The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about places, travel, and personal experiences. One common topic is describing a place in your country that you would like to visit again. This article will provide you with valuable tips, sample answers, and key vocabulary to help you excel in this part of the test.
Understanding the Topic
Describing a place you’d like to revisit in your country is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to:
- Use descriptive language
- Express personal opinions and emotions
- Organize your thoughts coherently
- Use a range of vocabulary related to places and travel
This topic is likely to appear in Part 1 or Part 2 of the Speaking test, so it’s essential to be prepared.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may be asked general questions about places you like to visit. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you enjoy traveling within your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy traveling within my country. There are many beautiful places to see and interesting things to do. I try to take short trips whenever I have free time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m passionate about exploring my own country. Vietnam has such a diverse landscape, from pristine beaches to majestic mountains, and each region has its unique culture and cuisine. I find domestic travel not only enjoyable but also enriching, as it helps me gain a deeper understanding of my country’s heritage.
Sample Question 2: What’s your favorite place to visit in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
My favorite place to visit is Hoi An, an old town in central Vietnam. It’s a beautiful place with many old buildings and nice beaches nearby. The food there is also very good.
Band 8-9 Answer:
If I had to choose, I’d say Hoi An holds a special place in my heart. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Its well-preserved ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets, and nearby pristine beaches create an enchanting atmosphere. Moreover, the town’s culinary scene is second to none, offering a delightful fusion of local and international flavors.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:
Describe A Place In Your Country That You Would Like To Visit Again.
You should say:
- Where it is
- When you first visited it
- What you did there
- And explain why you would like to visit it again
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about Sa Pa, a breathtaking mountainous town in northern Vietnam that I’m eager to revisit.
Sa Pa is located in Lao Cai province, about 350 kilometers northwest of Hanoi. It’s renowned for its terraced rice fields, diverse ethnic cultures, and the majestic Fansipan mountain, often referred to as the “Roof of Indochina”.
I first visited Sa Pa five years ago during the autumn season. It was a spontaneous trip with a group of friends, and we were immediately captivated by the town’s ethereal beauty.
During our stay, we immersed ourselves in various activities. We trekked through the verdant rice terraces, which were a stunning golden hue at that time of year. We also visited local villages and interacted with the H’mong and Red Dao ethnic minorities, learning about their unique customs and traditional crafts. One of the highlights of our trip was conquering Mount Fansipan via cable car, which offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
I’m yearning to return to Sa Pa for several reasons. Firstly, the natural beauty of the region is truly awe-inspiring, and I believe it would be even more magical to experience it in a different season, perhaps during the lush green summers or the misty winters. Secondly, I feel there’s so much more to explore in terms of the local culture. I’d love to delve deeper into the traditions of the ethnic minorities and perhaps even stay with a local family to gain a more authentic experience. Lastly, Sa Pa has a tranquil atmosphere that I found incredibly rejuvenating, and I believe another visit would be a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.
Follow-up Questions
- Has the place changed since your first visit?
- Would you recommend this place to foreign tourists? Why or why not?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
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From what I’ve heard, Sa Pa has undergone significant development in recent years. While this has led to improved infrastructure and more accommodation options, which is beneficial for tourism, I’m also aware that it may have altered the town’s traditional charm to some extent. I’m particularly interested in seeing how the local authorities have balanced modernization with preserving the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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I would wholeheartedly recommend Sa Pa to foreign tourists. It offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences that are quintessentially Vietnamese. The awe-inspiring landscapes, from the cascading rice terraces to the mist-shrouded mountains, provide endless opportunities for photography and outdoor activities. Moreover, the chance to interact with ethnic minority groups and learn about their way of life is both educational and enlightening. However, I would advise visitors to travel responsibly, respecting local customs and the environment to ensure that Sa Pa’s beauty can be enjoyed by future generations.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to tourism and travel within your country. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question 1: How has domestic tourism changed in your country in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Domestic tourism has become more popular in recent years. More people are traveling within the country, especially to famous beaches and mountains. There are also more hotels and resorts now to accommodate tourists.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Domestic tourism in Vietnam has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. We’ve seen a marked increase in the number of Vietnamese people exploring their own country, which I believe is due to several factors. Firstly, there’s been a rise in disposable income among the middle class, making travel more accessible. Secondly, social media has played a crucial role in showcasing the country’s diverse attractions, inspiring people to visit new places. Additionally, the tourism infrastructure has improved dramatically, with better transportation networks and a wider range of accommodation options. However, this boom has also brought challenges, such as overcrowding at popular destinations and the need for more sustainable tourism practices to protect our natural and cultural heritage.
Question 2: Do you think it’s important for people to explore their own country before traveling abroad?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s important to explore your own country first. It helps you understand your culture better and appreciate what your country has to offer. It can also be cheaper and easier than traveling abroad.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that exploring one’s own country before venturing abroad is immensely valuable. Firstly, it fosters a deeper connection with one’s cultural roots and national identity. By experiencing the diverse landscapes, traditions, and local communities within our borders, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of our country’s heritage and the factors that have shaped our society.
Moreover, domestic travel often serves as an excellent training ground for international adventures. It allows individuals to hone their travel skills, such as planning itineraries, navigating different environments, and adapting to new situations, but in a more familiar context. This can build confidence and make future international travel more enjoyable and rewarding.
Lastly, prioritizing domestic tourism can have significant economic benefits for the country. It helps stimulate local economies, particularly in rural or less-developed areas, and can contribute to the preservation of cultural sites and natural habitats through sustainable tourism initiatives.
However, I don’t believe this should come at the expense of international travel. Both domestic and international experiences offer unique learning opportunities and can broaden one’s perspective in different ways. The key is to strike a balance and appreciate the value that both forms of travel can bring to personal growth and cultural understanding.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To help you achieve a higher band score, here are some advanced vocabulary items and phrases related to describing places and travel experiences:
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Breathtaking (adjective) /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ – extremely impressive or beautiful
Example: The view from the mountaintop was absolutely breathtaking. -
To immerse oneself (phrasal verb) /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ – to become completely involved in something
Example: We immersed ourselves in the local culture during our stay. -
Ethereal (adjective) /ɪˈθɪəriəl/ – extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world
Example: The mist gave the landscape an ethereal quality. -
To captivate (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – to attract and hold the interest and attention of
Example: The town’s ancient architecture captivated all the visitors. -
Quintessentially (adverb) /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃəli/ – in a way that is typical or characteristic of a particular person or thing
Example: The terraced rice fields are quintessentially Vietnamese. -
To delve deeper (phrasal verb) /delv ˈdiːpər/ – to research or examine something thoroughly
Example: I want to delve deeper into the local traditions on my next visit. -
Awe-inspiring (adjective) /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ – extremely impressive or amazing
Example: The natural beauty of the region is truly awe-inspiring. -
To reconnect with (phrasal verb) /ˌriːkəˈnekt wɪð/ – to reestablish a bond or connection with
Example: Visiting rural areas helps me reconnect with nature.
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
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Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to speak English, even if it’s just talking to yourself about your daily activities.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to travel and places, and practice using them in context.
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Use descriptive language: When talking about places, use vivid adjectives and sensory details to bring your descriptions to life.
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Structure your answers: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2. Use discourse markers to connect your ideas.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points and provide examples to support your opinions.
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Work on your pronunciation: Pay attention to word stress and intonation. Clear pronunciation is crucial for a high score.
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Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner wants you to do well. Take deep breaths and speak at a comfortable pace.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about places you’d like to revisit in your country. Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice and confidence. Good luck!
For more tips on describing places, check out our guide on describing a place where you like to go for peace and quiet. You might also find it helpful to practice describing a place in your country that tourists love to visit.