The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about travel experiences, and one common topic is describing a place that differed from your expectations. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about travel and places you’ve visited. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you like to travel?
2. What kind of places do you enjoy visiting?
3. Have you ever been surprised by a place you visited?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Examiner: Have you ever been surprised by a place you visited?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I remember being pleasantly surprised by my visit to Tokyo last year. I had always imagined it to be an overwhelmingly crowded and chaotic city, but I was struck by how orderly and clean it actually was. The efficiency of the public transportation system and the politeness of the locals really exceeded my expectations.”

Efficient Tokyo subway system

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Place You Visited That Was Very Different From Your Expectations
You should say:

• Where the place was
• When you visited it
• What you expected it to be like
• How it was different from your expectations

And explain why you were surprised by the difference.

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my trip to Venice, Italy, which I visited last summer. Before going there, I had always pictured Venice as this romantic, peaceful city with beautiful canals and historic architecture. I expected to see gondolas gliding smoothly through quiet waterways and couples enjoying intimate moments on picturesque bridges.

However, when I arrived, I was quite taken aback by the reality. The city was incredibly crowded, with tourists everywhere. The narrow streets were packed with people, making it difficult to move around freely. The canals, while still beautiful, were much busier than I had imagined, with various boats constantly going back and forth.

The biggest surprise was probably the smell. I hadn’t anticipated the strong odor from the canals, especially during the hot summer days. It was quite unpleasant at times and definitely not the romantic atmosphere I had envisioned.

I think I was so surprised because my expectations were largely based on idealized images from movies and postcards. These tend to show Venice in its best light, often during quieter seasons or early mornings before the crowds arrive. The reality of peak tourist season was very different.

Despite the initial shock, I still enjoyed my visit. It was a good reminder that popular tourist destinations often have a less glamorous side, and it’s important to keep an open mind when traveling. The experience taught me to research more thoroughly and manage my expectations better for future trips.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss my recent visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia, which I had the opportunity to explore last winter. Prior to my journey, I had envisioned Siem Reap primarily as a gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, anticipating a small, underdeveloped town with limited amenities catering mainly to backpackers and adventure seekers.

However, upon arrival, I was utterly astonished by the vibrant and cosmopolitan nature of the city. Contrary to my expectations of a sleepy rural town, Siem Reap boasted a thriving urban center with a plethora of modern restaurants, boutique hotels, and art galleries. The juxtaposition of ancient temples and contemporary urban life was truly captivating.

What struck me most was the city’s unexpected culinary scene. I had presumed I would be limited to basic local dishes, but instead, I discovered a diverse array of international cuisines and fusion restaurants that rivaled those found in major global cities. The presence of highly skilled chefs creating innovative dishes using local ingredients was a delightful surprise.

Furthermore, the local people’s proficiency in English and their warm hospitality far exceeded my expectations. I had anticipated some language barriers, but found myself engaging in profound conversations with locals about history, culture, and contemporary Cambodian life.

The stark contrast between my preconceptions and the reality I encountered served as a poignant reminder of the dangers of stereotyping destinations based on limited information. This experience has profoundly impacted my approach to travel, instilling in me a deeper appreciation for the complexity and dynamism of places often oversimplified in travel brochures.

In retrospect, the disparity between my expectations and the actual experience heightened my enjoyment of the trip. It underscored the importance of approaching new destinations with an open mind and a willingness to have one’s preconceptions challenged. This unexpected encounter with Siem Reap’s modernity, set against the backdrop of its ancient wonders, created a richly layered travel experience that I will cherish for years to come.”

Modern restaurant in Siem Reap

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your approach to travel?
2. Do you think it’s better to have low or high expectations when visiting a new place?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“This experience has fundamentally altered my approach to travel in several ways. Firstly, it has instilled in me a greater sense of open-mindedness when visiting new destinations. I now make a conscious effort to suspend judgment and avoid forming rigid expectations based on secondhand information or popular media portrayals.

Secondly, it has sparked a deeper interest in thorough research before my trips. While I still enjoy the element of surprise, I now strive to gather a more comprehensive understanding of a place’s current social, economic, and cultural landscape, rather than relying solely on its historical reputation or tourist brochures.

Lastly, this experience has heightened my appreciation for the complexity and dynamism of different cultures and societies. I’ve become more attuned to the nuances of local life and more eager to engage with residents to gain authentic insights into their communities. This shift has enriched my travel experiences immeasurably, allowing me to form more meaningful connections and gain deeper cultural understanding wherever I go.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Why do you think people often have inaccurate expectations about places they haven’t visited?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there are several reasons why people might form inaccurate expectations about unfamiliar places. Firstly, media representation plays a significant role. Movies, TV shows, and even travel documentaries often portray destinations in a particular light, either romanticizing them or focusing on specific aspects that may not represent the whole picture.

Secondly, outdated information can contribute to misconceptions. Places can change rapidly, especially developing countries or popular tourist destinations, but guidebooks and online reviews might not always keep up with these changes.

Lastly, I think our own biases and stereotypes can shape our expectations. We might unconsciously apply generalizations about a country or region to specific places within it, without considering local variations or recent developments.

To mitigate these issues, I think it’s important for travelers to seek out diverse and up-to-date sources of information, including recent traveler experiences and local perspectives. Additionally, maintaining an open mind and being prepared for surprises can help us appreciate places for what they are, rather than what we expected them to be.”

Diverse travel information sources

Examiner: How can unexpected experiences during travel contribute to personal growth?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Unexpected experiences during travel can be catalysts for significant personal growth in multiple ways. Firstly, they challenge our preconceptions and force us to confront our biases. When we encounter situations or cultures that don’t align with our expectations, we’re compelled to reassess our worldview and become more open-minded.

Moreover, unexpected experiences often push us out of our comfort zones, fostering resilience and adaptability. Whether it’s navigating an unfamiliar transportation system or trying to communicate in a foreign language, these challenges enhance our problem-solving skills and boost our confidence in handling unforeseen situations.

Furthermore, surprises during travel can spark curiosity and a deeper engagement with the destination. When our expectations are upended, we’re more likely to ask questions, seek out local perspectives, and delve deeper into understanding the complexities of a place. This curiosity can lead to more meaningful interactions and a richer, more nuanced understanding of different cultures.

Lastly, unexpected experiences often create the most enduring memories and profound lessons. They prompt self-reflection and can lead to a reevaluation of our own values, priorities, and assumptions about the world. This introspection is crucial for personal growth and can foster increased empathy and cultural sensitivity.

In essence, by disrupting our mental status quo, unexpected travel experiences serve as powerful tools for broadening our perspectives, enhancing our adaptability, and deepening our understanding of both ourselves and the world around us. They transform travel from mere sightseeing into a journey of personal discovery and growth.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. To exceed expectations /ɪkˈsiːd ɪkspekˈteɪʃənz/ (phrasal verb): To be better or greater than anticipated.
   Example: “The local cuisine far exceeded my expectations.”

2. To be taken aback /ˈteɪkən əˈbæk/ (idiom): To be surprised or startled by something unexpected.
   Example: “I was quite taken aback by the city’s modern skyline.”

3. To anticipate /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ (verb): To expect or predict.
   Example: “I hadn’t anticipated the level of English proficiency among the locals.”

4. To juxtapose /ˈdʒʌkstəpəʊz/ (verb): To place different things side by side, especially to compare them or to create an interesting effect.
   Example: “The juxtaposition of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers was truly fascinating.”

5. To dispel misconceptions /dɪˈspel mɪskənˈsepʃənz/ (phrase): To eliminate false ideas or beliefs.
   Example: “Visiting the country helped dispel many of my misconceptions about its culture.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing unexpected travel experiences:

1. Use a range of descriptive language to vividly portray your experiences and emotions.
2. Structure your answer logically, clearly addressing all parts of the question.
3. Provide specific examples to support your points and make your answer more engaging.
4. Reflect on the impact of the experience, demonstrating critical thinking and self-awareness.
5. Practice incorporating advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.

Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to use sophisticated language, ensure that your responses remain natural and conversational. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you become more comfortable and fluent in expressing your ideas during the test.

For further preparation, you might find it helpful to describe a tourist attraction that disappointed you or describe a trip you went on with your family. These exercises can provide additional practice in discussing travel experiences and managing expectations.