In IELTS Speaking, describing a place you enjoy walking is a common topic that allows you to showcase your vocabulary and fluency. This article will guide you through answering questions about your favorite walking spot, providing sample responses and key phrases to help you achieve a high band score.

Scenic walking trail

Understanding the Topic

Questions about walking places frequently appear in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 1 and Part 2. Examiners often use this topic to assess your ability to describe locations, express preferences, and discuss leisure activities. Being well-prepared for this subject can significantly boost your confidence and performance in the test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions like:

1. Do you enjoy walking?
2. Where do you usually go for walks?
3. How often do you go for walks?
4. Do you prefer walking alone or with others?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the question: “Where do you usually go for walks?”

Sample Answer:
“I usually go for walks in a picturesque park near my home. It’s a tranquil oasis in the midst of the bustling city, with winding paths that meander through lush greenery and around a serene lake. The park is particularly captivating in the early morning when the mist hovers over the water and the birds are just beginning to stir. It’s the perfect place to clear my mind and get some exercise at the same time.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a place you like to go for a walk.
You should say:

• Where it is
• How often you go there
• What you see there
• And explain why you enjoy walking there

Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a charming coastal path that I absolutely adore for my walks. It’s located along the rugged coastline of my hometown, stretching for several kilometers and offering breathtaking views of the ocean.

I try to visit this spot at least once a week, usually on weekends when I have more free time. It’s become a sort of ritual for me, a way to recharge my batteries after a busy week.

As I stroll along the path, I’m treated to a visual feast. The vast expanse of the ocean stretches out before me, its color changing from deep blue to turquoise depending on the light. Jagged cliffs line one side of the path, their weathered faces telling stories of centuries gone by. On clear days, I can spot fishing boats bobbing on the horizon and seabirds soaring overhead.

What makes this walk so enjoyable for me is the sense of peace and connection with nature it provides. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below is incredibly soothing, and the salty sea breeze seems to blow away any stress or worries I might have. It’s a place where I can let my thoughts wander freely, often finding inspiration or solutions to problems I’ve been mulling over.

Moreover, the path offers a good workout, with some gentle inclines and steps that get my heart rate up. It’s the perfect combination of physical exercise and mental relaxation. Each time I walk there, I discover something new – perhaps a hidden cove I hadn’t noticed before or a particularly striking rock formation. This sense of discovery keeps the experience fresh and exciting, no matter how many times I’ve been there.”

Possible follow-up questions:

• How has this walking spot changed over the years?
• Do you think it’s important for cities to have dedicated walking areas? Why?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to walking and outdoor activities. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think urban planning can encourage more people to walk?

Sample Answer: “Urban planners can play a crucial role in promoting walking by designing pedestrian-friendly cities. This could involve creating more dedicated walking paths and green spaces throughout urban areas, ensuring these paths are well-lit and safe for use at all hours. Additionally, implementing traffic-calming measures in residential areas can make streets more conducive to walking.

Another effective strategy would be to develop mixed-use neighborhoods where residential areas are interspersed with commercial and recreational facilities. This approach reduces the need for car travel and naturally encourages walking as a primary mode of transportation.

Furthermore, urban planners could focus on improving the aesthetic appeal of walking routes by incorporating public art, greenery, and resting areas. This not only makes walking more pleasant but also helps create a sense of community and place attachment, which can further motivate people to explore their surroundings on foot.”

Examiner: Do you think people walk less now than in the past? Why might this be?

Sample Answer: “It’s quite evident that people, especially in developed countries, tend to walk less nowadays compared to previous generations. This shift can be attributed to several factors that have dramatically altered our lifestyles and urban environments.

Firstly, the rise of technology and sedentary jobs means that many people spend long hours sitting at desks, reducing overall physical activity. The convenience of personal vehicles and public transportation has also made it easier to cover distances that people might have walked in the past.

Moreover, our cities have often been designed with cars in mind, rather than pedestrians. This has led to sprawling urban areas where essential services are spread out, making walking less practical as a means of getting around.

The fast-paced nature of modern life is another contributing factor. Many people feel they don’t have the time for leisurely walks, preferring quicker modes of transportation to maximize their productivity.

Lastly, the proliferation of digital entertainment means that people are more likely to spend their leisure time indoors, engaged with screens, rather than exploring the outdoors on foot.

While these trends are concerning from a health perspective, there’s also a growing awareness of the benefits of walking, which is leading to initiatives aimed at making our cities more walkable and encouraging people to incorporate more walking into their daily routines.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score, incorporate advanced vocabulary and phrases into your responses. Here are some examples:

1. Picturesque (adjective) /ˌpɪk.tʃəˈresk/ – visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way
   Example: “The picturesque village was nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills.”

2. Tranquil (adjective) /ˈtræŋ.kwɪl/ – peaceful and quiet
   Example: “The tranquil atmosphere of the garden made it perfect for meditation.”

3. Meander (verb) /miˈæn.dər/ – to follow a winding course
   Example: “The river meandered through the countryside, creating beautiful curves in the landscape.”

4. Captivating (adjective) /ˈkæp.tɪ.veɪ.tɪŋ/ – capable of attracting and holding interest; charming
   Example: “The captivating views from the mountaintop made the challenging hike worthwhile.”

5. Recharge one’s batteries (idiom) – to rest and relax in order to have more energy
   Example: “I like to spend weekends in nature to recharge my batteries after a busy work week.”

6. Visual feast (noun phrase) – a sight that is very pleasing to look at
   Example: “The autumn foliage provided a visual feast of red, orange, and gold colors.”

7. Soothing (adjective) /ˈsuː.ðɪŋ/ – having a gently calming effect
   Example: “The soothing sound of waves lapping at the shore helped me relax.”

8. Pedestrian-friendly (adjective) – designed to be safe and pleasant for people walking
   Example: “The city’s new pedestrian-friendly zones have increased foot traffic in the downtown area.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing a place you like to walk in the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Practice describing various locations using rich, descriptive language. Focus on engaging all the senses in your descriptions.

2. Build a diverse vocabulary related to nature, urban environments, and emotions to express your experiences vividly.

3. Structure your answers logically, using discourse markers to guide the listener through your description.

4. Incorporate personal anecdotes to make your answers more engaging and memorable.

5. Be prepared to discuss broader issues related to walking, such as urban planning, health benefits, and environmental impact.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle questions about walking places in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and confidently while showcasing your language skills.

For more guidance on describing outdoor locations, you might find our article on how to describe a place you like to spend time outdoors in IELTS Speaking helpful. Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring how to discuss places for relaxation, our guide on how to describe a place you go to unwind in IELTS Speaking offers valuable insights.