.

2. Horticultural haven [ˌhɔːtɪˈkʌltʃərəl ˈheɪvən] (noun phrase): A place that’s ideal for gardening or the study of plant cultivation.
   Example: For plant enthusiasts, the conservatory is a true horticultural haven.

3. Mindfulness exercises [ˈmaɪndfʊlnəs ˈeksəsaɪzɪz] (noun phrase): Activities that focus on being aware of the present moment.
   Example: I often practice mindfulness exercises in the Japanese zen garden to reduce stress.

4. Restorative retreat [rɪˈstɔːrətɪv rɪˈtriːt] (noun phrase): A place or experience that helps one recover strength or health.
   Example: The park serves as a restorative retreat from the bustle of city life.

5. To elevate the experience [ˈelɪveɪt ði ɪkˈspɪəriəns] (verb phrase): To improve or enhance an experience.
   Example: The new interactive exhibits have really elevated the visitor experience at the museum.

6. Profound and multifaceted [prəˈfaʊnd ənd ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd] (adjective phrase): Deep and having many different aspects or features.
   Example: The changes in urban leisure activities over the past decades have been profound and multifaceted.

7. Immersive experiences [ɪˈmɜːsɪv ɪkˈspɪəriənsɪz] (noun phrase): Experiences that fully engage or involve someone.
   Example: Virtual reality arcades offer immersive experiences that transport users to different worlds.

8. To cater to diverse needs [ˈkeɪtə tə daɪˈvɜːs niːdz] (verb phrase): To provide services or products that satisfy various requirements or preferences.
   Example: The city’s leisure facilities should cater to diverse needs, from children’s playgrounds to senior citizen’s activity centers.

describe a place in your country where you go for a weekend getaway

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing leisure places in your city:

1. Provide detailed descriptions: Use vivid language to paint a clear picture of the place you’re describing. Include sensory details about what you see, hear, smell, and feel when you’re there.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary, but ensure you use it accurately and naturally.

3. Speak fluently: Practice speaking about familiar places to improve your fluency. Try to speak at a natural pace without long pauses.

4. Develop your answers: Don’t just give short responses. Elaborate on your points and provide examples or personal experiences to support your ideas.

5. Show enthusiasm: When describing a place you enjoy, let your enthusiasm show in your voice and expressions. This can positively impact the impression you make on the examiner.

6. Structure your response: Especially in Part 2, organize your thoughts logically. Use discourse markers to connect your ideas and make your speech more cohesive.

7. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, show that you can analyze topics from different perspectives. Consider broader implications and be prepared to discuss more abstract ideas related to urban leisure.

8. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with different aspects of your city’s leisure spots. The more comfortable you are with the topic, the more confidently you’ll be able to discuss it in the test.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and depth in your responses while showcasing your language skills.