✦ IELTS Topic: The Weather – Ice & Snow – 10 Useful Phrases
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Heavy snowfall
e.g., The roads were blocked after a night of heavy snowfall. -
Icy roads
e.g., Drivers were warned about icy roads and poor visibility. -
Snow-covered landscape
e.g., The mountains offered a beautiful snow-covered landscape. -
Frozen lake
e.g., We walked across the frozen lake, which felt a bit scary. -
Snowstorm / blizzard
e.g., A snowstorm forced the airport to cancel several flights. -
Frostbite risk
e.g., Hikers were advised to wear gloves due to frostbite risk. -
Slippery pavement
e.g., I slipped on the slippery pavement outside my flat. -
Snow-capped mountains
e.g., We took photos of the snow-capped mountains at sunrise. -
Shovel snow
e.g., We had to shovel snow from the driveway every morning. -
Whiteout conditions
e.g., The hikers got lost due to whiteout conditions on the trail.
✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Ice & Snow
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
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Does it snow where you live?
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Do you enjoy snowy weather?
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Have you ever experienced a snowstorm?
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How do people prepare for icy conditions in your country?
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What kind of winter clothing do you wear?
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a time when you experienced snow or icy weather.
You should say:
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where you were
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what the weather was like
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what you did
and explain how you felt about the experience.
✦ 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.
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.
✦ 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?
✦ Answer Key
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Too much snow fell.
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The roads were icy and dangerous.
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It was covered in snow.
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The ice might not be safe.
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Because of the snowstorm.
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To avoid frostbite.
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They slipped because of the icy ground.
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Mountains with snow on top.
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Removed snow using a shovel.
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Poor visibility from heavy snow.
