As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students who find themselves stumped by seemingly simple IELTS Speaking questions. One such question is, “What do you usually do in the winter?” While it appears straightforward, many struggle to provide a compelling and nuanced answer. This article serves as your guide to confidently and effectively tackling this common question in the IELTS Speaking test.

Understanding the Question’s Significance

While the question seems to be about your winter activities, it’s actually designed to assess your ability to:

• Use a range of vocabulary: Demonstrate your knowledge of winter-related vocabulary (e.g., snow, freezing, cozy up, festive cheer) and verbs associated with different activities (e.g., go ice skating, decorate, bake).
• Employ varied grammar structures: Show your ability to use different tenses (present simple, present continuous, past simple), conditional clauses (e.g., “If it snows heavily, I like to…”), and descriptive language.
• Communicate effectively: Structure your answer logically, provide specific details, and maintain a natural flow of conversation.

Crafting Your Response

Here’s how to formulate an impactful answer:

1. Brainstorm: Think about typical winter activities in your country or region. Consider:

   • Outdoor Activities: Do you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, building snowmen, or simply taking walks in the crisp air?
   • Indoor Activities: Do you prefer staying cozy inside reading, watching movies, baking, or spending time with family and friends?
   • Cultural Events: Are there any festivals, celebrations, or traditions unique to winter in your culture?

2. Choose and Elaborate: Select one or two activities that genuinely resonate with you and provide specific details to make your answer engaging. For example:

   • “In the winter, I love going ice skating with my friends. There’s a beautiful outdoor rink in my city, and we usually go on Friday evenings. It’s a great way to socialize, get some exercise, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.”

3. Use Linking Words: Connect your ideas smoothly using linking words and phrases like:

   • “However,” “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “In addition to,” “Furthermore,” “As a result”

4. Practice: Rehearse your answer a few times to ensure it sounds natural and flows well. You don’t need to memorize it word-for-word, but having a general structure in mind will boost your confidence.

Winter Activities

Example Answers

Example 1:

“In my country, winters are quite chilly, so I tend to spend more time indoors. I really enjoy curling up on the sofa with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. It’s incredibly relaxing, especially when it’s snowing outside. I also love baking during the winter. My family has a tradition of making gingerbread cookies together, and it’s always a lot of fun.”

Example 2:

“Winters in my city are quite mild, so I can still enjoy some outdoor activities. One of my favorite things to do is go hiking in the nearby mountains. The scenery is breathtaking with the snow-capped peaks and frost-covered trees. It’s a completely different experience compared to hiking in other seasons.”

Tips for Success

• Be honest and genuine: The examiner is more interested in your ability to communicate effectively than in hearing about extraordinary activities.
• Don’t be afraid to be specific: Details make your answer more engaging and memorable.
• Use a variety of vocabulary and grammar: This will demonstrate your language proficiency.
• Relax and speak naturally: Try to enjoy the conversation and showcase your personality.

Conclusion

Remember, the “What do you usually do in the winter?” question in the IELTS Speaking test is an opportunity to demonstrate your fluency, vocabulary, and ability to engage in natural conversation. By following these tips and practicing your response, you can confidently tackle this question and boost your overall IELTS Speaking score.