The topic of seasons is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when candidates are asked to describe a season they look forward to. This theme has consistently appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about seasons. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
- What’s your favorite season?
- Why do you prefer that season?
- How do the seasons affect your daily life?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I absolutely adore spring. It’s a season of renewal and hope, with nature coming back to life after the long winter months. The mild temperatures and longer days energize me, making me feel more productive and optimistic. Spring affects my daily life significantly – I tend to spend more time outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking and gardening, which greatly improve my mood and overall well-being.”
Describe a cultural performance you recently attended that was related to a specific season or seasonal festival to add depth to your answer and showcase your cultural awareness.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a season you look forward to
You should say:
- What season it is
- Why you look forward to it
- What activities you enjoy during this season
- How this season makes you feel
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The season I always look forward to is summer. I eagerly anticipate it because of the warm weather and longer days. During summer, I enjoy many outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and having barbecues with friends. I also love going to the beach and soaking up the sun. Summer makes me feel happy and energetic. The bright sunshine and blue skies lift my mood, and I feel more social and outgoing. It’s a time when I can relax and recharge, which is why I look forward to it so much.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The season I invariably anticipate with great enthusiasm is autumn, or fall as it’s known in some parts of the world. There’s something intrinsically magical about this transitional period that bridges the gap between the sweltering heat of summer and the frigid embrace of winter.
What I find particularly captivating about autumn is the spectacular transformation of nature. The vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and golds that paint the landscape is truly breathtaking. It’s as if the world is putting on one last dazzling display before the quietude of winter sets in.
During this season, I immerse myself in a variety of activities that are uniquely suited to the autumnal atmosphere. I’m particularly fond of long walks in the crisp air, crunching through fallen leaves and breathing in the earthy scent that permeates the air. It’s also the perfect time for cozy indoor pursuits, such as curling up with a good book by the fireplace or experimenting with seasonal recipes featuring pumpkins and apples.
Autumn evokes a complex mix of emotions in me. On one hand, there’s a sense of melancholy as the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life. Yet, paradoxically, it also fills me with a profound sense of comfort and contentment. There’s something incredibly soothing about wrapping up in warm layers and enjoying the simple pleasures of the season. It’s a time that encourages introspection and reflection, allowing me to recharge and refocus before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do people in your country celebrate this season?
- Has climate change affected the seasons in your region?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“In my country, autumn is celebrated with various harvest festivals and outdoor events that capitalize on the season’s unique charm. Many communities organize pumpkin patches and apple-picking excursions, which are not only enjoyable activities but also serve to connect people with local agriculture. There’s also a resurgence of interest in traditional crafts during this time, with workshops on activities like preserving fruits and vegetables or creating autumnal decorations becoming increasingly popular.
Regarding climate change, it’s undeniable that we’ve observed some significant shifts in our seasonal patterns. The onset of autumn seems to be gradually delayed, with summer-like temperatures often extending well into what was traditionally considered fall. We’ve also noticed more erratic weather patterns, with periods of unseasonable warmth followed by sudden cold snaps. These changes have had a noticeable impact on local flora and fauna, with some trees retaining their leaves longer and migratory birds adjusting their schedules. It’s a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of global climate change and the need for concerted action to address this pressing issue.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s talk about how seasons affect different aspects of life.”
- How do seasons influence fashion trends?
- In what ways do seasons impact the economy?
- Do you think people’s personalities change with the seasons?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Seasons have a profound impact on fashion trends, serving as a primary driver for the cyclical nature of the fashion industry. Designers and retailers strategically align their collections with seasonal changes, not just for practical reasons like warmth or coolness, but also to evoke the mood and aesthetic associated with each season. For instance, autumn fashion often features rich, warm colors and layered textures that mirror the changing landscape, while spring collections typically embrace lighter fabrics and vibrant hues to reflect the season’s renewed energy.
The influence of seasons on the economy is multifaceted and significant. Certain industries experience seasonal fluctuations that can dramatically affect their profitability. The tourism sector, for example, often sees peaks during summer months in many regions, while the retail industry typically experiences a surge in sales during the winter holiday season. Agriculture is perhaps the most directly impacted, with crop cycles and harvests intrinsically tied to seasonal changes. Moreover, seasonal patterns can affect energy consumption, construction activities, and even stock market behaviors, underscoring the pervasive economic influence of seasonal cycles.
Regarding the impact of seasons on personality, while it might be an overstatement to say that people’s core personalities change, there’s compelling evidence to suggest that seasons can significantly influence mood and behavior. Many individuals report feeling more energetic and outgoing during spring and summer months, possibly due to increased sunlight and opportunities for outdoor activities. Conversely, some people experience a phenomenon known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during darker winter months, characterized by feelings of depression and lethargy. These seasonal mood shifts can certainly alter how individuals interact with others and approach their daily lives, even if they don’t fundamentally change who a person is at their core.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Intrinsically (adverb) /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkli/ – in an essential or natural way
Example: The changing colors of autumn leaves are intrinsically beautiful. -
Captivating (adjective) /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ – capable of attracting and holding interest; charming
Example: The captivating autumn scenery inspired many artists and poets. -
Vibrant palette (noun phrase) /ˈvaɪbrənt ˈpælət/ – a range of bright, strong colors
Example: Autumn’s vibrant palette transforms the landscape into a natural work of art. -
Immerse oneself (phrasal verb) /ɪˈmɜːrs wʌnˈself/ – to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
Example: During autumn, I love to immerse myself in outdoor activities like hiking and leaf-peeping. -
Cyclical nature (noun phrase) /ˈsaɪklɪkəl ˈneɪtʃər/ – the quality of occurring in cycles; recurrent
Example: The cyclical nature of seasons reminds us of the constant changes in life. -
Profound impact (noun phrase) /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – a very significant or deep effect
Example: Seasons have a profound impact on various aspects of our lives, from our mood to the economy.
Describe a recent social gathering you attended that was themed around a particular season to practice using these vocabulary items in context.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a season:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions related to seasons and nature.
- Demonstrate your ability to speak at length by elaborating on your answers and providing specific examples.
- Maintain fluency by practicing your responses beforehand, but avoid sounding rehearsed.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3, by considering broader implications of seasonal changes.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms.
- Maintain good pronunciation and intonation throughout your responses.
Remember, the key to success is practice. Regularly discuss seasons and their impacts with others to build your confidence and fluency. Describe a situation where you had to change your plans suddenly due to unexpected seasonal conditions to further enhance your speaking skills on this topic.