An increasingly common topic in IELTS Speaking tests involves describing journeys that didn’t go according to plan. Similar to describe a trip you planned but didn’t go as expected, this topic tests candidates’ ability to narrate experiences and express emotions effectively.
IELTS candidate preparing for speaking test about unexpected journey
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions in this section include:
- Do you like traveling?
- What type of transport do you prefer?
- Have you ever experienced travel delays?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m absolutely passionate about traveling. I tend to favor train journeys as they offer both comfort and scenic views. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered several delays, but I’ve learned to take them in stride and view them as part of the adventure.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a journey that didn’t go as planned
You should say:
- Where you were going
- What happened
- How you dealt with the situation
- And explain how you felt about it
Frustrated traveler dealing with unexpected flight cancellation
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to tell you about a trip to Bangkok that went wrong. My flight was cancelled due to bad weather. I had to wait at the airport for 6 hours. I called the hotel to change my booking and tried to stay calm. I felt frustrated but understood it was for safety.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience about my ill-fated journey to Bangkok last summer. What was supposed to be a straightforward flight turned into quite an ordeal when our flight was abruptly cancelled due to severe tropical storms. I promptly took the initiative to contact my hotel and managed to negotiate a flexible check-in. Though initially disheartened, I chose to maintain a positive outlook and used the time to strike up conversations with fellow stranded travelers, which turned out to be quite enlightening.”
Like describe a tourist attraction that disappointed you, unexpected situations can lead to memorable experiences.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do people generally react to travel disruptions?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“People’s reactions tend to vary considerably. While some individuals become visibly frustrated and lose their composure, others demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability. I’ve observed that experienced travelers often take such disruptions in their stride and view them as part of the journey.”
Similar to describe a trip you had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, handling unexpected situations requires good problem-solving skills.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Ill-fated: unfortunate /ɪl ˈfeɪtɪd/
- Turn into an ordeal: become a difficult experience /ˈɔːdiəl/
- Take the initiative: act without being prompted /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/
- Strike up conversations: begin talking to someone /straɪk ʌp/
- Maintain composure: stay calm /kəmˈpəʊʒə/
IELTS candidate practicing advanced vocabulary for speaking test
Examiner’s Tips
- Focus on using a range of vocabulary and expressions
- Structure your answer logically
- Include specific details and personal reactions
- Practice describing both positive and negative aspects of experiences
For more practice, you might want to review describe an achievement that made you happy to understand how to express personal experiences effectively.
