IELTS Vocabulary: 20 Advanced words & phrases for outdoor activities

Topic specific advanced vocabulary for outdoor activities

Outdoor activities is one of those topics that regularly comes up in IELTS. Questions in IELTS Speaking parts 1 and 2 often ask about sports and leisure activities which take place outdoors, and such topics could also easily appear in IELTS listening.

As you know, using topic specific advanced vocabulary is key to a high score for lexical resource (vocabulary) in IELTS, so practice using these words and phrases as you give answers to IELTS speaking questions. Try to make them part of your active vocabulary, so you are prepared for such questions on test day. 

Here are some examples of questions you could get in the IELTS speaking test related to outdoor activities.

Speaking Part 1

What outdoor activities do you like?

What outdoor activities are popular in your country?

What outdoor activity would you like to try in the future?

Speaking  Part 2

Describe an outdoor activity you like to do.

You should say:

what it is

where you do it

how you do it

and explain why you like to do it.

Speaking Part 3

Are there any outdoor activities that were popular in the past, but are not anymore?

How can we encourage children to play outside?

Do young and old people like doing the same types of outdoor activities?

For more IELTS style speaking parts 1 - 3 questions on this topic go here.

So, to help you improve your vocabulary around outdoor activities, here are 20 advanced words and phrases for the topic.

To listen to an audio recording and for practice exercises go here.

20 advanced words & phrases for outdoor activities:

connect with nature (verb phrase):

Definition: To experience and interact with the natural world.

Example: Gardening is an excellent way to connect with nature.

coop up (phrasal verb):

Definition: To force someone to stay inside for a long period of time.

Example: After being cooped up in the office all day, I can't wait to go for a walk and get some fresh air.

disconnect (verb):

Definition: To be away from technology or other distractions.

Example: She turned off her phone to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy the outdoors.

green space (noun [c/u]):

Definition: A place with grass, trees, and plants.

Example: I love to have a picnic in the green spaces of the city.

hiking (noun [u]):

Definition: Going for a long walk in nature, usually on marked paths, to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

Example: Tomorrow, we are going hiking in the mountains to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views.

landscape (noun [c]):

Definition: Everything you can see in an area, like mountains, rivers, and trees, all put together.

Example: The landscape around our house includes rolling hills and a small lake.

national park (noun [c]):

Definition: A countryside area that the government protects due to its natural beauty or important wildlife.

Example: Kenya is famous for its national parks where tourists go on safaris.

panoramic view (noun phrase):

Definition: A wide view of the surrounding area.

Example: The top of the tower offered a panoramic view of the entire city.

picturesque (adjective):

Definition: A beautiful and charming scene, especially one that includes old and traditional features.

Example: The small town we visited had a picturesque main street with colourful old buildings and flowers.

rough it (idiom):

Definition: To stay in a simple or uncomfortable place that does not have all the usual comforts.

Example: During our trip, we decided to rough it and sleep in a tent.

scenery (noun [u]):

Definition: The natural or man-made things that you can see in a place that make it look nice and pretty.

Example: The scenery at the beach was breathtaking, with golden sand and clear blue water.

scenic (adjective):

Definition: Relating to an area of countryside that is beautiful to look at.

Example: The scenic drive through the mountains offered breathtaking views at every turn.

screen time (noun [u]):

Definition: Time spent using electronic devices with screens such as phones or computers.

Example: I limit my children's screen time to one hour per day.

sedentary (noun phrase):

Definition: Generally not moving much.

Example: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to many health problems.

terrain (noun [c]):

Definition: The type of ground or land, such as hills, valleys, or mountains.

Example: The terrain in this area is quite challenging, but it makes for a great hike.

the great outdoors (idiom):

Definition: The natural world outside, including forests, mountains, rivers, and other outdoor environments.

Example: Let's go camping and enjoy the great outdoors.

trail (noun [c]):

Definition: A path or route, often in nature, that people follow for walking, biking, or other outdoor activities.

Example: We followed the trail through the forest, spotting birds and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

tranquil (adjective):

Definition: Peaceful and calm.

Example: The tranquil countryside offered a peaceful escape from the noise and chaos of the city.

unplug (verb):

Definition: To stop using electronic devices in order to relax.

Example: She decided to unplug for the weekend and enjoy the beauty of nature without any distractions.