The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to travel and personal experiences. One such topic that frequently appears is describing someone who enjoys air travel. This article will guide you through answering questions about a person who likes to travel by plane, providing sample answers and useful vocabulary to help you achieve a high band score.
Describing a famous person you want to meet in the future can also be a related topic in IELTS Speaking, as many people admire travelers or explorers. Let’s dive into how to effectively describe a person who likes to travel by plane across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about travel and flying. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you like traveling by plane?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy flying. It’s usually faster than other modes of transport, and I find it exciting to be up in the air.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite fond of air travel. Not only is it typically the most time-efficient option for long-distance journeys, but I also find the whole experience, from check-in to landing, rather exhilarating. There’s something truly magical about soaring above the clouds and seeing the world from a different perspective.
Q: How often do you travel by plane?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually fly about once or twice a year, mainly for holidays or to visit family in other cities.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d say I’m a frequent flyer, typically boarding planes four to five times annually. This includes a mix of business trips, family visits, and leisure travel. I’ve noticed that my air miles have been steadily accumulating over the years, which is a nice bonus of regular flying.
Person enjoying air travel with a smile
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe a person you know who likes to travel by plane.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- Where they like to travel
- Why they prefer air travel
- And explain how you feel about their love for flying
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who really enjoys traveling by plane. Sarah is a marketing manager in her early 30s, and she’s always been fascinated by different cultures. She likes to travel to various countries in Europe and Asia, often choosing destinations that are quite far from home.
Sarah prefers air travel because it allows her to reach distant places quickly. She finds it convenient and comfortable, especially for long journeys. Also, she enjoys the whole airport experience, from checking in to browsing duty-free shops.
I admire Sarah’s enthusiasm for flying and exploring new places. Her stories about her trips are always interesting, and she often brings back unique souvenirs. However, I sometimes worry about the environmental impact of frequent air travel.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to regale you with a description of my globetrotting friend, Alex. An intrepid explorer in his mid-30s, Alex works as a freelance travel photographer, which perfectly complements his insatiable wanderlust.
Alex’s preferred destinations are often off the beaten path, ranging from the remote corners of South America to the far-flung islands of Southeast Asia. His bucket list seems to grow longer with each trip, as he’s constantly discovering new places to explore.
For Alex, air travel is not just a means to an end, but an integral part of his journey. He revels in the efficiency of modern aviation, which allows him to maximize his time at each destination. Moreover, he finds the act of flying itself profoundly inspiring. The bird’s-eye view of landscapes below often sparks his creativity, leading to some of his most captivating photographs.
I find Alex’s passion for air travel both admirable and thought-provoking. His adventures have opened my eyes to the vast diversity of our world and inspired me to step out of my comfort zone. However, I can’t help but ponder the ecological footprint of such frequent flying. It’s a complex issue that highlights the tension between personal fulfillment and environmental responsibility in our modern, interconnected world.
Follow-up questions:
Q: How do you think frequent air travel affects the environment?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think frequent air travel can have negative effects on the environment. Planes produce a lot of carbon emissions, which contribute to global warming. This is a concern for many people who care about climate change.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The environmental impact of frequent air travel is indeed a pressing concern. Aircraft emissions are a significant contributor to greenhouse gases, which exacerbate climate change. Moreover, the high-altitude release of these emissions can have an even more potent effect on global warming. This conundrum puts environmentally conscious travelers in a difficult position, weighing their desire to explore the world against their carbon footprint.
Airplane flying over diverse landscapes
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think air travel will become more or less popular in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe air travel will become more popular in the future. As countries develop and people have more money, they’ll want to travel more. Also, business is becoming more global, so people need to fly for work. However, environmental concerns might make some people choose other ways to travel.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The future popularity of air travel is likely to be shaped by a complex interplay of factors. On one hand, the ongoing globalization of business and increasing disposable incomes in emerging economies suggest a potential surge in air travel demand. The allure of exploring distant cultures and the convenience of rapid transportation remain strong draws.
However, we’re also witnessing a growing awareness of the environmental implications of frequent flying. This has given rise to movements like “flight shaming” and an increased interest in more sustainable modes of transport. Additionally, the recent global pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of international travel networks and may have long-lasting effects on travel behaviors.
Ultimately, I believe we’ll see a bifurcation in air travel trends. There might be an overall increase in passenger numbers, particularly in developing regions, but also a growing segment of travelers who consciously limit their flights or seek out airlines with strong environmental credentials. The industry will likely need to invest heavily in sustainable aviation technologies to reconcile these competing pressures.
Q: How has technology changed the way people travel by plane?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made air travel much easier and more convenient. We can now book tickets online, check in using our smartphones, and track our flights in real-time. In-flight entertainment systems have also improved a lot, making long flights more enjoyable.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized virtually every aspect of air travel, transforming the passenger experience from booking to landing. The advent of sophisticated online booking platforms and price comparison sites has empowered travelers to make more informed decisions and find the best deals. Mobile check-in and digital boarding passes have streamlined the airport process, reducing queues and paper waste.
In-flight, we’ve seen a quantum leap in entertainment options, with on-demand movies, TV shows, and even live TV broadcasts becoming commonplace. Wi-Fi connectivity on planes has blurred the lines between air and ground, allowing passengers to stay connected and productive.
Perhaps most significantly, advances in aircraft technology have made flying safer, more fuel-efficient, and capable of covering longer distances without stops. The development of lighter materials and more aerodynamic designs has contributed to reducing the carbon footprint per passenger.
Looking ahead, we’re on the cusp of even more exciting developments, such as electric aircraft for short-haul flights and the potential return of supersonic travel. These innovations promise to further reshape our conception of air travel in the coming decades.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Globetrotter (noun) – /ˈɡləʊbˌtrɒtə(r)/ – A person who travels widely and often.
Example: “As an avid globetrotter, Alex has visited over 50 countries.”Wanderlust (noun) – /ˈwɒndəlʌst/ – A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
Example: “Sarah’s wanderlust led her to quit her job and travel for a year.”Off the beaten path (idiom) – Unusual or remote places that are not frequently visited by tourists.
Example: “He prefers to travel off the beaten path to experience authentic local cultures.”Bucket list (noun) – /ˈbʌkɪt lɪst/ – A list of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.
Example: “Visiting the Great Wall of China was at the top of her travel bucket list.”Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.
Example: “He tries to offset his carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly accommodations.”
Global air travel network visualization
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who likes to travel by plane:
- Use a variety of vocabulary related to travel and aviation. Don’t just stick to basic terms.
- Structure your answer clearly, especially in Part 2. Use the cue card points as a guide.
- In Part 3, try to give balanced answers that consider different perspectives on complex issues like the future of air travel.
- Use natural transitions between ideas to make your speech flow smoothly.
- Practice describing different aspects of air travel, from the passenger experience to technological advancements.
- Incorporate personal anecdotes or examples to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
- Be prepared to discuss environmental concerns related to air travel, as this is a topical issue.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.