Describe an important river/lake in your country - IELTS Speaking

This is a common topic in both Part 2 and Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. Although it is not too difficult, you still need to prepare strong vocabulary, solid grammar, and logical ideas to effectively present your answer about rivers or lakes.

In this article, IDP will guide you with ideas, sample answers, and key expressions to help you confidently handle the topic “Describe an important river or lake in your country.”

Cue card: Describe an important river or lake in your country (Vietnam)

You should say:

• What this river or lake is called

• Where it is located

• How big or long it is

• What it looks like

• And explain why it is important

During the IELTS Speaking test, the cue card provides a topic for you to talk about in detail. Examiners will assess your fluency, vocabulary range, and grammatical accuracy. Below is a sample outline you can use to build your own ideas:

What this river is called: Hoan Kiem Lake, or Sword Lake, Red river

Where it is located: 

• Located in the Northern part of Vietnam

• Located in the center of the city, has long been regarded as a representation of Hanoi

How big/long it is/ What it look like: 

• While the lake’s water is renowned for having an unchanging shade of green, the colors can vary depending on how the sky is reflected.

• The lake’s surroundings are covered in thick vegetation.It is surrounded by several historical monuments.

And explain why it is important: 

• Many people are dependent upon it for their livelihood. The farmers use its water for agriculture, and people also do fishing in this river. 

• It is one that is particularly well-known because of its scenic beauty and rich stories.The lake serves as a gathering spot for special events and may be regarded as a major cultural hub of Hanoi.

Cue card: Describe an important river or lake in your country

Sample answer:

Vietnam has many lakes, rivers, and bays, each with a rich history. One of the most famous is Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, located in the heart of Hanoi. It is widely known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.

Situated in the city center, the lake has become a symbol of Hanoi and is often associated with nostalgia by Vietnamese people living abroad. The name “Hoan Kiem” means “Return the Sword” in English and comes from a legend about King Le Thai returning a magical sword to a holy turtle after using it to defeat invaders from the Ming dynasty.

Because of this, the lake holds great historical and national importance. Its water is famous for its consistent green color, although it may shift depending on the sky’s reflection. The lake is surrounded by lush trees and beautiful scenery, offering visitors a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

Hoan Kiem Lake is also a cultural center in Hanoi, hosting major events across various fields. On regular days, locals and tourists gather here for walking, cycling, dancing, or simply relaxing on benches to enjoy the view.

As one of Hanoi’s top attractions, the lake continues to gain attention both domestically and internationally thanks to its unique charm and cultural value. As a Hanoian, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

High-scoring vocabulary:

• Bays

• Scenic beauty

• Representation

• Conjure

• Derive from

• Holy turtle

• Slay Ming dynasty invaders

• Thick vegetation

• Glistening water

• Unbeatable sense of tranquility

• Gathering spot

• Cultural hub

• Distinctive beauty

Question: Do you think rivers attract tourists?

Yes, I believe they do. Rivers and other natural bodies of water offer people—especially those from busy cities—a chance to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature. In addition to fresh air and a peaceful environment, rivers often support a rich ecosystem that draws nature lovers. While beautiful landscapes alone may not be enough to build strong eco-tourism, rivers typically serve as major attractions for many visitors.

Vocabulary:

• Throng

• The bustle of the city

• The abundance of wildlife

• Recreational opportunities

Question: Why do some people like water sports?

Definitely. Young people, in particular, are fond of aquatic sports. They tend to be energetic and adventurous, so they are often drawn to activities like water polo, surfing, and snorkeling. Many of these sports are thrilling and challenging, giving young people a chance to test their limits and build confidence.

Vocabulary:

• Aquatic sports

• Snorkeling

• Test their own limits

Question: Do you think human activity is posing a threat to oceans?

Absolutely. Human activities are currently the biggest threat to marine life. Many species are disappearing at an alarming rate due to pollution, especially from waste and plastics dumped into oceans. These actions contaminate the water and seriously harm marine ecosystems.

Vocabulary:

• Pose the danger to

• At an alarming rate

Master the Topic “Describe an Important River or Lake” with IDP

With useful ideas, high-scoring vocabulary, and practical expressions, we hope this guide helps you confidently approach the IELTS Speaking topic “Describe an important river or lake in your country.” You can also explore other IELTS preparation materials from IDP tailored to your goals and English level.

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