Describing a scenic spot you’d like to revisit is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, express preferences, and use descriptive language effectively. Given its frequency in past exams and its versatility, it’s likely to remain a popular topic in future IELTS Speaking tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about travel and scenic spots. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy traveling?
- What’s your favorite type of scenery?
- Have you visited any beautiful places recently?
- Do you prefer natural or man-made scenic spots?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the question: “Do you enjoy traveling?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about traveling. It’s not just about seeing new places, but also about immersing myself in different cultures and broadening my horizons. I find that each trip, whether it’s to a bustling city or a serene natural location, offers unique experiences and insights that you can’t get from simply reading about a place or seeing it on TV.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a scenic spot you would like to revisit
You should say:
- Where it is
- When you 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 a breathtaking scenic spot I visited a few years ago – the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This stunning stretch of coastline is located in southern Italy, along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula.
I had the privilege of visiting this picturesque region during a summer vacation about three years ago. The timing was perfect as the weather was ideal for exploring the coastal towns and enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean scenery.
During my stay, I immersed myself in the local culture and indulged in various activities. I spent my days wandering through the narrow streets of charming towns like Positano and Ravello, each offering its own unique charm and spectacular views of the coastline. I also took a boat tour along the coast, which provided a different perspective of the towering cliffs and hidden coves. One of the highlights was hiking the ‘Path of the Gods’, a trail that offered unparalleled panoramic views of the coastline and the sea.
I would love to revisit the Amalfi Coast for several reasons. Firstly, the sheer beauty of the landscape is simply awe-inspiring and something I’d like to experience again. The way the colorful houses seem to cling to the cliffs, with the deep blue sea as a backdrop, creates a visual spectacle that’s hard to forget. Secondly, I feel there’s still so much more to explore in the region. Each town has its own unique character and hidden gems that I didn’t have time to fully discover during my first visit.
Moreover, I’d love to delve deeper into the local cuisine. The fresh seafood, limoncello, and authentic Italian dishes I tasted were exquisite, and I’m eager to try more regional specialties. Lastly, the Amalfi Coast has a certain magical quality – a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm Mediterranean culture – that I found incredibly rejuvenating. Revisiting would not only allow me to relive those wonderful memories but also create new ones in this enchanting corner of the world.”
Follow-up questions:
- What was the most memorable part of your visit to the Amalfi Coast?
- How does the Amalfi Coast compare to other scenic spots you’ve visited?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“The most unforgettable aspect of my visit to the Amalfi Coast was undoubtedly the boat tour I took along the coastline. It offered a unique vantage point that truly showcased the dramatic beauty of the region. Gliding across the crystal-clear waters, I was able to appreciate the sheer magnitude of the cliffs and the intricate details of the coastal towns from a different perspective. The way the sunlight played on the colorful buildings, casting a warm glow on the landscape, created a mesmerizing scene that’s etched in my memory. This experience epitomized the allure of the Amalfi Coast for me, combining natural splendor with human ingenuity in a way that was both awe-inspiring and deeply moving.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to scenic spots and tourism. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- How has tourism affected scenic spots in your country?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Tourism has had a significant impact on scenic spots in my country, both positive and negative. On the positive side, increased tourism has led to better infrastructure and facilities at many scenic locations, making them more accessible and enjoyable for visitors. It has also boosted local economies, providing jobs and income for communities near these attractions.
However, there are also drawbacks. Some popular scenic spots are facing overcrowding issues, which can detract from the natural beauty and tranquility that initially made them attractive. There’s also concern about environmental degradation due to increased foot traffic and development. It’s a delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving the integrity of these natural wonders.”
- Do you think virtual reality technology will replace the need to visit scenic spots in person?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While virtual reality technology is undoubtedly impressive and constantly evolving, I don’t believe it will ever fully replace the experience of visiting scenic spots in person. VR can certainly provide a glimpse of these locations and might be useful for planning trips or exploring inaccessible places, but it can’t replicate the full sensory experience of being physically present in a beautiful location.
When you’re actually at a scenic spot, you’re not just seeing it – you’re feeling the breeze, smelling the air, and experiencing the atmosphere in a way that technology can’t replicate. There’s also an emotional and personal aspect to travel that VR can’t capture. The sense of achievement in reaching a viewpoint after a challenging hike, or the serendipitous encounters with local people or other travelers, are integral parts of the travel experience that can’t be digitized.
That being said, VR could play a complementary role in tourism. It might help manage overtourism by allowing people to ‘visit’ popular spots virtually when they can’t do so in person. It could also serve as a tool for conservation education, allowing people to experience fragile ecosystems without physically impacting them. Ultimately, I believe VR will enhance rather than replace real-world travel, making scenic spots more accessible while still preserving the unique value of in-person visits.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Breathtaking (adjective) /ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ/ – extremely impressive or beautiful
Example: The view from the mountaintop was absolutely breathtaking. -
Picturesque (adjective) /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ – visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way
Example: The picturesque village looked like it belonged on a postcard. -
To immerse oneself (phrasal verb) /ɪˈmɜːs/ – to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
Example: During my trip, I tried to immerse myself in the local culture by attending traditional festivals. -
Awe-inspiring (adjective) /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ – inspiring a feeling of solemn wonder or reverence
Example: The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that leaves visitors speechless. -
To delve deeper (phrase) /delv ˈdiːpər/ – to research or examine something thoroughly
Example: On my next visit, I want to delve deeper into the history of the ancient ruins. -
Exquisite (adjective) /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/ – extremely beautiful, delicate, or carefully made
Example: The local cuisine was exquisite, with flavors I had never experienced before. -
Rejuvenating (adjective) /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ – making one feel younger, more vital, or refreshed
Example: The peaceful mountain retreat was incredibly rejuvenating for both body and mind. -
Enchanting (adjective) /ɪnˈtʃɑːntɪŋ/ – delightfully charming or attractive
Example: The enchanting melody of birdsong filled the air in the early morning.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a scenic spot:
- Use a wide range of descriptive vocabulary to paint a vivid picture of the location.
- Provide specific details about your experience to make your answer more engaging and personal.
- Structure your response logically, addressing all parts of the question.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures and tenses appropriately.
- Express your emotions and opinions about the place to demonstrate depth in your response.
- Practice speaking about different types of scenic spots to improve your fluency on this topic.
- Listen carefully to the questions in Part 3 and provide relevant, well-developed answers that showcase your ability to discuss more abstract ideas.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.