English at Home

✦ IELTS Topic: Mountains, Hills & Valleys – 10 Useful Phrases

Snow-capped peaks
e.g., The region is famous for its snow-capped peaks, especially in winter.
Rolling hills
e.g., The landscape was filled with rolling hills stretching for miles.
Towering mountains
e.g., Towering mountains surrounded the village and made it feel isolated.
Steep slopes
e.g., We climbed the steep slopes of the hill to get a better view.
Winding mountain path
e.g., The hiking trail followed a winding mountain path up to the summit.
Breathtaking views
e.g., The top of the hill offered breathtaking views of the entire valley.
Lush valley
e.g., A lush valley lay below us, filled with green farmland and rivers.
Rugged terrain
e.g., The area was hard to cross because of the rugged terrain and rocks.
Mountain range
e.g., The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world.
Remote hillside village
e.g., We visited a remote hillside village where people still lived a traditional life.

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Mountains, Hills & Valleys

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Do you like mountains or prefer the beach?
Have you ever climbed a mountain or hill?
Are there any famous mountains or valleys in your country?
Would you like to live in a mountainous area?
What kind of activities do people do in hilly regions?

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a mountain, hill, or valley you have visited.
You should say:

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

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. I prefer mountains—I love breathtaking views and being in nature.
2. Yes, I’ve hiked up rolling hills near my home. It’s great exercise.
3. In my country, there’s a famous mountain range called the Tatras.
4. I’d love to live in a remote hillside village, away from city noise.
5. Hiking, cycling, and camping are common in areas with steep slopes and rugged terrain.

Part 2 Sample Answer

One memorable trip I had was to the Scottish Highlands. It’s full of towering mountains and lush valleys, and the landscape is incredibly dramatic.

We followed a winding mountain path up Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK. The hike was difficult, especially with the steep slopes, but reaching the summit was so rewarding.

At the top, we were treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and green countryside below.

It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and I’d love to return one day.

✦ Comprehension Test: Mountains, Hills & Valleys

1. "The region is famous for its snow-capped peaks, especially in winter."
Q: What do snow-capped peaks look like?

2. "The landscape was filled with rolling hills stretching for miles."
Q: How would you describe rolling hills?

3. "Towering mountains surrounded the village and made it feel isolated."
Q: How did the mountains affect the village?

4. "We climbed the steep slopes of the hill to get a better view."
Q: What challenge did the speakers face?

5. "The hiking trail followed a winding mountain path up to the summit."
Q: What was the path like?

6. "The top of the hill offered breathtaking views of the entire valley."
Q: What could be seen from the top?

7. "A lush valley lay below us, filled with green farmland and rivers."
Q: What does 'lush valley' suggest?

8. "The area was hard to cross because of the rugged terrain and rocks."
Q: Why was the terrain difficult?

9. "The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world."
Q: What is special about the Himalayas?

10. "We visited a remote hillside village where people still lived a traditional life."
Q: What is unique about the village?

✦ Answer Key

Mountains with snow on top.
Gentle, rounded hills.
They made the village feel cut off or secluded.
A steep climb or uphill walk.
Curving and not straight.
Amazing scenery of the valley.
Fertile, green, and full of life.
It was uneven and full of obstacles.
They are the tallest in the world.
It’s isolated and people maintain old customs.