Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Short Journey You Disliked

The topic “Describe A Short Journey That You Disliked” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to narrate past experiences, express opinions, and use appropriate vocabulary related to travel and emotions. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about travel and journeys. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy traveling?
2. How often do you take short trips?
3. What’s your preferred mode of transportation for short journeys?

Let’s focus on question 3:

Examiner: What’s your preferred mode of transportation for short journeys?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I usually prefer taking the bus for short trips. It’s quite convenient and cost-effective. Plus, I don’t have to worry about parking or navigating through traffic myself.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
For short journeys, I tend to opt for cycling whenever possible. Not only is it an environmentally friendly option, but it also provides a great opportunity for exercise. However, if the weather is unfavorable or I’m pressed for time, I might choose public transportation like the metro, which is both efficient and reliable.

Describe a person who has a positive attitude can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking preparation.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a short journey that you disliked
You should say:

• Where you went
• Why you went on this journey
• Who you went with
• And explain why you disliked this journey

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

I’d like to talk about a short trip I took last summer to a nearby beach town. I went there with a group of friends for a weekend getaway. We thought it would be a fun and relaxing break from our busy schedules.

We traveled by car, and it took about three hours to reach our destination. The journey started off well, but things quickly went downhill. The weather was unexpectedly hot, and our car’s air conditioning broke down halfway through the trip. We had to drive with the windows down, which made the journey very uncomfortable.

To make matters worse, we hit heavy traffic due to road construction. This added an extra hour to our travel time, and we all got pretty frustrated. By the time we arrived at our hotel, we were tired, sweaty, and in bad moods.

I disliked this journey because it was far more stressful than we had anticipated. The combination of the heat, broken air conditioning, and unexpected delays made it a really unpleasant experience. It kind of ruined the start of our vacation, and we needed some time to recover from the journey before we could start enjoying ourselves.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to recount a particularly unpleasant short journey I experienced last autumn. The destination was a quaint village in the countryside, approximately a two-hour drive from my city. The purpose of this excursion was to attend a friend’s rustic-themed wedding, and I was accompanied by three of my colleagues.

We set off early in the morning, anticipating a scenic drive through the rural landscape. However, our expectations were quickly shattered by a series of unfortunate events. Firstly, our GPS malfunctioned, leading us down a labyrinth of narrow, poorly maintained roads. This navigational nightmare added an extra hour to our journey and tested our patience to its limits.

To compound our misery, the weather took a turn for the worse. What started as a light drizzle soon escalated into a torrential downpour, severely reducing visibility and forcing us to crawl along at a snail’s pace. The relentless rain also caused minor flooding on some of the rural roads, making our progress even more treacherous.

The culmination of our unfortunate trip came when we encountered a flat tire, forcing us to pull over in the middle of nowhere. Changing the tire in the pouring rain was an exercise in frustration and teamwork, leaving us all thoroughly drenched and muddy.

I particularly disliked this journey for several reasons. Firstly, the accumulation of setbacks – from the GPS failure to the weather conditions and the flat tire – created a perfect storm of stress and inconvenience. Secondly, the physical discomfort of being wet and muddy, combined with the mental strain of constantly problem-solving, was exhausting. Lastly, the delay caused by these issues meant we arrived late to the wedding, missing the ceremony and feeling guilty for disrupting our friend’s special day.

This experience served as a stark reminder of the importance of proper preparation for any journey, no matter how short it may seem. It also highlighted the unpredictable nature of travel and the need to maintain a flexible attitude in the face of unexpected challenges.

IELTS Speaking: Describing an unpleasant journey

Follow-up Questions

1. How do you usually cope with unexpected problems during a journey?
2. Do you think short trips are becoming more popular these days? Why or why not?

Let’s focus on question 1:

Examiner: How do you usually cope with unexpected problems during a journey?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
When I face unexpected problems during a trip, I try to stay calm and think of solutions. I usually have some emergency cash and important contact numbers with me, which can be helpful. If possible, I ask locals for help or advice.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Dealing with unforeseen circumstances during travel requires a combination of preparedness and adaptability. I always ensure I have a contingency plan in place, which includes having emergency contacts, travel insurance, and a basic understanding of local resources. When faced with unexpected issues, I try to maintain a level head and assess the situation objectively. I believe in the power of creative problem-solving and often find that collaborating with fellow travelers or seeking assistance from locals can lead to innovative solutions. Moreover, I view such challenges as opportunities for personal growth and often find that they lead to the most memorable travel experiences, albeit not always pleasant ones at the time.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people are generally well-prepared for short journeys compared to long ones?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I think people tend to be less prepared for short journeys compared to long ones. They often assume that since the trip is short, not much can go wrong. This can lead to forgetting important items or not checking things like weather conditions or traffic updates.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
In my observation, there’s often a notable disparity in the level of preparation between short and long journeys. People tend to underestimate the potential complications that can arise during brief trips, leading to a more lackadaisical approach to planning. This complacency can manifest in various ways, such as neglecting to check weather forecasts, failing to account for traffic conditions, or not packing essential items.

Conversely, long journeys typically elicit a more meticulous planning process. Travelers are more likely to research their destinations thoroughly, prepare for various contingencies, and ensure they have all necessary documents and supplies. This discrepancy in preparation can be attributed to the perceived stakes involved; a long journey is often seen as a significant investment of time and resources, warranting careful planning.

However, I believe this differentiation in approach is somewhat misguided. Short journeys, while seemingly less complex, can be equally susceptible to unforeseen circumstances. A more balanced approach to trip preparation, regardless of the journey’s duration, would likely result in smoother, more enjoyable travel experiences overall.

Describe a language you would like to learn is another topic that can help you practice your speaking skills for the IELTS exam.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Unpleasant experience /ʌnˈpleznt ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ (adj. + n.): A disagreeable or uncomfortable situation.
   Example: The delayed flight was an unpleasant experience for all passengers.

2. To compound /kəmˈpaʊnd/ (v.): To make a problem worse.
   Example: The heavy rain compounded our travel difficulties.

3. Culmination /ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃn/ (n.): The highest or climactic point of something.
   Example: The flat tire was the culmination of our unfortunate journey.

4. To escalate /ˈeskəleɪt/ (v.): To increase rapidly.
   Example: What started as a minor delay quickly escalated into a major travel disruption.

5. Contingency plan /kənˈtɪndʒənsi plæn/ (n.): A plan designed for an outcome other than in the usual plan.
   Example: Always have a contingency plan when traveling in case of unexpected events.

IELTS Speaking: Key vocabulary for describing journeys

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a short journey you disliked:

1. Use a range of descriptive vocabulary: Incorporate adjectives and adverbs to vividly portray your experience.

2. Employ varied sentence structures: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to demonstrate linguistic flexibility.

3. Show coherence: Organize your thoughts logically and use appropriate linking words to connect ideas smoothly.

4. Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, offer concrete examples to support your points.

5. Express emotions and opinions: Don’t just narrate events; explain how you felt and why you disliked the journey.

6. Practice storytelling: Rehearse describing various journeys to improve your ability to narrate experiences fluently.

Remember, the key to a high score lies not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and a natural conversational tone.

Describe a person who encourages you to pursue your dreams can be an excellent topic to practice these skills further.

By focusing on these aspects and regularly practicing with various topics, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, confidence comes with preparation, so dedicate time to honing your English speaking skills across a wide range of subjects.