✦ IELTS Topic: The Weather – Ice & Snow – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Heavy snowfall
   e.g., The roads were blocked after a night of heavy snowfall.

2. Icy roads
   e.g., Drivers were warned about icy roads and poor visibility.

3. Snow-covered landscape
   e.g., The mountains offered a beautiful snow-covered landscape.

4. Frozen lake
   e.g., We walked across the frozen lake, which felt a bit scary.

5. Snowstorm / blizzard
   e.g., A snowstorm forced the airport to cancel several flights.

6. Frostbite risk
   e.g., Hikers were advised to wear gloves due to frostbite risk.

7. Slippery pavement
   e.g., I slipped on the slippery pavement outside my flat.

8. Snow-capped mountains
   e.g., We took photos of the snow-capped mountains at sunrise.

9. Shovel snow
   e.g., We had to shovel snow from the driveway every morning.

10. Whiteout conditions
    e.g., The hikers got lost due to whiteout conditions on the trail.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Ice & Snow

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Does it snow where you live?

2. Do you enjoy snowy weather?

3. Have you ever experienced a snowstorm?

4. How do people prepare for icy conditions in your country?

5. What kind of winter clothing do you wear?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a time when you experienced snow or icy weather.
You should say:

• where you were

• what the weather was like

• what you did
  and explain how you felt about the experience.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, we get heavy snowfall in winter, especially in January.
2. I love the snow-covered landscapes, but not the icy roads.
3. Yes, once we had a blizzard and the power went out for a day.
4. People use salt on the roads and wear boots on slippery pavements.
5. I wear layers, gloves, and a thick coat to avoid frostbite risk.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

Last winter, I travelled to a mountain town with some friends. It had just experienced heavy snowfall, and the entire area was a beautiful snow-covered landscape.

The roads were icy, so we walked everywhere carefully. We even saw a frozen lake where children were skating.

One morning, I had to shovel snow from the driveway before we could go out. It was tiring but fun!

The trip was unforgettable — the scenery, especially the snow-capped mountains, was breathtaking. I enjoyed it, even though I slipped once on a slippery pavement.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Ice & Snow Vocabulary

1. "The roads were blocked after a night of heavy snowfall."
Q: What caused the blockage?

2. "Drivers were warned about icy roads and poor visibility."
Q: Why were drivers being careful?

3. "The mountains offered a beautiful snow-covered landscape."
Q: What was special about the view?

4. "We walked across the frozen lake, which felt a bit scary."
Q: What was risky about the activity?

5. "A snowstorm forced the airport to cancel several flights."
Q: Why were the flights cancelled?

6. "Hikers were advised to wear gloves due to frostbite risk."
Q: Why should gloves be worn?

7. "I slipped on the slippery pavement outside my flat."
Q: What happened to the speaker?

8. "We took photos of the snow-capped mountains at sunrise."
Q: What kind of mountains were photographed?

9. "We had to shovel snow from the driveway every morning."
Q: What did they do daily?

10. "The hikers got lost due to whiteout conditions on the trail."
Q: What caused the hikers to lose their way?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Too much snow fell.

2. The roads were icy and dangerous.

3. It was covered in snow.

4. The ice might not be safe.

5. Because of the snowstorm.

6. To avoid frostbite.

7. They slipped because of the icy ground.

8. Mountains with snow on top.

9. Removed snow using a shovel.

10. Poor visibility from heavy snow.