How to Answer “Describe a place where you would like to spend a vacation” in IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess candidates based on their fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common topic that frequently appears in the test is describing a place where you would like to spend a vacation. This question evaluates your ability to vividly describe a place, including your experiences and preferences. Let’s take a detailed look into this question type and provide some model answers.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself and various familiar topics. Here are some sample questions you might encounter:

Sample Question:

• Do you like travelling? Why or why not?

Suggested Answer:

“Yes, I love travelling because it allows me to experience new cultures, meet new people, and broaden my horizons. For instance, when I visited Japan last year, I was fascinated by its unique blend of traditional and modern elements.”

Analysis:

• Lexical Resource: “broaden my horizons”
• Fluency: Smooth delivery with examples
• Grammatical Range: Use of past simple and present simple tense for different clauses

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and several bullet points. You will have to speak for about 2 minutes.

Cue Card:

Describe a place where you would like to spend a vacation.
You should say:

• Where it is
• What you can do there
• Who you would go with
• And explain why you would like to spend your vacation there

Suggested Answer:

“One place I would like to spend a vacation is Santorini, Greece. It is an idyllic island known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. In Santorini, I can indulge in various activities such as sailing, exploring the ancient ruins, and tasting the local cuisine. I would love to go with my family, as we enjoy discovering new places together. The reason I am so keen to visit Santorini is because of its unique charm and picturesque landscapes. I imagine it would be a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering a balance of relaxation and adventure.”

<shortcode-1santorini-greece|Santorini Greece|A picturesque landscape of white-washed buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea in Santorini, Greece at sunset with a sailboat in the distance.

Analysis:

• Lexical Resource: “idyllic island,” “crystal-clear waters,” “picturesque landscapes”
• Fluency and Coherence: Logical progression through the points with personal touch
• Grammatical Range: Use of present simple, future simple, and complex sentences

Follow-up Questions:

• “What are the main attractions in Santorini?”
• “How does it compare to other vacation spots you’ve been to?”

Suggested Follow-up Answer:

“The main attractions in Santorini include the iconic blue-domed churches, the volcanic beaches, and the vibrant nightlife in Fira. Compared to other vacation spots, Santorini offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, which makes it stand out.”

Analysis:

• Lexical Resource: “iconic blue-domed churches,” “volcanic beaches”
• Complex Sentences: Use of comparative structures

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2.

Sample Questions:

• “How can tourism impact a place both positively and negatively?”
• “Do you think it is important to have vacations? Why or why not?”

Suggested Answers:

“For sure, tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on a place. On the positive side, it can boost the local economy by creating jobs and supporting small businesses. However, tourism can also lead to environmental degradation and overcrowding, which may diminish the quality of life for local residents.”

“Yes, I believe vacations are essential as they provide a much-needed break from the daily grind, allowing people to recharge their batteries and improve their mental and physical well-being.”

Analysis:

• Lexical Resource: “environmental degradation,” “recharge their batteries”
• Fluency and Coherence: Clearly structured answers with supported reasons
• Grammatical Range: Use of both positive and negative clauses

Vocabulary and Structures

Here are some useful words and phrases to help you achieve a higher score:

1. Stunning – adjective – (ˈstʌnɪŋ) – extremely impressive or attractive

   • Example: “The view from the top of the hill is simply stunning.”

2. Idyllic – adjective – (aɪˈdɪlɪk) – extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque

   • Example: “We spent a week in an idyllic cottage by the sea.”

3. Picturesque – adjective – (ˌpɪk.tʃərˈesk) – visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way

   • Example: “The village is known for its picturesque cottages.”

4. To broaden one’s horizons – idiom – to expand one’s range of interests, activities, and knowledge

   • Example: “Traveling is a great way to broaden my horizons.”

5. Hustle and bustle – noun – busy and frenetic activity or excitement

   • Example: “The hustle and bustle of city life can be exhausting.”

Tips to Score High in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Speaking regularly with friends or in front of a mirror can help improve fluency and confidence.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Learning new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics can significantly improve your lexical resource.
3. Structured Answers: Organize your answers logically to ensure coherence.
4. Use Complex Sentences: Combining simple sentences into complex ones will showcase your grammatical range.
5. Speak Clearly: Pronunciation is also key. Practice speaking clearly and at a steady pace.

By keeping these tips in mind and practicing the provided sample answers, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a place where you would like to spend a vacation in your IELTS Speaking test.