Describe a Time When You Went on a Long Journey: An IELTS Speaking Guide

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess your ability to communicate effectively in English across various topics. One common topic that you might encounter is describing a time when you went on a long journey. This question tests your storytelling abilities, use of vocabulary, fluency, coherence, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Understanding how to structure your answer and effectively use complex sentences, connectors, and a wide range of vocabulary is essential to achieving a high band score.

This article will guide you through a detailed analysis and provide sample answers to help you prepare for such questions. We will dive into different parts of the Speaking test: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion).

Common Questions in Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself. Here are common question topics and an example question related to travelling:

Example Question from Part 1:

“Do you enjoy travelling?”

Suggested Answer:

“Absolutely, I love travelling! It allows me to explore new cultures, meet different people, and try various cuisines. Travelling also provides a break from the daily routine, which is quite refreshing and rejuvenating.”

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: The answer is smooth and logical.
• Lexical Resource: Uses varied vocabulary like “explore,” “cultures,” “cuisines,” “rejuvenating.”
• Grammatical Range: Uses present tense accurately and includes a subordinate clause.

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with prompts and have one minute to prepare your response. You will then speak for 1-2 minutes.

Cue Card:

“Describe a time when you went on a long journey.”

You should say:

• Where you went
• Who you travelled with
• What you did during the journey
• And explain why it was a memorable journey

Suggested Answer:

“One of the most memorable long journeys I have ever undertaken was a road trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. I went with my closest friends. We decided to take this trip because we wanted to experience the stunning landscapes that Vietnam has to offer.

During the journey, we stopped at numerous fascinating places such as the ancient town of Hoi An and the picturesque beaches of Da Nang. We also indulged in the local cuisine, which was nothing short of delicious. The road trip took about a week, and we made countless unforgettable memories.

Road trip scenery

This journey was particularly memorable for me because it strengthened the bond between my friends and me, and gave me a deeper appreciation for my country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.”

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: The narrative flows well, with clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Lexical Resource: Uses varied and advanced vocabulary like “undertaken,” “stunning landscapes,” “picturesque,” “indulged,” “unforgettable.”
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses various tenses and structures correctly, including past tense and descriptive phrases.
• Pronunciation: Ensure clarity and correct pronunciation of complex words.

Possible Follow-up Questions:

1. “What challenges did you face during the journey?”

   • Suggested Answer:
     “One significant challenge was navigating unfamiliar routes. Even with GPS, we sometimes found ourselves on tricky roads or lost in small towns. Moreover, the long hours of driving were quite exhausting.”

2. “Would you recommend this journey to others?”

   • Suggested Answer:
     “Absolutely. It’s a fantastic way to explore Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. While it requires some planning and stamina, the experiences are definitely worth it.”

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: Responses are concise yet detailed.
• Lexical Resource: Phrases like “navigating unfamiliar routes,” “tricky roads,” “fantastic way,” and “rich culture” add depth.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses complex and compound sentences effectively.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2. This part assesses your ability to express opinions, develop arguments, and discuss abstract ideas.

Example Questions and Suggested Answers:

1. “How important is it for people to travel and see different places?”

   • Suggested Answer:
     “Travel is exceedingly important as it broadens perspectives and fosters a greater understanding of different cultures and lifestyles. It encourages people to be more open-minded and can even contribute to personal growth. For example, encountering diverse customs and viewpoints can challenge preconceived notions and contribute to a more well-rounded worldview.”

2. “What are the benefits of traveling for young people?”

   • Suggested Answer:
     “Traveling offers numerous advantages for young people. It can enhance their educational experience by providing real-world learning opportunities beyond textbooks. Additionally, it promotes independence and problem-solving skills, as young travelers often have to navigate new environments on their own.”

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: Answers are well-organized and articulate.
• Lexical Resource: Uses advanced vocabulary such as “exceedingly,” “broadens perspectives,” “fosters,” “open-minded,” “real-world learning opportunities,” “promotes independence.”
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Includes complex sentence structures and accurate use of present tense and modal verbs.

Key Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve a High Score

Useful Vocabulary:

1. Embark on (v): /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/ – to begin a journey or venture.

   • Example: “We decided to embark on a week-long road trip across the country.”

2. Picturesque (adj): /ˌpɪk.tʃərˈesk/ – visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.

   • Example: “The picturesque landscapes of the countryside left us in awe.”

3. Bond (n): /bɑːnd/ – a connection or relationship between people.

   • Example: “The journey helped strengthen the bond between us.”

Sample Phrase Usage:

1. “Experiencing diverse cultures helps broaden one’s perspective on life.”
2. “Indulging in local cuisine was a highlight of our journey.”

Examiner’s Advice: Tips for High Scores in the Speaking Test

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps improve fluency and confidence.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary to demonstrate your language skills.
3. Focus on Pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation is crucial.
4. Use Complex Sentences: Show your ability to use various sentence structures.
5. Stay Calm and Positive: Nervousness can affect your performance, so relax and approach the test positively.

By following these tips and practicing with the provided examples, you can feel more confident and prepared to describe a time when you went on a long journey in your IELTS Speaking test.