Topic Vocabulary & Exercises
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 buildings.
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.
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 trails
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. Green 2_____________, such as parks and gardens, give people the chance to enjoy some 3_____________ air, to go for a walk or run, or simply have a picnic. Being surrounded by nature for a period of time everyday can be 4_____________, leaving you refreshed and better prepared to face the hustle and bustle of city life again. Instead of being 5_____________ indoors on your day off, go for a bike ride, a trek, or find a 6_____________ through the woods or countryside to walk along. These days we all have far too much 7_____________ time, so taking a break and spending some of your free time in the 8_____________ outdoors can lead to a healthier body and mind.
screen
green
unplug
fresh
cooped up
spaces
invigorate
great
Exercise 3: Match the vocabulary
Match the vocabulary with the correct definition.
1. Gear
2. landscape
3. Terrain
4. Scenery
5. Pitch a tent
6. Sedentary
7. Picturesque
8. Tranquil
9. Disconnect
A. A beautiful and charming scene, especially one that includes old and traditional buildings.
B. To force someone to stay inside for a long period of time.
C. The natural or man-made things that you can see in a place that make it look nice.
D. Generally not moving much.
E. The equipment or tools needed for a particular activity or task.
F. To set up a temporary shelter for sleeping or protection from wind and rain.
G. Peaceful and calm.
H. To be away from technology or other distractions, especially from electronic devices.
I. Everything you can see in an area, like mountains, rivers, and trees, all put together.
J. The type of ground or land, such as hills, valleys, or mountains.
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. unplug, 2. spaces, 3. fresh, 4. invigorating, 5. cooped up, 6. trail, 7. screen, 8. great
Exercise 3: 1. E, 2. I, 3. J, 4. C, 5. F, 6. D, 7. A, 8. G, 9. H
Exercise 4: 1. d 2. g 3. f 4. a 5. e 6. c 7. h 8. b