Topic: Describe an outdoor activity you like to do.
You should say:
– What is this activity
– Who do you usually do the activity with
– Why do you like it
Actually, living in a sprawling city, I used to have little chance of enjoying fresh air and get close to nature but almost blocking myself in the office. However, recently, I have managed to adopt several healthy habits including some outdoor activities with a view to maintain my health condition. And now, I would like to share something about the activity of walking in a botanical Garden located in the outskirt of my city. Now with reference to how it helps me to stay healthy. I really need to clarify that whenever I am under pressure from the fast-paced living, I pay this park a visit, take a walk and try to refresh my mind. The fresh and quiet atmosphere at this Garden totally enables me to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I guess the reason why I like going for stroll I this park has something to do with the fact that this garden not only offers free fresh air but also serves a place for plant conservation. With the diversity of
trees and flowers there, my family and I can easily enjoy the stunning fauna at a reasonable price. It is not doubtful to confirm that this garden has made great contributions to preserving local plants diversity as well as enhance people’s recreation lives. Almost every individual comes to this park show their great appreciation for the local authority’s attempt at conserving nature lives.
QUESTIONS FOR PART 3
1. Would you say people spend more time outdoors today than they did, say, 20 years ago?
Actually, I don’t think so. Nowadays, people tend to stay indoors more because they are surrounded by so many kinds of technology gadgets such as televisions, smartphones, computers, etc. It is extremely easy to get addicted to these things, and we don’t need to meet others face-to-face to talk. It’s common to see a family where parents are busy working on computers and answering phone calls while the kids are concentrating on playing games, and they are all unwilling to go outside. In contrast, in my parents’ generation, life was much simpler and people usually went out more to enjoy the fresh air and meet up with friends.
2. What are the benefits of doing things outdoors?
I suppose that there are a number of obvious merits of spending time outside. The most obvious one is that doing outdoor exercise is the best way to keep healthy and stay fit. For instance, if I walk, jog or cycle outdoors, I’ll have to expend a lot of energy and burn more calories, and the fresh air outside also helps to improve the blood pressure and heart rate. Otherwise, when I stay indoors, especially when working on the computer for several hours, it’s easy to get dizzy and feel aches and pains in my back. Another plus point is that being outdoors can greatly boost my mood and creativity, so every time I feel bad or try to come up with a new idea, wandering around outside always helps.
3. Are there any outdoor activities that many people used to do (but which most people don’t do now)?
Well, I’m not so sure about this, but I guess it may be cycling. In the past, especially when modern means of transport were not popular, there was less traffic on the roads and the air was also fresher. People usually used bicycles to go to work and exercise, which was good for their health and also environmentally-friendly. However, today, when traffic congestion and air pollution have become serious problems threatening our lives, citizens tend to cycle less because they don’t want to be stuck in traffic and inhale a large number of harmful emissions.
4. What are the most popular outdoor activities in your country?
I think that many people enjoy walking and playing sports. Every day, early in the morning and during the evening, there are a lot of people walking in the parks or around large lakes, where trees, flowers, water and the fresh air help them unwind and refresh their minds. It’s like a kind of therapy. Walking doesn’t require so much physical fitness, so it has become the first choice for many. In addition, some sports such as football, tennis, and badminton are also very common, especially badminton, because people of any age and gender can play.
5. What sorts of activities do children like to do outdoors?
Well, I think it depends on their personalities. Many active and energetic kids are really into playing sports, particularly football, and they spend the whole day running and playing with the ball without worrying about getting their clothes dirty. However, other kids who don’t like taking part in those activities might be keen on outdoor games such as playing in a sandbox or on the merry-go-round with their friends. Some children are also pretty fond of gardening work like planting or watering trees, which is a great activity because at the same time they can learn a lot about nature.
6. Do boys and girls like to do the same kinds of things outdoors?
Obviously, there exist some differences here. Boys tend to take part in activities that require physical strength, such as playing football, tennis, or going backpacking. Actually, some girls also like to do these kinds of things too, but the majority might be more interested in less strenuous activities, for example, walking, jogging or cycling.
7. Do old people and young people like doing the same kinds of things outdoors?
Well, I think although the old and young generation might share some similar outdoor activities, for instance, walking, cycling or playing badminton, there are still many kinds of things that are beyond the physical and mental endurance of elderly people. For example, they cannot play a full game of football or basketball or climb a mountain, which younger ones are able to do. Instead, the elderly may prefer to do things that require thinking and patience, such as playing chess or sitting outside with a book.
20.8. What sorts of outdoor activities will people like to do in the future?
It’s hard to foresee the future, but I think it’s possible that adventure activities, such as mountain climbing, paragliding, or skateboarding, will become more popular in the near future. Today, many young people are willing to take risks and conquer challenges to step outside their comfort zone and discover the new limits. The range of equipment available in the shops for extreme sports enthusiasts will also encourage wider participation in these activities. With all the right protective and safety gear, adventure sports are now less risky and more people will, therefore, want to try them.
VOCABULARY
Technology gadget (noun) A small object of technology (such as a device or an appliance) that has a particular function.
Example: His room is full of the latest technology gadgets – he spends hours using them to keep in touch with his friends.
Addicted (adjective) Spending all your free time doing something because you are so interested in it.
Example: He spends all day in his room – he’s addicted to playing computer games.
Face-to-face (adverb) In a way that involves people who are close together and looking at each other.
Example: I would prefer to discuss this with you face-to-face rather than over the phone.
Unwilling (adjective) Not wanting to do something and refusing to do it.
Example: They don’t like the project and they are unwilling to invest money in it.
To meet up (phrasal verb) To meet somebody, especially by arrangement.
Example: We agreed to meet up later for a drink.
Merit (noun) A good feature that deserves praise, reward or admiration.
Example: The new format of the exam has many merits – most teachers like it.
Expend (verb) To use or spend a lot of time, money or energy.
Example: We expended a lot of energy decorating the house.
Aches and pains (expression) Bad feelings when your body hurts.
Example: A relaxing massage will help to ease your aches and pains and you will soon feel better.
Boost (verb) To make something increase or become better or more successful.
Example: All this extra revision will boost my chances of passing the exam.
To come up with (phrasal verb) To find or produce an answer, a sum of money, etc.
Example: She came up with a new idea for increasing sales.
Wander (verb) To walk slowly around or to a place, often without any particular sense of purpose or direction.
Example: She wandered around the streets without any particular idea of where she wanted to go.
Environmentally-friendly (adjective) Not harming the environment.
Example: Wind and solar power are environmentally-friendly.
Threaten (verb) To say that you will cause trouble, hurt somebody, etc. if you do not get what you want.
Example: The robber threatened the shop assistant with a gun.
Stuck (adjective) In an unpleasant situation or place that you cannot escape from.
Example: We were stuck in traffic without moving for almost an hour.
Inhale (verb) To breathe in
Example: She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply before diving into the swimming pool.
Emission (noun Gas or chemicals that are sent out into the air.
Example: The government has promised to protect the environment by reducing car and factory emissions.
Therapy (noun) The treatment of a physical problem or an illness.
Example: Many cancer patients undergo some sort of drug therapy
Be into something (expression) To be interested in something in an active way.
Example: He’s into surfing in a big way, he’s always down at the beach.
Sandbox (noun) An area in the ground or a shallow container, filled with sand for children to play in.
Example: The children played happily in the sandbox until it started to rain.
Backpack (verb) To travel on holiday/vacation carrying your equipment and clothes in a backpack.
Example: Young people enjoy backpacking because it’s cheap and they don’t mind carrying all their things around on their backs.
Strenuous (adjective) Needing great effort and energy.
Example: After a big meal, avoid strenuous activity, just rest or go for a short walk.
Endurance (noun) The ability to continue doing something painful or difficult for a long period of time without complaining.
Example: Cycling across India was a test of endurance, but after a month she managed to complete the journey.
Conquer (verb) To succeed in dealing with or controlling something.
Example: She conquered her fear of flying and now she is an airline pilot.
Comfort zone (noun) A place or situation in which you feel safe or comfortable, especially when you choose to stay in this situation instead of trying to work harder or achieve more.
Example: I had no experience of mountain climbing, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and go on a climbing course.
Extreme sports (noun) Sports that are extremely exciting to do and often dangerous.
Example: He likes extreme sports, but he wisely uses the best safety equipment.
Enthusiast (noun) A person who is very interested in something and spends a lot of time doing it.
Example: She is a real chess enthusiast – she plays for hours on her computer.