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Outdoor Activities Advanced Vocabulary

IELTS Outdoor Activities topic title image containing text "Outdoor Activities"

Audio File

Topic Vocabulary & Exercises

  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

Learn this vocabulary set with flashcards at Quizlet.com 

Read and listen to speaking test model answers using this vocabulary

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

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