The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about places you enjoy spending time outdoors. This topic is particularly common in Part 1 and Part 2 of the test, where candidates may be asked to describe a specific location or discuss their outdoor activities. Being well-prepared to discuss such topics can significantly boost your confidence and score in the Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about outdoor activities and places you like to visit. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy spending time outdoors?
- What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
- Is there a particular place near your home where you like to go outdoors?
- How often do you engage in outdoor activities?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Examiner: Is there a particular place near your home where you like to go outdoors?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! There’s a picturesque park about a 10-minute walk from my house that I absolutely adore. It’s quite spacious and features a beautiful lake in the center, surrounded by lush greenery. I often go there to unwind after a long day or to get some exercise on the weekends. The park also has some well-maintained walking trails that I enjoy exploring, especially during the spring and autumn when the scenery is particularly breathtaking.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some points to cover. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an outdoor place:
Describe a place in your country where you enjoy spending time outdoors
You should say:
- Where this place is
- What you can do there
- Who you usually go there with
- And explain why you enjoy spending time thereSample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a breathtaking beach called Mui Ne, located in the southern part of Vietnam, about 200 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. This stunning coastal destination is renowned for its golden sand dunes, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque fishing village.
One of the most captivating aspects of Mui Ne is the wide range of activities it offers. Visitors can enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the area’s strong winds, making it a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, there’s always the option to sunbathe on the pristine beaches or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. The nearby sand dunes also provide opportunities for sandboarding and quad biking, which are thrilling experiences for adventure seekers.
I usually visit Mui Ne with my close-knit group of friends or sometimes with my family for a weekend getaway. We often rent a beachfront bungalow and spend our days alternating between water activities and simply lounging on the beach.
What I find most enchanting about Mui Ne is its perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting activities. The mesmerizing sunsets over the ocean create a serene atmosphere that’s ideal for unwinding and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. At the same time, the variety of activities available ensures that there’s never a dull moment. The local seafood cuisine is another highlight, offering delectable dishes that perfectly complement the coastal experience.
In essence, Mui Ne represents a harmonious balance between relaxation and adventure, making it my go-to destination for outdoor enjoyment in Vietnam.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this place changed over the years?
- Do you think it’s important for people to spend time outdoors? Why or why not?
Sample answers (Band 8-9):
- “Over the years, Mui Ne has undergone significant transformation. While it was once a sleepy fishing village, it has now evolved into a thriving tourist destination. The development has brought about improved infrastructure, including better roads and a wider range of accommodation options. However, efforts have been made to preserve the natural beauty and local charm that make Mui Ne unique. The local authorities have implemented sustainable tourism practices to ensure that the ecological balance is maintained, particularly in protecting the sand dunes and marine life.”
- “I firmly believe that spending time outdoors is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. In our increasingly digital and fast-paced world, outdoor activities provide a much-needed respite from screens and constant connectivity. Being in nature has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity. Moreover, outdoor activities often involve physical exercise, which is essential for maintaining good health. Engaging with nature also fosters a greater appreciation for the environment, potentially leading to more eco-conscious behaviors. In essence, regular outdoor time is not just a luxury, but a necessity for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think urbanization has affected people’s relationship with outdoor spaces?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Urbanization has profoundly impacted people’s relationship with outdoor spaces in both positive and negative ways. On one hand, the rapid expansion of cities has led to a reduction in green spaces, making it more challenging for urban dwellers to access natural environments. This limited access can result in a disconnection from nature and a decrease in outdoor activities, potentially leading to health issues and a lack of environmental awareness.
However, many cities are now recognizing the importance of outdoor spaces and are actively incorporating parks, community gardens, and recreational areas into urban planning. This shift in urban design is helping to rekindle people’s connection with nature, albeit in a more controlled and designed environment. Additionally, urbanization has led to the development of innovative outdoor spaces, such as rooftop gardens and vertical forests, which blend the natural with the urban landscape.
Furthermore, the scarcity of outdoor spaces in urban areas has, in some cases, led to a greater appreciation for these areas when they are available. Many city dwellers now actively seek out outdoor experiences, whether through weekend trips to nearby natural areas or by participating in urban outdoor activities like parkour or street running.
In essence, while urbanization has initially distanced many people from nature, it has also sparked a renewed interest in outdoor spaces and their importance, leading to more creative solutions for integrating nature into urban life.”
Examiner: Do you think the government should invest more in creating and maintaining outdoor recreational spaces?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I strongly believe that government investment in outdoor recreational spaces is not just beneficial, but essential for the well-being of communities. Such investments can yield multifaceted returns that extend far beyond mere aesthetics.
Firstly, well-maintained outdoor spaces promote public health by providing accessible areas for physical activity and relaxation. In an era where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common, having safe and attractive outdoor areas can encourage more active living, potentially reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
Secondly, these spaces play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Parks and green areas act as ‘urban lungs’, improving air quality, reducing urban heat island effects, and supporting biodiversity. They also contribute to stormwater management, which is becoming increasingly important as climate change leads to more extreme weather events.
Moreover, outdoor recreational spaces foster social cohesion by providing common areas where people from diverse backgrounds can interact. This can strengthen community bonds and contribute to a sense of local identity and pride.
From an economic perspective, well-designed outdoor spaces can boost property values and attract tourism, contributing to local economic development. They can also serve as venues for community events and outdoor markets, further stimulating local economies.
However, it’s important to note that mere creation of these spaces is not enough. Governments should also allocate resources for ongoing maintenance and community engagement programs to ensure these spaces remain safe, clean, and well-utilized.
In conclusion, government investment in outdoor recreational spaces represents a holistic approach to community development, yielding benefits in health, environment, social cohesion, and economy. As such, it should be viewed not as an optional expense, but as a fundamental aspect of responsible urban planning and community development.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Picturesque /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ (adj): visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way
Example: The picturesque village was nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. - Unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (verb): to relax after a period of work or tension
Example: After a stressful week, I like to unwind by taking a long walk in the park. - Breathtaking /ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ/ (adj): astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away
Example: The view from the mountaintop was absolutely breathtaking. - Pristine /ˈprɪstiːn/ (adj): in its original condition; unspoilt
Example: The beach was pristine, with white sand and clear blue water. - Mesmerizing /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/ (adj): capturing one’s complete attention as if by magic
Example: The dancer’s performance was mesmerizing, holding the audience spellbound. - Thriving /ˈθraɪvɪŋ/ (adj): prosperous and growing; flourishing
Example: What was once a small town has become a thriving city with a booming economy. - Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adj): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Example: The company has implemented sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact. - Crucial /ˈkruːʃl/ (adj): decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something
Example: Exercise is crucial for maintaining good health.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing outdoor places:
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive adjectives and specific nouns related to nature and outdoor activities.
- Provide detailed responses: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and feelings about the place.
- Use complex sentence structures: Mix simple and compound-complex sentences to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Include personal anecdotes: This adds authenticity to your description and showcases your ability to narrate experiences.
- Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice with a variety of topics can help improve this.
- Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, try to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and provide well-reasoned opinions.
- Use appropriate tenses: When describing past experiences or changes over time, use a mix of past and present tenses accurately.
- Pronunciation and intonation: Pay attention to word stress and sentence intonation to enhance the clarity of your speech.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to communicate effectively on a wide range of topics. Regular practice and exposure to English in various contexts will significantly improve your performance.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find these resources helpful:
- Describing a place where you go to enjoy outdoor activities
- Describing a place in your country where people gather to relax
- Describing a place where you go to relax and reflect
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your favorite outdoor places in the IELTS Speaking test with confidence and fluency.