The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about travel and tourism, making it essential for candidates to be prepared to discuss famous tourist attractions. This topic has consistently appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a famous tourist attraction you would like to explore, with sample responses for different band scores.
Describe a historic building you have visited can be a similar topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for such related themes can help you perform better overall.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about travel and tourism. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy traveling?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find traveling incredibly enriching. It’s not just about seeing new places, but also about immersing myself in different cultures and broadening my horizons. Every trip I take feels like an opportunity to learn something new about the world and myself.”
Part 2: Long Turn
For this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:
Describe a famous tourist attraction you would like to explore
You should say:
- What it is
- Where it is located
- Why you want to visit it
- What you expect to experience there
And explain why this attraction is famous.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’ve always dreamed of visiting the Great Wall of China. It’s located in northern China and stretches over 13,000 miles across the country. I want to visit it because it’s one of the most impressive architectural wonders in the world. I expect to be amazed by its sheer size and the beautiful landscapes surrounding it.
The Great Wall is famous because it’s an incredible feat of engineering that was built over many centuries. It’s also a symbol of Chinese history and culture. I think walking along the wall would give me a real sense of the country’s past and the effort it took to build such a massive structure.
I’m particularly interested in seeing the well-preserved sections near Beijing, like Mutianyu. I’ve heard that these parts offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. I’m also curious about the watchtowers and how they were used for defense.
I believe visiting the Great Wall would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s not just about seeing a famous landmark, but also about connecting with history and appreciating human achievement. I hope to learn more about Chinese culture and maybe even pick up a few words of Mandarin during my visit.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m particularly intrigued by the prospect of exploring Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. This archaeological marvel is renowned for its breathtaking location, perched on a mountain ridge at an altitude of about 2,430 meters above sea level.
My fascination with Machu Picchu stems from its rich historical significance and the air of mystery that still surrounds it. The site’s precise stone construction, intricate terraces, and astronomically aligned buildings are a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. I’m eager to witness firsthand how this ancient city harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings, creating a mesmerizing interplay between human craftsmanship and nature’s grandeur.
I anticipate that visiting Machu Picchu would be an awe-inspiring experience. I envision myself walking through the ruins at dawn, when the first rays of sunlight illuminate the stone structures, casting long shadows and creating a mystical atmosphere. I’m particularly keen to explore the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone, which are said to have had significant astronomical and religious importance to the Incas.
The fame of Machu Picchu is multi-faceted. It’s not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its remote location and the fact that it remained hidden from the outside world for centuries add to its allure. The site’s remarkable state of preservation offers invaluable insights into Incan urban planning and engineering.
Moreover, I believe that visiting Machu Picchu would be more than just a tourist experience. It would be an opportunity to reflect on the impermanence of civilizations and the enduring legacy of human achievement. The journey to reach the site, whether by train through the scenic Sacred Valley or by trekking the Inca Trail, would itself be a transformative experience, allowing me to appreciate the challenging terrain that the Incas navigated and the natural beauty of the Peruvian landscape.”
Follow-up Questions:
- What impact do you think tourism has on such historical sites?
- How do you think technology might change the way we experience famous attractions in the future?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“The impact of tourism on historical sites like Machu Picchu is a double-edged sword. On one hand, tourism generates significant revenue that can be used for preservation and research. It also raises global awareness about the importance of these sites, potentially leading to increased protection efforts.
However, mass tourism can pose serious threats to the integrity of historical sites. The sheer volume of visitors can cause physical damage through erosion of pathways, touching of delicate structures, and even accidental or intentional vandalism. There’s also the risk of environmental degradation in the surrounding areas due to increased infrastructure development to accommodate tourists.
To mitigate these negative impacts, many sites have implemented visitor management strategies. These might include limiting daily visitor numbers, enforcing strict behavioral guidelines, or using virtual reality technology to offer alternative experiences. It’s a delicate balance between making these wonders accessible to the public and ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Ultimately, I believe the key lies in sustainable tourism practices that prioritize conservation while still allowing people to experience these marvels firsthand. This could involve educating visitors about the site’s significance and fragility, investing in cutting-edge preservation techniques, and perhaps even rotating accessible areas to allow for restoration periods. The goal should be to foster a sense of global stewardship for these irreplaceable treasures of human history.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: How do you think tourism affects local communities near famous attractions?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of tourism on local communities near famous attractions is multifaceted and complex. On the positive side, tourism can bring significant economic benefits. It creates job opportunities, not just in the tourism sector itself, but also in supporting industries like hospitality, transportation, and retail. This influx of money can lead to improved infrastructure and public services, benefiting both tourists and locals alike.
However, there are also potential downsides to consider. Overtourism can lead to increased cost of living for locals, as prices for goods, services, and housing often rise to cater to tourists’ budgets. This can result in gentrification, pushing out long-term residents who can no longer afford to live in their communities.
There’s also the risk of cultural commodification, where local traditions and customs are packaged and presented in a way that appeals to tourists but may not authentically represent the community’s heritage. This can lead to a loss of cultural identity over time.
Moreover, the environmental impact of mass tourism on local ecosystems cannot be overlooked. Increased pollution, strain on natural resources, and habitat destruction are all potential consequences.
To mitigate these negative effects, many destinations are now focusing on sustainable tourism models. These approaches aim to balance economic benefits with cultural preservation and environmental protection. This might involve setting visitor caps, promoting off-season travel, or developing eco-friendly tourism practices.
Ultimately, the key lies in fostering a symbiotic relationship between tourists and local communities. This could involve initiatives that ensure a fair distribution of tourism revenue, encourage cultural exchange programs, and prioritize the preservation of local traditions and natural resources. By doing so, we can hope to create a tourism industry that enriches both visitors and hosts alike.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Architectural marvel /ˌɑːkɪˈtektʃərəl ˈmɑːvəl/ (noun phrase): A building or structure that is exceptionally impressive in its design and construction.
Example: “The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as an architectural marvel of the Mughal era.” -
Cultural significance /ˈkʌltʃərəl sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/ (noun phrase): The importance of something in terms of its cultural value or meaning.
Example: “The cultural significance of Stonehenge extends far beyond its physical structure.” -
Awe-inspiring /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration or fear.
Example: “The Grand Canyon’s vast expanse is truly awe-inspiring.” -
Preservation efforts /ˌprezəˈveɪʃən ˈefəts/ (noun phrase): Actions taken to maintain something in its original state and prevent it from being damaged or destroyed.
Example: “Ongoing preservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the integrity of ancient ruins.” -
Sustainable tourism /səˈsteɪnəbəl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ (noun phrase): Tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment.
Example: “Many countries are now focusing on developing sustainable tourism models to protect their natural and cultural resources.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing famous tourist attractions:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases related to travel and tourism.
- Demonstrate your ability to discuss both concrete details and abstract concepts related to the topic.
- Provide specific examples to support your points, showing depth of knowledge and personal engagement with the subject.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to express your ideas clearly and precisely.
- Show awareness of global issues related to tourism, such as sustainability and cultural preservation.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently on this topic, organizing your thoughts logically and connecting your ideas smoothly.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing what to say, but also about how you express your ideas. Regular practice with a variety of tourism-related topics will help you become more confident and articulate in your responses.
Describe a favorite holiday destination you would like to visit again is another topic that could come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Preparing for such related themes will give you a wider range of vocabulary and ideas to draw from during your exam.