IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an important river, lake or area of water in your country
Describe an important river, lake or area of water in your country
You should say:
Where in your country it is
How big it is
What it looks like
And explain why this river, lake or area of water is important for your country
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
1. Where in your country it is:
- Vocabulary: located, situated, found, positioned, lies
- Expressions:
- “The river/lake is located in…”
- “It is situated in the…”
- “This body of water lies in…”
2. How big it is:
- Vocabulary: size, area, length, expanse, stretch
- Expressions:
- “The size of the river/lake is…”
- “It covers an area of…”
- “The river/lake stretches over…”
3. What it looks like:
- Vocabulary: appearance, features, landscape, scenic, picturesque
- Expressions:
- “The river/lake looks…”
- “It has a…”
- “The landscape around it is…”
4. Why this river, lake or area of water is important for your country:
- Vocabulary: significance, value, crucial, vital, essential
- Expressions:
- “This river/lake is important because…”
- “The significance of this body of water lies in…”
- “It plays a vital role in…”
Collocations
- scenic beauty
- vast expanse
- natural resource
- economic significance
- biodiversity hotspot
- cultural importance
- essential water supply
- recreational activities
- picturesque landscape
- agricultural irrigation
Sample Answer
The river I would like to talk about is the Ganges River, which is located in the northern part of India. It flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
The size of the Ganges River is immense, stretching over 2,500 kilometers in length. It covers an area of about 1 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest rivers in the world.
The river looks majestic and serene as it flows through various landscapes. It has a picturesque landscape with scenic beauty that includes lush green fields, dense forests, and bustling cities along its banks. The sight of the Ganges during sunrise and sunset is particularly breathtaking, with the golden hues reflecting off the water.
This river is important because it holds cultural and economic significance for the country. The Ganges River is considered sacred in Hinduism, and millions of people visit its banks for religious rituals and festivals, making it a cultural hotspot. Additionally, the river provides an essential water supply for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use, supporting millions of people and vast agricultural lands. It also supports a rich biodiversity hotspot with numerous species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. Furthermore, it offers opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and river rafting, contributing to tourism.
The economic significance of the Ganges cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in agriculture, industry, and daily life in the regions it flows through. The river’s water is crucial for agricultural irrigation, ensuring the productivity of the fields that feed millions of people. Its importance in religious, cultural, and economic aspects makes the Ganges a truly indispensable natural resource for India.
