Wildlife encounters make for compelling topics in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2’s long-turn presentations. This topic has appeared frequently in recent years and allows candidates to showcase their descriptive language skills and emotional expression.
IELTS candidate preparing notes for speaking test wildlife encounter topic
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common questions in this section include:
- Do you like watching wildlife documentaries?
- Have you ever visited a wildlife sanctuary?
- What’s your favorite wild animal?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m absolutely fascinated by wildlife documentaries, particularly those narrated by David Attenborough. They offer unprecedented insights into animal behavior and help raise awareness about conservation. I recently watched one about African elephants that was utterly captivating.”
Like describe a nature reserve you have visited, this topic requires detailed observation and vivid descriptions.
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a wildlife encounter that left an impression on you
You should say:
- What animal you saw
- Where and when you saw it
- What you were doing at the time
- And explain why it left an impression on you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an unforgettable encounter with a wild orangutan in Borneo’s rainforest. During a conservation volunteering project last summer, I was helping researchers track these magnificent creatures through their natural habitat.
To my astonishment, we came across a mother orangutan teaching her infant how to forage for food. The level of intelligence and care she displayed was remarkably human-like. She was methodically showing her baby how to identify ripe fruit and use leaves as natural tools.
The encounter was particularly poignant because orangutans are critically endangered, largely due to deforestation. Witnessing their intimate family bond in their rapidly shrinking habitat was both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking.”
Mother and baby orangutan interaction in natural rainforest habitat
Similar to describe a wild animal, this response demonstrates strong vocabulary and emotional connection.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: How has human activity affected wildlife in your country?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Human activities have had profound implications for wildlife. Rapid urbanization and industrial development have led to significant habitat loss. However, there’s been a paradigm shift in recent years, with more emphasis on sustainable development and wildlife corridors.”
Q2: What measures should governments take to protect endangered species?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Governments should implement comprehensive conservation strategies, including stringent penalties for poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Additionally, establishing protected corridors and investing in habitat restoration are crucial steps.”
For more insights on wildlife areas, you might be interested in describe a wildlife area you visited.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Awe-inspiring /ɔː-ɪnˈspaɪ.rɪŋ/ (adj): extremely impressive
- Biodiversity hotspot /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti ˈhɒt.spɒt/ (n): area with exceptional concentrations of species
- Conservation efforts /ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən ˈef.əts/ (n): activities aimed at protecting wildlife
- Endemic species /enˈdem.ɪk ˈspiːʃiːz/ (n): species unique to a particular area
- Natural habitat /ˈnætʃ.ər.əl ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/ (n): environment where an animal naturally lives
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples and personal experiences
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary related to wildlife and nature
- Show emotional engagement with the topic
- Include relevant statistics or facts to support your points
- Practice describing animal behavior and appearances
For additional practice, consider describe a scenic drive you took recently to improve your descriptive language skills.
