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Nature and the Outdoors
Lesson
21
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll talk about outdoor activities, your favorite natural places, and why people need time in nature. You'll practice describing scenes and personal feelings.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
forest
hike
fresh air
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
trees
noun (plural)
campfire
noun
flowers
noun (plural)
tent
noun
lake
noun
spend time
phrasal verb
fresh air
noun (phrase)
nature
noun
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I love going to...
Being outside helps me...
Nature is important because...
I usually visit...
Fresh air makes me feel...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
I feel good when I am outdoors because...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
I usually spend time at... when the weather is nice.
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
It also helps me to...
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
Do you like spending time outside?
Arthur
Yes, I really enjoy spending time outdoors. I like to walk in the park near my house in the afternoon. The fresh air and green trees help me relax after work. Sometimes, I go with my friends or family on weekends.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
Where do you usually go to enjoy nature?
Arthur
I usually go to a big park in my city. There are many trees, flowers, and a small lake there. I like to go there in the morning when the weather is cool. I sometimes bring my Bible and read on the bench.
Examiner
Why is it important for people to spend time outdoors?
Arthur
Spending time outside helps people in many ways. For example, walking in a park gives people light exercise and helps them breathe fresh air. Being in nature also gives people a break from computers and phones. After spending time outdoors, I feel calmer and sleep better at night.
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
If you could visit any place in nature, anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Arthur
I would like to visit the Swiss Alps.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
What’s one outdoor activity you would like to try someday?
Arthur
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
I have never slept outside in a tent before. It would be exciting to sit around a campfire, cook food, and look at the stars at night. I think it’s a good way to enjoy nature and spend time with friends.
Examiner
How can people enjoy nature even if they live in a busy city?
Arthur
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
Spending just a little time outside can help people feel more calm and happy.
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
Should cities have more green spaces?
Do young people spend enough time outdoors?
How can nature help with mental health?
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