The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about places you’ve visited, and a common topic is describing a place you have been to more than once. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Understanding the Task
When asked to describe a place you’ve visited multiple times, the examiner is looking for your ability to provide detailed descriptions, express personal opinions, and discuss your experiences coherently. This topic is frequently featured in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to remain relevant in future exams.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about places you’ve visited. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you enjoy visiting the same places multiple times?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy visiting places more than once. It gives me a chance to explore the area better and discover new things I might have missed the first time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find great pleasure in revisiting destinations. It allows me to delve deeper into the local culture and uncover hidden gems that I may have overlooked during my initial visit. Moreover, returning to a familiar place often brings a sense of comfort and allows for a more relaxed experience.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a place you have visited more than once
You should say:
- Where this place is
- Why you visited it multiple times
- What you did there
- And explain why you like visiting this place repeatedly
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about a place I’ve visited numerous times – the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan. Located on the eastern coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Tokyo is a metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition with cutting-edge modernity.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting Tokyo on multiple occasions, primarily due to my fascination with Japanese culture and technology. Each visit has been motivated by different factors – from attending tech conferences to immersing myself in the local art scene.
During my visits, I’ve engaged in a wide array of activities. I’ve marveled at the futuristic skyline from the Tokyo Skytree, savored authentic sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market, and explored the serene Meiji Shrine. I’ve also delved into the quirky subcultures in Harajuku and experienced the sensory overload of the Akihabara electronics district.
I find myself drawn back to Tokyo repeatedly because it’s a city that constantly evolves yet manages to retain its core identity. Each visit unveils new experiences, whether it’s a newly opened art installation, a cutting-edge technology showcase, or a hidden culinary gem. The city’s efficient public transportation system and the impeccable hospitality of its residents make each visit seamless and enjoyable.
Moreover, Tokyo serves as a microcosm of Japan’s fascinating juxtaposition of old and new. One moment you’re in a bustling commercial district surrounded by neon signs, and the next, you find yourself in a tranquil garden that’s been meticulously maintained for centuries. This dynamic contrast never fails to captivate me and fuels my desire to return time and again.
Follow-up Questions
- How has the place changed over your multiple visits?
Band 8-9 Answer: Over the years, I’ve observed significant changes in Tokyo. The city has become increasingly internationalized, with more English signage and a growing expat community. There’s also been a noticeable shift towards sustainability, with more green spaces and eco-friendly initiatives. However, what strikes me most is how Tokyo manages to embrace these changes while preserving its unique cultural heritage.
- Do you think it’s better to visit new places or return to familiar ones?
Band 8-9 Answer: I believe there’s value in both approaches. Exploring new destinations broadens one’s horizons and provides fresh perspectives. However, revisiting familiar places allows for a deeper appreciation and understanding of the local culture. It’s about striking a balance – venturing into the unknown while also cultivating a more profound connection with places that resonate with you.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Why do you think some people prefer to visit the same place multiple times?
Band 8-9 Answer: There are several reasons why individuals might gravitate towards revisiting the same destination. Firstly, familiarity can bring a sense of comfort and ease, especially for those who find travel stressful. Returning to a known place eliminates the uncertainty often associated with exploring new territories.
Secondly, repeated visits allow for a deeper immersion into the local culture and lifestyle. It provides opportunities to forge meaningful connections with locals, discover off-the-beaten-path attractions, and gain a more nuanced understanding of the destination’s history and social fabric.
Moreover, some locations have layered attractions that cannot be fully appreciated in a single visit. Take Paris, for example. One might visit the Louvre multiple times, each time discovering new artworks or gaining fresh insights into previously viewed pieces.
Lastly, certain places might hold sentimental value for individuals, perhaps tied to significant life events or cherished memories. Returning to these locations can be a form of emotional pilgrimage, allowing people to reconnect with important aspects of their personal history.
Examiner: How has technology changed the way people travel and revisit places?
Band 8-9 Answer: Technology has revolutionized travel in numerous ways, significantly impacting how people approach revisiting destinations. Firstly, the proliferation of online review platforms and travel blogs has made it easier for travelers to discover hidden gems and local experiences they might have missed on previous visits. This wealth of information encourages people to return to places with a new perspective and itinerary.
Social media platforms have also played a crucial role. They allow travelers to stay connected with the places they’ve visited, following local businesses, events, and cultural developments. This ongoing connection often sparks the desire to return and experience new offerings or changes firsthand.
Moreover, advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are blurring the lines between physical and virtual travel. While these technologies can’t fully replace the sensory experience of being in a place, they can enhance revisits by providing historical context, interactive guides, or even simulating how a location looked in different time periods.
Lastly, the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, facilitated by technology, has led to a new trend of slow travel. This allows people to spend extended periods in one location, often returning multiple times to places that offer a good balance of work infrastructure and quality of life. This shift in travel patterns enables a much deeper engagement with the destination than traditional, shorter visits.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Metropolis (noun) /məˈtrɒpəlɪs/ – a very large and busy city
Example: Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps.Seamlessly (adverb) /ˈsiːmləsli/ – smoothly and continuously, with no apparent gaps or spaces
Example: The old and new architecture seamlessly blend in this city.Immerse (verb) /ɪˈmɜːs/ – to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
Example: I love to immerse myself in the local culture when I travel.Juxtaposition (noun) /ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃn/ – the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect
Example: The juxtaposition of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers makes Tokyo unique.Captivate (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – to attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm
Example: The city’s vibrant street life captivated me from the moment I arrived.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing places you’ve visited multiple times:
- Provide rich details: Use vivid descriptions and specific examples to bring your experiences to life.
- Demonstrate a wide vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
- Show critical thinking: Offer thoughtful insights and personal opinions about your experiences and observations.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about familiar topics to improve your ability to speak continuously and coherently.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your language proficiency.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continually improve your speaking skills.
For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on describing a famous place you have visited and talking about traveling to a foreign country.