Describe a plant, vegetable or crop that you are familiar with | Speaking for IELTS PDF Download

You should say:
- what it is and where it grows 
- How you became familiar with it 
- what you like or dislike about it 
- and explain why this is important for your country.
OR 
Describe a plant grown in your country that you think is important 
- What it is 
- Where it is grown 
- Why is it important to your country?

Sample Answer:

• India is a diverse country 
• There are many kinds of plants in India 
• All the plants are useful in some way or the other 
• The plant I am going to talk about here is the bamboo plant. 
• I recently received it as a gift from one of my friends. 
• The small bamboo sticks were tied together using red ribbons and my friend also gifted me a transparent glass container along with it. 
• I first saw this plant in my uncle’s garden, I was probably 10 years old at that time. 
• It is a very versatile and useful plant. 
• There are more than 1500 species of this plant all over the world. 
• It can be grown in a multitude of habitat from sea level to 12000 ft. 
• It is one of the most adaptable plants with many uses. 
• For instance, it can grow in very degraded soils. 
• Because of this it can be used to repair soil damaged by overgrazing and poor agricultural techniques. 
• In addition, it has a complex root network. 
• This is ideal for preventing soil erosion and flooding 
• Unlike most tree species, harvesting does not kill the bamboo. 
• So, topsoil erosion and other adverse effects of tree felling are kept to a minimum. 
• The most important point is that bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than other trees. 
• Research has shown that bamboo can absorb as much as 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. 
• So, this plant can play a great role in stabilizing our country’s atmosphere. 
• It can prove an eco-friendly alternative to slow-growing hardwoods. 
• It is also being used by the construction industry for wooden flooring. 
• It is very durable. 
• It has resistance to shrink or swell.

Follow-ups
Q1: Why do you think some plants grow better in certain climates or regions?
Ans: Different plants have specific requirements like temperature, humidity, and soil type. Some plants, like rice, need a warm, humid climate with a lot of water, while others, like cacti, thrive in dry, arid regions. The adaptability of plants to their environment is what allows them to grow better in certain climates.

Q2: How can people take care of plants to make sure they grow well?
Ans: Taking care of plants involves providing them with the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients. Regularly checking the soil for drainage and ensuring that it’s not too wet or dry is essential. Some plants also need fertilizers or special care, like pruning or removing dead leaves, to ensure they grow healthy.

Q3: Do you think it is important for people to grow their own food?
Ans: Yes, growing your own food can be very beneficial. It gives people access to fresh and organic produce without relying on markets, which can sometimes have low-quality or overpriced items. It also helps individuals connect with nature and learn more about the food they eat, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.

Q4: What are some challenges that people might face while growing crops or plants?
Ans: There are several challenges in growing crops, such as pests, weather conditions, and soil quality. Unpredictable weather, like droughts or floods, can damage crops, while pests can eat or damage the plants. Soil might lack essential nutrients, requiring the use of fertilizers, or it may be too acidic or alkaline for some plants to thrive.