The topic of describing a recent visit to a park or garden is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain a popular subject in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe places, express personal experiences, and discuss environmental issues.
Describe a famous tourist attraction in your city that you might compare to the park you’re describing. This can help you provide a richer context for your answer.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about parks and gardens. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
- Do you often visit parks?
- What do you usually do when you visit a park?
- Do you think there are enough parks in your city?
Sample answer for “Do you often visit parks?” (Band 8-9):
“Yes, I’m quite fond of visiting parks. I try to make it a point to visit at least once a week, usually on weekends. It’s a great way to unwind and reconnect with nature, especially living in a bustling city. I find that spending time in green spaces really helps me recharge my batteries and clear my mind.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a recent visit to a park or garden
You should say:
- When you went there
- Who you went with
- What you did there
- And explain how you felt about this visit
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my recent visit to Central Park, which took place just last weekend. I went there with a group of close friends, as we had planned a picnic to celebrate the onset of spring.
We arrived at the park early in the morning, when the air was still crisp and fresh. The park was teeming with life, with joggers on their morning runs and families setting up for a day out. We found a perfect spot near a small pond, where we laid out our picnic blanket and unpacked our carefully prepared lunch.
Throughout the day, we engaged in various activities. We played frisbee on one of the expansive lawns, which was exhilarating and helped us work up an appetite. After our picnic lunch, we took a leisurely stroll around the park, admiring the vibrant flora that was just beginning to bloom. The cherry blossoms, in particular, were a sight to behold, creating a picturesque backdrop for our walk.
One of the highlights of our visit was renting a rowboat and spending some time on the lake. It was both challenging and entertaining as we tried to coordinate our rowing, often ending up going in circles, which led to fits of laughter.
This visit to Central Park left me feeling thoroughly rejuvenated and deeply appreciative of the natural beauty that exists within our urban landscape. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and activity, allowing us to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a few hours. The experience reminded me of the importance of taking time to connect with nature and enjoy the company of good friends.
Overall, this park visit was incredibly refreshing and served as a much-needed break from our usual routines. It reinforced my belief in the therapeutic power of green spaces and left me eager to plan more such outings in the future.”
Friends enjoying picnic in Central Park
Follow-up questions:
- Are there any improvements you think could be made to the park?
- Do you think parks are important in urban areas? Why or why not?
Sample answer for “Do you think parks are important in urban areas? Why or why not?” (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe parks play a crucial role in urban environments. They serve as green lungs for cities, helping to purify the air and reduce urban heat. Moreover, parks provide essential spaces for physical activity and social interaction, which are vital for the physical and mental well-being of city dwellers. They also offer a refuge from the concrete jungle, allowing people to reconnect with nature and find moments of tranquility amidst busy city life. In essence, parks contribute significantly to the livability and sustainability of urban areas.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to parks and public spaces. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How have parks in your country changed over the past few decades?
- What role do you think technology should play in modern parks?
- How can governments encourage more people to use public parks?
Sample answer for “How can governments encourage more people to use public parks?” (Band 8-9):
“There are several strategies governments can employ to boost park usage. Firstly, they could focus on enhancing park facilities and diversifying amenities to cater to various age groups and interests. This might include installing modern playgrounds, creating dedicated spaces for sports, or establishing areas for cultural events.
Secondly, governments could launch awareness campaigns to highlight the health and social benefits of spending time in parks. These campaigns could leverage social media and community outreach programs to effectively communicate these advantages.
Another effective approach would be to organize regular events in parks, such as outdoor concerts, fitness classes, or nature walks. These activities can draw people in and help them discover the potential of these green spaces.
Additionally, improving accessibility is crucial. This could involve enhancing public transport links to parks or creating more pedestrian-friendly routes. Ensuring parks are well-maintained and safe is also essential in encouraging visitation.
Lastly, governments could collaborate with schools and businesses to promote park usage. For instance, they could encourage schools to conduct outdoor classes or partner with companies to organize team-building events in parks.
By implementing a multi-faceted approach, governments can significantly increase park usage, thereby promoting healthier, more connected communities.”
Government initiatives to promote park usage
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Teeming with life – /tiːmɪŋ wɪð laɪf/ (adjective phrase): Full of activity or life.
Example: “The park was teeming with life on the sunny afternoon.”Exhilarating – /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated.
Example: “The exhilarating game of frisbee left us all in high spirits.”Leisurely stroll – /ˈleʒəli strəʊl/ (noun phrase): A relaxed, unhurried walk.
Example: “We took a leisurely stroll through the rose garden.”Vibrant flora – /ˈvaɪbrənt ˈflɔːrə/ (noun phrase): Bright, colorful plant life.
Example: “The vibrant flora in the botanical garden was a feast for the eyes.”Picturesque backdrop – /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk ˈbækdrɒp/ (noun phrase): A scenery that is attractive in appearance, especially in a quaint or charming way.
Example: “The old bridge provided a picturesque backdrop for our photos.”
Describe a park you visited recently using these advanced vocabulary terms to enhance your response and potentially boost your score.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a park visit:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your experience.
- Incorporate personal anecdotes to make your answer more engaging and authentic.
- Practice speaking about different aspects of parks and nature to improve fluency on this topic.
- Be prepared to discuss broader issues related to urban planning and the environment.
- Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and a natural conversational tone.
Describe a conversation that changed your perspective on parks and green spaces to further demonstrate your ability to discuss complex topics in English.