✦ IELTS Topic: The Countryside – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Rolling hills and green fields
   e.g., The countryside near my hometown is full of rolling hills and green fields.

2. A slower pace of life
   e.g., People in the countryside often enjoy a slower pace of life.

3. Get away from the hustle and bustle
   e.g., I love going to the countryside to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Fresh air and open spaces
   e.g., One of the best things about the countryside is the fresh air and open spaces.

5. Picturesque villages
   e.g., We drove through several picturesque villages with stone cottages and flower gardens.

6. Peaceful and quiet
   e.g., It’s peaceful and quiet compared to the noisy city streets.

7. In touch with nature
   e.g., Living in the countryside helps you feel more in touch with nature.

8. Lack of public transport
   e.g., A downside of rural life is the lack of public transport.

9. Close-knit community
   e.g., Everyone knows each other in a close-knit community.

10. Rural lifestyle
    e.g., Some people find the rural lifestyle relaxing, while others find it boring.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – The Countryside

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Have you ever lived in the countryside?

2. Do you enjoy visiting rural areas?

3. What do you like about the countryside?

4. Are there any disadvantages to living in the countryside?

5. Would you like to retire in a rural area?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a place in the countryside you have visited.
You should say:

• where it was

• what it looked like

• what you did there
  and explain why you enjoyed it.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I lived in a small village when I was a child. It had rolling hills and green fields all around.
2. I love visiting rural areas—they’re peaceful and quiet and let me reconnect with nature.
3. I enjoy the fresh air and open spaces most. It’s so different from city life.
4. One disadvantage is the lack of public transport. You really need a car to get around.
5. Definitely. I’d love the slower pace of life once I’m older.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

One countryside place I really enjoyed visiting was a small village in the north of England called Haworth. It was surrounded by rolling hills and green fields, and the views were absolutely stunning.

The village itself was charming—one of those picturesque villages with narrow lanes and stone cottages. It was very peaceful and quiet, and everyone we met was so friendly—it felt like a close-knit community.

What I loved most was just walking around and breathing in the fresh air and open spaces. It felt like a real escape, a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It made me realise how valuable the rural lifestyle can be for your mental well-being.

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✦ Comprehension Test: The Countryside Phrases

1. "The countryside near my hometown is full of rolling hills and green fields."
Q: What does the speaker describe about the countryside?

2. "People in the countryside often enjoy a slower pace of life."
Q: What is different about rural life?

3. "I love going to the countryside to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city."
Q: Why does the speaker visit the countryside?

4. "One of the best things about the countryside is the fresh air and open spaces."
Q: What benefit does the speaker mention?

5. "We drove through several picturesque villages with stone cottages and flower gardens."
Q: What kind of villages did they see?

6. "It’s peaceful and quiet compared to the noisy city streets."
Q: How is the countryside different from the city?

7. "Living in the countryside helps you feel more in touch with nature."
Q: What connection does the speaker mention?

8. "A downside of rural life is the lack of public transport."
Q: What is one problem with living in the countryside?

9. "Everyone knows each other in a close-knit community."
Q: What is a feature of rural communities?

10. "Some people find the rural lifestyle relaxing, while others find it boring."
Q: What are two opinions about rural life?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Beautiful hills and green scenery.

2. It’s more relaxed and slower.

3. To escape the busy city.

4. Clean air and space.

5. Small, attractive villages.

6. It’s calm and quiet.

7. A deeper connection with nature.

8. Not many buses or trains.

9. People know and support each other.

10. Some like it, some don’t.

 

🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 12: The Surprise

The summer sun shone bright at Misselthwaite Manor.

The secret garden was now full of green leaves, blooming flowers, and singing birds. Every day, Mary, Colin, and Dickon played and worked there. They were stronger, happier, and full of life.

One day, Mr. Craven returned.

He had been away for months, walking through the mountains of Europe. His heart still felt heavy from his wife’s death, but something inside him had changed. He began to dream of her—and in his dreams, he heard her voice say, “Go back to the garden.”

So he did.

He came home quietly, without telling anyone.

He walked through the gardens and past the tall wall covered in ivy. He looked at it for a long time. Something about it seemed different. He pushed open the old door...

Inside, he stopped in surprise.

The garden was full of life—and right in the middle of it was a boy.

The boy was standing tall, with bright eyes and strong legs.

It was Colin.

Mr. Craven stared. “Colin?”

Colin smiled. “Father! I’ve been waiting for you.”

Mr. Craven dropped to his knees and hugged his son. “Is it true? Are you well?”

“I’m more than well,” Colin said. “I’m alive. The garden helped me.”

Mr. Craven looked around. “This place—it’s just like when your mother was here.”

Colin nodded. “And I’ve learned to love it too.”

Mary and Dickon came forward.

Mr. Craven looked at Mary and smiled. “You brought life back to this house—and to my son.”

He stood up slowly and said, “This garden was locked for ten years. But now it’s open again. Just like my heart.”

That evening, the servants saw something they never thought they’d see:

Colin walking beside his father.
Mary laughing and skipping ahead.
Dickon whistling with the birds.

And behind them, the secret garden, no longer a secret—but still full of magic.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Blooming	Full of open flowers
Heavy heart	Feeling very sad
Dropped to his knees	Fell down with emotion
Well	Healthy or okay
Alive	Full of energy, life, and joy
Whistling	Making music with the lips or breath

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What has happened to the secret garden by the end of summer?

2. Where had Mr. Craven been?

3. What message did he hear in his dream?

4. What surprises him when he opens the garden door?

5. How does Mr. Craven react to seeing Colin walk?

6. What does Mr. Craven say about the garden and his heart?

7. How do the children and Mr. Craven leave the garden together?

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✅ Answers

1. It is full of flowers, life, and joy.

2. He was in Europe, walking in the mountains.

3. His wife’s voice told him to return to the garden.

4. He sees Colin standing and walking.

5. He is shocked, joyful, and hugs his son.

6. That it is open again—just like his heart.

7. They walk out together, happy and united.

 

✦ IELTS Topic: Buildings & Architecture – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Architectural masterpiece
   e.g., The Sydney Opera House is considered an architectural masterpiece.

2. Cutting-edge design
   e.g., The building’s cutting-edge design makes it stand out in the skyline.

3. Blend of old and new
   e.g., This city offers a fascinating blend of old and new architecture.

4. High-rise buildings
   e.g., The area is full of high-rise buildings and business towers.

5. Traditional craftsmanship
   e.g., The wooden temple shows incredible traditional craftsmanship.

6. Functional but unattractive
   e.g., Many post-war buildings are functional but unattractive.

7. Heritage site
   e.g., The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beauty.

8. Sustainable architecture
   e.g., Sustainable architecture uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

9. Visually striking
   e.g., The museum is visually striking with its unusual shape and colours.

10. Urban development
    e.g., Rapid urban development has transformed the city in just a few years.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Buildings & Architecture

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. What kind of buildings do you like?

2. Are there any famous buildings in your city?

3. Do you prefer old or modern architecture?

4. Would you like to design your own home one day?

5. Do you think buildings affect people’s moods?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a building you admire.
You should say:

• what the building is

• where it is located

• what it looks like
  and explain why you like it.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. I’m really drawn to cutting-edge design—buildings that are creative and futuristic.
2. Yes, we have a cathedral that’s a famous heritage site and a major tourist attraction.
3. I love a blend of old and new—it gives a city personality and depth.
4. Definitely. I’d love to design a home using sustainable architecture—eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
5. Yes, buildings can inspire or depress people. A visually striking design can really lift your mood.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

A building I really admire is the Louvre Museum in Paris. It’s famous not only for the artwork inside but also for its beautiful structure.

The museum combines classical architecture with the modern glass pyramid at the entrance, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The pyramid is especially visually striking, especially when lit up at night.

I admire this building because it respects history while embracing cutting-edge design. It’s also a symbol of urban development done right—it draws millions of visitors but still respects the original atmosphere of the area.

To me, the Louvre is more than just a museum; it’s a true architectural masterpiece.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Buildings & Architecture

1. "The Sydney Opera House is considered an architectural masterpiece."
Q: How does the speaker feel about the Sydney Opera House?

2. "The building’s cutting-edge design makes it stand out in the skyline."
Q: What kind of design does the building have?

3. "This city offers a fascinating blend of old and new architecture."
Q: What kind of architecture can be found in the city?

4. "The area is full of high-rise buildings and business towers."
Q: What does the speaker say about the area?

5. "The wooden temple shows incredible traditional craftsmanship."
Q: What is special about the wooden temple?

6. "Many post-war buildings are functional but unattractive."
Q: How are the post-war buildings described?

7. "The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beauty."
Q: What is the significance of the palace?

8. "Sustainable architecture uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems."
Q: What is special about sustainable architecture?

9. "The museum is visually striking with its unusual shape and colours."
Q: How is the museum described?

10. "Rapid urban development has transformed the city in just a few years."
Q: What has changed the city recently?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It’s very impressive and iconic.

2. Innovative and modern.

3. A mix of historical and modern styles.

4. It’s urban, vertical, and full of tall buildings.

5. Its traditional building skills and detail.

6. Useful, but not attractive.

7. It is protected and historically important.

8. It’s environmentally friendly and efficient.

9. Eye-catching and visually creative.

10. New buildings and growth have changed it quickly.