The ability to describe an activity you enjoy doing outdoors is a crucial skill for IELTS Speaking success. This topic frequently appears in IELTS exams across various countries, including India, China, Vietnam, and the UK. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll guide you through each part of the speaking test, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you questions about outdoor activities. Here are some common questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I do. I find outdoor activities refreshing and enjoyable. They help me stay active and appreciate nature.
Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely! I’m passionate about outdoor activities. They not only provide a much-needed escape from the daily grind but also offer an excellent opportunity to stay physically active and reconnect with nature. There’s something invigorating about breathing in fresh air and challenging myself in natural surroundings.
Describe an outdoor activity that makes you feel energized can be a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and vocabulary range in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and prompts. Here’s a sample cue card related to outdoor activities:
Cue Card:
Describe an activity you enjoy doing outdoors
You should say:
- What the activity is
- Where you do it
- Who you do it with
- And explain why you enjoy this activity
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The outdoor activity I enjoy is hiking. I often go hiking in the mountains near my hometown. Usually, I go with a group of friends who share my interest in nature and exercise.
I enjoy hiking because it’s a great way to stay fit and enjoy beautiful scenery. It’s also a good opportunity to spend time with friends and talk while we walk. Hiking helps me relax and forget about work stress.
When we hike, we usually pack some snacks and water. We take breaks to rest and enjoy the views. Sometimes we take photos of the landscapes or interesting plants we see along the way.
Overall, hiking is a fun and healthy activity that I look forward to doing whenever I have free time on weekends.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The outdoor activity I’m particularly passionate about is mountain biking. I regularly indulge in this exhilarating sport in the rugged terrain of the national park about an hour’s drive from my city. It’s a challenging yet rewarding experience that I typically share with a close-knit group of fellow cycling enthusiasts.
Mountain biking appeals to me on multiple levels. Firstly, it’s an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that helps me maintain peak physical fitness. The varied topography of the trails, with their steep climbs and thrilling descents, provides a full-body workout that’s far more engaging than any gym session.
Moreover, this activity allows me to immerse myself in nature. There’s something profoundly rejuvenating about navigating through dense forests, crossing babbling streams, and reaching vantage points that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a sensory experience that never fails to invigorate my spirit and clear my mind of any lingering stress or worries.
What truly elevates the experience is the camaraderie I share with my biking companions. We push each other to new limits, offer support during challenging sections, and revel in our shared accomplishments at the end of each ride. These shared adventures have forged strong bonds and created lasting memories that I cherish deeply.
In essence, mountain biking embodies the perfect blend of physical challenge, natural beauty, and social connection. It’s not just an activity, but a lifestyle that has significantly enriched my life and continues to be a source of joy and fulfillment.
Mountain biker riding through a forested trail
Follow-up Questions:
Q: What equipment do you need for this activity?
Band 6-7 Answer: For mountain biking, you need a good bike, a helmet, and comfortable clothes. It’s also important to have water and some snacks.
Band 8-9 Answer: Mountain biking requires specialized equipment to ensure both safety and performance. The cornerstone is a robust mountain bike with full suspension to absorb shocks from rough terrain. Essential safety gear includes a high-quality helmet, protective eyewear, and padded gloves. I also wear moisture-wicking apparel and carry a hydration pack to stay comfortable during long rides. Additionally, I always bring a basic repair kit for any mechanical issues that might arise on the trail.
Q: How has this activity impacted your life?
Band 6-7 Answer: Mountain biking has made me healthier and happier. It’s helped me make new friends and appreciate nature more. I look forward to it every week.
Band 8-9 Answer: Mountain biking has had a profound impact on various aspects of my life. Physically, it has significantly boosted my fitness level and enhanced my overall health. Mentally, it serves as a powerful stress-reliever and has sharpened my focus and decision-making skills, which translate well into my professional life. Socially, it has expanded my circle of friends and provided a shared passion that has led to deep, meaningful relationships. Moreover, it has fostered a deep appreciation for nature and environmental conservation, making me more environmentally conscious in my daily life.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample dialogue:
Examiner: How do you think outdoor activities benefit society?
Band 6-7 Answer: I think outdoor activities are good for society because they help people stay healthy. They also help people appreciate nature more, which is important for protecting the environment. Outdoor activities can bring communities together too, like when people join local sports teams or hiking groups.
Band 8-9 Answer: Outdoor activities offer a multitude of benefits to society on various levels. Firstly, they promote physical and mental well-being, which can lead to a healthier population and potentially reduce the burden on healthcare systems. They also foster a connection with nature, which is crucial in developing environmental awareness and encouraging conservation efforts.
Moreover, outdoor activities often have a strong social component, bringing people together and strengthening community bonds. This can be particularly valuable in our increasingly digital world, where face-to-face interactions are becoming less common.
Additionally, many outdoor activities contribute to local economies, especially in rural or tourist areas. They can create jobs, boost tourism, and support small businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Lastly, engaging in outdoor activities can help develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience, which are valuable in both personal and professional contexts.
Examiner: Do you think technology has changed the way people enjoy outdoor activities?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think technology has changed outdoor activities a lot. People use apps to find good hiking trails or track their exercise. They also use special gear like waterproof cameras to take photos. Sometimes technology helps make outdoor activities safer too.
Band 8-9 Answer: Technology has undeniably transformed the landscape of outdoor activities in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, it has made outdoor pursuits more accessible and safer. GPS devices and smartphone apps have revolutionized navigation, allowing people to explore with greater confidence. Fitness trackers and performance analysis tools have enabled enthusiasts to monitor their progress and set meaningful goals.
Moreover, technology has facilitated the formation of outdoor communities through social media platforms and specialized forums, where people can share experiences, advice, and organize group activities.
However, there’s also a potential downside. The constant connectivity can sometimes detract from the immersive experience of being in nature. There’s a risk of becoming overly reliant on technology, potentially compromising essential outdoor skills and the ability to appreciate the natural environment fully.
Furthermore, the pursuit of the perfect Instagram shot or the pressure to constantly share experiences online can sometimes overshadow the intrinsic joy and personal growth that outdoor activities offer.
In essence, while technology has undoubtedly enhanced many aspects of outdoor activities, it’s crucial to strike a balance and ensure that it complements rather than dominates the outdoor experience.
Describe an exciting experience you have had recently could be a great way to incorporate your outdoor activities into your IELTS Speaking responses.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To boost your IELTS Speaking score, incorporate these advanced words and phrases into your answers:
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Extremely exciting and enjoyable
Example: “Mountain biking is an exhilarating experience that gets my adrenaline pumping.”Immerse oneself in /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn/ (phrasal verb): To become completely involved in something
Example: “When I’m hiking, I love to immerse myself in the natural surroundings.”Rejuvenating /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Making one feel younger, more vital, or refreshed
Example: “I find camping in the wilderness to be a rejuvenating experience.”Pristine /ˈprɪstiːn/ (adj): In its original condition; unspoiled
Example: “We enjoyed kayaking in the pristine waters of the mountain lake.”To push one’s limits /tə pʊʃ wʌnz ˈlɪmɪts/ (phrase): To test the extent of one’s abilities
Example: “Rock climbing really pushes my limits and helps me grow stronger.”
Person rock climbing on an outdoor cliff
Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy doing alone can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your vocabulary and fluency in describing personal experiences.
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
Practice regularly: Engage in mock speaking sessions with friends or language partners to build confidence and fluency.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of outdoor activity-related terms to enhance your responses.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list points; elaborate on them with examples and personal experiences.
Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Stay relevant: Always address the question directly and stay on topic throughout your response.
Show enthusiasm: Your tone and body language should convey genuine interest in the subject matter.
Pace yourself: Speak at a natural, comfortable speed to maintain clarity and coherence.
Remember, describe an activity you do to stay fit could be an excellent way to combine your knowledge of outdoor activities with health-related vocabulary.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any question about outdoor activities in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so describe a new hobby you would like to start could be an excellent topic to explore and expand your speaking skills further.