Describe an Outdoor Activity You Did: IELTS Cue Card

In the IELTS speaking section, the candidates are given a random cue card topic on which they have to speak fluently for two minutes. One minute is allowed to gather thoughts and prepare for the round. This round is continued by a follow-up question round in which the examiner asks random questions related to the cue card topic. Some students consider this round to be difficult as compared to the other sections of the IELTS examination. To help candidates prepare and excel in the IELTS speaking test today we will discuss another cue card topic ‘Describe an outdoor activity you did ‘. 

Cliff Jumping: Describe an Outdoor Activity You Did

Introduction

Performing outdoor activities is an essential part of human life.  It has many benefits as it helps in keeping us physically and mentally healthy. It also relieves stress and gives us a sense of freshness. Thank you for giving me this cue card topic as today I am going to describe an outdoor activity I did.

What the activity was?

The outdoor activity I am describing here is cliff jumping in the waters of Hundru Falls at Ranchi. It was an exhilarating experience.

When and where you did it?

This happened six months ago when my friends decided to go on an impromptu trip to Ranchi. All of my friends were a, my house when this trip was planned. We were discussing about all the famous tourist spots in Ranchi that we have visited. It was during this discussion we realized we had never been to the biggest waterfall in the state, Hundru Fall. One of my enthusiastic friends propagated the idea of an impromptu trip to the place and we all agreed to it.

Who did you go with?

I went with four of my childhood friends.  We grew up together and then went different ways to pursue careers of our choice.  It was during Diwali and we were all in our hometown together. Once the decision was taken we decided to meet at my house after one hour with our luggage. Ranchi is just a few hours from my town so we decided to carry light. We reached our destination at 9 pm and decided to rest for the night.  N next day we reached Hundru Falls and our excitement was over the roof. Since it was still summer there were a lot of people enjoying the water. All of us jumped into the water too.

And explain how you felt about it.

This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. When I jumped from the top of the waterfall, with the fresh air touching my face and the adrenaline rush of the moment, I felt alive and happy. We swam in the water for hours. Then we had lunch from food stalls at the waterfall and saw a beautiful sunset. it was a memorable day and the fact that I got to share this experience with my childhood friends made this outdoor activity more special.

Shinrin-Yoku: Describe an Outdoor Activity You Did

Introduction

In today’s world, we spend most of our time indoors, in front of computers and laptop screens. We barely get the chance to go out let alone perform an outdoor activity.  However, it is important to take some time out of the hectic digital schedule to connect with nature. Outdoor activities not only help us connect with nature, it also contribute to our mental and physical well-being.  Outdoor activities have proven to be efficient in helping people relax and forget about all the stress.  F or this cue card topic,c I am going to Describe an outdoor activity that I did.

What the activity was?

Here the outdoor activity I am describing is ‘shinrin-yoku’ which translates to ’forest-bathing’. Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing is a Japanese wellness practice where one meditates in nature.

When and where you did it?

I did it 3 years ago when I was going through a rough patch in my life. One of my friends who is also a doctor recommended me this therapy. I  enrolled with a company offering this program. For forest bathing, they took us to the mountains of a small town in Sikkim. That place was amazing. It was a small town surrounded by mountains and forests.  A  river also passed through the town.

Who did you go with?

I went alone to perform this outdoor activity. I work in a corporate office where I have to sit in front of the computer for 10 hours straight. I enjoyed my job and therefore started doing overtime to be ahead of everyone. This took a toll on my mental and physical health. I  suffered from dry eyes and insomnia. I consulted a friend who is also a doctor. and he recommended this therapy. Since I wanted to work on my mental well-being, it only made sense that I go alone.

And explain how you felt about it.

To say I felt peaceful would be an understatement. The magic of nature worked wonders for me.  It was a 7-day program. For seven days I had no digital contact with the world. Every day we would sit in the forest and meditate, trying to connect with nature. By the end of the ‘’shinrin yoku’ pro, gram I felt calm within. All my worries were gone. After I returned from the program, I felt a change within men. I became a calm and peaceful person. My insomnia was also gone and I could sleep peacefully at night.T his experience helped me transform my life for the better.

Camping: Describe an Outdoor Activity You Did

Introduction

Outdoor activities not only help us stay fit physically and mentally but they also play an important part in social development. They can help with growth in interpersonal relationships. Spending time outside with friends and family strengthens the bond. It also boosts the confidence of the individual and improves social skills. Thank you for giving me this interesting topic, as today I am going to Describe an outdoor activity I did that helped me improve my social skills.

What the activity was?

The activity I am describing here is camping. Camping is an activity that involves staying in nature for a night or more inside a camp or other protective shelter.

When and where you did it?

It happened 2 years ago when I was in high school and went on a camping trip in the forest of Netarhat, Jharkhand. Netarhat is a hill station in Jharkhand. It is a beautiful place surrounded by trees and waterfalls.

Who did you go with?

I went alone on this camping trip as my purpose of going on this trip was self-development. I was still in high school when I went on this trip. I was a shy student with a lack of confidence. I never participated in activities at school. did not have a social life either. I struggled to make friends or even communicate problems with my teachers. They saw I was facing trouble and raised their concern to my parents. T his trip was recommended by one of my teachers as here I had to go alone which forced me to communicate with others who were there on the trip.

And explain how you felt about it.

I must say this outdoor activity changed my life for good. It was a week-long camping trip. On the first day,y I was shy and felt uncomfortable all the time. But gradually as time passed I got comfortable. I started by communicating with the person who was sitting beside me on the bus. It was a successful interaction which boosted my confidence. By the end of the trip, I made a lot of friends and had the time of my life. I was a changed person when I returned. This outdoor activity helped me become a confident person.

Follow-up questions: Describe an outdoor activity you did

1. How important is having an outdoor activity?

Outdoor activities are without a doubt important to people. It has many physical benefits. Performing outdoor activities keeps us in shape and helps us stay fit. Outdoor activities help in lowering blood pressure, fighting obesity, improving eyesight and also cures insomnia. It also helps in keep ourselves mentally fit. Outdoor activities are proven to help with mood, stress and depression. Many people perform yoga and meditation to keep themselves mentally fit. Apart from these outdoor activities also contribute to building strong social skills and cultural learning.

2. Do people nowadays go out more often?

The answer to this question is without a doubt, no. Since digitalization took over people got hooked to the screens of their mobiles and laptops at all times. During their free time, people choose to scroll social media instead of going out. Moreover, technical gadgets such as television have left no room for people to even think about going out.

3. Name a few outdoor activities apart from exercising.

Apart from exercising other outdoor activities are hiking in the countryside, basking in the sun, camping with friends, gardening and photography. I would like to add that people have this perception that outdoor activities only mean an activity that tires them. But it is not true. Outdoor activity can be anything that people enjoy doing outside of their house. Even the simple act of having a picnic in the garden can be termed as an outdoor activity.

4. Name some factors that stop people from going outside.

Many factors stop people from going out. One of the prime reasons is the hectic life that people live nowadays. A major part of the population spends most of their in an office in front of a computer. On their day off they naturally want to stay indoors, rest and enjoy some quality time with their family.

5. What can people do to connect with nature?

To connect with nature, people can do many things starting with maintaining a kitchen garden. A kitchen garden not only provides freshly grown produce but also maintains greenery and provides healthy air to breathe. They can also plan visits to the countryside on weekends to spend more time and connect with nature.

Other IELTS Cue Card:

Describe A Person Who Impressed You In Primary School 

Describe A Famous Person You Are Interested In 

Describe An Interesting Conversation You Had With Your Friend

Describe A Person Who You Believe Dresses Well Ielts Cue Card

Describe An Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading

Describe A Positive Change In Your Life 

Describe A Time When You Observed The Stars