IELTS Speaking Part 1: Public gardens and parks Questions and Answers

Yes, I liked going to parks as a child. My parents would take me to the playground and I’d spend ages on the swings and slide. Sometimes we had a picnic and I remember running around with other children.

Definitely. Parks were one of my favourite places as a child — a kind of mini-adventure. I loved climbing trees, exploring the bushes and playing games with neighbours. They felt safe and free, and I think those outdoor hours really helped me learn to be independent.

Yes, I still enjoy going to parks. I often go for a walk or sit and read. It’s nice to get out of the house and have some fresh air.

I do. Parks are a great escape from city noise — I go for a jog, cycle or sometimes meet friends for a coffee on a bench. They’re useful for keeping fit and for a quick mental reset during a busy week.

Yes, I would like more parks. My city is quite built-up and extra green areas would be good for families and children to play in.

Absolutely. More parks would improve air quality, give people space to exercise and help build community. Ideally they’d be spread evenly across neighbourhoods so everyone, including those in denser areas, can access green space.

There’s a well-known city park I haven’t been to yet that I’d like to visit. I’ve heard it has a botanic section and a big lake, so I’d like to go and see it.

Yes — I’d love to visit a nearby nature reserve that’s a short train ride away. It has wildflower meadows in spring and good trails for photography and birdwatching. I’m planning a weekend trip when the weather improves to get some pictures and relax.

I’d prefer a personal garden because it’s private and safe. You can leave toys out and not worry about strangers. It’s easier for young children.

It depends on the activity. For quiet things like reading or gardening I’d choose a private garden for privacy and convenience. But if I wanted to play sports or meet other people I’d pick a public park because it has more space and facilities.

Parks today seem cleaner and better maintained than when I was a child. There are more bins and new play equipment, and sometimes there are more people using them.

They’re quite different. Modern parks often have better safety standards, multi-use areas and organized activities like outdoor fitness classes. There’s also more emphasis on biodiversity and maintenance, whereas older parks felt more rough-and-ready and less managed.

I usually walk or sit on a bench. Sometimes I read or have a picnic with friends. If I have a dog, I’ll let it run around.

It depends on my mood — I might go for a run, do some sketching, or meet friends for a picnic. I also enjoy quiet activities like birdwatching or practising photography, and sometimes I join group yoga sessions that are held in the park.

Yes, I would like to play in a public park. There’s more space and better equipment, and I can meet other people to play with.

I’d choose a public park for playing, especially for team games or anything that needs lots of room. Parks also tend to have marked pitches or courts and organised playgroups, which makes things easier than using a private garden.