Describing a tourist attraction you’d like to visit is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal preferences, describe places vividly, and discuss travel-related topics. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about travel and tourism. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:

Do you like to travel?

Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I really enjoy traveling. It’s a great way to relax and learn about different cultures.

Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about traveling. I find it incredibly enriching to immerse myself in diverse cultures and broaden my horizons through new experiences.

What’s your favorite type of holiday?

Band 6-7 Answer: I prefer beach holidays. I love relaxing by the sea and swimming.

Band 8-9 Answer: I’m particularly drawn to adventure holidays that combine outdoor activities with cultural exploration. There’s something exhilarating about pushing my boundaries while gaining insights into local traditions.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Tourist Attraction Questions

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card based on our theme:

Cue Card

Describe a tourist attraction that you would like to visit.
You should say:

• What it is
• Where it is located
• Why you want to visit it
• And explain how you think you would feel when you visit this place

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about a breathtaking tourist attraction that has long been on my bucket list – the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.

Petra is nestled in the southern desert of Jordan, about 150 miles south of the capital, Amman. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its incredible rock-cut architecture, particularly the famous Treasury building, which was spectacularly featured in the Indiana Jones movies.

My desire to visit Petra stems from its rich historical significance and architectural marvels. The city was carved into rose-red cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, and I’m fascinated by the engineering prowess required to create such intricate structures without modern technology. Moreover, the blend of Nabataean and Greco-Roman styles in Petra’s architecture is something I’m eager to witness firsthand.

I imagine that when I finally visit Petra, I’ll be absolutely awestruck. Walking through the narrow Siq, the main entrance to the city, and catching that first glimpse of the Treasury’s facade would be truly breathtaking. I expect to feel a profound sense of wonder at the ingenuity of ancient civilizations and a deep connection to history. The experience would likely be both humbling and inspiring, reminding me of the incredible achievements humans are capable of and perhaps sparking a renewed appreciation for the preservation of our global heritage.

Ancient City of Petra in Jordan

Follow-up Questions

1. Do you think this attraction might be crowded?

Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, it probably would be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Many people want to see such a famous place.

Band 8-9 Answer: I would anticipate significant crowds, particularly during peak travel periods. Given Petra’s status as a world-renowned attraction, it’s likely to draw visitors from across the globe. However, I believe that with proper planning, such as visiting during off-peak hours or booking guided tours, one could mitigate the impact of crowds and still have a memorable experience.

2. How do you think tourism affects places like this?

Band 6-7 Answer: Tourism can be both good and bad for such places. It brings money but can also damage the site if not managed well.

Band 8-9 Answer: Tourism has a dual impact on sites like Petra. On one hand, it generates crucial revenue for conservation efforts and boosts the local economy. However, excessive foot traffic can lead to erosion of ancient structures and disrupt the delicate desert ecosystem. It’s imperative to strike a balance between accessibility and preservation, perhaps through implementing visitor caps or investing in sustainable tourism practices to ensure these irreplaceable wonders endure for future generations.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:

How has tourism changed in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer: Tourism has changed a lot. More people are traveling now, and they use the internet to plan their trips. Also, there are new types of tourism like eco-tourism.

Band 8-9 Answer: Tourism has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. We’ve seen a shift towards more experiential and sustainable travel, with travelers seeking authentic local experiences rather than just ticking off famous landmarks. The rise of social media has also dramatically influenced travel choices, with Instagram-worthy destinations gaining popularity. Additionally, there’s been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of tourism, leading to an increase in eco-friendly travel options and responsible tourism practices.

Do you think virtual tourism could replace physical travel in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer: I don’t think virtual tourism can fully replace real travel. People like to experience things in person, not just through a screen.

Band 8-9 Answer: While virtual tourism has made significant strides, particularly in light of recent global events, I believe it’s unlikely to entirely supplant physical travel. Virtual experiences can certainly complement traditional tourism, offering previews of destinations or providing access to fragile sites that limit visitors. However, travel is often about immersing oneself in a different culture, engaging all five senses, and having spontaneous interactions – aspects that are challenging to replicate virtually. That said, virtual tourism could play a crucial role in making travel more accessible to those with physical or financial limitations, and in reducing the carbon footprint associated with frequent travel.

Virtual Tourism vs Physical Travel

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Bucket list /ˈbʌkɪt lɪst/ (noun): A list of experiences one hopes to have during their lifetime.
   Example: “Visiting the Great Wall of China is at the top of my bucket list.”

2. Breathtaking /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one’s breath away.
   Example: “The view from the mountain peak was absolutely breathtaking.”

3. Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ (phrasal verb): To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
   Example: “I love to immerse myself in local customs when I travel.”

4. Off the beaten track /ɒf ðə ˈbiːtn træk/ (idiom): In or into an isolated place or a place that is not well known.
   Example: “We prefer to explore destinations that are off the beaten track.”

5. Awe-inspiring /ˈɔːɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Inspiring awe or admiration.
   Example: “The ancient temple’s architecture was truly awe-inspiring.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing tourist attractions:

1. Develop a diverse vocabulary related to travel and tourism. This will allow you to express your ideas more precisely and impressively.

2. Practice describing places in detail, focusing on not just visual aspects but also atmosphere, history, and personal impressions.

3. Prepare to discuss both pros and cons of tourism, showing your ability to consider multiple perspectives.

4. Use personal anecdotes or hypothetical scenarios to make your answers more engaging and showcase your language skills.

5. Stay updated on current travel trends and issues to demonstrate your awareness of global topics related to tourism.

By incorporating these strategies and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about tourist attractions in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly, confidently, and with a range of appropriate language.

For more insights on describing places and travel experiences, you might find these articles helpful:

• Describe a part of your country that you enjoy visiting
• Describe a place in your country that is popular for its beaches
• Describe a time when you traveled to a new city

These resources can provide additional context and vocabulary to enhance your responses about tourist attractions and travel experiences.