#10 Plants | IELTS

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Learn English Through Topics. Plants. Part 1. Vocabulary.

1. I have some artificial hanging plants in my bedroom, which is merely for decorative purpose.

2. When I was small, I used to be in charge of repotting a cactus for my science class.

3. The only knowledge I’ve got about growing a plant is that it requires daily watering and sufficient sunlight.

4. Placing plants around a house is believed to be a difficult task since this is often associated with Fengshui.

5. You have to get a suitable plant for the owner, or else bad omens might follow him, as some believe.

6. I usually have at least one indoor pot plant in my living room such as sunflowers.

7. I was born in the countryside and I’ve grown so attached to bamboos.

8. It’s my father who does the gardening.

9.  So it is not an exaggeration to say that Vietnam’s economy depends quite a lot on rice plants. 

10. Rice plants can be found in every nook and cranny of rural areas in Vietnam, I believe.

11. Many people find gardening very therapeutic.

12. Houseplants help me improve concentration and productivity while I work or study at home.

13. Indoor plants help to purify the air and add a little Zen to our home. 

14. Aloe vera is known to have valuable medical properties. Its extract is found in many products, including drinks, skin lotions, skin moisturizers, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns.

15. The bamboo palm, known as an effective indoor air purifier, can get rid of a wide variety of pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from certain kitchen appliances and furniture.

16. Many evergreen plants are really easy to care for, even for those that don’t have a green thumb. They can give off oxygen and beautify your living space.

17. Some indoor plants can even purify the air and produce aromatic compounds that can promote relaxation and ease you into sleep.

18. There are thousands of plants with fragrances you could grow in your garden or balcony. However, it would be best if you were careful because they can attract butterflies and bees.

19. Rosemary is a kind of edible plant which I regularly use to add color to my cuisine.

Learn English Through Topics. Plants. Part 2. Speaking. Sample Questions with Answers.

1. Do you keep plants at home?

I do not have the habit of keeping plants in my house as I know I do not have the time and energy to do it. Not to mention, I’ve never been good at indoor gardening either. That being said, I have some artificial hanging plants in my bedroom, which is merely for decorative purpose.

2. What plant did you grow when you were young?

When I was small, I used to be in charge of repotting a cactus for my science class. It didn’t require much watering, so my job was rather easy.

3. Do you know anything about growing a plant?

Absolutely no. I can’t even take care of a houseplant, let alone growing one. The only knowledge I’ve got about growing a plant is that it requires daily watering and sufficient sunlight. Without either of which, the plant will probably die in a short amount of time.

4. Do Vietnamese people send plants as a gift?

Well, from my own experience, I haven’t seen many people in my country give plants to others. Besides the fact that some types of plants can be hard to preserve, placing plants around a house is believed to be a difficult task since this is often associated with Fengshui. This means that you have to get a suitable plant for the owner, or else bad omens might follow him, as some believe.

5.  Do you like plants?

Well, yes, I really love plants. Because I’ve always felt connected with nature, and I think plants as a whole play an essential role in our life. Different varieties of plants have their own appeal, but they all bring us a feeling of freshness.

6.  What plants do you like?

My favorite plant is the cactus, a member of the succulent plant family known as Cactaceae. There are more than 2000 varieties of cacti that grow up in various shapes and sizes. Several hours of sunlight each day and well-draining soil are vital for the cactus to thrive. However, some varieties of cacti can even be planted indoors as they necessitate little sunlight.

7. What was your favorite plant when you were a kid?

I wasn born in the countryside and I’ve grown so attached to bamboos – a kind of evergreen plants, which can provide a cool patch of shade. This kind of plant is the symbol of rural areas in Vietnam.

8. What plants are important to the economy in your country?

Rice plays an indispensable part in the daily life of Vietnamese people because it’s our main food. In addition, Vietnam is one of the largest rice exporters in the world. So it is not an exaggeration to say that Vietnam’s economy depends quite a lot on this plant. Rice can be found in every nook and cranny of rural areas in Vietnam, I believe.

9. Is it common for people to have gardens in your country?

I believe it all depends on where you are. When I visit my parents, who live in a rural area in Hanoi, tons of houses grow their own vegetables in their own gardens. Growing their own vegetables, they can ensure the food is clean and safe. But, in more urban areas like the place where I’m living, there is little space so we can hardly design a garden.

10. Is gardening popular in your country? 

Yes, it is. In fact, it is one of the most popular pastime activities in Vietnam. Being green-fingered has quietly become not only acceptable but aspirational, you can grow something, and they will provide you shade, fruits, and vegetables in return. And many people find gardening very therapeutic. I mean, it is one of the best ways for people to have more reasons to get outside, relax, and enjoy a healthier, happier life. 

Learn English Through Topics. Plants. Part 3. Listening. Listen and fill in the missing words.