Part 2
Part 2 - Cue Card
Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g. a forest, oasis)
You should say:
- Where it is
- How you knew this place
- What it is like
- And explain why you would like to visit it
Part 2 Sample Response
Right, so I'm thinking of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. I know it sounds quite ambitious, but I've been fascinated by it since I was a kid watching National Geographic documentaries with my family.
I first learned about the Amazon through those nature programs, and then later in university when I studied environmental science. What really got my attention was seeing these aerial shots of this absolutely massive green canopy that stretches for... I don't know, thousands of kilometers? The statistics are mind-blowing - something like 400 billion trees, which is just... impossible to imagine really.
From what I've read and seen in documentaries, it's like stepping into a completely different world. The biodiversity is incredible - there are probably species there that haven't even been discovered yet. I've heard the sounds at night are quite intense, with all sorts of wildlife calls echoing through the trees. And the humidity must be overwhelming... I mean, I struggle with my country's humidity sometimes, so the Amazon would probably be a real challenge.
The thing is, I'm really worried about deforestation there. Every time I see news about it, I feel quite sad actually. That's partly why I'd love to visit - to experience this ancient ecosystem while it's still there. Plus, being surrounded by that much nature would be such a contrast to city life here in Vietnam. I imagine the air would be so fresh, and there's something about being in a place that's been basically unchanged for thousands of years that feels... well, quite humbling really.
Essential Vocabulary
Location and geography
- sprawling forest - very large woodland area
- dense canopy - thick tree cover overhead
- untouched wilderness - natural area without human development
- remote location - far from populated areas
- off the beaten path - away from tourist areas
- pristine environment - completely clean and natural
- vast expanse - huge area
- secluded spot - private, hidden place
- nature reserve - protected natural area
- national park - government-protected forest
Tree characteristics
- ancient trees - very old trees
- towering giants - extremely tall trees
- lush foliage - thick, green leaves
- evergreen forest - trees that don't lose leaves
- deciduous woodland - trees that shed leaves seasonally
- majestic oaks - impressive oak trees
- tropical rainforest - warm, wet forest
- coniferous trees - pine and similar trees
- hardwood species - strong, dense wood trees
- rare specimens - unusual tree types
Natural features and atmosphere
- dappled sunlight - light filtering through leaves
- forest floor - ground covered with leaves
- woodland sounds - natural forest noises
- fresh mountain air - clean, cool air
- earthy scents - natural soil smells
- peaceful sanctuary - calm, safe place
- natural cathedral - forest feeling like church
- babbling brook - small stream making gentle sounds
- wildlife habitat - home for animals
- serene atmosphere - calm, quiet feeling
Personal motivations
- reconnect with nature - feel closer to natural world
- escape urban stress - get away from city pressure
- spiritual journey - meaningful personal experience
- bucket list destination - place to visit before dying
- once-in-a-lifetime experience - rare, special opportunity
- inner peace - calm, centered feeling
- mental reset - clearing your mind
- digital detox - time away from technology
- mindfulness practice - being present and aware
- conservation consciousness - caring about protecting nature
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "I've always been drawn to..." expressing attraction
- "There's something magical about..." describing special quality
- "What really appeals to me is..." explaining attraction
- "I can only imagine what it would be like..." anticipating experience
- "It would be such a contrast to..." comparing differences
- "The thought of being surrounded by..." imagining the experience
- "I'd love to experience firsthand..." wanting direct experience
- "It's been on my mind ever since..." long-term interest
Part 3
Part 3 Discussion Questions
- Do you think it's important to protect natural forests and green spaces?
- What are the main threats to forests in your country?
- How can governments encourage people to visit natural places responsibly?
- Do you think eco-tourism is beneficial for protecting natural environments?
Part 3 Sample Response
Do you think it's important to protect natural forests and green spaces? Absolutely, I think it's crucial for several reasons. From an environmental perspective, forests play a vital role in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. In Vietnam, we've seen firsthand how deforestation can lead to flooding and soil erosion during monsoon season. But beyond the practical benefits, I believe there's also a psychological need for people to have access to natural spaces - especially as urbanization increases, these green areas become essential for mental health and community wellbeing.
Essential Vocabulary
Environmental protection
- biodiversity conservation - protecting variety of species
- climate regulation - nature controlling weather patterns
- carbon sequestration - trees storing carbon dioxide
- ecosystem services - benefits nature provides humans
- habitat preservation - protecting animal homes
- sustainable development - growth without harming environment
- conservation efforts - work to protect nature
- environmental degradation - damage to natural world
- reforestation programs - planting new trees
- protected areas - legally preserved natural spaces
Tourism and accessibility
- eco-tourism - environmentally friendly travel
- sustainable tourism - travel that doesn't harm environment
- carrying capacity - maximum visitors without damage
- nature interpretation - educational programs about environment
- guided nature walks - organized forest tours
- visitor management - controlling tourist numbers
- environmental impact - effect of human activities
- responsible travel - tourism considering consequences
- conservation funding - money for protecting nature
- local communities - people living near natural areas
Government policy
- environmental legislation - laws protecting nature
- park management - supervising natural areas
- conservation incentives - rewards for protecting environment
- urban planning - designing cities with green spaces
- environmental education - teaching about nature protection
- green infrastructure - environmentally friendly development
- policy implementation - putting environmental laws into practice
- stakeholder engagement - involving communities in decisions
- environmental monitoring - checking health of natural areas
- sustainable practices - methods that don't harm environment
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "It's crucial that we..." expressing importance
- "From an environmental perspective..." considering nature's viewpoint
- "The way I see it..." personal analytical viewpoint
- "There's a delicate balance between..." discussing competing interests
- "In the long term..." considering future consequences
- "It's a complex issue because..." acknowledging difficulty
- "On the one hand... but on the other..." presenting both sides
- "The challenge lies in..." identifying main difficulty
- "It largely depends on..." situational analysis
- "From a practical standpoint..." realistic perspective