Understanding the Question and its Relevance to IELTS

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English on a range of topics. While a question about gardens in Vietnam may seem unexpected, it offers a great opportunity to demonstrate your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to express your thoughts clearly and coherently.

This question delves into the realm of socio-cultural trends and lifestyle choices. Understanding these aspects in different cultures is valuable for effective communication.

Addressing the Question: Gardens in Vietnam

It’s important to approach this question with a balanced perspective. Here’s how you can structure your response:

1. Acknowledge the Question:

You could start by saying:

• “That’s an interesting question! While I can’t speak for everyone in Vietnam, I can share my observations.”

2. Discuss Urban vs. Rural Living:

• Urban Areas: Explain that in bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, space is a luxury. Many people live in apartments where personal gardens are uncommon.
• Rural Areas: Highlight that in rural Vietnam, gardening is more prevalent. Families often have small plots of land where they grow vegetables and herbs.

urban gardening vietnam

3. Explore Alternative Gardening Practices:

• Urban Gardening: Mention the growing trend of rooftop gardens, community gardens, and balcony gardening in urban areas as people seek to reconnect with nature.
• Flower Markets: Discuss the popularity of flower markets in Vietnam, indicating a love for plants even without personal gardens.

4. Provide Personal Anecdotes (if applicable):

Sharing a personal story about visiting a family member’s garden or observing a community garden can make your answer more engaging.

Example IELTS Speaking Response

Examiner: Do many people in Vietnam have their own garden?

Candidate: That’s an interesting question! While I can’t speak for everyone in Vietnam, I can share my observations. In big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, where I live, most people reside in apartments. So, having a personal garden is quite rare due to space limitations. However, in rural areas, it’s more common for families to have small gardens for growing vegetables and herbs. Recently, there’s been a growing interest in urban gardening, with people creating rooftop gardens or participating in community gardening projects. It shows a desire to connect with nature even in urban environments.

Tips for Success

• Vocabulary: Use topic-related vocabulary such as “urban,” “rural,” “cultivate,” “community garden,” “rooftop garden,” etc.
• Grammar: Demonstrate a variety of grammatical structures (complex sentences, conditional clauses, etc.).
• Fluency and Coherence: Speak smoothly and connect your ideas logically using transition words.
• Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to share your own experiences and opinions.

Conclusion

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is not about knowing the “right” answer. It’s about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English. By following these tips, you can confidently tackle any question that comes your way and achieve your desired IELTS score.