Public parks and gardens are common topics in IELTS Speaking tests, often appearing in Part 1 and Part 2. They provide an excellent opportunity for candidates to showcase their vocabulary and descriptive skills. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about parks and gardens. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often visit public parks or gardens?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I try to visit the park near my house at least once a week. It’s a nice place to relax and get some fresh air.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I make it a point to frequent the local parks and gardens in my city as often as possible, typically two to three times a week. I find these green spaces to be invaluable oases in the midst of our bustling urban environment, offering a much-needed respite from the daily grind.
Q: What do you usually do when you visit a park?
Band 6-7 Answer:
When I visit a park, I usually go for a walk or sit on a bench to read a book. Sometimes I meet friends there for a picnic.
Band 8-9 Answer:
My activities in the park tend to vary depending on my mood and the time of day. Often, I’ll engage in some light exercise, such as jogging or practicing yoga on the lawn. On other occasions, I might find a quiet spot to immerse myself in a good book or simply observe the natural surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Parks also serve as an ideal venue for social gatherings, where I frequently meet friends for picnics or casual outdoor games.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a public park or garden in your city. You should say:
- Where it is located
- What features it has
- What activities people do there
- And explain why you like or dislike this park/garden
Band 6-7 Answer:
There’s a nice park called Central Park in the middle of my city. It’s quite big and has a lot of trees and flowers. There’s also a small lake where people can go boating.
The park has different areas for different activities. There’s a playground for kids, some sports fields, and walking paths. People come here to exercise, play sports, or just relax.
On weekends, you can see families having picnics and kids playing on the grass. Some people also jog or ride bikes on the paths.
I really like this park because it’s a peaceful place in the busy city. It’s great for getting some fresh air and exercise. The only thing I don’t like is that it can get crowded on holidays.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to describe Victoria Gardens, an expansive and meticulously maintained public park situated in the heart of our city. This verdant oasis spans approximately 50 acres and serves as a focal point for both residents and tourists alike.
Victoria Gardens boasts an impressive array of features that cater to diverse interests and age groups. The park’s centerpiece is an ornate Victorian-era fountain, surrounded by impeccably manicured flower beds that showcase a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the seasons. Winding pathways meander through dense foliage, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature. The park also houses a state-of-the-art playground, several sports facilities, and a serene lake where visitors can enjoy boating or simply admire the resident waterfowl.
The park serves as a hub of activity for the local community. Early mornings see fitness enthusiasts jogging along the trails or participating in tai chi sessions on the expansive lawns. Families often gather for picnics or to let their children explore the playground. Art aficionados can frequently be spotted sketching the picturesque landscapes or photographing the changing seasonal beauty. During summer evenings, the park comes alive with open-air concerts and cultural events, drawing large crowds.
Personally, I’m deeply fond of Victoria Gardens for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life, offering a tranquil space where one can reconnect with nature. The park’s diverse ecosystem also serves as an educational resource, allowing visitors to observe various plant and animal species in their natural habitat. Moreover, the range of activities available ensures that there’s always something engaging to do, regardless of one’s interests or age. While the park can get quite busy during peak hours, which some might find less relaxing, I believe this vibrancy is a testament to its popularity and importance to our community.
Follow-up questions:
Q: How has this park changed over the years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
The park has changed quite a bit. They’ve added new play equipment for kids and improved the walking paths. There are also more flowers now.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Over the years, Victoria Gardens has undergone a remarkable transformation. The local authorities have implemented a series of enhancements aimed at improving both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the park. Notable changes include the installation of eco-friendly lighting along the pathways, the introduction of native plant species to promote biodiversity, and the renovation of historical structures to preserve the park’s heritage. Additionally, the park has seen the integration of smart technology, such as QR code-enabled information posts that provide visitors with details about the flora and fauna, effectively blending natural beauty with modern convenience.
Q: Do you think there are enough public parks in your city?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think we need more parks in our city. There are some, but they can get very crowded, especially on weekends. More parks would be good for people’s health.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While our city has made commendable efforts to maintain green spaces, I believe there’s still room for improvement in terms of the number and distribution of public parks. The rapid urbanization we’ve experienced in recent years has led to an increased demand for recreational areas. Currently, the existing parks, including Victoria Gardens, tend to become overcrowded during peak hours, which suggests a need for more such spaces. Ideally, I think our urban planning should aim to have a park within walking distance of every residential area, as this would not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also contribute to improved air quality and promote active lifestyles. It’s a delicate balance between development and preserving green spaces, but one that’s crucial for creating a livable and sustainable urban environment.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do public parks contribute to community life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Public parks are important for communities. They give people a place to exercise and relax. Parks also help people meet their neighbors and make friends. They’re good for families too, as kids can play safely outdoors.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Public parks play a pivotal role in fostering community cohesion and enhancing the overall quality of urban life. Firstly, they serve as communal gathering spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can interact, helping to break down social barriers and promote a sense of belonging. These green spaces also contribute significantly to public health by providing accessible areas for physical activity and stress relief, which is particularly crucial in densely populated urban environments.
Moreover, parks often become venues for cultural events, farmers’ markets, and community initiatives, thereby strengthening local identity and promoting social engagement. They also play a vital environmental role, acting as ‘green lungs’ for cities by improving air quality and supporting biodiversity. From an economic perspective, well-maintained parks can increase property values in surrounding areas and attract tourism, contributing to the local economy.
In essence, public parks are multifaceted assets that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a city but also serve as catalysts for social interaction, health improvement, and environmental sustainability, making them indispensable components of thriving urban communities.
Q: How can cities balance development and the need for green spaces?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Cities need to plan carefully to have both buildings and parks. They could make laws to protect green areas and maybe create new parks when they build new neighborhoods. It’s important to think about the environment when developing cities.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Balancing urban development with the preservation and creation of green spaces is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. One effective strategy is the implementation of ‘green urbanism’ principles in city planning. This involves integrating nature into urban design, such as incorporating green roofs, vertical gardens, and pocket parks into new developments.
Cities can also adopt policies that mandate a certain percentage of green space in new construction projects or incentivize developers to include public parks in their plans. The adaptive reuse of abandoned or underutilized urban areas into green spaces, like New York’s High Line, is another innovative solution.
Furthermore, cities should focus on creating interconnected green corridors rather than isolated parks, which can enhance biodiversity and provide green transportation routes. Participatory planning processes that involve community input can ensure that green spaces meet local needs and are more likely to be used and valued.
Ultimately, the key lies in viewing green spaces not as luxuries but as essential infrastructure that contributes to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. By adopting this perspective, cities can work towards a more harmonious coexistence between urban development and nature, creating livable, sustainable environments for their residents.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Verdant oasis [ˈvɜːrdənt ˈəʊeɪsɪs] (noun phrase): A green, lush area in an otherwise dry or urban environment.
Example: The park serves as a verdant oasis in the heart of our concrete jungle. -
Meticulously maintained [məˈtɪkjələsli meɪnˈteɪnd] (adjective phrase): Kept in excellent condition with great care and attention to detail.
Example: The gardens are meticulously maintained by a team of dedicated horticulturists. -
Focal point [ˈfəʊkl pɔɪnt] (noun phrase): The center of interest or activity.
Example: The ornate fountain serves as the focal point of the park, drawing visitors from all directions. -
Kaleidoscope of colors [kəˈlaɪdəskəʊp əv ˈkʌləz] (noun phrase): A constantly changing pattern or sequence of colors.
Example: In spring, the flower beds display a kaleidoscope of colors, from vibrant reds to soft pastels. -
Immerse oneself in nature [ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn ˈneɪtʃə] (verb phrase): To become completely involved in or surrounded by the natural environment.
Example: Visitors can immerse themselves in nature by following the park’s winding forest trails. -
Hub of activity [hʌb əv ækˈtɪvəti] (noun phrase): A center or focal point of action or interest.
Example: On weekends, the park becomes a hub of activity, with families picnicking and children playing. -
Reconnect with nature [ˌriːkəˈnekt wɪð ˈneɪtʃə] (verb phrase): To reestablish a connection with the natural world.
Example: Many city dwellers visit the park to reconnect with nature and escape the urban environment. -
Diverse ecosystem [daɪˈvɜːs ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm] (noun phrase): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, characterized by variety.
Example: The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of plant and animal species.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing public parks or gardens:
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Use a range of descriptive vocabulary: Incorporate vivid adjectives and specific nouns to paint a clear picture of the park or garden.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: When explaining why you like or dislike the park, provide thoughtful reasons that show depth of analysis.
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Use idiomatic expressions appropriately: Phrases like “a breath of fresh air” or “escape the hustle and bustle” can enhance your language use when talking about parks.
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Vary your sentence structures: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.
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Provide specific examples: When discussing activities or features, give concrete examples to support your points.
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Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses, but don’t sacrifice accuracy for speed.
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Develop your answers: In Part 3, try to explore ideas in depth, considering different perspectives on the topic.
Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the actual test. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!