IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample – Topic: Describe a time you saw an interesting animal

Describe a time you saw an interesting animal

You should say:
– What the animals were
– When and where you saw them
– What it was doing when you saw them
-And explain how you felt about them

MODEL ANSWER

(What the animals were)
I’m going to talk about an occasion on which I got to see an ambush of tigers. I went to a safari last month and there I got a chance to see many wild animals like a lion, a tiger, hippopotamus, sloth bears, wolves, jackals and wild boar in close proximity for the very first time. I was intimidated yet immediately amazed to see many tigers and became aware of many hidden facts about this animal.

(When and where you saw it)
It was last summer when my whole family had a trip to Thailand, and we decided to visit the country’s renowned Safari World, a tourist attraction in Bangkok. It was established in 1988 with a total area of 480 acres (190 ha) for its open zoo and 180 acres (73 ha) for its bird park. The scenery there is fantastic and driving through this park searching for tigers is truly a great experience. This striped predator blends effortlessly into the forest undergrowth, making it even more of a thrill when you eventually spot one.

(What it was doing when you saw it)
I found tigers quite intriguing and somehow mysterious. Our guide told us about their speed and agility. The tiger is the fastest land animal. The ferocity with which it pounces upon its prey is marvelous. While we were beholding its stature, a group of tigers was resting and seemed laid-back, so all of my family was quite assured. I have never seen tigers so close before and it was a great chance for me to really interact with these wildlife beauties.

(And explain how you felt about it)
As the atmosphere of my encounter with the tigers was mostly positive, it reminded me of my personal power and ability to overcome obstacles. Seeing this spirit animal also means that I can overcome my fears and learn how to deal with strong emotions that I once found threatening, but are becoming more and more manageable. The experience with this animal was memorable for me for many reasons.

Vocabulary:

1. (an) ambush of tigers [expression]: a group of tigers
Eg: Group of tigers is called an ambush or streak.
2. hippopotamus [n]: a very large animal with short legs and thick, dark grey skin that lives near water in Africa
Eg: At night, a hippopotamus leaves the river where it sleeps most of the day.
3. in close proximity [expression]: close to
Eg: The trees were planted in close proximity to the building.
4. establish [v]: to start a company or organization that will continue for a long time
Eg: These methods of working were established in the last century.
5. effortlessly [adv] Eg: She runs so effortlessly, as if it’s the easiest thing in the world.
6. ferocity [n]: the state of being frightening and violent
Eg: The hurricane hit with terrible ferocity.
7. stature [n]: the height of a person or an animal
Eg: Although short in stature, his voice and stage presence were remarkable.
8. laid-back [adj]: relaxed in manner and character; not usually worried about other people’s behaviour or things that need to be done
Eg: I’ve never seen her worried or anxious in any way – she’s so laid-back.
9. obstacle [n]: something that blocks you so that movement, going forward, or action is prevented or made more difficult
Eg: This decision has removed the last obstacle to the hostages’ release.
10. manageable [adj]: easy or possible to deal with
Eg: The people at the workshop were divided into small, manageable groups