Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Well-Traveled Person

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people in our lives, and one common topic is describing someone who has traveled extensively. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about travel and experiences. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy traveling?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy traveling. It’s a great way to experience new cultures and broaden my horizons. I try to take at least one trip each year, usually to a nearby country.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m passionate about exploring new destinations. Traveling not only allows me to immerse myself in diverse cultures but also challenges my perspectives and fosters personal growth. I make it a point to embark on at least two or three journeys annually, ranging from short weekend getaways to more extensive international trips.

Describe a place in your country that you think is underrated can be an interesting topic to discuss when talking about travel experiences. It allows you to showcase your knowledge of your country while demonstrating your ability to describe places vividly.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, 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 theme:

Describe a person who has traveled a lot

You should say:
- Who this person is
- Where they have traveled
- Why they travel so much
- And explain how their travels have influenced them

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about my uncle, John, who has traveled extensively throughout his life. He’s in his early 50s now and has been to over 40 countries across six continents.

John travels so much because of his job as an international consultant for a multinational company. He’s always been curious about different cultures and enjoys experiencing new places. His work requires him to visit various offices and clients around the world, which has given him the opportunity to explore many countries.

His travels have had a significant impact on him. He’s become very open-minded and adaptable to different situations. John often shares interesting stories about the places he’s visited and the people he’s met. These experiences have made him more culturally aware and appreciative of diversity.

I think his travels have also made him more confident and independent. He’s comfortable navigating unfamiliar environments and can easily strike up conversations with people from all walks of life. Overall, John’s extensive travels have shaped him into a well-rounded and knowledgeable individual.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to describe my aunt Sarah, an intrepid explorer who has traversed the globe extensively. At 55, she’s visited an impressive 70 countries across all seven continents, immersing herself in a myriad of cultures and experiences.

Sarah’s wanderlust stems from her insatiable curiosity about the world and her profession as a travel writer. Her career not only facilitates her journeys but also fuels her passion for discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. She’s always been drawn to the allure of the unknown, seeking to broaden her horizons and challenge her preconceptions.

The impact of Sarah’s travels on her personality and worldview has been profound. Her experiences have cultivated a remarkable sense of cultural empathy, allowing her to bridge divides and connect with people from all walks of life. She’s developed an unparalleled adaptability, effortlessly navigating diverse social norms and customs.

Moreover, her journeys have instilled in her a deep appreciation for global diversity. She often regales us with captivating anecdotes that highlight the beauty of human differences and the universal threads that bind us all. Her stories transport us to far-flung locales, painting vivid pictures of bustling markets in Marrakech or serene temples in Kyoto.

Perhaps most notably, Sarah’s travels have transformed her into a true global citizen. She’s become an advocate for sustainable tourism and cultural preservation, using her platform to raise awareness about the impact of travel on local communities and the environment. Her experiences have imbued her with a unique perspective on global issues, allowing her to approach challenges with nuanced understanding and creative solutions.

In essence, Sarah’s extensive travels have not only expanded her geographical knowledge but have also enriched her character, making her an exceptionally well-rounded and enlightened individual.

IELTS Speaking Examiner listening to candidate

Follow-up questions:

1. How has technology changed the way people travel?
2. Do you think traveling can make people more open-minded?

Band 6-7 Sample Answers:

1. Technology has made travel much easier. We can now book flights and hotels online, use GPS for navigation, and stay connected with family through social media. It’s also easier to research destinations before we go.

2. Yes, I believe traveling can make people more open-minded. When we visit different places, we encounter new cultures and ways of thinking. This exposure helps us understand and appreciate diversity better.

Band 8-9 Sample Answers:

1. Technology has revolutionized the travel landscape in myriad ways. It has democratized access to information, allowing travelers to make informed decisions through user reviews and virtual tours. Mobile applications have become indispensable tools, offering real-time translation, contactless payments, and personalized recommendations. Moreover, the rise of sharing economy platforms has transformed accommodation and transportation options, providing more authentic and cost-effective alternatives to traditional services.

2. Absolutely. Travel serves as a powerful catalyst for broadening one’s perspectives. When we immerse ourselves in unfamiliar cultures, we’re compelled to challenge our preconceptions and reevaluate our worldviews. This exposure to diverse ways of life fosters empathy and cultural sensitivity, ultimately leading to a more nuanced understanding of global issues. Travel often pushes us out of our comfort zones, encouraging personal growth and adaptability, which are key components of an open-minded outlook.

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 extensive travel changes a person’s perspective on life?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe extensive travel can significantly change a person’s perspective on life. When people visit different countries, they see how others live and work, which can make them more appreciative of their own life. They might also become more tolerant of differences and open to new ideas. Travel can also help people realize what’s truly important in life, as they experience different cultures and ways of living.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Extensive travel has the potential to profoundly reshape an individual’s worldview and life philosophy. Firstly, it cultivates a sense of global citizenship, encouraging people to see beyond national borders and recognize our shared humanity. This expanded perspective often leads to a heightened awareness of global issues and a more nuanced understanding of geopolitical complexities.

Moreover, repeated exposure to diverse cultures and ways of life can challenge deeply held beliefs and dismantle preconceptions, fostering a more open-minded and empathetic outlook. Travelers often develop an enhanced appreciation for cultural diversity and become more adept at navigating cross-cultural interactions.

Additionally, facing the challenges and uncertainties of travel can boost resilience and adaptability, valuable traits that often translate into other aspects of life. Many travelers report a shift in their priorities, often placing greater emphasis on experiences over material possessions and developing a keener sense of what truly brings fulfillment.

Lastly, extensive travel can ignite a passion for lifelong learning and personal growth, as each journey becomes an opportunity for self-discovery and skill development. This continuous exposure to new experiences and perspectives can lead to a more dynamic and evolving sense of self, ultimately resulting in a richer, more multifaceted approach to life.

Describe an old person who has had an interesting life can be a great way to explore how travel and experiences shape a person’s perspective over time. It allows you to discuss the long-term impact of a well-traveled life.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To boost your IELTS Speaking score when discussing well-traveled individuals, consider using these advanced terms and expressions:

1. Wanderlust /ˈwɒndəlʌst/ (noun): A strong desire to travel.
   Example: Her insatiable wanderlust led her to explore remote corners of the globe.

2. Globetrotter /ˈɡləʊbtrɒtə/ (noun): A person who travels widely and often.
   Example: As an experienced globetrotter, he had a wealth of stories from his journeys.

3. Broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand one’s knowledge, experience, and understanding.
   Example: Traveling to different countries helped broaden her horizons and challenge her preconceptions.

4. Cultural immersion (noun phrase): The act of surrounding oneself in a different culture to learn about it.
   Example: He believed in cultural immersion and always tried to live like a local during his trips.

5. Off the beaten track (idiom): Describing places that are not commonly visited by tourists.
   Example: Her passion for adventure often led her to explore destinations off the beaten track.

Advanced vocabulary for describing a well-traveled person

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a well-traveled person:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced travel-related terms and idioms to demonstrate your language proficiency.

2. Provide specific examples: When describing the person’s experiences, give concrete details about places visited or cultural encounters to add depth to your answer.

3. Discuss impacts and changes: Reflect on how travel has influenced the person’s character, perspectives, or life choices.

4. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, using appropriate pausing and intonation.

5. Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; elaborate on your points and connect them to broader themes or personal reflections.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and depth in your responses.

Describe a time when you attended a school reunion can be an interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to discuss how people’s experiences, including travel, have shaped their lives since school.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about well-traveled individuals in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to stay calm, listen carefully to the examiner’s questions, and draw upon your prepared vocabulary and examples to craft compelling responses.