ALL STORIES➡

Sara heads up to the mountain with her family. She walks along the trails and checks out the tall trees. She also picks up some stones and flowers. She sits down to take a break and has a sandwich. At the end of the day, she hikes back down the mountain and gets home feeling happy.

This one has such a fresh, adventurous feel. Sara and her friends are having a great day! 🥾🌲📷
Sara and her friends go on a mountain hike. They walk along trails lined with tall trees and listen to the birds singing away. On the way, they pick up leaves and snap some photos of the view. At the top, they take a break and take in the scenery before heading back down.

Sara’s hike sounds organized but still full of fun! 🥾🏞️

Sara enjoys a mountain hike with her hiking group. They stick to a well-marked trail and make their way across a small river. On the way up, they stop for breaks to drink some water and take in the view. At the top, they snap some pics and share snacks. Before heading back, they check over their gear to make sure everything’s good to go.

This one feels like a real nature-lover’s adventure. Sara’s team is ready for anything! 🌿🦉📚

Sara and her team plan out a full-day hike in the mountains. They get ready with light backpacks, water, and food. On the way up, they check out the local plants and animals, looking up different species in a field guide. The trail’s steep, but they keep going with determination. At the top, they take in an incredible panoramic view. Before heading down, they take a break and talk about how important it is to look after these natural places.

For Sara, every mountain hike is a chance to unplug from everyday stress. As she makes her way up, she thinks about the impact humans have on nature and the balance of the ecosystem. At the summit, she sits down on a rock and takes a deep breath, just soaking in the vast landscape. On the way down, she reflects on how the mountain has been shaped over time by erosion and the changing seasons.

Sara goes into the expedition with both a scientific and reflective mindset. As she hikes up, she takes note of the geology and jots down observations about biodiversity at different altitudes. She thinks about how humans and nature are connected and wonders how mountains have shaped history and culture. At the end of the hike, she writes down her thoughts in a journal, especially that feeling of being so small compared to the vastness all around her.

SPEAKING PRACTICE – PHOTO DESCRIPTION – Model answers (A1–C2)

🟢 A1

In the picture, I see a man. He is walking in the mountains. He is alone. He has a big backpack and a stick. There are trees and big rocks. Maybe he is happy.

🟡 A2

This picture shows a man hiking in the mountains. He is carrying a backpack and walking alone. The path is surrounded by trees and plants. The mountains look tall. It seems quiet, and I think he feels relaxed.

🟠 B1

In this image, there is a man hiking alone along a narrow trail in the mountains. He is carrying a large backpack and using a walking stick, so he is probably on a long walk. The place looks calm and quiet, and the scenery is very natural and green. I think he might be enjoying some time alone and feeling peaceful.

🔵 B2

This image shows a solitary hiker walking through a mountainous landscape. He seems to be well-equipped, with a large backpack and a trekking pole, which suggests that he is on a serious hiking trip. The surroundings are lush and green, and the view of the mountains is impressive. I imagine he is appreciating the beauty of nature and perhaps enjoying some solitude.

🟣 C1

The picture captures a lone hiker making his way along a scenic mountain trail, surrounded by dense vegetation and majestic peaks. His gear indicates he is on a well-prepared trek, possibly for several days. The mood of the image is peaceful and contemplative, and I’d say he’s seeking a personal escape or a moment of introspection in nature. The image conveys a strong sense of freedom and connection with the natural world.

🔴 C2

This evocative image portrays a solitary figure immersed in a vast and serene alpine setting, embarking on a contemplative journey through nature. The composition, with towering peaks and a winding trail, suggests not only physical movement but also a metaphorical path toward clarity or self-discovery. The hiker’s preparedness implies intentional solitude, possibly reflecting on life decisions or personal growth. The image encapsulates the therapeutic essence of nature, offering a contrast to the distractions of modern life and highlighting the enduring human need for silence and perspective.

SPEAKING PRACTICE – PHOTO COMPARISON – Model answers (A1–C2)

🟢 A1 (Beginner)

In the first picture, a man is walking in the mountains.
In the second picture, a man is walking on a machine in the gym.
Both men are doing exercise.
I like the first picture.

🟡 A2 (Elementary)

In picture one, the man is hiking in the mountains.
In picture two, he is walking on a treadmill.
Both pictures show exercise, but the first one is outside and the second is inside.
I prefer walking outside.

🟠 B1 (Intermediate)

These pictures show two different ways of staying fit.
In the first one, the man is hiking through nature, surrounded by trees and mountains.
In the second, he is exercising indoors on a treadmill.
While both people are walking, the first image suggests relaxation and fresh air, and the second suggests routine and structure.
I prefer hiking because it’s more relaxing.

🟣 B2 (Upper-Intermediate)

Both images focus on physical activity, but in very different contexts.
The man in the first picture is hiking outdoors, enjoying nature, possibly on a long-distance trail.
The man in the second image is working out in a gym, using a treadmill, which is a more controlled and repetitive environment.
Although both forms of exercise are beneficial, hiking offers scenery and mental relaxation, while indoor training is more convenient and less dependent on weather.
Personally, I’d choose hiking for the connection to nature.

🔵 C1 (Advanced)

These two images present contrasting approaches to fitness and well-being.
The first scene shows a man engaged in a challenging and scenic hike, suggesting personal growth, solitude, and a desire to reconnect with the natural world.
In contrast, the second portrays a more urban, structured environment, where the individual trains under artificial conditions, likely prioritizing efficiency and regularity.
While both scenes reflect discipline and health-conscious behavior, they differ in terms of mental stimulation, environment, and emotional impact.
I would personally find the mountain hike more rewarding on multiple levels.

🔴 C2 (Proficient)

The juxtaposition of these two visuals offers a reflection on how individuals pursue physical and emotional well-being through exercise.
The solitary hiker, immersed in a vast and unspoiled landscape, embodies a holistic engagement with movement, introspection, and natural beauty.
By contrast, the treadmill runner operates within the predictable framework of a gym, where physical health is often approached with precision, regularity, and isolation from natural stimuli.
Both individuals are committed to personal wellness, yet their environments profoundly shape the experience—one therapeutic and exploratory, the other functional and focused.
Personally, I believe the first scenario nurtures both body and mind more deeply.

A Trip to the Mountain – Bilingual English Listening Practice (A1–C2)