How to Ace IELTS Speaking: Describing Your Relaxation Spot

IELTS Mentor

2 months ago

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about places that are meaningful to candidates. One common topic is describing a place where you go to relax and reflect. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ll guide you through each part of the test, providing sample questions, model answers, and tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Peaceful garden for relaxation

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about you and familiar topics. Here are some questions related to relaxation and reflection:

Do you often take time to relax?
How do you usually relax after a busy day?
Is it important to have a place for relaxation?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 3:

Examiner: Is it important to have a place for relaxation?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I think it’s quite important to have a place where we can relax. In our busy lives, we need somewhere to unwind and forget about our problems. It can be good for our mental health.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely, I believe having a dedicated space for relaxation is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Such a place can serve as a sanctuary where one can decompress and recharge, which is vital for maintaining both mental and physical well-being. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to disconnect from the constant barrage of information and reflect on our personal goals and aspirations.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some prompts. You’ll have one minute to prepare, then you should speak for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card:

Describe a place where you go to relax and reflect.
You should say:

Where this place is
How often you go there
What you do there
And explain why this place is special to you for relaxation and reflection

Here’s a sample answer:

Band 6-7 Answer:

The place I go to relax and reflect is a small park near my house. It’s about a 10-minute walk from where I live. I try to go there at least once a week, usually on weekends when I have more free time.

When I’m there, I like to sit on a bench under a big tree. Sometimes I read a book or listen to music. Other times, I just sit quietly and watch people walking by or children playing. It’s very peaceful.

This park is special to me because it’s a quiet place in the middle of the busy city. The green trees and flowers help me feel calm. It’s also nice to be outside in the fresh air. When I’m there, I can think clearly about my life and problems without any distractions.

Band 8-9 Answer:

The sanctuary I frequent for relaxation and introspection is a charming, secluded botanical garden on the outskirts of my city. This verdant oasis is about a 20-minute drive from my residence, making it easily accessible yet far enough to feel like an escape from the urban hustle.

I make it a point to visit this tranquil haven at least bi-weekly, typically on Sunday afternoons when the garden is less crowded and the atmosphere is most conducive to contemplation. The regularity of these visits has become a cherished ritual, providing a sense of continuity and stability in my often chaotic schedule.

Once there, I immerse myself in the lush surroundings, often starting with a leisurely stroll along the winding paths, taking in the vibrant colors and fragrances of the diverse flora. I then gravitate towards my favorite spot – a rustic wooden bench overlooking a serene koi pond. Here, I engage in various activities that promote mindfulness and self-reflection, such as meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation, allowing the gentle sounds of nature to wash over me.

This botanical garden holds a special place in my heart for several reasons. Primarily, it serves as a much-needed counterpoint to the frenetic pace of city life, offering a space where time seems to slow down, allowing for deeper introspection and mental rejuvenation. The carefully curated landscape, with its harmonious blend of local and exotic plants, never fails to inspire a sense of wonder and connection with nature. Moreover, the garden’s ever-changing seasonal displays serve as a poignant reminder of life’s cyclical nature, encouraging me to embrace change and growth in my own life. In essence, this place has become my personal retreat, a vital component in maintaining my mental equilibrium and fostering personal growth.

Follow-up questions:

How has this place changed over time?
Do you think it’s important for cities to have green spaces?

Sample answer for question 2:

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think green spaces are very important in cities. They give people a place to relax and enjoy nature. Green spaces can help reduce stress and make cities more beautiful. They’re also good for the environment because trees help clean the air.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that green spaces are not just important, but essential for urban areas. These natural havens serve multiple crucial functions in a city’s ecosystem. Firstly, they act as ‘green lungs’, helping to purify the air and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Secondly, they provide vital habitats for urban wildlife, contributing to biodiversity. From a social perspective, green spaces offer communal areas for recreation and social interaction, fostering a sense of community. Moreover, exposure to nature has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being. In our increasingly urbanized world, the integration of green spaces into city planning is not just a luxury, but a necessity for creating livable, sustainable cities that prioritize the health and happiness of their residents.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample question and answer:

Examiner: How do you think the concept of relaxation differs between cultures?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think relaxation can be quite different in various cultures. In some countries, people might relax by going to cafes or restaurants with friends. In others, they might prefer staying at home with family. Some cultures value active relaxation like sports, while others focus more on quiet activities like meditation. It probably depends on the traditions and lifestyle of each culture.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The concept of relaxation is indeed highly nuanced and culturally influenced. In Western societies, relaxation often emphasizes individual pursuits and may involve activities like reading, watching TV, or engaging in hobbies. There’s also a growing trend towards mindfulness practices adopted from Eastern traditions.

In contrast, many Eastern cultures traditionally view relaxation as more of a collective experience, often intertwined with social and familial obligations. For instance, in Japan, the concept of “onsen” (hot spring bathing) is a deeply ingrained relaxation practice that often involves family or community.

Mediterranean cultures often associate relaxation with long, leisurely meals and siestas, highlighting the integration of rest into daily routines.

Indigenous cultures might find relaxation through connection with nature and traditional practices.

It’s also worth noting that globalization is blurring these distinctions, leading to a more heterogeneous understanding of relaxation across cultures. However, the core purpose of rejuvenation and stress relief remains universal, even if the methods vary.

Ultimately, I believe that cultural perceptions of relaxation reflect deeper societal values, such as the balance between work and leisure, attitudes towards time, and the importance placed on individual versus collective experiences.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

Sanctuary (noun) /ˈsæŋktʃueri/ – a place of refuge or safety
Example: The garden became her sanctuary from the stresses of work.
Decompress (verb) /ˌdiːkəmˈpres/ – to relax or release pressure
Example: After a long day, I need time to decompress before engaging with family.
Introspection (noun) /ˌɪntrəˈspekʃn/ – the examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings
Example: Regular introspection helps me understand my motivations better.
Verdant (adjective) /ˈvɜːrdnt/ – green with grass or other rich vegetation
Example: The verdant landscape of the countryside was a feast for the eyes.
Rejuvenation (noun) /rɪˌdʒuːvəˈneɪʃn/ – the action or process of making someone or something look or feel better, younger, or more vital
Example: A weekend in nature always leads to a sense of rejuvenation.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a place for relaxation and reflection:

Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to relaxation, nature, and emotions.
Provide specific details: Don’t just say a place is “nice” or “relaxing”. Explain why and how it affects you.
Use complex sentence structures: Mix short and long sentences, and use linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to think deeply about the topic by discussing its importance or impact.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak continuously without long pauses. If you need time to think, use filler phrases naturally.

Remember, the key to success is regular practice. Try describing different places and reflect on various aspects of relaxation to build your vocabulary and ideas on this topic.

For more practice on describing places and experiences, you might find these resources helpful:

By incorporating these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your relaxation spot and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test.