Describing a place in your country where you go for a picnic is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to describe locations, express personal preferences, and discuss leisure activities. Given its relevance to everyday life, this topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain popular in future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about picnics and outdoor activities. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy going on picnics?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely! I’m quite fond of picnics. There’s something incredibly refreshing about enjoying a meal in the great outdoors. It’s a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. Plus, sharing food with friends or family in a beautiful setting always creates cherished memories.”

Enjoying a picnic in nature with friends

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card based on the theme:

Describe a place in your country where you go for a picnic
You should say:

• Where it is
• How often you go there
• What you do there
• And explain why you like this place for picnics

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a picturesque lakeside park called Swan Lake, which is my go-to spot for picnics. It’s located just on the outskirts of my hometown, about a 20-minute drive from the city center.

I try to visit Swan Lake at least once a month during the warmer seasons, typically from late spring to early autumn. It’s become somewhat of a tradition for my friends and me to gather there when the weather is nice.

When we’re at Swan Lake, we engage in a variety of activities. Of course, the main event is always the picnic itself. We usually bring a diverse spread of homemade dishes, from sandwiches and salads to fruits and desserts. After eating, we often play frisbee or volleyball on the large grassy areas. Sometimes, we rent paddle boats and spend an hour or two exploring the lake. There are also beautiful walking trails around the lake, which are perfect for a post-picnic stroll.

I’m particularly fond of this place for picnics for several reasons. Firstly, the natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Secondly, the park is well-maintained and offers great facilities, including clean restrooms, convenient parking, and even barbecue pits for those who want to grill.

Moreover, Swan Lake provides a perfect balance between accessibility and tranquility. While it’s close enough to the city for a quick trip, it feels like a world away from the urban hustle and bustle. The peacefulness of the environment allows us to truly relax and unwind.

Lastly, I appreciate how the park caters to various interests. Whether you’re into active sports, water activities, nature walks, or simply lounging on the grass, there’s something for everyone. This versatility makes it an ideal spot for gatherings with friends or family members who have different preferences.

In essence, Swan Lake represents the perfect blend of natural beauty, convenience, and recreational opportunities, making it my favorite picnic destination.”

Scenic view of Swan Lake picnic spot

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: Are picnics popular in your country?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Picnics are increasingly popular in my country, especially among younger generations. There’s been a growing trend towards outdoor activities and appreciating nature, which has contributed to the rise in picnicking. People are seeking respite from their busy urban lives and finding that picnics offer a perfect blend of relaxation and social interaction. Moreover, social media has played a role in popularizing picturesque picnic spots, with many people sharing their experiences online and inspiring others to explore similar activities.”

Examiner: Do you think picnics are a good way for families to spend time together?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe picnics are an excellent way for families to bond. They provide a change of scenery from the usual home environment, which can help break routine and create new, shared experiences. Picnics often involve collaborative preparation, from planning the menu to packing the essentials, which can foster teamwork within the family. Moreover, the relaxed outdoor setting encourages more open communication and quality time together, free from the distractions of technology and household chores. It’s also a great opportunity for families to engage in physical activities together, promoting both health and fun.”

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:

Examiner: How have picnicking habits changed in your country over the years?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Picnicking habits in my country have undergone significant transformations over the years. Traditionally, picnics were simple affairs, often just a blanket on the ground with homemade sandwiches and snacks. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a shift towards more elaborate and Instagram-worthy picnics.

There’s been a noticeable trend towards gourmet picnic experiences, with people putting more effort into preparing diverse and visually appealing spreads. Some even opt for pre-prepared picnic baskets from upscale restaurants or specialized picnic services.

Another change is the increased focus on eco-friendly practices. Many picnickers now use reusable containers, cutlery, and even biodegradable plates to minimize their environmental impact. This shift reflects a growing awareness of sustainability issues among the general public.

Technology has also influenced picnicking habits. Many people now use apps to find scenic picnic spots or to coordinate group picnics. Some parks have even started offering Wi-Fi, catering to those who want to stay connected or share their experiences on social media in real-time.

Lastly, there’s been a broadening of what constitutes a picnic. While traditional park or beach picnics remain popular, we’re seeing more urban picnics in city squares or rooftop gardens, as well as indoor picnics during inclement weather. This flexibility has made picnicking a year-round activity, rather than just a seasonal pastime.”

Modern eco-friendly picnic setup

Examiner: What are some potential drawbacks of popular picnic spots becoming too crowded?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The overcrowding of popular picnic spots can lead to several significant issues. Firstly, it can detract from the overall experience. Picnics are often seen as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy some peace in nature. When a spot becomes too crowded, it loses this tranquil atmosphere, potentially defeating the purpose of the outing.

Secondly, overcrowding can have severe environmental impacts. Increased foot traffic can lead to soil erosion and damage to local flora. There’s also likely to be more litter, even if most visitors are responsible, simply due to the sheer number of people. This can harm local wildlife and degrade the natural beauty of the area.

Another concern is the strain on facilities. Many picnic spots have limited amenities like parking spaces, restrooms, and waste disposal areas. When these are overwhelmed by too many visitors, it can lead to practical issues and decreased enjoyment for everyone.

Overcrowding can also raise safety concerns. In the event of an emergency, it might be more difficult for first responders to access the area. Additionally, with more people around, there’s an increased risk of accidents, especially in areas with natural hazards like cliffs or bodies of water.

Lastly, the popularity of a spot can lead to commercialization. Local businesses might see an opportunity to profit, leading to the development of food stalls or rental services. While this can be convenient, it can also alter the character of the area and potentially drive up costs for visitors.

To mitigate these issues, local authorities might need to implement visitor management strategies, such as limiting the number of visitors, improving infrastructure, or promoting alternative, less-known picnic spots to distribute the crowd more evenly.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Picturesque (adjective) /ˌpɪk.tʃəˈresk/: visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way
   Example: The picturesque countryside was the perfect backdrop for our family picnic.

2. Serene (adjective) /səˈriːn/: calm, peaceful, and untroubled
   Example: The serene atmosphere of the lakeside made it an ideal spot for relaxation.

3. To unwind (verb) /ʌnˈwaɪnd/: to relax after a period of work or tension
   Example: Going on picnics helps me unwind after a stressful week at work.

4. Breathtaking (adjective) /ˈbreθˌteɪ.kɪŋ/: extremely impressive or beautiful
   Example: The breathtaking view from the hilltop picnic area left us all in awe.

5. To cherish (verb) /ˈtʃer.ɪʃ/: to protect and care for someone or something lovingly
   Example: I cherish the memories of our family picnics in the national park.

6. Tranquility (noun) /træŋˈkwɪl.ə.ti/: the quality or state of being calm
   Example: The tranquility of the forest clearing made it our favorite picnic spot.

7. To cater to (phrasal verb) /ˈkeɪ.tər tuː/: to provide what is wanted or needed by someone or something
   Example: This park caters to various interests, from hiking to picnicking.

8. Versatility (noun) /ˌvɜː.səˈtɪl.ə.ti/: the ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
   Example: The versatility of the picnic area, with its various facilities, makes it popular among visitors.

Visual representation of picnic-related vocabulary

Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner

1. Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to practice speaking English, focusing on describing places and experiences.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions related to nature, relaxation, and outdoor activities.

3. Structure your answers: Use clear organization in your responses, especially for Part 2. Start with an introduction, cover all the points mentioned, and conclude effectively.

4. Use a variety of tenses: Incorporate different tenses appropriately when discussing past experiences, current habits, and future plans related to picnics.

5. Provide specific examples: Support your statements with personal anecdotes or detailed descriptions to make your answers more engaging and authentic.

6. Work on pronunciation and fluency: Pay attention to word stress and intonation. Practice speaking smoothly without long pauses or hesitations.

7. Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to give extended answers that show your ability to discuss more abstract concepts related to the topic.

8. Stay relevant: Always keep your answers focused on the question asked, avoiding the temptation to go off-topic.

9. Be confident: Even if you’re unsure about a question, maintain a positive attitude and try your best to provide a thoughtful response.

10. Listen actively: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions to ensure you understand what’s being asked before responding.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high score when describing your favorite picnic spot or discussing related topics.

For more practice on describing places, you might find it helpful to describe a place where you go to escape from technology or describe a place in your country where people go to relax. These exercises can help you develop a broader vocabulary and more diverse perspectives on describing locations.