Speaking Test Model Answers
1. Outdoor Activities
Below you will find example model answers for IELTS test style speaking parts 1, 2 and 3 questions on this topic. You'll notice that some key advanced vocabulary for this topic is in bold in the model answers - you will find definitions and examples sentences at the bottom of the page for these.
SPEAKING
PART 1
1. What outdoor activities do you like?
I really enjoy spending time outdoors and doing physical activities so I'm a big fan of hiking, camping and water sports like surfing. I find outdoor activities invigorating, especially if they take place somewhere with breathtaking scenery.
2. What is your favourite indoor activity?
That’s a tough question because these days there are so many options for indoor entertainment. I tend to listen to a lot of podcasts, and I also love to get absorbed in a good book.
3. Do you prefer to spend your spare time indoors or outdoors?
I don’t like to be cooped up inside for too long so I spend a lot of time outdoors when the weather is good. I love to disconnect by being in nature, and going for a walk, a run, or a bike ride is a great way to do that.
4. What outdoor activities are popular in your country?
Well, for one, a lot of people are into cycling these days. Also, many people have dogs, so you'll often see people taking their dogs for a walk in the local parks. Of course, a lot of people love football too, so it's pretty common to come across youngsters kicking a ball around in the park.
5. Do people in your country like to spend time outdoors?
Yes, definitely, during the summer most people love the great outdoors. People love to sit outside and drink a coffee, or have a picnic or barbecue in the park. It’s a great chance to unplug and get away from the TV or laptop.
6. What outdoor activity would you like to try in the future?
I’ve always wanted to take up snowboarding. Unfortunately, the terrain isn’t mountainous near my home, so I’ve never had the chance to do it, but I hope in the future I can try out the sport.
7. Did you prefer outdoor or indoor activities when you were a child?
When I was a kid, I was much more into outdoor activities because I had a lot of energy and liked to be active. I would always choose playing in the woods, going camping, building a campfire or connecting with nature over sitting indoors and reading a book or playing a boardgame.
8. Do you like to spend time outdoors when you are on holiday?
Absolutely! When I'm on holiday in a city, I like to explore the streets on foot or visit a botanical garden. If I’m in the countryside I love to go hiking on local trails and enjoy the scenic views.
Listen:
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.
Model Answer:
Hiking is one of my favourite outdoor activities and I do it whenever I get the chance. I love the peace and quiet when you’re surrounded by picturesque landscapes, and I also enjoy the exercise you get from trekking across hilly or mountainous terrain. I usually go to a nearby national park that is known for its spectacular views and scenic trails.
Before setting off on my trip, I make sure to pack a backpack with my gear, including all the essentials such as water, snacks, and a backup map. While hiking, I enjoy climbing up steep slopes and admiring the panoramic views from the tops. There is so much breathtaking scenery out there and sometimes you can catch a glimpse of wildlife like deer, rabbits and foxes. When I go for very long hikes I usually stop walking, put up a tent and light a campfire in the late afternoon, before it gets dark. I enjoy roughing it for a few days, and I find sleeping outdoors invigorating.
I love hiking because it helps me to disconnect from my worklife worries and clear my head. It’s also a chance to unplug from technology and I usually go back home feeling really refreshed and rejuvenated.
Listen:
PART 3
1. Why do some people prefer outdoor sports?
People prefer outdoor sports for a variety of reasons. For some, it is a way to escape from being cooped up inside and to connect with nature. A lot of people live quite sedentary lives, so outdoor sports also offer a great way to be active and reduce screen time. Additionally, outdoor sports often provide a sense of adventure and challenge, which you don’t get with indoor sports.
2. Are there any outdoor activities that were popular in the past, but are not anymore?
Yes, I think so. In the past it was much more popular to do things in the great outdoors like camping, fishing or hiking. Even when I was a kid, it was more popular for families to spend time in the countryside, visit national parks, or go camping. These days people spend so much more time indoors so these outdoor activities are not nearly so widespread.
3. Do people spend less time outdoors now than in the past?
Yes, I’m sure people do spend less time outdoors these days than they used to. More and more jobs are done indoors now and thanks to new technology we have a plethora of recreational activities available at home such as computer games, social media, and online video. Unfortunately, I think screen time has increased at the expense of outdoor activities, especially for children.
4. How can we encourage children to play outside?
One way to encourage children to unplug and play outside is by making outdoor activities more fun and engaging. Parents can organise games, picnics, and other activities that kids will enjoy. Another way to encourage outdoor play is to make sure that kids have access to safe green spaces, such as parks, sports pitches and open fields. It’s really important that parents feel that it’s safe to let their kids spend time alone in these kinds of places.
5. Do you think governments should invest more in outdoor activity facilities?
Yes, I firmly believe that governments should spend more on outdoor activity facilities. Providing access to safe and well-maintained outdoor spaces encourages people of all ages to be physically active and enjoy the benefits of getting some fresh air. Being outdoors is invigorating and helps people disconnect and relax, so it should be encouraged as much as possible.
6. Do young and old people like doing the same types of outdoor activities?
Not necessarily. While some outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, can be enjoyed by people of all ages, others may be more suitable for either younger or older people. For example, young people may be more likely to participate in more extreme or adventurous activities, such as mountain biking or rock climbing, while older people may prefer gentler activities, such as gardening, going for a walk, or birdwatching.
Listen:
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.
