Of course! Talking about your favorite season is a classic and very common IELTS Speaking topic. It's a great opportunity to showcase your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to extend your answers.

Here’s a complete guide to help you ace this topic, including a sample answer, useful vocabulary, and key tips.

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

In Part 1, the questions are simple and direct. Your goal is to give a clear, direct answer and then add a little extra detail.

Examiner: What's your favorite season? You: (Give a clear answer) "My absolute favorite season has to be autumn, or fall as some people call it." (Add detail) "I just love the way everything changes during that time of year."

Examiner: Why do you like it so much? You: "There are a few reasons, but the main one is the weather. It's not too hot like summer, and not too cold like winter. It's perfectly mild and comfortable." (Give a specific example) "I also really enjoy the scenery. The leaves on the trees turn into beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow, which makes the parks and streets look amazing."

Examiner: Do you have any plans or activities you usually do during this season? You: "Yes, definitely! It's the perfect time for outdoor activities. I love going for long walks in the countryside or having picnics with friends in the park." (Mention a specific activity) "It's also the season for my favorite fruit, persimmons, so I always make sure to eat a lot of them."

Examiner: How does this season make you feel? You: "It makes me feel really calm and peaceful. There's a certain coziness to autumn, a feeling of getting ready to slow down and relax. It's a very nostalgic season for me, reminding me of my childhood."

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

This is where you need to speak for 1-2 minutes. Use the prompts on the card to structure your answer.

Describe your favorite season. You should say:

• what the season is
• what the weather is like
• what you usually do during this season
• and explain why it is your favorite season.

(You have 1 minute to prepare. You can make some notes.)

Sample Answer (Targeting 2 minutes):

"If I had to choose just one favorite season, it would undoubtedly be autumn. For me, it represents the most beautiful and comfortable time of the year.

The weather in autumn is just perfect. It's a pleasant escape from the extremes of summer and winter. The days are often crisp and clear, with a gentle, cool breeze that doesn't bite, but just feels refreshing on your skin. The temperature is ideal—warm enough to go out without a thick coat, but cool enough to enjoy a hot drink without feeling overwhelmed by the heat. The sky also tends to be a brilliant, deep blue, which makes the colors of the season pop even more.

As for what I usually do, I try to make the most of the outdoors. I'm a big fan of hiking, and autumn is the best time for it. The trails are less crowded than in summer, and the scenery is breathtaking. Walking through a forest carpeted with fallen leaves in shades of gold and crimson is an incredible experience. I also enjoy simple pleasures like having a coffee at a sidewalk café, reading a book in the park, or just taking a stroll through my neighborhood to admire the changing colors of the houses.

The main reason why autumn is my favorite season, though, is the feeling it gives me. It's a season of transition and reflection. As the days get shorter, there's a sense of coziness and comfort that you can't find at any other time of year. It's the perfect excuse to wear a cozy sweater, light a scented candle at home, and just slow down. It’s not about loud parties or intense heat like summer; it's about a quiet, gentle beauty that feels both invigorating and calming. That unique combination of stunning visuals, comfortable weather, and a peaceful atmosphere is why my heart always belongs to autumn."

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to your Part 2 answer.

Examiner: Do people in your country have a favorite season? Is it the same for everyone? You: "That's an interesting question. I think there's a general preference, but it definitely varies. Many people, like myself, love autumn for its pleasant weather and beauty. However, younger people often prefer summer because it means school holidays, the beach, and more time to socialize. On the other hand, some people, perhaps those who enjoy winter sports, might favor winter for the snow. So, while autumn is popular, it's certainly not a universal favorite."

Examiner: How do people's lifestyles change with the seasons? You: "Our lifestyles are heavily influenced by the seasons. In summer, people are generally more active and social. They spend more time outdoors, go to barbecues, and travel. In autumn and winter, lifestyles tend to become more introspective and home-based. People might start cooking more comfort food, engage in indoor hobbies like reading or watching movies, and socialize in smaller, more intimate settings. The change in daylight hours also plays a big role, with people going to bed earlier and waking up later in the colder, darker months."

Examiner: Do you think climate change is affecting the seasons in your country? You: "Absolutely. I've definitely noticed the changes over the years. The summers seem to be getting hotter and longer, and the winters are becoming milder and less predictable. We get unseasonal weather more often now—for example, it might be very warm in late autumn or there might be a sudden cold snap in spring. This can disrupt natural cycles, affect agriculture, and even change people's habits, like the timing of when they plant their gardens or go on vacation."

Examiner: Do you think it's important for people to have a favorite season? You: "I think it's more of a natural human tendency than something that's 'important' in a strict sense. Having a favorite season gives us something to look forward to and helps us connect with the natural world. It provides a rhythm to the year and a sense of anticipation. For example, looking forward to the first warm day of spring or the first snowfall of winter can be a simple but genuine source of happiness. So, while it's not essential for survival, it certainly enriches our lives and makes us more aware of the world around us."

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

To get a higher band score, you need to move beyond basic words like "hot," "cold," and "nice."

Key Tips for Success

1. Be Specific: Don't just say "the weather is nice." Say "The weather is perfectly mild and comfortable, with a gentle breeze that feels refreshing on your skin."
2. Use the Senses: Describe what you see (colors), hear (crunching leaves), feel (cool air), smell (earth, woodsmoke), and even taste (pumpkin spice, hot chocolate).
3. Extend Your Answers: In Part 1, after answering directly, add a "because..." or a "for example..." to give more information.
4. Structure Your Part 2 Answer: Follow the cues on the card. It's a ready-made structure for you! Just make sure you explain why it's your favorite in detail.
5. Show Range: Use a mix of simple and complex sentences. Use discourse markers like "However," "Furthermore," "As a result," and "On the other hand" to connect your ideas smoothly.

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!