IELTS Speaking Part 1: Parks & Gardens Questions & Band 9 Answers (2026)

Prepare to talk about Parks & Gardens in the Sep-Dec 2026 IELTS test. The examiner might ask if you visit parks often, what you do there, or if you prefer natural parks or public gardens. To score Band 9, avoid saying "I like parks." Instead, use natural, conversational phrases like lush greenery, getting some fresh air, or a peaceful retreat.

Latest Sep-Dec 2026: Parks & Gardens Questions & Sample Answers

1. Do you often visit parks?

Yes, I try to go every weekend if the weather is nice. It's a great way to get some fresh air and escape the stress of my hometown. Since I'm stuck at a desk all week, stepping outside really helps me clear my head.

2. What do you usually do in a park?

I mostly just walk around and enjoy the lush greenery. Sometimes I'll bring a blanket and spend an hour reading under a tree, which is a perfect way to unplug for a bit.

3. Are there many parks near where you live?

There are a few small ones, but they easily turn into crowded places on the weekends. If you want a quiet bench, you really have to get there early in the morning before the families arrive.

4. Do you prefer public gardens or natural parks?

I definitely lean towards natural parks. Public gardens are beautiful, but they usually have too many strict rules about keeping off the grass. I prefer having the freedom to wander around.

5. How can parks be improved?

Adding more shaded seating would be a huge upgrade. A lot of parks lack comfortable places to sit and enjoy the scenic views, especially when it gets really hot in the summer.

6. Do people in your country like going to parks?

Absolutely, it's a huge part of weekend culture here. People love packing a picnic and finding a peaceful retreat away from the city traffic to just relax with their families.

7. Did you often visit parks as a child?

All the time. My parents used to take me to the local playground almost every day, and I'd spend hours running around trying to burn off all my excess energy.

8. What makes a good park?

For me, it's all about having a mix of open grass for sports and well-maintained trails for walking. Having a small pond or lake is a nice bonus that makes it feel much more relaxing.

9. Do you like listening to music in the park?

I'll sometimes put on my headphones to catch up on a podcast while I walk. But honestly, most of the time I prefer just listening to the birds and the wind in the trees.

10. Are public gardens important for cities?

They're absolutely essential. They act as the lungs of the city and give everyone a desperately needed break from the concrete and the constant noise of urban life.

11. Would you like to work in a park?

Not really. I love being outdoors, but working as a gardener or ranger seems incredibly physically demanding. I'd rather just keep the park as my place to relax.

12. What activities do children do in parks?

They usually run straight for the swings and slides. It’s a safe place for them to play and interact with other kids in the great outdoors, rather than staring at a screen all day.

13. Have you ever planted a tree in a park?

I haven't done it on my own, but I did join a community tree-planting drive a few years ago. It was exhausting, but it felt great to give back to the community.

14. Do you prefer walking alone or with others in a park?

It really depends on my mood. Walking with friends is great for catching up, but going alone lets me do some quiet reflection and just process the week without talking.

15. Should people pay to enter public parks?

No, I completely disagree with that. Access to nature should be a basic right, and an entrance fee would just make it impossible for lower-income families to enjoy a day out.

Key Vocabulary for IELTS Topic: Parks & Gardens

• Entrance fee: An amount of money you pay to go into a place.

• Excess energy: Having more physical energy or excitement than is needed.

• Fresh air: Clean, unpolluted air found outdoors.

• Give back to the community: To do something helpful or generous for the people living in your area.

• Great outdoors: The woods, mountains, or natural environment outside of cities and buildings.

• Lungs of the city: A large area of green space that provides clean air for an urban environment.

• Lush greenery: Thick, healthy, and green plant life or vegetation.

• Peaceful retreat: A quiet and safe place where you can relax and escape from daily stress.

• Physically demanding: Requiring a lot of physical strength, effort, or endurance.

• Quiet reflection: Deep, calm, and silent thought about one's life or surroundings.

• Scenic views: Beautiful, natural sights or landscapes that are pleasing to look at.

• Tree-planting drives: Organized community events where volunteers plant many trees.

• Well-maintained: Kept in very good condition by regular checking and repairing.

Create Your Own Band 9 Answers

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