The topic of describing a time when you were lost in an unfamiliar place is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate a personal experience, express emotions, and use descriptive language. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests due to its relatability and potential for rich vocabulary usage.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about getting lost or unfamiliar places. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: Do you have a good sense of direction?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I have a fairly good sense of direction, but it’s not infallible. I’m usually able to navigate familiar areas without much trouble, and I can generally remember routes after traveling them once or twice. However, in entirely new places, especially large cities with complex layouts, I sometimes find myself needing to rely on maps or GPS. I think it’s a skill that improves with practice and exposure to different environments.”
IELTS Speaking Examiner asking questions
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a time when you were lost in an unfamiliar place
You should say:
- Where you were
- How you got lost
- What you did to find your way
- How you felt about this experienceSample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I got lost in Bangkok during a solo trip to Thailand. It was my first visit to the city, and I was eager to explore its vibrant street life and famous landmarks.
One afternoon, I decided to venture out from my hotel to visit the Grand Palace. I thought I could manage without using my phone’s GPS, relying instead on a paper map I’d picked up from the hotel lobby. As I wandered through the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds, I realized I had strayed off course. The unfamiliar street names and the maze-like layout of the area left me feeling disoriented.
To find my way, I first tried to retrace my steps, but that only led me further from my destination. Eventually, I decided to ask for directions from some local shopkeepers. Despite the language barrier, they were incredibly helpful, using a mix of broken English and hand gestures to guide me. One kind lady even walked with me for a short distance to point me in the right direction.
At first, I felt quite anxious and frustrated with myself for getting lost. However, as I interacted with the locals and discovered hidden gems in the back alleys, my anxiety turned into excitement. It became an unexpected adventure, allowing me to experience the authentic side of Bangkok that I might have missed otherwise.
In the end, I made it to the Grand Palace, albeit later than planned. This experience taught me the value of being prepared with proper navigation tools, but also the unexpected joys that can come from losing your way in a new place.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an experience I had when I found myself utterly disoriented in the labyrinthine medina of Fez, Morocco. This ancient walled city, with its narrow, winding alleys and countless dead ends, is notorious for confounding even the most seasoned travelers.
I had ventured into the medina early one morning, captivated by the promise of exploring its historic sites and vibrant souks. Armed with a rudimentary map and an overconfident sense of direction, I plunged into the maze-like streets, eagerly absorbing the sights, sounds, and aromas that assaulted my senses.
As the hours passed, I realized I had unwittingly strayed far from my intended route. The familiar landmarks I had mentally noted had melted away, replaced by an endless array of identical-looking alleyways and doorways. My initial excitement gave way to a growing sense of unease as I found myself hopelessly lost in this medieval urban puzzle.
To extricate myself from this predicament, I employed a multi-faceted approach. First, I attempted to gain a higher vantage point by climbing to a rooftop cafe, hoping to spot a recognizable minaret or monument. When this proved futile, I resorted to engaging with locals, utilizing a combination of broken Arabic, French, and exaggerated gestures to convey my plight. Their warmth and hospitality were truly heartening, with several individuals going out of their way to guide me in the right direction.
My emotional journey during this experience was as intricate as the medina itself. Initial trepidation and frustration gradually morphed into a sense of adventure and cultural immersion. I found myself marveling at the serendipitous encounters and hidden treasures I discovered off the beaten path – a skill
ful artisan’s workshop, a tranquil courtyard fountain, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from a communal oven.
This experience served as a poignant reminder of the value of embracing the unexpected when traveling. While being lost can be disconcerting, it can also lead to the most authentic and memorable experiences. It taught me the importance of balancing preparation with spontaneity, and how sometimes, losing your way can be the best way to truly find a place.”
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the experience of getting lost?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the experience of getting lost, particularly through the ubiquity of smartphones and GPS navigation. On one hand, these tools have made it significantly easier to orient oneself in unfamiliar surroundings, mitigating the risk of becoming hopelessly lost. This has undoubtedly increased travelers’ confidence and safety, especially in potentially dangerous or confusing environments.
However, I believe this technological safety net has also diminished some of the serendipity and adventure associated with losing one’s way. There’s a certain thrill and potential for discovery in navigating by instinct or interacting with locals for directions. Technology, while incredibly useful, can sometimes create a barrier between travelers and their environment, reducing the need for human interaction and potentially limiting unexpected discoveries.
That said, I think the ideal approach is to strike a balance. Using technology as a backup while still allowing oneself the freedom to explore and occasionally get lost can lead to the best of both worlds – the security of knowing you can find your way back, combined with the excitement of unplanned adventures.”
Lost traveler using smartphone GPS in unfamiliar city
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think the ability to navigate without technology is becoming less important?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that while technology has certainly made navigation easier, the ability to navigate without it remains important. In many situations, such as when your phone battery dies or you’re in an area with poor signal, traditional navigation skills can be crucial. These skills also help develop a better sense of spatial awareness and improve our overall cognitive abilities.
However, I must admit that with the increasing reliability and accessibility of GPS technology, there’s less emphasis on learning these traditional skills. Many young people today might struggle to read a physical map or navigate using landmarks. This shift could potentially make us overly reliant on technology and less adaptable in situations where it’s not available.
On the other hand, technology has made travel more accessible and safer for many people. It’s allowed individuals with poor sense of direction to explore new places with confidence. So while I think basic navigation skills are still valuable, I can understand why they might be seen as less critical in today’s world.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The increasing prevalence of technology in navigation presents a double-edged sword when it comes to the importance of traditional wayfinding skills. On one hand, GPS and smartphone applications have revolutionized the way we navigate, making it easier than ever to find our way in unfamiliar territories. This technological advancement has democratized travel, allowing even those with a poor sense of direction to explore new places with confidence.
However, I would argue that the ability to navigate without technology remains critically important. Firstly, technology is not infallible – batteries die, signals fail, and sometimes digital maps are inaccurate. In such situations, traditional navigation skills can be lifesaving. Moreover, relying solely on technology can lead to a diminished spatial awareness and a disconnection from our environment. There’s a cognitive benefit to mentally mapping our surroundings and using landmarks for orientation.
Furthermore, the process of getting lost and finding one’s way can be a valuable learning experience, fostering problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural engagement when traveling. It often leads to unexpected discoveries and memorable encounters that might be missed when following a prescribed route on a smartphone.
That said, I believe the ideal approach is to strike a balance. We should leverage technology for its convenience and safety benefits while still cultivating basic navigation skills. This could involve occasionally navigating without GPS, reading physical maps, or consciously observing and remembering landmarks. By doing so, we can enjoy the best of both worlds – the security and efficiency of modern technology, coupled with the self-reliance and enriched experiences that come from traditional navigation skills.”
Traditional navigation vs GPS technology
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Labyrinthine (adjective) /ˌlæbəˈrɪnθaɪn/ – complicated and confusing; like a labyrinth
Example: The old city’s labyrinthine streets were a challenge to navigate.Disoriented (adjective) /dɪsˈɔːrientid/ – having lost one’s sense of direction; confused
Example: After wandering for hours, I felt completely disoriented in the unfamiliar city.To venture into (phrasal verb) – to go somewhere that might be dangerous or unpleasant
Example: Despite the warnings, we ventured into the dense forest.To plunge into (phrasal verb) – to suddenly start doing something with a lot of energy
Example: Without hesitation, he plunged into the crowded market.To give way to (phrasal verb) – to be replaced by something else
Example: My initial confidence gave way to anxiety as I realized I was lost.Off the beaten path (idiom) – in or to an isolated place that few people ever visit
Example: The best discoveries are often made when you go off the beaten path.To strike a balance (idiom) – to find a compromise between two opposing things
Example: It’s important to strike a balance between using technology and relying on traditional navigation skills.Double-edged sword (idiom) – something that has both advantages and disadvantages
Example: The prevalence of GPS technology is a double-edged sword for travelers.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing experiences like being lost in an unfamiliar place:
Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate idioms and phrasal verbs naturally into your speech.
Develop your answers fully, providing specific details and examples to support your points.
Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency and reduce hesitation.
Describe a public transport experience you had recently to further enhance your descriptive skills and vocabulary related to travel and navigation.
When discussing abstract ideas in Part 3, try to provide balanced arguments and consider different perspectives.
Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.
Stay calm and confident, even if you make mistakes. The ability to self-correct and maintain fluency is valued by examiners.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is preparation and practice. Regularly engaging with English through conversations, podcasts, and describing a book you read recently can significantly improve your speaking skills and confidence.
IELTS Speaking practice session
By following these tips and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic in your IELTS Speaking test, including describing experiences of being lost in unfamiliar places. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!