IELTS Speaking Part 1: Parks – Model Answers 2026

Parks and Public Gardens is one of the new topics in the IELTS Speaking Part 1 question bank for May–August 2026. It appears twice in the official bank, which tells you it is a high-priority topic. These questions cover both childhood and present-day experiences, which makes them ideal for showing tense variety. Do not rush this one. Use it.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Parks 2026: Questions and Model Answers

Question 1: Did you like going to parks as a child?

Model Answer:
Yes, very much. Going to the park was one of my favourite weekend activities as a child. I loved running around, playing on the swings, and exploring any open green space. It was also a good chance to meet other children from the neighbourhood without any structure or pressure.

Why This Works:
The answer gives specific activities rather than vague enjoyment. The phrase “without any structure or pressure” adds a genuine personal observation that lifts the response.

📌 Band 7-8 Vocabulary:
– neighbourhood — the area around where a person lives\n- exploring — searching through an unfamiliar area\n- structure — an organised system or framework\n- green space — an area of grass or parkland in an urban environment\n- weekend activities — things regularly done on days off

Question 2: Do you still like going to parks now?

Model Answer:
Yes, though for different reasons than when I was a child. These days I go mainly to relax, take walks, or do some light exercise. I find that even thirty minutes in a green, open space helps clear my mind after a busy week. It is a simple but effective way to recharge.

Why This Works:
The phrase “though for different reasons” signals a natural comparison between past and present. That comparison across time is exactly what examiners want to hear in Part 1.

📌 Band 7-8 Vocabulary:
– relax — to make or become less tense or anxious\n- light exercise — physical activity that is not too demanding\n- clear my mind — to stop thinking about problems or worries\n- effective — producing the desired result\n- recharge — to restore energy or enthusiasm

Question 3: Would you like to see more parks in your city?

Model Answer:
Yes, I think cities could benefit greatly from more green spaces. Parks improve air quality, provide room for exercise, and create a sense of community for local residents. In densely populated areas especially, having accessible parks is important for people’s mental and physical well-being.

Why This Works:
Moving from a personal preference to wider social benefits shows the examiner that you can think analytically. The phrase “densely populated” is a strong vocabulary choice that adds precision.

📌 Band 7-8 Vocabulary:
– benefit — to receive an advantage from something\n- air quality — the condition of the air in terms of pollution levels\n- densely populated — having a large number of people in a small area\n- accessible — easy to reach or use\n- well-being — the state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy

Question 4: Are there any parks you want to go to in the future?

Model Answer:
Yes, I would love to visit Central Park in New York one day. I have seen it in so many films and photos, and it looks extraordinary. The idea of such a large green space right in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities is fascinating to me. I am also interested in visiting some national parks in Asia for their natural landscapes.

Why This Works:
Naming a specific real park makes the answer vivid and memorable. The contrast between the busy city and the green space shows descriptive range.

📌 Band 7-8 Vocabulary:
– extraordinary — very unusual or remarkable\n- fascinating — extremely interesting\n- national parks — areas of natural beauty protected by the government\n- landscapes — the visible features of an area of land\n- contrast — a difference between two things that is clearly visible

Examiner Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1 Parks 2026

Tip 1: Compare past and present naturally.\nThree of the four questions invite you to contrast how you used parks as a child with how you use them now. That comparison is a tense-range gift. Use it every time.\n\nTip 2: Move from personal to social.\nThe third question asks about your city, not just yourself. This is an invitation to think bigger. Move from “I would like more parks” to “cities benefit from them because…”\n\nTip 3: Name a real park.\nCentral Park, Hyde Park, a local national park. A specific name makes your answer feel real and grounded.

Common Mistakes on This Topic

Answering all four questions in the same way\n- Saying only “yes I like parks” without developing the idea\n- Forgetting to compare childhood experience with the present\n- Using “park” in every sentence instead of varying the language

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parks a confirmed IELTS Speaking topic for 2026?
Yes. Parks and Public Gardens appears twice in the official IELTS Speaking Part 1 question bank for May–August 2026, which makes it a particularly high-priority topic to prepare.

What if there are not many parks in my city?
Say so and explain. Describing a lack of green space in your city and why that matters is a perfectly strong answer. The examiner is assessing your English, not the quality of your city’s urban planning.