Mastering the Art of Describing Adventurous Souls: IELTS Speaking Guide

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people we know and their interests. One common topic is describing someone who enjoys traveling. This article will provide you with valuable insights and examples to help you excel in this part of the exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about travel and people who like to travel. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you like to travel?
2. How often do you travel?
3. Do you know anyone who travels frequently?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Examiner: Do you know anyone who travels frequently?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I do. My cousin Sarah travels quite often. She goes on trips at least three or four times a year, both within our country and abroad. She really enjoys exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. My cousin Sarah is an avid traveler who seems to have an insatiable wanderlust. She embarks on journeys at least once every quarter, ranging from short domestic getaways to extended international expeditions. Her passion for immersing herself in diverse cultures and uncovering hidden gems in various corners of the world is truly inspiring.

describe a person who loves to travel

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who enjoys traveling:

Describe a person you know who enjoys traveling
You should say:
- Who this person is
- Where they like to travel
- What kind of traveling they enjoy
- And explain why you think they enjoy traveling so much

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about my friend Mark, who absolutely loves to travel. He’s a 28-year-old teacher who spends most of his free time planning his next adventure.

Mark enjoys traveling to different countries in Asia. He’s been to places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. He likes these destinations because they offer a mix of beautiful landscapes, interesting history, and delicious food.

When it comes to the type of traveling, Mark prefers backpacking. He enjoys the freedom of exploring places on his own terms, staying in hostels, and meeting new people along the way. He’s not too fond of luxury travel or organized tours.

I think Mark enjoys traveling so much because it allows him to break free from his routine and experience new things. He’s always excited to learn about different cultures and try new foods. Traveling also gives him a sense of adventure and helps him grow as a person. Each trip seems to make him more open-minded and confident.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to tell you about my friend Mark, a globetrotting enthusiast who has truly embraced the nomadic lifestyle. At 28, Mark works as a teacher but dedicates every moment of his free time to planning his next odyssey.

Mark has an affinity for Southeast Asian destinations, having traversed countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. He’s drawn to these locales for their eclectic mix of awe-inspiring landscapes, rich historical tapestries, and tantalizing culinary scenes.

When it comes to his travel style, Mark is an ardent backpacker. He revels in the autonomy that comes with charting his own course, opting for the convivial atmosphere of hostels and the serendipitous encounters with fellow travelers. The idea of cookie-cutter tours or opulent resorts holds little appeal for him.

I believe Mark’s passion for travel stems from its ability to jolt him out of his comfort zone and broaden his horizons. He’s perpetually enthralled by the prospect of immersing himself in diverse cultures and sampling exotic cuisines. Each journey serves as a catalyst for personal growth, fostering an increasingly open-minded worldview and boosting his self-assurance. It’s as if every stamp in his passport marks a milestone in his ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Adventurous backpacker exploring Southeast Asia

Follow-up questions:

1. What do you think motivates people to travel frequently?
2. How has technology changed the way people travel?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
There are myriad factors that drive individuals to embark on frequent journeys. Firstly, travel offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. By immersing oneself in unfamiliar environments and cultures, travelers often gain new perspectives and broaden their horizons. Additionally, the allure of escapism plays a significant role; travel provides a respite from the mundane routines of daily life and allows people to recharge their batteries. Furthermore, the desire for novel experiences and the thrill of adventure are powerful motivators. Many frequent travelers are driven by an insatiable curiosity about the world and a yearning to create lasting memories. Lastly, in our increasingly interconnected world, travel has become more accessible, further fueling the wanderlust of many individuals.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think traveling affects a person’s perspective on life?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I think traveling can really change how a person sees the world. When you visit different places and meet people from various cultures, you start to understand that there are many ways of living. This can make you more open-minded and tolerant of differences. Traveling also helps you appreciate what you have at home, while also showing you areas where your own culture could improve. Overall, I believe it makes people more flexible in their thinking and more understanding of others.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Traveling has a profound impact on an individual’s worldview, often catalyzing a paradigm shift in their perspective on life. Exposure to diverse cultures and ways of life serves as a powerful antidote to ethnocentrism, fostering a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of global issues. This cross-cultural immersion tends to cultivate cultural intelligence and promote tolerance, as travelers confront and navigate through their own biases and preconceptions.

Moreover, travel often engenders a deeper appreciation for one’s own culture and circumstances, while simultaneously illuminating areas for potential growth and improvement. This juxtaposition of familiar and foreign can lead to critical self-reflection and a reevaluation of personal values and priorities.

The challenges inherent in travel – from language barriers to navigating unfamiliar terrain – tend to bolster resilience and adaptability, traits that often translate into enhanced problem-solving skills in various aspects of life. Additionally, the awe-inspiring experiences encountered during travel can instill a sense of humility and reverence for the natural world, potentially galvanizing environmental consciousness.

Ultimately, travel has the potential to transform individuals into global citizens, equipped with a more holistic and inclusive worldview that transcends national boundaries and fosters international understanding and cooperation.

describe a person who likes to travel by plane

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Wanderlust /ˈwɒndəlʌst/ (noun): A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
   Example: Her insatiable wanderlust led her to visit over 50 countries before she turned 30.

2. Globetrotter /ˈɡləʊbtrɒtə/ (noun): A person who travels widely and frequently.
   Example: As an experienced globetrotter, he always had fascinating stories to share about his adventures.

3. Off the beaten track (idiom): In or to an isolated place; away from frequently traveled routes.
   Example: She preferred to explore destinations off the beaten track to experience authentic local culture.

4. Immerse oneself (phrasal verb): To become completely involved in something.
   Example: He likes to immerse himself in the local customs and traditions of each place he visits.

5. Broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand one’s range of knowledge, experiences, or interests.
   Example: Traveling has truly broadened her horizons, making her more open-minded and culturally aware.

describe a person who enjoys cooking

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who enjoys traveling:

1. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture of the traveler and their experiences.
2. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally to demonstrate language proficiency.
3. Provide specific examples and anecdotes to support your descriptions, making your response more engaging and authentic.
4. Practice speaking about different aspects of travel to improve fluency and expand your vocabulary in this topic area.
5. Be prepared to discuss both the positive and potentially negative aspects of frequent travel to show critical thinking skills.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about expressing your ideas clearly, coherently, and with confidence.

Traveler immersing in local culture

describe a person who loves traveling

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of people who enjoy traveling in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to speak naturally and enthusiastically about the subject, drawing from your own experiences or observations whenever possible. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!