Hi everyone, and welcome to the IELTS TIME Podcast! I’m Archer, and today we’re exploring a Part 3 topic: gardening and agriculture.We’ll start with a mock interview between Jessica and Joseph, and then I’ll go through the answers, highlighting the main points and giving tips on how to structure your responses.
So, get comfortable, and let’s jump right in!
Why do you think some people enjoy growing plants while others don’t?
I think it comes down to personality, lifestyle, and how people relate to nature. Some individuals genuinely enjoy the slow, steady process of nurturing something from scratch, and they find it calming and almost therapeutic. It gives them a break from technology and allows them to disconnect from constant stimulation. On the other hand, many people feel that gardening is time-consuming or messy, and they don’t like the uncertainty that comes with caring for living things. If someone has a hectic schedule or limited space, the whole idea of maintaining plants can feel more like a burden than a pleasure. So the difference is really about whether a person sees it as a relaxing hobby or an extra responsibility.
How important is it for people living in cities to have access to green spaces?
I would say it’s extremely important. Cities can be overwhelming, with noise, pollution, and constant movement, so green spaces act as natural escape points. They don’t just make the city look nicer—they actually improve mental health by giving people a place to unwind. There’s also a practical benefit: green areas help cool the environment and improve air quality, which is essential as cities continue to grow. And from a social perspective, parks bring people together. You see families, children, and elderly people all using the same space, which helps strengthen the sense of community. Without these areas, urban life would feel much more stressful and isolating.
What benefits can children get from learning how to grow plants?
Children gain a wide range of benefits. First, it teaches them responsibility, because plants need consistent care. They learn that if they forget to water a plant, it won’t survive, which is an important life lesson. Second, gardening connects them to nature and helps them understand basic science in a hands-on way. Concepts like life cycles, sunlight, and soil suddenly become real. It also teaches patience, because plants don’t grow overnight, and children learn to appreciate gradual progress. And finally, it encourages healthier habits—kids are often more willing to eat vegetables they’ve grown themselves. So it’s educational, emotional, and even nutritional.
Do you think modern lifestyles give people enough time to do gardening? Why or why not?
In general, I think modern lifestyles make traditional gardening quite challenging. Many people work long hours, commute, or live in small apartments without outdoor space. As a result, taking care of a full garden can feel unrealistic. However, what’s interesting is that people have adapted. There’s been a big rise in indoor plants, balcony gardening, and low-maintenance options like succulents. Some people even use automated watering systems to save time. So while modern life doesn’t naturally allow a lot of free time for gardening, people who really want to do it find creative ways to make it fit into their lifestyle.
How has technology changed the way people grow plants at home?
Technology has completely transformed home gardening. Smart devices now automate many tasks—people can get reminders on when to water, or even use sensors that monitor soil moisture and send notifications to their phones. LED grow lights have made it possible to grow plants in places with very little sunlight, such as small apartments. Hydroponic systems let people grow herbs or vegetables indoors using water instead of soil, which is incredibly space-efficient. Technology has removed a lot of the guesswork, so even beginners can achieve good results. Overall, it has made gardening more accessible and convenient.
How has modern agriculture changed compared to the past?
Modern agriculture is far more industrialized and technology-driven. In the past, farming relied on manual labour and smaller plots of land. Today, farmers use advanced machinery, satellite mapping, and even drones to monitor crops. Precision agriculture allows farmers to apply water and fertilizers exactly where they’re needed, which reduces waste. On the other hand, many farms now focus on monocropping, which can harm soil health in the long run. There’s also a strong push toward genetically modified crops that are more resistant to disease. So agriculture has become more efficient, but also more dependent on technology and large-scale operations.
Is farming still an attractive career option for young people today?
For many young people, traditional farming is not very appealing. It requires a huge amount of physical work, the profit margins can be low, and the risks—like unpredictable weather—are quite high. The cost of land and equipment also makes it difficult for young people to start from scratch. However, there’s another side to agriculture that is attracting young people: agri-tech. They’re interested in using drones, data analysis, and automation to improve farming efficiency. Urban farming and organic farming are also becoming more popular. So the career is evolving, and young people are more drawn to the modern, innovative aspects rather than the traditional lifestyle.
What challenges do farmers currently face in your country?
Farmers face a wide range of challenges. Climate change is one of the biggest ones—extreme weather like droughts, heavy rain, and heatwaves can destroy crops. The rising cost of fertilizers, seeds, and fuel also makes farming less profitable. Farmers often struggle with unstable market prices, so even when they produce good crops, they might not earn enough. In some areas, there are also issues with access to water, which puts pressure on irrigation systems. And of course, global competition means local farmers sometimes struggle to compete with cheaper imports. All of these factors create a lot of uncertainty and financial stress.
Do you think countries should rely on local agriculture rather than imports? Why?
I think countries should aim for a balanced approach. Supporting local agriculture is important for food security, because relying too heavily on imports can make a country vulnerable to global supply chain problems. Local production also supports the economy and reduces environmental impact. However, it’s unrealistic to expect every country to produce everything it needs. Climate and geography limit what can be grown, and imports help provide variety and stable supply. So the ideal solution is to strengthen local production where possible, while still using imports to fill the gaps.
Should governments invest more in sustainable farming and environmentally friendly practices?
Yes, absolutely. Sustainable farming is essential for long-term food security and environmental health. Traditional methods, especially those involving heavy pesticide use, can damage soil, water, and biodiversity. Governments should provide subsidies, training, and research support to help farmers adopt greener techniques, such as crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and water-efficient irrigation. Many farmers would like to farm sustainably but can’t afford the initial costs, so government support can make a huge difference. Investing in sustainability now will help ensure that agricultural land remains productive for future generations.
Alright, listeners, let’s break down Joseph’s answers and highlight the key points
First up, we have the question: why do some people enjoy growing plants while others don’t? Joseph explained that it’s really about personality, lifestyle, and how people relate to nature. Some people find gardening calming and therapeutic, while others see it as messy or time-consuming. He also mentioned that someone with a busy schedule or limited space might view it more as a chore than a pleasure. This is a great example of giving reasons and context. When you answer, try to show both sides if the question asks for it.
Next, let’s look at the question on city dwellers and access to green spaces. Joseph covered mental health benefits, practical advantages like cleaner air and cooler environments, and even social benefits, like bringing communities together. This shows how you can address multiple dimensions: health, environment, and social aspects. For Part 3, aim to cover at least three angles in your answer to make it richer.
Moving on to children learning to grow plants. Joseph mentioned responsibility, hands-on learning about science, patience, and even healthier eating habits. That’s perfect because it covers educational, emotional, and practical benefits. When preparing answers like this, think in categories and give two to three concrete points.
Next up, we have the question about whether modern lifestyles give people enough time to garden. Joseph pointed out the challenges—people are busy, live in small apartments, and commute a lot—but then he highlighted solutions like indoor plants, balcony gardens, low-maintenance plants, and automated watering systems. Notice how he balanced problems and solutions. This is key in Part 3: show that you can think critically, not just list issues.
The next question is about technology and how it’s changed home gardening. Joseph talked about smart devices, LED grow lights, and hydroponics. He made it clear how technology makes gardening easier and more accessible. The takeaway here is to use specific examples—it demonstrates knowledge and makes your answer convincing.
Moving on to modern agriculture compared to the past, Joseph contrasted manual, small-scale farming with industrial, tech-driven agriculture. He mentioned machinery, drones, monocropping, and genetically modified crops, covering both pros and cons. This kind of balanced, analytical answer is exactly what IELTS examiners want.
Then, there’s the question about whether farming is still an attractive career option for young people. Joseph explained the challenges, like physical work, financial risk, and startup costs, but he also talked about modern opportunities in agri-tech, urban farming, and organic farming. Showing both traditional challenges and modern solutions strengthens your response.
Next, we have the question on the challenges farmers currently face. Joseph listed climate change, rising costs, unstable markets, water access, and global competition. That’s a solid answer because it covers environmental and economic challenges. When you respond, aim for three to four concrete points.
Then, there’s the question about whether countries should rely on local agriculture or imports. Joseph emphasized food security, economic support for local farmers, and environmental benefits, but he also acknowledged that imports are sometimes necessary. This is a balanced approach, showing critical thinking instead of a one-sided opinion.
Finally, we have the question on whether governments should invest more in sustainable farming and environmentally friendly practices. Joseph highlighted long-term food security, environmental health, examples of sustainable methods, and the need for government support. He connected policy to practical outcomes and future benefits. This is a great way to make your answer convincing and comprehensive.
So, listeners, the main takeaways are: cover multiple points, give examples and explanations, balance different perspectives, and use topic-specific vocabulary naturally. Remember, clarity and relevance are more important than long or complicated sentences.
That wraps up today’s analysis. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
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