Part 1
1. Have you ever visited a botanical garden? What did you find most fascinating about the experience?
2. How important do you think it is for people to connect with nature regularly? What benefits do you think it provides?
3. How do you feel when you're cooped up indoors for too long? How do you spend your time when you are forced to stay inside because of bad weather?
4. In today's digital age, many people find it hard to disconnect from their devices. What are some effective ways to disconnect and enjoy the moment?
5. Green spaces are known to have positive effects on mental well-being. Do you have a favourite green space in your city or town?
6. Are you a fan of hiking? Are there any good areas in your country for hiking?
7. Describe a landscape that you find really beautiful? What elements make it stand out to you?
Part 2
8. National parks often offer panoramic views and amazing scenery. Do you have a favourite national park that you've visited or would like to visit?
9. Some people love to "rough it" by camping in the forest or mountains. Are you the type of person who enjoys camping, or do you prefer more comfortable accommodation?
10. What type of scenery do you find most appealing: coastal, mountainous, forested, or something else?
11. Are there any scenic trails near your home where you can go for a nice long walk on the weekend?
12. Many jobs nowadays are quite sedentary, involving long hours in front of a computer. How can people incorporate more outdoor activities into their sedentary lives?
13. How often do you find yourself venturing into the great outdoors? Are there any new outdoor activities you would like to take up in the future?
14. What are some picturesque spots in your local area that you would recommend to visitors?
15. Unplugging from technology can be a refreshing experience. Are you the kind of person who likes to completely unplug when you’re on holiday?
VOCABULARY
Topic Vocabulary:
botanical garden (noun phrase):
Definition: A special garden where you can see many different types of plants and trees all together.
Example: We visited the botanical garden and saw many colourful flowers and interesting plants.
connect with nature (verb phrase):
Definition: To experience and interact with the natural world.
Example: Going for a hike or camping trip can provide an opportunity to connect with nature.
coop up (phrasal verb):
Definition: To force someone to stay inside for a long period of time.
Example: After being cooped up in the office all day, I can't wait to go for a walk and get some fresh air.
disconnect (verb):
Definition: To be away from technology or other distractions.
Example: She turned off her phone to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy the outdoors.
green space (noun [c/u]):
Definition: A place with grass, trees, and plants.
Example: I love to have a picnic in the green spaces of the city
hiking (noun [u]):
Definition: Going for a long walk in nature, usually on marked paths, to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.
Example: Tomorrow, we are going hiking in the mountains to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views.
landscape (noun [c]):
Definition: Everything you can see in an area, like mountains, rivers, and trees, all put together.
Example: The landscape around our house includes rolling hills and a small lake.
national park (noun [c]):
Definition: A countryside area that the government protects due to its natural beauty or important wildlife.
Example: Kenya is famous for its national parks where tourists go on safaris
panoramic view (noun phrase):
Definition: A wide view of the surrounding area, often with a lot of detail visible.
Example: The top of the tower offered a panoramic view of the entire city.
picturesque (adjective):
Definition: A beautiful and charming scene, especially one that includes old and traditional features.
Example: The small town we visited had a picturesque main street with colourful old buildings and flowers.
rough it (idiom):
Definition: To stay in a simple or uncomfortable place that does not have all the usual comforts.
Example: During our trip, we decided to rough it and sleep in a tent.
scenery (noun [u]):
Definition: The natural or man-made things that you can see in a place that make it look nice and pretty.
Example: The scenery at the beach was breathtaking, with golden sand and clear blue water.
scenic (adjective):
Definition: Relating to an area of countryside that is beautiful to look at.
Example: The scenic drive through the mountains offered breathtaking views at every turn.
screen time (noun [u]):
Definition: Time spent using electronic devices with screens such as phones or computers.
Example: I limit my children's screen time to one hour per day.
sedentary (noun phrase):
Definition: Generally not moving much.
Example: If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you need to do some exercise regularly.
terrain (noun [c]):
Definition: The type of ground or land, such as hills, valleys, or mountains.
Example: The terrain in this area is quite challenging, but it makes for a great hike.
the great outdoors (idiom):
Definition: The natural world outside, including forests, mountains, rivers, and other outdoor environments.
Example: Let's go camping and enjoy the great outdoors.
trail (noun [c]):
Definition: A path or route, often in nature, that people follow for walking, biking, or other outdoor activities.
Example: We followed the trail through the forest, spotting birds and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
tranquil (noun phrase):
Definition: Peaceful and calm.
Example: The tranquil countryside offered a peaceful escape from the noise and chaos of the city.
unplug (verb):
Definition: To stop using electronic devices in order to relax.
Example: She decided to unplug for the weekend and enjoy the beauty of nature without any distractions.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blank
Choose the correct word or phrase from the given vocabulary to fill in the blank.
1. The Grand Canyon is a _______.
2. Hiking up a _______ can be exhausting.
3. The _______ in this area are fantastic if you want to walk in nature.
4. After years of living a _______ , she had put on a lot of weight.
5. The _______ of the mountains made for an incredible backdrop.
6. The _______ from the top of the mountain was stunning.
7. She loved exploring _______ and discovering new plants and creatures.
8. The _______ of the sunset over the ocean was unforgettable.
9. He desperately needed a holiday to escape the _______
dramatic setting
national park
panoramic view
scenic trail
sedentary lifestyle
sense of adventure
spectacular view
steep slope
daily grind
the natural world
Exercise 2: Complete the passage
Complete the passage with the words and phrases from the list below.
In today's fast-paced world, spending time outdoors can be a great way to 1_____________ from technology and reconnect with nature. Outdoor 2_____________, such as parks and gardens, offer ample 3_____________ space and 4_____________ air, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Being surrounded by the natural environment can also 5_____________ your senses and 6_____________ your mind and body. Instead of being 7_____________ indoors, take a stroll through open 8_____________ or explore the 9_____________ countryside, breathing in the crisp air and enjoying the peaceful scenery. These days we all have far too much 10_____________ time, but taking a break and embracing the 11_____________ outdoors can provide a much-needed break.
screen
green
stimulate
fresh
cooped up
recreational
spaces
fields
tranquil
invigorate
great
Exercise 3: Match the vocabulary
Match the vocabulary on the left with the correct definition on the right.
1. Gear
2. Natural environment
3. Terrain
4. The great outdoors
5. Put up a tent
6. Disconnect
7. Be in nature
8. Traverse
9. Unplug
10. Go for a hike/ run/ swim/ walk/ bike ride
A. Equipment or tools needed for a particular activity or task
B. To move across or through a particular area or landscape
C. To go for a physical activity in an outdoor setting
D. To build or set up a temporary shelter for sleeping or protection from the elements
E. To disconnect or break away from technology or other distractions
F. The environment or surroundings that exist without human intervention
G. To explore or enjoy nature and natural settings
H. Outdoor space used for outdoor recreational activities, especially in the countryside
I. The physical features and characteristics of a particular area or landscape
J. To physically move through a landscape, such as hiking, running, swimming, walking or biking
Exercise 4: Match sentence halves
Find the logical ending (a - h) for each of the sentence beginnings (1 - 8).
1. He wanted to connect with nature so
2. He was last seen
3. If you don’t mind roughing it for a few days
4. On a clear night
5. I caught a glimpse
6. The camp leader asked the children to
7. She walks her dog
8. Only an adventurous person
a. she loves to stargaze
b. would go on a trip into the Amazon
c. gather around the campfire
d. he went on a trek in the mountains
e. of a deer in the forest
f. you can sleep on my sofa
g. heading towards the forest
h. every morning before work
Vocabulary Answer Key:
Exercise 1: 1.national park, 2. steep slope, 3. scenic trails, 4. sedentary lifestyle, 5. dramatic setting, 6. panoramic view, 7. the natural world, 8. spectacular view, 9. daily grind
Exercise 2:1. disconnect, 2. spaces, 3. green, 4. fresh, 5. stimulate, 6. invigorate, 7. cooped up, 8. field, 9. tranquil, 10. screen, 11. great
Exercise 3: 1. a 2. f 3. i 4. h 5. d 6. e 7. g 8. b 9. e 10. c
Exercise 4: 1. d 2. g 3. f 4. a 5. e 6. c 7. h 8. b
Advanced Discussion Questions
1. Outdoor Activities
SPEAKING
