Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Vividly Describe a Place You Visited with a Friend

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about places you’ve visited, making it crucial to be prepared for this topic. One common question that frequently appears is “Describe a place you visited with a friend.” This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and offering valuable tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about places you’ve visited. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you enjoy traveling with friends?
2. What kind of places do you like to visit?
3. How often do you travel with friends?

Let’s focus on the first question and provide a sample answer:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Absolutely! I find traveling with friends to be incredibly enjoyable. It’s a great way to create shared memories and strengthen bonds. Plus, having someone to share experiences with often makes the trip more fun and less stressful. Of course, it’s important to choose travel companions wisely, as compatibility is key to ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey.”

Describe an interesting place you have been to with a friend

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In Part 2, 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 main topic:

Describe a place you visited with a friend

You should say:
- Where you went
- When you went there
- What you did there
- And explain why you enjoyed visiting this place with your friend

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a trip I took with my best friend to Hoi An, a beautiful ancient town in central Vietnam. We visited there last summer during our university break.

Hoi An is famous for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant lantern-lit streets. During our stay, we explored the old town, visited historic temples, and enjoyed the local cuisine. One of the highlights was taking a cooking class where we learned to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

I really enjoyed visiting Hoi An with my friend because we share a love for history and culture. It was great to have someone to discuss the sights with and share new experiences. Plus, having a friend there made trying new foods and navigating unfamiliar streets much more fun and less daunting.

Overall, it was a memorable trip that strengthened our friendship and gave us plenty of stories to reminisce about.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to describe a place I visited with a close friend of mine. We embarked on an unforgettable journey to Kyoto, Japan, during the cherry blossom season last spring.

Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is renowned for its exquisite blend of traditional and modern elements. Our visit coincided with the peak of sakura blooming, which added an ethereal beauty to the already captivating cityscape.

During our stay, we immersed ourselves in Japanese culture. We explored ancient temples such as Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari-taisha, marveling at their intricate architecture and spiritual significance. We also had the privilege of participating in a traditional tea ceremony, which was a truly enlightening experience.

One of the most memorable aspects of our trip was strolling through the historic Gion district at dusk. The sight of geishas hurrying to their appointments along the narrow, lantern-lit streets felt like stepping back in time.

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Kyoto with my friend for several reasons. Firstly, we share a deep appreciation for history and cultural heritage, which made every discovery more meaningful as we could discuss and reflect on our experiences together. Secondly, having a companion enhanced our ability to navigate the complexities of a foreign city, from deciphering train schedules to ordering at local restaurants.

Moreover, the trip strengthened our bond as we faced challenges together, such as overcoming language barriers and adapting to local customs. It was incredibly rewarding to see how we supported each other and grew from these shared experiences.

In conclusion, this visit to Kyoto was not just a journey through a beautiful city, but also a testament to the power of shared adventures in deepening friendships and creating lasting memories.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How did you plan your trip?
2. What was the most challenging part of the journey?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Planning our trip to Kyoto was an exciting process that involved a lot of research and collaboration. We started by creating a shared document where we could compile our ideas and preferences. We used various travel blogs and official tourism websites to identify the must-visit attractions and hidden gems of Kyoto.

One of our priorities was to time our visit perfectly with the cherry blossom season, so we closely monitored sakura forecasts. We also made sure to book our accommodations well in advance, as we knew this popular season tends to fill up quickly.

To make the most of our time, we created a flexible itinerary that balanced major tourist sites with lesser-known local spots. We also researched public transportation options and decided to purchase Japan Rail Passes for convenient travel.

Lastly, we made sure to learn some basic Japanese phrases and familiarize ourselves with local customs to ensure we could navigate the city respectfully and efficiently. This thorough planning process not only made our trip smoother but also built up our excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do you think traveling with friends differs from traveling alone?
2. What are some challenges people might face when traveling with friends?
3. Do you think social media has changed the way people travel? How?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I think traveling with friends is quite different from traveling alone. When you’re with friends, you have company and can share experiences, which can make the trip more fun. You also have someone to help with planning and problem-solving. However, traveling alone gives you more freedom to do exactly what you want and can be a good opportunity for self-reflection. Both have their advantages, and it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Traveling with friends and traveling alone are fundamentally different experiences, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. When journeying with companions, one benefits from shared experiences and mutual support. This can lead to a more vibrant and interactive trip, with opportunities for collective decision-making and diverse perspectives on the places visited. Friends can provide emotional support in unfamiliar environments and contribute to problem-solving when faced with travel-related challenges.

On the other hand, solo travel offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. It allows for complete autonomy in decision-making, enabling travelers to tailor their itinerary to their exact preferences without the need for compromise. This freedom can lead to more spontaneous experiences and interactions with locals, as solo travelers often appear more approachable.

Moreover, traveling alone can be a transformative experience, pushing individuals out of their comfort zones and fostering independence. It provides ample time for introspection and can be particularly conducive to cultural immersion.

Ultimately, the choice between traveling with friends or alone depends on one’s personal goals, the nature of the destination, and the desired outcomes of the trip. Both modes of travel can be equally rewarding, albeit in different ways, contributing to a well-rounded perspective on the world and oneself.”

Describe a memorable hike or nature walk you had

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To enhance your speaking performance, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Unforgettable journey (noun phrase) – A trip that is extremely memorable
   Example: Our backpacking trip through Europe was truly an unforgettable journey.

2. To immerse oneself (verb) – To become completely involved in something
   Example: We immersed ourselves in the local culture by staying with a host family.

3. Exquisite blend (noun phrase) – A perfect mixture of different elements
   Example: The city offers an exquisite blend of modern architecture and historical sites.

4. To marvel at (verb) – To be filled with wonder or astonishment
   Example: We marveled at the intricate details of the ancient temple.

5. Ethereal beauty (noun phrase) – Beauty that is extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world
   Example: The mist-covered mountains had an ethereal beauty at sunrise.

Friends marveling at an ancient temple in Kyoto

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing places you’ve visited with friends, consider the following tips:

1. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture with your words. Use adjectives and sensory details to bring your experience to life.

2. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, addressing all parts of the question in a coherent manner.

3. Showcase vocabulary: Incorporate a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally into your response.

4. Speak fluently: Practice speaking at length about various places you’ve visited to improve your fluency and confidence.

5. Provide personal insights: Don’t just describe the place; explain why it was meaningful to visit with a friend and how it impacted your relationship.

6. Be prepared for follow-up questions: Think about different aspects of traveling with friends so you can easily answer related questions in Part 3.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice. Regularly describe places you’ve visited to friends or language partners to build your confidence and fluency.

Describe a library you visited

By following these guidelines and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about places you’ve visited with friends in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your exam!