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✦ IELTS Topic: The Coast – 10 Useful Phrases

Sandy shoreline
e.g., We spent the afternoon walking along the sandy shoreline.
Rocky cliffs
e.g., The rocky cliffs offered spectacular views of the ocean.
Coastal town
e.g., She grew up in a small coastal town known for fishing.
Waves crashing against the shore
e.g., I love falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
Seaside resort
e.g., They booked a week at a luxury seaside resort.
Seagulls calling overhead
e.g., You could hear the seagulls calling overhead as we ate by the harbour.
Stretch of coastline
e.g., This stretch of coastline is protected as a nature reserve.
Tide coming in
e.g., We had to move our things because the tide was coming in quickly.
Fishing village
e.g., The fishing village still maintains its traditional way of life.
Harbour full of boats
e.g., The harbour was full of boats swaying gently in the water.

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – The Coast

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Do you like visiting the coast?
What activities do people enjoy at the beach?
Is there a popular coastal area in your country?
Would you prefer to live near the sea or inland?
Have you ever stayed in a seaside resort?

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a coastal place you’ve visited.
You should say:

where it is
what it looks like
what you did there
and explain why you enjoyed it.

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I find the coast very relaxing, especially when I can walk along a sandy shoreline.
2. People love swimming, sunbathing, and listening to the waves crashing against the shore.
3. We have a famous coastal town that’s popular in summer.
4. I’d prefer to live by the sea—it’s peaceful, and I love the sound of seagulls calling overhead.
5. Yes, once I stayed in a beautiful seaside resort with ocean views.

Part 2 Sample Answer

One coastal place I’ll never forget is a small fishing village I visited in southern Italy. It had narrow streets, colourful houses, and a harbour full of boats.

We arrived just as the tide was coming in, and the sun was setting. You could hear seagulls calling overhead, and the smell of the sea was everywhere.

I walked along the rocky cliffs for a bit, then relaxed on the sandy shoreline. The whole stretch of coastline felt quiet and untouched.

I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, the fresh seafood, and the simplicity of life by the sea.

✦ Comprehension Test: The Coast

1. "We spent the afternoon walking along the sandy shoreline."
Q: What kind of surface did they walk on?

2. "The rocky cliffs offered spectacular views of the ocean."
Q: What did the cliffs provide?

3. "She grew up in a small coastal town known for fishing."
Q: What kind of town did she grow up in?

4. "I love falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the shore."
Q: What sound helps the speaker relax?

5. "They booked a week at a luxury seaside resort."
Q: Where did they stay?

6. "You could hear the seagulls calling overhead as we ate by the harbour."
Q: What birds were mentioned?

7. "This stretch of coastline is protected as a nature reserve."
Q: What is special about this coastline?

8. "We had to move our things because the tide was coming in quickly."
Q: Why did they move?

9. "The fishing village still maintains its traditional way of life."
Q: What is unique about the village?

10. "The harbour was full of boats swaying gently in the water."
Q: What was the harbour like?

✦ Answer Key

A sandy beach or coastal path.
Amazing ocean views.
A town by the sea.
The sound of ocean waves.
A luxury hotel by the sea.
Seagulls.
It’s protected for nature.
The sea level was rising.
It keeps old traditions.
Full of boats and calm water.