READING

The Importance of Outdoor Activities For Kids

Recent studies have shown that children spend far less time outdoors than they did in the past. In the UK, a poll found that three-quarters of children now spend less time outdoors than even prison inmates. This is a worrying trend as research has shown that outdoor activities are crucial to children's mental health and development.

According to a study by the University of Queensland, spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and improve overall mental wellbeing. The study found that children who spent more time outdoors had higher levels of physical activity, better sleep quality, and were less likely to develop mental health problems. Another study found that spending time in nature can also improve cognitive function and academic performance. Researchers from the University of Michigan found that children who were exposed to green spaces had better attention spans and memory retention, and performed better in standardised tests. Whether it’s the beautiful scenery, the invigorating fresh air, or simply the chance to disconnect from smartphones and tablets, there’s clearly something about spending time outdoors that is beneficial.

Despite these apparent benefits, many children today are spending more time cooped up indoors than ever before. Screen entertainment's gains in popularity have largely been at the expense of outdoor play so that children are now living increasingly sedentary lifestyles, watching TV, playing video games, and using social media far more than in the past. According to researchers in the UK, children now spend an average of six hours a day looking at screens, compared to just four minutes playing outdoors. This is a worrying trend, as screen time has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including obesity, poor sleep quality, and decreased social skills.

The question remains, what can parents really do to help their children develop a love of the outdoors in a world where the pull of electronics is ever present? Sir Ken Robinson, an educationalist who has worked as a government advisor in the UK, suggests parents do more to provide their kids with opportunities for outdoor play and exploration. Activities such as gardening, bird watching, and nature walks can all help children connect with nature and develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Camping out with the family, going for a hike or bike ride, or stargazing on a clear night, are all activities that can get the whole family out of the house and away from their screens.

The evidence for the importance of outdoor activities to children's mental health and development continues to build up and a clear pattern is emerging. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to the natural world. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the importance of fostering a love of the outdoors in their children and provide them with ample opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.

Questions 1-4

The reading passage contains 5 paragraphs A - E.

Which paragraph discusses the following information? Write the correct letter, A-E.

………….. 1. A survey concerning the time children spend indoors.

………….. 2. The increase in the use of electronic devices.

………….. 3. Research concerning the links between mental health and the outdoors.

………….. 4. Activities families can do together outside.

Questions 5-10

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

The rise in (5)........................ lifestyles and excessive (6) ........................ time are preventing children from (7) ........................ with nature and the natural (8) ........................ , which is essential for their mental health and development. Activities in green (9) ........................ can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to nature. Parents need to encourage their kids to do activities outside which allow them to (10) ........................ from electronic devices.

Questions 11-16

Do the following statements agree with what the writer says in the reading passage?

Answer in the following ways:

TRUE: if the statement agrees with what the writer says in the article

FALSE: if the statement contradicts what the writer says in the article

NOT GIVEN: if the writer does not mention this in the article

11. Recent studies have shown that children spend more time outdoors than they did in the past.

12. Spending time in nature can improve general mental health.

13. Modern children do not find outdoor activities enjoyable.

14. Children now spend 6 hours a day outdoors.

15. Sir Ken Robinson believes that parents are not doing enough to encourage kids to do outdoor activities.

16. Research has shown that spending time in nature can help children build stronger relationships.

See below for Reading Answer Key

SPEAKING

PART 1

The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies or other topics connected to everyday life.

1. What outdoor activities do you like?
2. What is your favourite indoor activity?
3. Do you prefer to spend your spare time indoors or outdoors?
4. What outdoor activities are popular in your country?
5. Do people in your country like to spend time outdoors?
6. What outdoor activity would you like to try in the future?
7. Did you prefer outdoor or indoor activities when you were a child?
8. Do you like to spend time outdoors when you are on holiday?

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.

You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

PART 3

Discussion questions:

1. Why do some people prefer outdoor sports?
2. Are there any outdoor activities that were popular in the past, but are not anymore?
3. Do people spend less time outdoors now than in the past?
4. How can we encourage children to play outside?
5. Do you think governments should invest more in outdoor activity facilities?
6. Do young and old people like doing the same types of outdoor activities?

WRITING

WRITING TASK 1 (General Test)

A foreign friend is going to visit your country on holiday. She has asked you to recommend a beautiful place to visit.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

say where she should visit
describe how she can get there
say what she can do while she is there
and say why she will enjoy it

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

WRITING TASK 2

Some people think that outdoor activities are more beneficial for children’s development than playing computer games.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Please note that the mock IELTS questions on this site are not from real IELTS tests, but were created to be very similar to the types of questions you will get in the test.

1. Outdoor Activities

Mock IELTS Questions for the IELTS Reading Test, Speaking Parts 1, 2 & 3, and Writing Task 1 (General Training) & Task 2

Reading Answer Key:

Exercise 1:

1.A, 2.C, 3.B, 4.D

Exercise 2:

The rise in sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time are preventing children from connecting with nature and the natural world, which is essential for their mental health and development. Activities in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function and academic performance, and foster a sense of connection to nature. Parents need to encourage their kids to do activities outside which allow them to disconnect from electronic devices.

Exercise 3:

1. (False - they spend less time)

2. (True)

3. (Not Given)

4. (False - they have 6 hours screen time)

5. True

6. (Not Given)