Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of IELTS TIME, where we explore IELTS speaking topics and share examples of natural, engaging responses. Today, the focus is on something everyone experiences but rarely thinks much about—rain.
We’ll hear two different sets of responses: one from Joseph, who strongly dislikes rainy days, and one from Blondie, who doesn’t mind rain and actually enjoys heavy showers. Whether you like rain or not, listening to these different answers can give you ideas on how to talk about everyday topics in your own way, and help make your responses feel natural, relatable, and personal.
Let’s start with Joseph.
Do you like rainy days? Why or why not?
Not at all. Rainy days usually put me in a bad mood because they make everything feel a bit dull and inconvenient. I prefer clear, sunny weather where I can actually enjoy being outdoors without worrying about getting soaked.
Did you enjoy rainy days when you were a child?
Not really. Most kids around me used to get excited about splashing in puddles, but I was never into that. I remember feeling irritated whenever it rained because it meant I couldn’t play outside comfortably. Even back then, I preferred staying indoors and avoiding all the mess and discomfort that came with wet weather.
Does it often rain where you live?
Unfortunately, yes. I live in a city where it rains more often than I’d like, especially during the transitional seasons. It’s manageable, but it definitely makes commuting and planning activities more annoying.
What do you usually do when it rains?
I tend to stay indoors whenever possible. I might catch up on work or watch something online, simply because going out in the rain feels like unnecessary trouble.
How do you feel when you get caught in the rain?
Honestly, I find it extremely frustrating. I hate that sticky feeling of wet clothes, and I always worry about my phone and laptop getting damaged. It just throws off my entire day.
Do you prefer light rain or heavy rain?
If I had to choose, light rain is slightly more tolerable because at least I can still walk around without getting drenched. But generally speaking, I’m not a fan of any kind of rain.
Has rain ever ruined your plans? What happened?
Definitely. There have been several times when I planned to play sports or meet friends outdoors, only to have everything cancelled because of sudden showers. It’s always disappointing and feels like wasted time.
Do you think people’s moods change on rainy days?
Yes, I do. From what I’ve seen, rain tends to make people quieter and a bit sluggish. In my case, it definitely lowers my energy and motivation to do anything outside.
What kind of clothes or items do you use on rainy days?
I usually carry a compact umbrella and wear a waterproof jacket, even though I don’t like the hassle. I try to keep things minimal because I really don’t enjoy dealing with rain gear.
Do you enjoy the sound of rain? Why?
Not particularly. Some people find it relaxing, but to me it’s just a reminder that I’m stuck indoors or that I’ll have to navigate puddles outside later.
Is there any season in your country when it rains a lot?
Yes, the rainy season hits in late spring and early summer. The weather becomes unpredictable, and sudden downpours are common, which is honestly my least favourite time of the year.
That was Joseph, sharing his take on rainy days. Looking at the language he uses, we can hear how he expresses his dislike for rain in a natural, conversational way. Phrases like “put me in a bad mood” and “throws off my entire day” clearly communicate frustration without sounding exaggerated. His descriptions of rain as “dull and inconvenient” and mentioning “transitional seasons” show precise and varied vocabulary, making his responses vivid yet easy to follow. He also balances negative feelings with concrete observations, like commuting issues or cancelled plans, which keeps his answers grounded and relatable. Overall, this shows how even expressing dislike can be done fluently and naturally.
Now let’s hear from Blondie.
Do you like rainy days? Why or why not?
I don’t mind them at all. I wouldn’t say I want it to rain every single day, but there’s something soothing about it, especially when it’s pouring. Heavy rain makes everything feel more atmospheric, and I actually find it quite calming.
Did you enjoy rainy days when you were a child?
Yes, I did. I remember watching storms from the window and feeling oddly fascinated by them. I never really played in the rain, but I liked the sound and the drama of it even back then.
Does it often rain where you live?
It does, especially during the transition between seasons. Some people complain about it, but I honestly don’t see it as a big deal. As long as I’m prepared, I don’t mind it.
What do you usually do when it rains?
If I’m at home, I love making a cup of tea and reading while listening to the rain. If I’m out, I just carry on with my day. Rain doesn’t stop me from doing anything; it’s more of a mild inconvenience at worst.
How do you feel when you get caught in the rain?
If it’s a heavy downpour, I actually find it a bit fun in a strange way. Obviously, getting completely soaked isn’t ideal, but the sudden intensity of it feels refreshing. Light rain, on the other hand, can be slightly annoying because it’s just damp without any drama.
Do you prefer light rain or heavy rain?
Definitely heavy rain. Light rain feels weak and drizzly, but heavy rain creates this immersive sound and atmosphere that I really enjoy. It’s almost like nature is putting on a show.
Has rain ever ruined your plans? What happened?
Of course—it happens to everyone. There have been times when outdoor plans had to be cancelled, but I usually take it in stride. I’m the type of person who can easily switch to something indoors without feeling disappointed.
Do you think people’s moods change on rainy days?
Yes, I’ve noticed that a lot of people get sleepy or grumpy when it rains. Personally, it doesn’t affect me negatively at all. If anything, heavy rain makes me feel more relaxed and focused.
What kind of clothes or items do you use on rainy days?
I always carry a compact umbrella, and I usually wear a light waterproof jacket. Nothing too bulky. I prefer staying practical without over-preparing unless I know there’s going to be a major storm.
Do you enjoy the sound of rain? Why?
Absolutely. The sound of heavy rain is one of my favourite things. It’s rhythmic and grounding, almost like white noise but more natural. It helps me concentrate or unwind, depending on my mood.
Is there any season in your country when it rains a lot?
Yes, late spring and early summer are the rainiest. The sudden storms during that time can be quite intense, but I actually enjoy the dramatic weather—just not every day, of course.
That was Blondie, sharing her perspective on the same set of questions. Her answers show how to describe experiences with rain in a calm and reflective way. She uses sensory language, such as “something soothing about it” and “immersive sound,” which helps listeners picture the situation. Expressions like “feels refreshing” and “the drama of it” add emotional depth, while practical comments—like carrying an umbrella or wearing a light waterproof jacket—keep her answers realistic and relatable. Her careful balance of detail and feeling makes even a simple topic engaging, demonstrating how personal experience can shape natural and expressive responses.
That concludes today’s episode on the IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic “Rain.” By listening to these two contrasting sets of responses, it’s clear that how you feel about a topic doesn’t limit your ability to give detailed, expressive answers. Rain may seem ordinary, but it opens the door to personal stories, descriptive language, and natural expressions.
Thanks for tuning in to IELTS TIME. Keep practicing, keep experimenting with your own language, and remember, the key is to speak naturally and with confidence.
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