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πŸ“™ Part 2: Describe a place in the countryside that you visited

Rory reminisces about a picturesque English hamlet with spectacular scenery. But wait, what's this about a crazy sport called 'potholing'? Learn how to vividly describe a place you love and the grammar to use.

Maria & Rory

Β· 9 min read

This episode’s vocabulary

Hamlet

noun β€” a small village, usually without a church.

To nestle

verb β€” to be in, or put something in, a protected position, with bigger things around it.

Valley

noun β€” an area of low land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.

Rural

adj. β€” in, of, or like the countryside.

Farmland

noun β€” land that is used for or is suitable for farming.

Picturesque

adj. β€” (especially of a place) attractive in appearance, especially in an old-fashioned way.

Potholing

noun β€” a sport that involves walking and climbing in underground caves.

To miss out

phrasal verb β€” to fail to use an opportunity to enjoy or get an advantage from something.

Scenery

noun β€” the general appearance of the natural environment, especially when it is beautiful.

Spectacular

adj. β€” very exciting to look at.

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πŸ“™ Part 2: Describe a place in the countryside that you visited
IELTS Speaking for Success
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Questions and answers

Maria

Rory, Roro, ready Rory, yellow Rory, are you ready?

Rory

Lolo.

Maria

Lolo.

Rory

Lolo.

Maria

Lolo, lolo. Okay, could you start speaking now, please?

Rory

Well, I haven't been back for a while now. But I used to love visiting this, it's like a little hamlet called Horton in Ribblesdale. It's a tiny place in the north of England. In East Yorkshire to be exact. Oh, sorry. No, not in East Yorkshire, in West Yorkshire, now that I think about it. It's nestled in a valley and at the foot of two mountains. Not many people live there. But the people who do live there are wonderful. It's like how you would imagine rural England to be, like so this sort of rural ideal outside of the cities. There's lots of farmland and an old church and it's even got a graveyard, believe it or not. And the river that runs through the middle of this village or hamlet with numerous bridges built across it. And they're for different kinds. There's a road bridge, there's a footbridge, so it's accessible for everybody. I used to go there quite often in my childhood to visit our family, friends, but I haven't been there in almost a decade now. I often wonder how much it's changed. It's quite popular with tourists. Since it's a very picturesque place. You can go potholing, which is like a sport where you crawl through very tight and narrow caves. Or if you're a bit more claustrophobic, then you can go on one of the nature walks around area or hike to the top of the mountains that, well, is between. If nature isn't really your thing, then there's a railway station at the highest hill in town, where you can catch a train to, well, the nearest cities and go shopping. The service is quite frequent. So you wouldn't miss out on any aspect of civilization despite being in the countryside initially. I'm absolutely in love with the place. The scenery is spectacular, and the people are really welcoming. And the whole thing is just unforgettable. So if you ever get the chance to go, I'd highly recommend it.

Maria

What about your friends? Do they like this place?

Rory

The ones that have been, really liked it. Yeah.

Maria

Thank you, Rory, for your answer! -

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