Talk about a Person Who Likes to Grow Plants - IELTS Speaking Cue Card Answer

Talk about a person who likes to grow plants.

Please tell me:

• who the person is

• how do you know the person

• what type of plants does he/she grow

• and why does he/she enjoy growing plants

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Model Answer 1

It's always refreshing to meet someone with a passion for nature, and I'm fortunate to know such a person – my neighbor, Mrs. Thompson. Our introduction was quite serendipitous; it happened one sunny morning when I noticed her tending to her garden, which is a lush tapestry of greenery and vibrant colors. This garden, a testament to her green thumb, is where she devotes her time and energy, nurturing a variety of plants that range from delicate orchids to robust tomatoes.

What makes Mrs. Thompson's garden fascinating is not just the diversity of plants but how each one seems to reflect a part of her personality. She has a collection of orchids that require meticulous care, symbolizing her attention to detail and patience. Then there are the vegetable plants like tomatoes and cucumbers, which demonstrate her practical side, as she uses these fresh produce in her daily cooking. It's evident that each plant in her garden is chosen with thought and cared for with love.

The reasons Mrs. Thompson is drawn to gardening are as multifaceted as her garden itself. For her, it's more than just a hobby; it's a form of expression and a source of immense joy. She often shares how gardening allows her to connect with nature, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There's also a sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from seeing the seeds she plants flourish into beautiful, living things. Her eyes light up when she talks about the process of nurturing these plants, from the initial planting to the daily watering and care. It's a journey that she finds profoundly satisfying and therapeutic.

In essence, Mrs. Thompson's love for gardening mirrors the qualities of a seasoned gardener – patience, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. Her garden is not just a space filled with plants; it's a reflection of her passion and a source of inspiration for those who have the pleasure of knowing her and witnessing her work. It's a reminder that in the act of nurturing something outside ourselves, we often find tranquility and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Why This Is a High Scoring Answer

The sample answer about Mrs. Thompson and her passion for gardening is an exemplar of a high-scoring response in the IELTS Speaking section. This assessment is based on several key criteria that the IELTS examiners use to evaluate candidates' spoken English proficiency.

Fluency and Coherence: The response flows smoothly, demonstrating the speaker's ability to talk at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence. For example, the transition from discussing Mrs. Thompson's diverse garden to her reasons for gardening is seamless and logical, maintaining a clear and natural progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource: The answer showcases a wide range of vocabulary, used appropriately and with precision. Descriptive terms like 'lush tapestry of greenery', 'meticulous care', and 'profoundly satisfying' enrich the narrative, demonstrating the speaker's ability to use language flexibly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response includes a variety of complex structures ("It's evident that each plant in her garden is chosen with thought and cared for with love") used accurately and effectively. This variety showcases the speaker's proficiency in using complex grammar without error, which is a key component in achieving a high score.

The response artistically weaves in the topic "Talk about a person who likes to grow plants", integrating it naturally into the narrative. This approach demonstrates the speaker's skill in addressing the topic comprehensively and engagingly, without resorting to a formulaic or list-like format.

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Model Answer 2

Imagine a world where every balcony is adorned with greenery, where every windowsill hosts a riot of colors. In this world, I have the pleasure of knowing Alex, a friend and a true plant enthusiast. Our friendship blossomed over shared interests, but it was his passion for botany that truly caught my attention. Alex's urban apartment is a testament to his love for plants, transforming a concrete space into a green sanctuary.

The variety of plants Alex nurtures is astounding. His collection ranges from the exotic – like the delicate Venus flytraps, to the more common yet equally cherished – such as the resilient spider plants. Each plant is a story, a piece of art in its own right. His balcony showcases a miniature jungle of ferns and trailing ivies, while indoors, succulents and cacti bask in the sunlit corners. His favorites, however, are the flowering plants – from cheerful marigolds to fragrant jasmine, which fill his space with color and aroma.

But why does Alex immerse himself in this green world? It’s not just a hobby; it’s his way of contributing to a healthier environment. In our conversations, he often highlights how urban gardening is a step towards sustainability, creating pockets of clean air and natural beauty in our city. It's his belief that every small green space counts in making our planet healthier. Moreover, tending to these plants is his way of unwinding, of finding peace amidst the chaos of city life. The process of planting, watering, and nurturing is therapeutic for him, a practice that teaches patience and mindfulness.

Alex’s story is more than just about a person growing plants; it’s about creating a personal oasis in an urban setting. His journey with plants is a source of inspiration, encouraging others to explore the joy and benefits of gardening, no matter how small the space. In nurturing his plants, Alex finds a deeper connection with nature and a fulfilling way to enhance his surroundings.

Why This Is a High Scoring Answer

The sample answer about Alex, a plant enthusiast, stands out as a high-scoring response in the IELTS Speaking section for several reasons:

Fluency and Coherence: The narrative flows effortlessly, reflecting the speaker's ability to express ideas fluently and coherently. The seamless transition from describing Alex's diverse plant collection to his reasons for gardening (e.g., "But why does Alex immerse himself in this green world?") demonstrates a well-structured and coherent speech.

Lexical Resource: The response is rich in descriptive language, showcasing a broad vocabulary. Terms like 'riot of colors', 'green sanctuary', and 'resilient spider plants' are vivid and specific, indicating the speaker's ability to use language effectively to convey precise meanings.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The narrative includes a mix of complex sentence structures used accurately, enhancing the quality of the response. For instance, sentences like "His journey with plants is a source of inspiration..." exhibit the speaker's command over complex grammatical constructions.

This answer effectively addresses the topic, "Talk about a person who likes to grow plants," weaving it naturally into a rich narrative. This storytelling approach is key to engaging the listener and demonstrating the speaker's proficiency in English.

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Model Answer 3

In the heart of a bustling city lives Sarah, a beacon of tranquility amid the urban chaos. She's more than just a neighbor to me; she's a living example of how one can create a serene paradise even in a limited space. Sarah's balcony garden is not just a collection of plants; it's a vivid canvas where greenery meets artistry.

Sarah's garden is a diverse ecosystem. From the aromatic lavender that wafts a calming scent to the robust cherry tomatoes that add a pop of red against the green, her garden is a celebration of variety. Her pride and joy are her collection of herbs – basil, thyme, rosemary – each meticulously cared for and thriving under her attentive gaze. The array of plants she cultivates is a testament to her skill and dedication.

But why does Sarah invest her heart and soul into this garden? The answer lies in her belief in the power of plants to heal and rejuvenate. For her, gardening transcends the act of merely growing plants; it's a journey towards mindfulness and well-being. Sarah often shares how nurturing her plants is therapeutic, a way to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. It's her sanctuary, a place where she finds peace and solace.

Moreover, Sarah's garden serves as a vital green lung in the concrete city, a personal endeavor towards promoting environmental sustainability. It's her way of making a small yet significant impact on urban ecology. She often says, "Each plant I grow is a breath of fresh air for the city."

In essence, Sarah's story is not just about gardening; it's about creating a personal haven that reflects her passion for nature and commitment to the environment. Her balcony garden stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring others to embrace green living, no matter the scale. It's a reminder that in nurturing the natural world, we nurture ourselves.

Why This Is a High Scoring Answer

The sample answer about Sarah and her balcony garden exemplifies a high-scoring response in the IELTS Speaking section for several key reasons:

Fluency and Coherence: The narrative unfolds smoothly, demonstrating the speaker's ability to articulate thoughts in a well-organized and coherent manner. The transition from describing Sarah's garden to exploring her motivations for gardening ("But why does Sarah invest her heart and soul into this garden?") is handled seamlessly, showcasing excellent coherence in speech.

Lexical Resource: The response is rich with descriptive language, indicative of a wide-ranging vocabulary. Phrases like 'vivid canvas where greenery meets artistry' and 'aromatic lavender that wafts a calming scent' not only paint a vivid picture but also show the speaker's adept use of language to convey detailed and nuanced meanings.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The use of a variety of complex sentence structures, employed accurately, is evident throughout the response. For example, "Sarah's balcony garden stands as a symbol of hope and resilience" shows the speaker's proficiency in using advanced grammatical constructions correctly.

This answer addresses the topic "Talk about a person who likes to grow plants" in a holistic and engaging manner. It is a stellar example of how to weave a topic naturally into a narrative, a skill that is highly valued in the IELTS Speaking test.

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