The IELTS Speaking Test consists of three parts and assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, scoring high in this exam requires a blend of fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One of the common topics that frequently appear in the speaking test is “Describe a time when you visited an unusual place.” This article provides a detailed guide on how to approach and answer this type of question.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions:
- Do you like to travel?
- What is your favorite type of holiday?
- Have you ever visited a place far from your hometown?
Sample Answer
Examiner: “Do you like to travel?”
Candidate: “Absolutely! I love to travel because it allows me to explore new cultures, try different cuisines, and meet interesting people. Traveling also broadens my horizons and provides a break from the routine of everyday life.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you visited an unusual place. You should say:
- Where it was
- When you went there
- Who you were with
- Why you thought it was unusual
Sample Answer
One of the most memorable and unusual places I’ve ever visited is a floating village in Cambodia. I went there about two years ago during my vacation in Southeast Asia. The village was located on the Tonle Sap Lake, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
I visited this village with a group of friends who were also intrigued by the idea of a floating community. The entire village was built on stilts over the water, and the houses, schools, and even shops floated on the lake. We traveled around the village on a small boat, which was both fascinating and surreal. What struck me as extraordinary was how the locals adapted their daily lives to the floating environment. From fishing to rowing between houses, everything was done on water, which created an entirely unique way of living.
The floating village was unusual to me because it was unlike any place I had ever seen. The combination of rustic wooden houses floating on a vast expanse of water and the serene yet bustling life of the villagers made it extraordinarily unique. This experience not only offered me a glimpse into a different culture but also made me appreciate the adaptability and resilience of the human spirit.
Examiner Follow-Up Questions
Examiner: “What was the most surprising thing you saw in the floating village?”
Candidate: “The most surprising thing I saw was a floating school where children were attentively studying despite the unique and challenging setting. It was incredible to see such an essential part of society functioning seamlessly on water.”
Examiner: “How did this visit change your perspective on life?”
Candidate: “This visit changed my perspective on life by highlighting how people can thrive in diverse and challenging environments. It taught me to be more appreciative of the conveniences we often take for granted and inspired me to be more resilient and adaptable.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner: “Why do you think people are drawn to visiting unusual places?”
Candidate: “I believe people are drawn to visiting unusual places because it satiates their curiosity and their desire for adventure. Experiencing something out of the ordinary can be incredibly enriching and mentally stimulating. It allows individuals to step out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in new experiences, which can be both educational and exhilarating.”
Examiner: “How can visiting unusual places impact a person’s worldview?”
Candidate: “Visiting unusual places can significantly impact a person’s worldview by exposing them to different lifestyles, cultures, and ways of thinking. This exposure can foster greater empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness. It challenges preconceived notions and broadens one’s perspective, making them more appreciative of the diversity and complexity of human society.”
Vocabulary and Structures for High Bands
Key Vocabulary:
- Unusual /ʌnˈjuː.ʒ.u.əl/: different from what is usual or expected.
- Intriguing /ɪnˈtriː.ɡɪŋ/: very interesting because of being unusual or mysterious.
- Adaptability /əˌdæp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/: the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
- Resilient /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/: able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Example Sentences:
- “The village was intriguing with its floating houses and bustling life on water.”
- “The significant adaptability displayed by the villagers was truly inspirational.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test:
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently. Avoid long pauses.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
- Pronounce words clearly and correctly.
- Engage in regular practice and get feedback from a mentor or peer.
- Listen to native English speakers to improve your pronunciation and intonation.
For more practice, explore related topics such as Describe a time when you visited a relative or How to describe a building in IELTS.
By incorporating these strategies, candidates can effectively prepare for and achieve higher bands in their IELTS Speaking Test.