Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to tackle questions about places you visit for exercise? This topic is a popular one in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly in Part 2, where you may be asked to describe a place you often visit for exercise. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively and boost your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner might ask you some general questions about exercise and fitness. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you like to exercise?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite enthusiastic about staying fit and healthy. I try to incorporate exercise into my daily routine, whether it’s going for a jog in the park or hitting the gym for a workout. It’s not just about physical health for me; I find that regular exercise really boosts my mood and helps me stay focused throughout the day.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:
Describe a place you often visit for exercise
You should say:
- Where this place is
- What kind of exercise you do there
- How often you go there
- And explain why you like exercising in this place
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my favorite spot for exercise, which is a sprawling park near my home. It’s located in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from my apartment, making it incredibly convenient for me to visit regularly.
This park is a veritable paradise for fitness enthusiasts like myself. It boasts a well-maintained jogging track that meanders through lush greenery, providing a picturesque setting for my runs. Additionally, there’s an outdoor gym area equipped with various exercise machines, which I often use to supplement my cardiovascular workout with some strength training.
I make it a point to visit this park at least four times a week, usually early in the morning before work or in the evening as the sun sets. The frequency of my visits allows me to maintain a consistent exercise regimen and helps me stay on track with my fitness goals.
What I particularly appreciate about exercising in this park is the invigorating atmosphere it provides. The fresh air and natural surroundings make my workouts feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable activity. Moreover, the park has a vibrant community of fellow fitness enthusiasts, which creates a motivating environment. Often, I find myself pushing my limits when I see others giving their all in their workouts.
Another aspect I cherish is the park’s versatility. Depending on my mood or fitness goals for the day, I can switch between jogging, using the outdoor gym equipment, or even joining impromptu group exercises that often take place on the park’s open lawns. This variety keeps my routine fresh and engaging, preventing boredom and helping me maintain my enthusiasm for fitness.
In conclusion, this park has become an integral part of my fitness journey. It’s not just a place for exercise; it’s a space where I can rejuvenate my body and mind, connect with like-minded individuals, and continuously challenge myself to improve my physical well-being.”
Outdoor gym equipment in a park
Follow-up questions:
- “How has this place influenced your fitness routine?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“This park has significantly impacted my fitness routine. The diverse facilities available have encouraged me to incorporate a variety of exercises into my workouts, making them more well-rounded and effective. Moreover, the park’s accessibility has helped me maintain consistency in my exercise habits, which is crucial for long-term fitness success.”
- “Do you think more cities should invest in such public exercise spaces?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I believe investing in public exercise spaces is crucial for promoting community health and well-being. These areas democratize access to fitness facilities, making it possible for people from all walks of life to engage in physical activity. Moreover, they foster a sense of community and can significantly enhance the overall quality of life in urban areas. The long-term benefits in terms of public health and social cohesion far outweigh the initial investment costs.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to exercise and public spaces. Here’s an example:
Question: “How do you think urban planning can promote a healthier lifestyle for city dwellers?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Urban planning plays a pivotal role in promoting healthier lifestyles for city residents. Firstly, by incorporating green spaces and parks into city designs, planners can provide accessible areas for physical activity and relaxation. These spaces act as urban oases, offering respite from the concrete jungle and encouraging outdoor exercise.
Secondly, developing comprehensive bicycle lane networks and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can incentivize people to opt for active transportation methods like cycling or walking instead of relying on cars. This not only promotes physical activity but also helps reduce air pollution, further contributing to public health.
Additionally, urban planners can strategically locate public facilities such as sports centers, swimming pools, and outdoor gym equipment throughout the city, ensuring that all residents have equitable access to fitness resources. This approach can help bridge the gap in health disparities often seen in urban areas.
Moreover, implementing mixed-use zoning policies can create neighborhoods where residential areas are interspersed with workplaces, shops, and recreational facilities. This design reduces the need for long commutes and makes it easier for people to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
Lastly, urban planners can work on creating safe and well-lit public spaces that encourage community engagement and outdoor activities, even during evening hours. This can be particularly beneficial for those with busy daytime schedules.
In conclusion, thoughtful urban planning has the potential to transform cities into environments that naturally foster healthier lifestyles, making it easier and more appealing for residents to engage in regular physical activity and adopt healthier habits.”
Urban planning promoting healthy lifestyle
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To elevate your speaking score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Sprawling /sprɔːlɪŋ/ (adjective): Spreading out over a large area.
Example: “The sprawling park offers plenty of space for various activities.”Veritable /ˈverɪtəbl/ (adjective): Used for emphasis, often to describe something as being genuine or typical.
Example: “The gym is a veritable paradise for fitness enthusiasts.”Meander /miˈændər/ (verb): To follow a winding course.
Example: “The jogging track meanders through the beautiful landscape.”Supplement /ˈsʌplɪment/ (verb): To add an extra element or amount to something.
Example: “I supplement my cardio routine with strength training exercises.”Invigorating /ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy.
Example: “The invigorating atmosphere of the park makes exercising enjoyable.”Rejuvenate /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt/ (verb): To give new energy or vigor to; revitalize.
Example: “Exercising in nature helps to rejuvenate both body and mind.”
Tips from an Examiner
As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following to improve your performance:
- Practice fluency: Aim to speak continuously for 2 minutes in Part 2 without long pauses.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and provide examples.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language skills.
- Work on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation and natural intonation can significantly boost your score.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice and preparation. Regularly describing places and experiences will help you become more confident and articulate during the exam.
If you’re looking for more practice, you might find it helpful to describe a memorable experience you had during a festival or describe a performance or show that exceeded your expectations. These topics can help you broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to describe experiences vividly.