IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a person who loves to grow plants (e.g. vegetables, flowers) at home or in the garden.

Describe a person who loves to grow plants (e.g. vegetables, flowers) at home or in the garden. You should say: - who this person is - what plants this person grows - how this person takes care of the plants - and explain why this person loves growing plants

Part 2 model answer

The person I'd like to talk about is our neighbour, Shahana aunty, who lives on the top floor of our building. She's a retired schoolteacher in her early sixties, and she has turned the rooftop of our building into a beautiful little garden.

She grows an amazing variety of plants, considering it's just a rooftop in the middle of Dhaka. In big pots and old plastic drums, she grows vegetables like tomatoes, chillies, eggplants, spinach, and bottle gourds. She also has a few fruit plants, including a lemon tree and a small guava tree. And then there are the flowers, like roses, marigolds, and jasmine, which make the whole rooftop smell lovely, especially in the evening.

She takes care of her plants with incredible dedication. Every morning, she goes up to water them, and she checks each plant carefully for insects or diseases. Instead of chemical fertilisers, she makes her own compost from vegetable peels and tea leaves. During the summer, when the sun is too strong, she covers some plants with a green net to protect them. She even talks to her plants sometimes, which used to make me laugh, but she says it helps them grow better.

I think she loves growing plants for several reasons. After retiring, she wanted a meaningful way to spend her time, and gardening keeps her active and relaxed. She also loves eating fresh, chemical-free vegetables that she's grown herself. And she enjoys sharing them with neighbours. I've received many tomatoes and chillies from her. Most of all, I think the garden gives her a sense of peace in a busy, concrete city.

Part 3 discussion

Why do people like growing plants at home?

People grow plants because it's relaxing and helps reduce stress. Plants also make homes look more beautiful and improve air quality. Many people enjoy growing their own vegetables and herbs, since they're fresh and free from chemicals. For some people, it's simply a rewarding hobby that connects them with nature.

Is gardening popular in your country?

Yes, quite popular. In villages, most families have a small vegetable garden near their home. In cities like Dhaka, where space is limited, rooftop and balcony gardening has become a growing trend. Many people now share their gardening tips and photos on social media, which has encouraged even more people to try it.

Should children be taught how to grow plants?

Absolutely. Growing plants teaches children patience and responsibility, as they need to look after the plants regularly. It also helps them understand where food comes from and how important nature is. Schools could have small gardens where students can learn through hands-on experience.

What are the benefits of rooftop gardens in cities?

Rooftop gardens help reduce heat in buildings and make cities cooler. They improve air quality and create green spaces in crowded urban areas. They can also provide fresh food for residents. In addition, they give people a peaceful place to relax, which is rare in busy cities.

Do you think people will grow more of their own food in the future?

I think so, especially as food prices keep rising and people become more concerned about chemicals in food. New methods like vertical farming and hydroponics make it possible to grow food even in small spaces. However, busy lifestyles may stop many people from doing it regularly. So it'll probably remain a popular hobby rather than a main source of food.