When it comes to IELTS Speaking, one common topic that often appears is describing travel experiences. In this article, we’ll focus on how to effectively “describe a time when you visited a foreign country” – a question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic. Let’s explore how to tackle this question and impress the examiner with your English skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about travel. Here are a few examples:
- Do you like traveling?
- How often do you travel?
- What’s your favorite mode of transportation when traveling?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you like traveling?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about traveling. It’s not just about visiting new places, but also about immersing myself in different cultures and broadening my horizons. I find that each trip, whether it’s to a nearby city or a far-off country, offers unique experiences that enrich my perspective on life.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some points to cover. Here’s a sample cue card based on our main theme:
Describe a time when you visited a foreign country
You should say:
- Where you went
- When you went there
- Who you went with
- What you did there
And explain how you felt about this visit.
Now, let’s look at sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my trip to Japan last summer. I went there with my best friend for two weeks in July. We visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In Tokyo, we explored the busy streets of Shibuya and enjoyed the view from Tokyo Tower. In Kyoto, we visited ancient temples and tried on traditional kimonos. Osaka was great for food – we tried lots of delicious dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
I felt really excited during this trip. It was my first time in Japan, and everything was so different from my home country. The technology, the politeness of people, and the efficiency of public transport really impressed me. I also loved how they managed to blend modern life with traditional culture. Overall, it was an eye-opening experience that made me want to travel more and learn about different cultures.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d be delighted to share my experience of visiting Japan last summer. This two-week sojourn in July was a long-anticipated adventure that I embarked on with my closest friend. Our itinerary encompassed the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, the historical treasure trove of Kyoto, and the culinary paradise of Osaka.
In Tokyo, we immersed ourselves in the pulsating energy of Shibuya Crossing and marveled at the panoramic views from Tokyo Tower. Kyoto offered a stark contrast with its serene temples and time-honored traditions – we even had the opportunity to don exquisite kimonos. Osaka was a gastronomic revelation, where we indulged in local delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
This journey left me utterly captivated and profoundly impressed. It was my inaugural visit to Japan, and the stark cultural contrasts were both fascinating and enlightening. The seamless integration of cutting-edge technology with deeply rooted traditions was particularly striking. The unparalleled politeness of the locals and the impeccable efficiency of public transportation systems were aspects that left an indelible mark on me.
Overall, this trip was an eye-opening odyssey that ignited my wanderlust and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. It broadened my horizons in ways I hadn’t anticipated, leaving me with a renewed sense of curiosity about the world and a strong desire to explore more of its hidden gems.”
Follow-up Questions:
- What was the most challenging aspect of your trip to Japan?
- How did this trip change your perspective on travel?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“The most challenging aspect of my trip to Japan was undoubtedly navigating the language barrier, particularly in less touristy areas. While major cities like Tokyo had plenty of English signage, venturing into more rural regions presented some linguistic hurdles. However, this challenge turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to learn basic Japanese phrases. It also led to some endearing interactions with locals who, despite the language gap, went out of their way to assist us. These experiences fostered a deeper appreciation for the importance of cross-cultural communication and the universal language of kindness.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think travel influences people’s understanding of different cultures?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe travel plays a crucial role in broadening people’s perspectives on different cultures. When we visit foreign countries, we’re exposed to new customs, traditions, and ways of life that may be quite different from our own. This firsthand experience helps break down stereotypes and preconceptions we might have had. For example, before visiting Japan, I had certain ideas about Japanese culture based on what I’d seen in media. But actually being there and interacting with local people gave me a much more nuanced and accurate understanding. Travel also encourages empathy and tolerance, as we learn to appreciate the diversity of human experiences around the world.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Travel, in my opinion, is an unparalleled catalyst for fostering cross-cultural understanding and dismantling preconceived notions. When we immerse ourselves in foreign environments, we’re compelled to engage with unfamiliar customs, traditions, and worldviews, which can be both enlightening and transformative. This firsthand exposure often serves to shatter stereotypes and challenge our ingrained beliefs, replacing them with more nuanced and empathetic perspectives.
For instance, my trip to Japan profoundly altered my understanding of Japanese culture. Prior to my visit, my perceptions were largely shaped by media representations and secondhand accounts. However, the lived experience of navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets, participating in a traditional tea ceremony, or conversing with locals in a quiet Kyoto neighborhood provided invaluable insights that no book or film could fully convey.
Moreover, travel fosters a sense of global citizenship and cultivates empathy. As we encounter diverse ways of life and problem-solving approaches, we begin to appreciate the rich tapestry of human experience. This newfound appreciation often translates into greater tolerance and openness in our everyday lives, making us more adept at navigating our increasingly interconnected world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
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Sojourn (noun) – /ˈsɒdʒɜːn/ – a temporary stay
Example: “My sojourn in Paris lasted for three unforgettable months.” -
Immerse oneself (phrasal verb) – /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ – to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
Example: “I tried to immerse myself in the local culture by learning the language and participating in traditional festivals.” -
Marvel at (phrasal verb) – /ˈmɑːvl æt/ – to be filled with wonder or astonishment
Example: “We couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate architecture of the ancient temples.” -
Gastronomic (adjective) – /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to good food and cooking
Example: “The trip was a gastronomic adventure, with each city offering its own unique culinary delights.” -
Broaden one’s horizons (idiom) – to expand one’s range of interests, experiences, and knowledge
Example: “Traveling to different countries has really helped broaden my horizons and change my perspective on life.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a travel experience, keep these tips in mind:
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Use a variety of tenses: When recounting your trip, use a mix of past simple, past continuous, and present perfect tenses to add depth to your narrative.
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Incorporate descriptive language: Use vivid adjectives and adverbs to bring your experience to life for the listener.
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Show enthusiasm: Your tone and facial expressions should convey your excitement about the topic.
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Structure your answer: For the long turn, organize your thoughts according to the bullet points provided, but try to connect them naturally.
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Extend your answers: In Part 3, don’t just give short responses. Elaborate on your points and provide examples to support your ideas.
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Practice regularly: The more you practice describing various aspects of travel, the more comfortable and fluent you’ll become in discussing this topic.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle travel-related questions in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to describe a recent travel experience that left an impression on you with confidence and eloquence. Good luck with your preparation!