IELTS Speaking 2025 Part 2&3: Describe an outdoor activity you did in a new place recently

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card:

Describe an outdoor activity you did in a new place recently.

You should say:

• What the activity was

• Who invited you to join it

• Whether you asked for help during the activity
  And explain what changes the activity brought to you.

Speaking Expressions:

• To be honest… (Thành thật mà nói…)

• It was quite an adventure… (Thật sự là một chuyến phiêu lưu…)

• I ended up… (Cuối cùng tôi đã…)

• I couldn’t believe… (Tôi không thể tin được…)

• It really opened my eyes… (Nó thật sự khiến tôi mở mang…)

Ideas & Collocations:

• Breathtaking views (cảnh đẹp ngoạn mục)

• Challenging terrain (địa hình thử thách)

• Local guide (hướng dẫn viên địa phương)

• Team bonding (gắn kết nhóm)

• Fresh mountain air (bầu không khí núi rừng trong lành)

Sample Answer:

To be honest, the outdoor activity I tried was hiking up the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, just outside Da Nang. A college friend, Mai, invited me to join her group last month, and I couldn’t resist. We set off before sunrise to catch those breathtaking views of the bridge hovering above the mist. About halfway up, the challenging terrain got to me and I felt exhausted, so I asked a local guide for tips on the safest path—he pointed out hidden steps and conservation trails.

It was quite an adventure because I’m not usually much of a hiker, but I ended up summiting the hill in record time with the team cheering me on. The fresh mountain air energized me, and those moments of struggle taught me the value of pacing myself and asking for help when needed. It really opened my eyes to how stepping out of my comfort zone can boost my confidence and strengthen friendships through team bonding. Since then, I’ve developed a habit of planning weekend treks and exploring more natural spots around Vietnam.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions

1. What outdoor activities do people in your country usually do?

2. Why do some people dislike outdoor activities?

3. Do you think outdoor activities are more beneficial than indoor ones?

4. Why do some people like extreme sports?

5. Do people who live in safe areas prefer extreme sports?

Question 1

Speaking Expressions:

• Generally speaking… (Nói chung…)

• You’ll often find… (Bạn thường thấy…)

• It’s common to… (Thường thì…)

Ideas & Collocations:

• Weekend trekking (đi bộ đường dài cuối tuần)

• Beach volleyball (bóng chuyền bãi biển)

• Cycling tours (chuyến đi xe đạp)

Sample Answer:
Generally speaking, you’ll often find families doing weekend trekking in places like Cat Ba or Da Lat. It’s common to see groups playing beach volleyball at Nha Trang or Mui Ne, and cycling tours around Hanoi’s countryside are super popular. People love these activities because they combine exercise with sightseeing. Many clubs organise regular rides or hikes, so you always have company. Honestly, it’s part of our lifestyle to mix fitness with nature and culture.

Question 2

Speaking Expressions:

• To be fair… (Công bằng mà nói…)

• Some folks find… (Một số người cảm thấy…)

• It can be off‑putting if… (Nó có thể gây ngại nếu…)

Ideas & Collocations:

• Physical exertion (gắng sức về thể chất)

• Unpredictable weather (thời tiết khó lường)

• Insect bites (bị côn trùng cắn)

Sample Answer:
To be fair, some folks find physical exertion too tiring, especially after a long workweek. Others worry about unpredictable weather—one minute it’s sunny, the next you’re soaked. In rural treks, insect bites can really put people off, too. Plus, if they haven’t grown up outdoors, they might feel awkward in muddy trails or bright sunlight. At the end of the day, personal comfort zones vary, so not everyone’s cut out for outdoor fun.

Question 3

Speaking Expressions:

• In my opinion… (Theo tôi…)

• There’s no doubt… (Không nghi ngờ gì…)

• On balance… (Xét cho cùng…)

Ideas & Collocations:

• Mental well‑being (sức khỏe tinh thần)

• Vitamin D boost (tăng cường vitamin D)

• Social interaction (tương tác xã hội)

Sample Answer:
In my opinion, while indoor activities like yoga or gym sessions are great, there’s no doubt that outdoor activities offer extra perks. You get a serious Vitamin D boost from sunlight and natural settings can improve your mental well‑being. Also, outdoor sports often involve groups, so you get valuable social interaction. On balance, mixing both indoor and outdoor gives you the best of exercise, atmosphere, and mood enhancement.

Question 4

Speaking Expressions:

• Frankly speaking… (Thành thật mà nói…)

• The thrill comes from… (Sự kích thích đến từ…)

• It’s a rush when… (Thật hồi hộp khi…)

Ideas & Collocations:

• Adrenaline junkies (người nghiện adrenaline)

• Risk‑taking behaviour (hành vi chấp nhận rủi ro)

• Pushing limits (thử thách giới hạn)

Sample Answer:
Frankly speaking, the thrill comes from testing your own limits. Some people are true adrenaline junkies who crave that heart‑pounding sensation. Extreme sports involve risk‑taking behaviour, which can feel empowering. It’s a rush when you realise you’re capable of something most people wouldn’t dare to try. For many, it’s as much about personal triumph as it is about the activity itself.

Question 5

Speaking Expressions:

• One might think… (Người ta có thể nghĩ…)

• Surprisingly… (Đáng ngạc nhiên…)

• It doesn’t necessarily… (Không nhất thiết…)

Ideas & Collocations:

• Safety regulations (quy định an toàn)

• Urban adventure seekers (người tìm kiếm mạo hiểm đô thị)

• Comfort zone (vùng an toàn)

Sample Answer:
One might think that people in safe areas would avoid extreme sports, but surprisingly, they often embrace them even more. Living in a low‑crime, stable environment can free up mental bandwidth for urban adventure seekers to try bungee jumping or skydiving. It doesn’t necessarily mean they feel unsafe—rather, they seek a break from their comfort zone. Plus, good safety regulations in those areas boost confidence to give it a shot.