The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts and aims to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. An examiner evaluates your comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, grammatical range, and pronunciation. A commonly asked topic in the IELTS Speaking exam is about describing a place where you like to go for a walk. This blog post will provide sample answers, tips, and detailed guidelines to help you achieve a higher band score.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
In this part, the examiner asks general questions about you and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests.
Sample Question:
- Do you enjoy walking?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I absolutely love walking. It not only helps me to relax and clear my mind but also keeps me physically fit. Walking allows me to appreciate nature and the small things in life. I’ve made it a part of my daily routine.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you will receive a cue card with a topic, and you need to speak about it for one to two minutes. You have one minute to prepare your answer.
Sample Cue Card:
Describe A Place Where You Like To Go For A Walk. You should say:
- Where this place is
- How often you go there
- What you like about it
- And explain why you enjoy walking there
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about Hồ Gươm Lake, located in the heart of my city, Hanoi. It’s a stunning and iconic spot that is frequented by both locals and tourists. I try to go there at least three times a week, often early in the morning when the air is fresh and there aren’t too many people. What I absolutely love about Hồ Gươm is its serenity and the natural beauty that surrounds it. The lush green trees, the clear water, and the historic turtle tower in the middle create a whimsical ambiance. The tranquility of the spot helps me to unwind and reconnect with nature. Additionally, there is a pleasant path around the lake that’s perfect for a relaxing walk. It’s also a place where I can observe people practicing Tai Chi, meditating, and engaging in various physical activities, which is quite inspiring. The combination of calmness, natural beauty, and cultural essence make Hồ Gươm Lake my favorite place for a walk.”
Follow-up Questions:
-
Do you think it’s important to walk every day?
- “Absolutely, daily walking promotes both physical and mental health. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep fit and manage stress.”
-
Are there any other places you like to walk?
- “Yes, in addition to Hồ Gươm Lake, I also enjoy walking in local parks and botanical gardens as they offer a refreshing escape from the bustling city life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner asks more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2 to discuss your opinions further.
Examiner’s Questions and Model Answers:
Examiner: Do you think the government should create more public spaces for walking?
- Candidate: “Definitely. Creating more public spaces encourages people to engage in physical activities and helps to build a healthier community. Moreover, these spaces enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas and provide necessary breathing spaces amidst city life.”
Examiner: Why do you think some people prefer walking indoors, like in a gym, rather than outside?
- Candidate: “Some people prefer walking indoors due to the controlled environment in gyms. Factors like weather, safety, and convenience often make indoor walking more appealing. Additionally, indoor walking in gyms often comes with other facilities such as treadmills and air conditioning, which enhance comfort.”
III. Essential Vocabulary and Structures
Vocabulary
- Serenity (noun) (/səˈren.ə.ti/): The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
- Example: The serenity of the lake helps me to unwind.
- Whimsical (adjective) (/ˈwɪm.zɪ.kəl/): Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.
- Example: The whimsical ambiance of the park makes it an ideal place for walking.
- Lush (adjective) (/lʌʃ/): Growing luxuriantly.
- Example: The lush green trees around the lake create a picturesque scene.
Structures
- Causal Connectors: Because, as, since
- Example: I enjoy walking there because the scenery is beautiful.
- Comparatives and Superlatives: More, less, most, least
- Example: Walking by the lake is more relaxing than walking in the city center.
IV. Tips for High Scores
- Fluency and Coherence: Speak smoothly, use a range of linking words and phrases to connect ideas.
- Lexical Resource: Use a varied vocabulary and avoid repetition; idiomatic expressions can add flair.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use complex sentences and ensure grammatical accuracy.
- Pronunciation: Focus on clear pronunciation and intonation patterns.
Final Advice: Engage in regular practice, record yourself speaking to identify areas for improvement, and get feedback from peers or instructors. Listening to English podcasts or watching English movies can also help enhance your pronunciation and vocabulary.
By incorporating these strategies and vocabulary into your speaking practice, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, especially when describing a favorite place for a walk.