The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal preferences and experiences, such as describing a season you enjoy. This topic is particularly common in Part 1 and can also appear as a cue card in Part 2. Being prepared to discuss your favorite season can significantly boost your confidence and score in the exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:
- What’s your favorite season of the year?
- Why do you enjoy that season?
- What activities do you like to do in that season?
- Has your favorite season changed since you were a child?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first two questions:
Examiner: What’s your favorite season of the year?
Candidate (Band 6-7): My favorite season is autumn. I really like the cooler weather and the beautiful colors of the leaves changing.
Candidate (Band 8-9): I’d have to say autumn is my favorite season. There’s something utterly enchanting about the way the landscape transforms, with trees adorned in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. The crisp air and gentle breezes make it the perfect time for outdoor activities.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a potential cue card related to describing a season:
Describe a season you enjoy and the reasons why
You should say:
- What season it is
- What the weather is like during this season
- What activities you enjoy doing in this season
- And explain why you like this season so much
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
The season I really enjoy is summer. In my country, summer usually starts in June and lasts until August. The weather during this time is quite hot and sunny, with temperatures often reaching 30 degrees Celsius or more.
During summer, I love spending time outdoors. One of my favorite activities is going to the beach with my friends. We usually swim, play volleyball, and have picnics on the sand. It’s a great way to relax and have fun.
I also enjoy summer because it’s the perfect time for barbecues in the backyard. My family often invites friends over, and we grill delicious food while chatting and enjoying the warm evening air.
The main reason I like summer so much is because of the long days. The sun sets much later, giving us more time to do things outside after work or school. This extra daylight makes me feel more energetic and productive.
Summer also reminds me of my childhood vacations. It brings back happy memories of family trips and adventures. Overall, summer just has a special feeling of freedom and joy that I really appreciate.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
The season that truly captivates me is autumn, or fall as it’s known in some parts of the world. In my region, autumn typically spans from September to November, bringing with it a delightful transformation of the landscape.
During this season, the weather undergoes a remarkable shift. The sweltering heat of summer gives way to crisp, invigorating air. Mornings often greet us with a gentle mist, while the days are characterized by comfortable temperatures and clear, azure skies. It’s not uncommon to experience the occasional rain shower, which adds to the season’s cozy ambiance.
Autumn offers a plethora of activities that I find immensely enjoyable. One of my favorite pastimes is taking long walks in the nearby forest, where I can immerse myself in the stunning spectacle of foliage in transition. The trees put on a breathtaking display of reds, oranges, and golds, creating a natural tapestry that never fails to leave me in awe.
Another activity I relish is visiting local farmers’ markets. Autumn brings an abundance of seasonal produce, and I love exploring the wide array of pumpkins, apples, and squashes. It’s a great opportunity to support local agriculture and experiment with new recipes using fresh, organic ingredients.
The reason I’m so fond of autumn goes beyond its visual appeal and recreational opportunities. There’s a certain nostalgia associated with this season that resonates deeply with me. The earthy scent of fallen leaves and the sound of them crunching underfoot evoke memories of childhood adventures and family gatherings.
Moreover, autumn symbolizes change and transition, which I find deeply inspiring. It serves as a reminder that change can be beautiful and that there’s value in letting go, just as trees shed their leaves. This philosophical aspect adds a layer of appreciation to my enjoyment of the season.
In essence, autumn encapsulates a perfect balance for me – it’s neither too hot nor too cold, it’s visually stunning, rich in tradition, and offers a unique opportunity for both reflection and new beginnings. It’s a season that nourishes both body and soul, making it my absolute favorite time of the year.
A person walking through an autumn forest with fallen leaves
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- Do you think people’s favorite seasons change as they get older?
- How does this season affect people’s mood in your country?
Sample answers:
(Band 6-7) Yes, I think people’s favorite seasons can change as they get older. As children, many people like summer because of school holidays, but adults might prefer other seasons for different reasons.
(Band 8-9) I believe it’s quite plausible that individuals’ seasonal preferences evolve with age. This shift can be attributed to changing lifestyles, responsibilities, and even physiological changes. For instance, while children might gravitate towards summer for its association with school breaks and outdoor play, adults may develop an affinity for autumn or spring due to more moderate temperatures or the aesthetic appeal these seasons offer. Additionally, as people age, they might become more sensitive to extreme weather conditions, leading them to favor milder seasons.
(Band 6-7) In my country, autumn generally has a positive effect on people’s moods. Many people feel happier and more energetic because of the cooler weather and beautiful scenery.
(Band 8-9) The impact of autumn on people’s moods in my country is quite profound and largely positive. The respite from summer’s heat seems to invigorate people, leading to increased energy levels and productivity. The stunning visual display of autumn colors tends to uplift spirits and inspire creativity. However, it’s worth noting that as the days grow shorter, some individuals may experience a touch of melancholy or even seasonal affective disorder. Overall though, autumn is generally embraced with enthusiasm, with many people reveling in seasonal activities and the cozy atmosphere it brings.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think climate change might affect the seasons in the future?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think climate change will probably make the seasons less predictable. We might see hotter summers and milder winters. Some places might experience more extreme weather like storms or droughts.
Candidate (Band 8-9): The impact of climate change on seasons is likely to be profound and far-reaching. We’re already witnessing a blurring of seasonal boundaries in many parts of the world. This could lead to extended summers and truncated winters in some regions, while others might experience more erratic weather patterns.
One of the most significant consequences could be the disruption of ecosystems that rely on consistent seasonal changes. For instance, plants that depend on specific temperature ranges for flowering or animals that time their migrations based on seasonal cues might face severe challenges.
Moreover, we might see an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across all seasons. This could manifest as more severe heatwaves in summer, intensified storms in autumn, and unpredictable frost patterns in spring, all of which could have dire implications for agriculture and food security.
It’s also worth considering that these changes won’t be uniform across the globe. Some areas might experience more dramatic shifts than others, potentially leading to new microclimates and altering the traditional characteristics of seasons in those regions.
Ultimately, the cascading effects of these changes on biodiversity, human activities, and even cultural practices tied to seasons could be immense, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change.
Infographic showing climate change impact on seasons
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Utterly enchanting /ˈʌtərli ɪnˈtʃæntɪŋ/ (adj): Completely charming or delightful
Example: The autumn landscape was utterly enchanting, with its vibrant colors and crisp air.Vibrant hues /ˈvaɪbrənt hjuːz/ (noun phrase): Bright, intense colors
Example: The trees were adorned with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.To resonate deeply /ˈrezəneɪt ˈdiːpli/ (verb phrase): To have a strong, personal meaning or significance
Example: The themes of change in autumn resonate deeply with me.Plethora /ˈpleθərə/ (noun): A large or excessive amount of something
Example: Autumn offers a plethora of activities to enjoy outdoors.To relish /ˈrelɪʃ/ (verb): To greatly enjoy
Example: I relish the opportunity to witness the changing colors of autumn.Profound and far-reaching /prəˈfaʊnd ənd fɑːr-ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ (adj phrase): Having great and wide-ranging impact
Example: Climate change is likely to have profound and far-reaching effects on our seasons.Cascading effects /kæsˈkeɪdɪŋ ɪˈfekts/ (noun phrase): A series of consequences, each triggering the next
Example: The cascading effects of seasonal changes due to global warming could be significant.
Describe a place in nature that you think everyone should visit to experience the beauty of different seasons firsthand.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing your favorite season:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture.
- Incorporate personal anecdotes to make your answer more engaging and authentic.
- Practice discussing the topic from different angles – weather, activities, emotions, and memories.
- Be prepared to link the topic to broader issues like climate change or cultural practices.
- Use idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary appropriately to demonstrate language proficiency.
Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency and coherence in your responses, and don’t be afraid to elaborate on your points. Describe a peaceful place in the countryside you have visited during your favorite season to add depth to your answer.
Regularly practicing with a variety of seasonal topics will help you become more confident and articulate in the IELTS Speaking test. Consider how describing a traditional dance in your culture might relate to seasonal celebrations, further enriching your responses.