Describe an outdoor activity you did in a new place recently – IELTS speaking part 2
Describe an outdoor activity you did in a new place recently
You should say:
- What it was
- When and where you did it
- Who you did it with
And explain how you felt about it
Example 1
“Just last weekend, my friends and I decided to go on a hiking trip at a nearby national park. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, as we were all feeling restless and wanted to do something to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
We hit the road early in the morning, armed with our backpacks, snacks, and plenty of water.
As soon as we reached the park, we hit the ground running and began our trek. We were a bit like fish out of water, as none of us were experienced hikers, but we were determined to conquer the trail.
The hike was no walk in the park, and we encountered steep inclines, rocky paths, as well as some very muddy trails. But we soldiered on, with each step feeling like a milestone.
We even came across a breathtaking waterfall, which was a cherry on top of an already incredible adventure.
The highlight of the trip was reaching the summit, where we were rewarded with the most stunning view of the surrounding mountains. It was truly a sight for sore eyes!
I felt on top of the world, and It was such an exhilarating feeling, knowing that we had pushed ourselves and achieved something new.
As we made our way back to the starting point, we were all absolutely exhausted but with big grins on our faces.
I couldn’t have asked for a better day, and It really was a perfect combination of adventure, laughter, and nature.
It was a reminder that sometimes the best memories are made when we step out of our comfort zone and try new things, and I can’t wait to plan our next outdoor adventure.
Thank you.”
- Idioms
The idiom “a spur of the moment decision” refers to a decision that is made suddenly and without much thinking or planning beforehand.
Example: Sarah’s spontaneous trip to Paris was a spur of the moment decision, and she hadn’t even packed a suitcase before leaving.
“To hit the road” is an idiom that means to leave or start a journey.
Example: After saying goodbye to her family, Megan was ready to hit the road and start her road trip across the country.
The idiom “to hit the ground running” means to start a new activity or job with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and effectiveness.
Example: After being hired as the new manager, she hit the ground running and immediately implemented new strategies to improve the company’s sales.
The idiom “like a fish out of water” means to feel out of place or uncomfortable in a particular situation.
Example sentence: After living in the city her whole life, Jane felt like a fish out of water when she visited her cousin’s farm in the countryside.
The idiom “a walk in the park” means something that is very easy and requires little effort.
Example: Passing that test was a walk in the park for her, she only had to study for an hour.
To soldier on means to continue pushing forward despite difficulties or challenges.
Example: After losing her job, she decided to soldier on and keep searching for a new one.
The idiom “a sight for sore eyes” means something or someone that is very pleasant or comforting to see, especially after a difficult or tiring time.
Example: After a long day at work, the beautiful sunset over the ocean was a sight for sore eyes.
The idiom “to step out of one’s comfort zone” means to try something new or unfamiliar, often pushing oneself out of their normal routines and habits. This can also refer to taking risks or facing challenges.
Example: I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try bungee jumping on my vacation.
Example 2
“I remember last summer, I visited an incredibly beautiful beach, a couple of hours away from my hometown, and had the time of my life.
It was like discovering a whole new world, and the beach was absolutely pristine, with crystal clear water and powdery white sand. The weather was perfect too, with a clear blue sky and a gentle sea breeze.
I went with a few friends who had been raving about this spot for weeks. They really sold it to me and I must say, it did not disappoint.
I remember,we got there in the late morning and spent the whole day soaking up the sun and taking dips in the ocean. We even tried our hand at surfing, and even though we were all beginners, we managed to catch a few waves and had so much fun.
It really was such an incredible experience to explore a new place and try out new things like surfing. As well as that we also had so much fun with other classic beach activities like frisbee and building sandcastles.
As the day went on, I felt myself truly relaxed and carefree, with the sand between my toes and the warm sun on my skin.
Overall, it was an amazing day spent in a new place with great company, and I can’t wait to visit more beaches in the future and continue to explore and try new things.
I think this experience taught me the value of taking a break from the usual routine and enjoying the beauty of nature. It’s important to explore and discover new places and activities, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones.
Thank you.”
- Idioms
To rave about something means to speak enthusiastically and highly of it or to show great appreciation for it.
Example: “My friend can’t stop raving about her new job. She says it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her.”
The idiom “take a dip” means to go swimming or to immerse oneself in water.
Example: After a long hike, Jenny decided to take a dip in the lake to cool off.
“To try one’s hand at something” means to attempt or give something a try.
Example: After watching her sister bake a cake, Sara wanted to try her hand at baking too.
Describe an outdoor activity you did in a new place recently – IELTS speaking part 3
What kinds of outdoor activities are popular in your country?
“Outdoor activities, I believe, have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people seeking to escape the stresses of everyday life and connect with nature.
Some of the most popular activities include hiking, camping, and cycling.
For instance, hiking trails in national parks are often packed with tourists during peak seasons.
As well as that, more extreme sports like rock climbing and white-water rafting have gained a following, especially among the younger generation,who are often seeking adventure.
In my opinion, these activities not only provide a refreshing break from the monotonous routine, and engaging in outdoor activities is a definitely a great way to stay fit, relax, and have fun.”
Do you think it’s important for children to do outdoor activities?
“In my opinion, it is absolutely crucial for kids to engage in outdoor activities.
Not only do these activities provide physical exercise, but they also enhance social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
For instance, playing sports can improve teamwork and communication skills while going on a nature walk can spark imagination and curiosity.
On top of that, outdoor activities can also teach children about nature and the environment, promoting a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the world around them, which I believe is very important for every child.
Ultimately, I think that these experiences can contribute to a well-rounded and healthy development for children.”
Do you think that people do more or less outdoor activities today than in the past?
“Well personally,I think that people today tend to actually do less outdoor activities compared to the past.
I believe that this is possibly due to the rising popularity of indoor activities such as playing video games, watching TV, and or course using social media.
For instance, in the past, children used to spend most of their free time outside playing games with their friends, but nowadays they prefer to stay indoors, which personally I think is pretty sad.
What’s more, the advancement of technology has made it easier for people to entertain themselves without having to leave their homes.
Having said that, there is also a growing trend of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and certain sports, which is great to see.
So,I believe that, while technology has changed the way we spend our free time, the importance of outdoor activities should not be overlooked as it promotes physical health and outdoor appreciation.”
Can people still enjoy outdoor activities in the winter time?
“Yes absolutely, why not? I think that people can definitely still enjoy outdoor activities in the winter time.
Although it may be cold and snowy, there are still plenty of ways to have fun outdoors.
For example, going ice skating, building a snowman, or having a snowball fight can all be enjoyable activities during the winter months.
As well as that, many people enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and even hiking in the winter.
Despite the cold weather, being outdoors and being active can be a great way to embrace the winter season and stay healthy.
Overall, I believe there are endless opportunities for outdoor fun in the winter time.”
More links to IELTS speaking part 2 and part 3 topics with example answers
Describe a useful skill you learned as a teenager
Describe a person who works well in a team
Describe something important you lost
Describe a person who is good at making people feel welcome in his/her home
Describe a time when you used a map
Describe a time you had an interesting conversation with an elderly person
