The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. The test is conducted in a face-to-face setting and is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview – General questions about yourself.
- Part 2: Long Turn – Speak at length on a given topic.
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion – Discuss more abstract ideas related to the Part 2 topic.
In this article, we will focus on a common topic: “Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy”. We will offer sample questions and answers, tips for structuring your response, and key vocabulary to help you achieve a high band score.
Examiner Tips for High Scores
Examiners are looking for the following:
- Fluency and Coherence – Speak smoothly and logically.
- Lexical Resource – Use a range of vocabulary appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Use various grammatical structures correctly.
- Pronunciation – Pronounce words clearly and naturally.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Sample Questions
- “Do you enjoy spending time outdoors?”
- “How often do you engage in outdoor activities?”
- “What outdoor activities are popular in your country?”
Sample Answer (Question 1)
Examiner: Do you enjoy spending time outdoors?
Candidate: Absolutely! I relish spending time outdoors as it provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether it’s a morning jog in the park, hiking in the mountains, or simply having a picnic by the lake, being in nature helps me feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
Analysis
- Relish (verb): enjoy greatly
- Rejuvenated (adjective): feeling freshed, invigorated
- Refreshed (adjective): feeling less tired and more energetic
Using such vocabulary can enhance your lexical resource score.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card Example
Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy. You should say:
- What the activity is
- How often you do it
- Why you enjoy it
- And explain how you feel when you do this activity
Sample Answer
One of the outdoor activities I genuinely cherish is hiking. I usually go hiking twice a month, often exploring new trails with friends. The main reason I enjoy hiking is that it allows me to immerse myself in nature. The tranquility of the mountains and forests is exceptionally calming, providing a welcome break from my daily routine.
Moreover, hiking is an excellent form of exercise. It helps me stay physically fit and mentally alert. Every time I reach the summit of a hill or mountain, I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The stunning vistas and fresh air make all the effort worthwhile.
Bullet Points
- What the activity is: hiking
- How often you do it: twice a month
- Why you enjoy it: immersion in nature, physical and mental benefits
- How you feel: a sense of accomplishment, calmness
Analysis
- Cherish (verb): to love or hold dear
- Immerse (verb): involve oneself deeply
- Tranquility (noun): the state of being calm
- Physically fit (adjective): in good physical condition
- Mentally alert (adjective): aware and ready to think quickly
- Accomplishment (noun): something that has been achieved successfully
Incorporating such vocabulary and explaining your thoughts clearly will help you score higher in lexical resource and fluency.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers
Examiner: Why do you think people enjoy outdoor activities?
Candidate: I believe people enjoy outdoor activities for several reasons. Firstly, being outside offers a break from indoor environments, which can become monotonous. Secondly, outdoor activities often involve physical exercise, which is beneficial for health. Additionally, spending time in nature can be incredibly therapeutic and help reduce stress levels.
Examiner: Are there outdoor activities that are more popular among younger people than older people?
Candidate: Yes, there are indeed variations in preferences. Younger people often prefer more vigorous activities like mountain biking, adventure sports, or competitive sports, which can be more physically demanding. On the other hand, older individuals might gravitate towards more leisurely pursuits such as walking, gardening, or bird-watching, which are less intense but equally enjoyable.
Analysis
- Therapeutic (adjective): relating to the healing of disease
- Vigorous (adjective): full of energy, involving forceful activity
- Leisurely (adjective): unhurried, relaxed
These answers demonstrate complex ideas and a range of vocabulary, which the examiner will recognize as indicative of a high-scoring response.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary
- Rejuvenated: /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪd/ – refreshed
- Cherish: /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ – to love or hold dear
- Immerse: /ɪˈmɜːrs/ – deeply involve oneself
- Tranquility: /træŋˈkwɪləti/ – calmness
- Accomplishment: /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/ – achievement
Sample Sentences
- Hiking leaves me feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle any challenges.
- I cherish every opportunity to explore new trails.
- Immersing myself in nature provides a sense of tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere.
- Reaching the peak of a hike gives me a profound sense of accomplishment.
Using such advanced vocabulary and structures will help you achieve a higher band score in the speaking module.
Advice for Practice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test:
- Practice speaking out loud regularly on various topics.
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
- Record yourself and listen for areas of improvement.
- Engage in conversation with native speakers if possible.
- Maintain a calm and confident demeanor during the test.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and structures, you can improve your chances of achieving a high band score.
hiking trail
By understanding the structure of the IELTS Speaking test and practicing with the sample questions and answers provided, you can enhance your speaking skills and confidence, ultimately leading to a higher band score. Always remember to stay calm, be clear, and express your ideas fluently and coherently. Good luck!