Describing a time when you felt close to nature is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to narrate personal experiences. Given its relevance to environmental awareness and personal reflection, it’s likely to remain a popular topic in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions related to this theme across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about nature and your experiences with it. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you enjoy spending time in nature?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I find it relaxing to be outdoors, especially in parks or forests. It’s a nice break from city life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find immersing myself in natural surroundings incredibly rejuvenating. Whether it’s hiking through lush forests or simply sitting by a tranquil lake, I feel a profound sense of peace and connection to the environment around me.

Question: What’s your favorite way to experience nature?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I really like going for walks in the local park. It’s nice to see the trees and flowers, especially in spring when everything is blooming.

Band 8-9 Answer:
My preferred method of experiencing nature is through multi-day hiking trips. There’s something truly exhilarating about venturing deep into wilderness areas, where you can witness breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems firsthand. It’s not just about observing nature, but feeling like you’re an integral part of it.

Describe a place where you experienced nature up close can be an excellent way to prepare for these types of questions, as it helps you practice describing natural settings and your interactions with them.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the theme:

Describe a time when you felt close to nature.
You should say:

• When and where it was
• Who you were with (if anyone)
• What you saw or experienced
• And explain why you felt close to nature at that time

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I remember feeling really close to nature during a camping trip last summer. I went with a few friends to a national park about three hours from my city. We set up our tents near a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains.

What made it special was waking up early one morning and going for a walk alone. The air was crisp and clean, and I could hear birds chirping everywhere. I saw a deer drinking from the lake, which was really exciting.

I felt close to nature because everything was so peaceful and untouched. There were no cars or buildings around, just trees, water, and wildlife. It made me realize how beautiful the natural world is and how different it is from city life.

This experience made me appreciate nature more and want to protect it. I think it’s important to have these moments to remind us of our connection to the environment.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I vividly recall an awe-inspiring encounter with nature during a solo hiking expedition in the Patagonian wilderness last autumn. I had ventured deep into Torres del Paine National Park, a pristine sanctuary renowned for its rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife.

On the third day of my trek, I awoke before dawn to witness the sunrise over the iconic granite peaks of the park. As I stood atop a ridge, enveloped by the raw beauty of the landscape, I was struck by an overwhelming sense of insignificance and connection to the natural world.

The panorama that unfolded before me was nothing short of breathtaking. The first rays of sunlight painted the mountains in hues of gold and pink, their jagged silhouettes reflected perfectly in the still waters of a glacial lake below. A family of guanacos grazed peacefully in a nearby meadow, while condors soared majestically overhead.

What made this moment particularly poignant was the absolute solitude and the tangible feeling of being immersed in an ecosystem largely untouched by human influence. The crisp, pure air filled my lungs, and I could hear nothing but the gentle whisper of the wind and the occasional call of distant birds.

This experience epitomized my connection with nature because it stripped away all the trappings of modern life, leaving me face-to-face with the raw, unfiltered beauty of our planet. It was a profound reminder of the intricate balance of natural systems and our place within them. This moment instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to preserve such wilderness areas for future generations and rekindled my passion for environmental conservation.

Hiker watching sunrise in Patagonian wilderness

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did this experience change your perspective on nature conservation?
2. Do you think everyone should have such experiences in nature? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
This experience made me more aware of how important it is to protect nature. I think it’s good for everyone to spend time in nature because it helps us understand why we need to take care of the environment.

Band 8-9 Answer:
This transformative experience profoundly altered my outlook on nature conservation. It underscored the irreplaceable value of untouched wilderness and the urgent need to preserve these ecosystems. I believe such encounters are invaluable for fostering environmental stewardship. They provide a tangible connection to the natural world that no textbook or documentary can replicate, igniting a personal stake in conservation efforts.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: How has people’s relationship with nature changed in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think people are spending less time in nature nowadays because of technology and busy city lives. However, there’s also more awareness about environmental issues, which is good. Some people are trying to reconnect with nature by going on eco-tours or joining conservation projects.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The relationship between humans and nature has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, characterized by a complex interplay of disconnection and renewed interest. On one hand, urbanization and technological advancements have led to a growing detachment from natural environments, with many people spending the majority of their time indoors, immersed in digital worlds.

Conversely, there’s been a resurgence of interest in nature, driven partly by increasing awareness of environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss. This has manifested in various ways, from the popularity of eco-tourism and nature documentaries to the rise of urban gardening and biophilic design in architecture. There’s also a growing recognition of the mental and physical health benefits associated with spending time in nature, leading to initiatives like forest bathing and green prescriptions in healthcare.

However, this renewed interest often comes with its own set of challenges. The commodification of nature experiences can sometimes lead to over-tourism and environmental degradation of popular natural sites. It’s a delicate balance between fostering appreciation for nature and ensuring its preservation.

Question: What role should governments play in protecting natural areas?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Governments should make laws to protect natural areas from pollution and development. They can also create more national parks and teach people about the importance of nature in schools. It’s important for governments to work with other countries to solve global environmental problems.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Governments play a pivotal role in safeguarding natural areas, and their responsibilities are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, they have the power to enact and enforce robust legislation to protect biodiversity, limit pollution, and regulate resource extraction. This includes designating protected areas such as national parks, marine reserves, and wildlife corridors.

Moreover, governments are uniquely positioned to integrate environmental considerations into broader policy frameworks, ensuring that economic development doesn’t come at the expense of natural habitats. This could involve implementing green infrastructure projects, promoting sustainable urban planning, and incentivizing eco-friendly practices in industries.

Education is another crucial area where governments can make a significant impact. By incorporating environmental education into national curricula and funding research on conservation and sustainable practices, they can foster a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

On an international level, governments must engage in diplomatic efforts to address transboundary environmental issues. This includes participating in global climate agreements, collaborating on conservation efforts for migratory species, and sharing best practices for sustainable resource management.

Lastly, governments should lead by example by adopting sustainable practices in their own operations and investing in renewable energy and other green technologies. By doing so, they not only reduce their own environmental impact but also catalyze wider societal shifts towards more sustainable lifestyles.

Government conservation efforts infographic

Describe a memorable day you spent with friends could be a great way to practice narrating experiences, which is useful when describing encounters with nature.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Awe-inspiring /ɔː ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration.
   Example: The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder.

2. Biodiversity /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
   Example: The rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity.

3. Ecosystem /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ (noun): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
   Example: Coral reefs are delicate ecosystems that require careful protection.

4. Pristine /ˈprɪstiːn/ (adjective): In its original condition; unspoiled.
   Example: We hiked through pristine forests untouched by human development.

5. Rejuvenating /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel or look young, fresh, or energetic again.
   Example: Spending time in nature can have a rejuvenating effect on both mind and body.

6. Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
   Example: We need to find more sustainable ways of interacting with our environment.

7. Symbiosis /ˌsɪmbɪˈəʊsɪs/ (noun): A mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups.
   Example: The traditional lifestyle of many indigenous peoples demonstrates a symbiosis with nature.

8. Tranquility /træŋˈkwɪləti/ (noun): The quality or state of being calm.
   Example: The tranquility of the forest was broken only by the gentle sound of a nearby stream.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing experiences with nature in the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Build a diverse vocabulary related to nature and environmental topics. This will allow you to express your thoughts more precisely and eloquently.

2. Practice narrating personal experiences in detail. Focus on describing sensory details and your emotional responses to make your account more vivid and engaging.

3. Stay informed about current environmental issues. This will help you discuss the topic more comprehensively, especially in Part 3 of the test.

4. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to demonstrate your language proficiency.

5. Incorporate idiomatic expressions appropriately to add flavor to your speech.

6. Speak with confidence and maintain good fluency. Regular practice with a speaking partner can help improve these aspects.

7. Be prepared to express and justify opinions on nature-related topics, as these are common in Part 3 discussions.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and natural delivery in your responses.

Describe a piece of advice you received that was life-changing could be relevant when discussing how experiences in nature have influenced your perspective on life and the environment.