The topic of outdoor adventures frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2 cue cards. Being well-prepared for this topic can significantly boost your chances of achieving a high band score, as it allows you to showcase your vocabulary range and ability to construct detailed narratives.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask about outdoor activities:
- Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
- What kind of outdoor activities are popular in your country?
- Did you do many outdoor activities as a child?
Similar to describe a scenic location in your country where people enjoy hiking, these questions require concise yet detailed responses.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m quite passionate about outdoor activities, particularly hiking and rock climbing. These activities give me an adrenaline rush while allowing me to connect with nature. In my country, hiking has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, especially among young professionals seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe an outdoor adventure you would like to have
You should say:
- What kind of adventure it would be
- Where you would like to do it
- Who you would like to do it with
- And explain why you would like to have this adventure
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve always dreamed of embarking on a mountain climbing expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This challenging adventure would involve a six-day trek to reach the summit, which stands at an impressive 5,895 meters above sea level.
I would love to undertake this adventure with my best friend Sarah, who’s an experienced mountaineer. She has extensive knowledge of high-altitude climbing and would be the perfect companion for such a demanding journey.
The main reason I’m drawn to this particular adventure is that it would push me beyond my comfort zone while offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking views on Earth. Much like describe an adventure you would like to experience, this journey would be both physically and mentally challenging.
The experience would involve acclimatizing to different altitude zones, traversing diverse terrain, and dealing with extreme weather conditions. It would be an incredible achievement to reach the summit and feel on top of the world, quite literally!”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. It’s a very high mountain and the climb takes about six days. I would go with my friend Sarah because she knows about mountain climbing. I think it would be very difficult but exciting. I want to do this because I like challenging myself and seeing beautiful views.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do you think some people prefer adventurous activities while others don’t?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe this difference in preferences stems from a combination of personality traits and early life experiences. Some individuals are naturally predisposed to seeking thrills and new experiences, similar to describe a person who enjoys outdoor sports. They tend to have higher levels of what psychologists call ‘sensation-seeking behavior.’
Moreover, early exposure to outdoor activities often plays a crucial role in shaping these preferences. Those who were encouraged to explore and take calculated risks during childhood are more likely to develop an affinity for adventurous activities later in life.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Adrenaline junkie /əˈdren.əl.ɪn ˌdʒʌŋ.ki/ (n): someone who enjoys exciting activities
- Push beyond one’s limits (phrase): to exceed what you thought you were capable of
- Take calculated risks (phrase): to take risks after careful consideration
- Venture into the unknown (phrase): to go to unexplored places or try new experiences
- Summit /ˈsʌm.ɪt/ (n): the highest point of a mountain
Remember to practice these phrases in context and use them naturally in your responses. Consider how describe a time when the weather changed your plans might affect your outdoor adventure narrative.