Prepare for IELTS by Topic
1. Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities is a topic that appears in IELTS time and time again. There are often listening tasks related to booking or organising outdoor activities, and it's a favourite topic for IELTS Speaking Task 2 and Writing Task 2.
LISTENING
Listening Test Part:
4
Questions 1 - 10
Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
The history of rambling
The Romantics:
The Romantics believed walking in the countryside was a way to 1___________ with nature.
The Enclosure Movement:
Public land, known as 2___________ land in the UK, was bought by private landowners.
Previously, this land could be used by the public for feeding animals or growing food.
The landlords often put up 3___________ and walls around the land.
The 19th century:
The growth of the 4___________ network made it easier for people in cities to reach the countryside.
The Rambler’s Association was founded to campaign for the preservation of footpaths.
The kinder scout trespass:
This aimed to protest the loss of walker’s 5__________ to the trails which they loved.
Some of the protesters were 6___________ by the police.
Eventually, a 7___________ was passed to protect walker’s rights.
The 20th century:
In the world wars, the military set up many walking routes for 8___________ purposes.
In the 1950’s and 60’s more people could buy a 9____________, and therefore travel to remote areas more easily.
The Rambler’s Association is now 10___________ as Ramblers.
READING
The Importance of Outdoor Activities For Kids
A
Recent studies have shown that children spend far less time outdoors than they did in the past. In the UK, a poll found that three-quarters of children now spend less time outdoors than even prison inmates. This is a worrying trend as research has shown that outdoor activities are crucial to children's mental health and development.
B
According to a study by the University of Queensland, spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and improve overall mental wellbeing. The study found that children who spent more time outdoors had higher levels of physical activity, better sleep quality, and were less likely to develop mental health problems. Another study found that spending time in nature can also improve cognitive function and academic performance. Researchers from the University of Michigan found that children who were exposed to green spaces had better attention spans and memory retention, and performed better in standardised tests. Whether it’s the beautiful scenery, the invigorating fresh air, or simply the chance to disconnect from smartphones and tablets, there’s clearly something about spending time outdoors that is beneficial.
C
Despite these apparent benefits, many children today are spending more time cooped up indoors than ever before. Screen entertainment's gains in popularity have largely been at the expense of outdoor play so that children are now living increasingly sedentary lifestyles, watching TV, playing video games, and using social media far more than in the past. According to researchers in the UK, children now spend an average of six hours a day looking at screens, compared to just four minutes playing outdoors. This is a worrying trend, as screen time has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including obesity, poor sleep quality, and decreased social skills.
D
The question remains, what can parents really do to help their children develop a love of the outdoors in a world where the pull of electronics is ever present? Sir Ken Robinson, an educationalist who has worked as a government advisor in the UK, suggests parents do more to provide their kids with opportunities for outdoor play and exploration. Activities such as gardening, bird watching, and nature walks can all help children connect with nature and develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Camping out with the family, going for a hike or bike ride, or stargazing on a clear night, are all activities that can get the whole family out of the house and away from their screens.
E
The evidence for the importance of outdoor activities to children's mental health and development continues to build up and a clear pattern is emerging. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to the natural world. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the importance of fostering a love of the outdoors in their children and provide them with ample opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.
Questions 1-4
The reading passage contains 5 paragraphs A - E.
Which paragraph discusses the following information? Write the correct letter, A-E.
………….. 1. A survey concerning the time children spend indoors.
………….. 2. The increase in the use of electronic devices.
………….. 3. Research concerning the links between mental health and the outdoors.
………….. 4. Activities families can do together outside.
Questions 5-10
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
The rise in (5)........................ lifestyles and excessive (6) ........................ time are preventing children from (7) ........................ with nature and the natural (8) ........................ , which is essential for their mental health and development. Activities in green (9) ........................ can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to nature. Parents need to encourage their kids to do activities outside which allow them to (10) ........................ from electronic devices.
Questions 11-16
Do the following statements agree with what the writer says in the reading passage?
Answer in the following ways:
TRUE: if the statement agrees with what the writer says in the article
FALSE: if the statement contradicts what the writer says in the article
NOT GIVEN: if the writer does not mention this in the article
11. Recent studies have shown that children spend more time outdoors than they did in the past.
12 Spending time in nature can improve general mental health.
13. Modern children do not find outdoor activities enjoyable.
14. Children now spend 6 hours a day outdoors.
15. Sir Ken Robinson believes that parents are not doing enough to encourage kids to do outdoor activities.
16. Research has shown that spending time in nature can help children build stronger relationships.
SPEAKING
Speaking Part 1
1. What outdoor activities do you like?
2. What is your favourite indoor activity?
3. Do you prefer to spend your spare time indoors or outdoors?
4. What outdoor activities are popular in your country?
5. Do people in your country like to spend time outdoors?
6. What outdoor activity would you like to try in the future?
7. Did you prefer outdoor or indoor activities when you were a child?
8. Do you like to spend time outdoors when you are on holiday?
Speaking Part 2
Describe an outdoor activity you like to do.
You should say:
what it is
where you do it
how you do it
and explain why you like to do it.
Speaking Part 3
1. Why do some people prefer outdoor sports?
2. Are there any outdoor activities that were popular in the past, but are not anymore?
3. Do people spend less time outdoors now than in the past?
4. How can we encourage children to play outside?
5. Do you think governments should invest more in outdoor activity facilities?
6. Do young and old people like doing the same types of outdoor activities?
WRITING
Writing Task 1 Assignment (General Training)
A foreign friend is going to visit your country on holiday. She has asked you to recommend a beautiful place to visit.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
say where she should visit
describe how she can get there
say what she can do while she is there
and say why she will enjoy it
Writing Task 2 Assignment
Some people think that outdoor activities are more beneficial for children’s development than playing computer games.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Exercises:
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
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.
Listening Answer Key:
1. connect, 2. common, 3. fences, 4. railway, 5. access, 6. arrested, 7. law, 8. training, 9. car, 10. known
Reading Answer Key:
Exercise 1:
1.A, 2.C, 3.B, 4.D
Exercise 2:
The rise in sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time are preventing children from connecting with nature and the natural world, which is essential for their mental health and development. Activities in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to nature. Parents need to encourage their kids to do activities outside which allow them to disconnect from electronic devices.
Exercise 3:
1. (False - they spend less time)
2. (True)
3. (Not Given)
4. (False - they have 6 hours screen time)
5. True
6. (Not Given)
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