Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions about travel and trips:
- Do you like traveling?
- What kind of places do you usually visit?
- Do you prefer traveling alone or with others?
- How do you plan your trips?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m absolutely passionate about traveling. I tend to gravitate towards historical sites and cultural destinations as they offer invaluable insights into different civilizations. While I enjoy both solo and group travel, I meticulously plan my journeys by thoroughly researching destinations and creating detailed itineraries.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a trip you planned but didn’t go as expected
You should say:
- Where you went
- What happened unexpectedly
- How you dealt with the situation
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my trip to Bali last summer. I had carefully planned everything for a week-long vacation. However, when I arrived, there was an unexpected volcanic eruption that caused the airport to close. I had to quickly adapt to the situation by extending my stay and finding alternative accommodation. The experience was quite stressful but taught me to be more flexible while traveling.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience about an ill-fated yet memorable journey to Bali last summer. I had meticulously orchestrated a week-long getaway, having thoroughly researched every aspect from accommodation to daily activities. However, nature had other plans when Mount Agung unexpectedly erupted, leading to widespread flight cancellations and chaos at the airport.
Faced with this unprecedented situation, I had to swiftly pivot from my original plans. I managed to secure alternative accommodation through local contacts and transformed what could have been a disaster into an opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture. This unforeseen circumstance actually led to some of the most authentic experiences I’ve ever had while traveling.
The situation was initially overwhelming, but it proved to be a valuable lesson in adaptability and resilience. I found myself developing a deeper appreciation for spontaneity and learned that sometimes the most memorable experiences stem from unexpected situations.”
Professional handling unexpected travel situations during IELTS speaking test
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do people usually handle unexpected situations during travel?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“People’s reactions to travel disruptions can vary significantly. While some travelers might become overwhelmed and panic, more experienced travelers tend to maintain their composure and approach challenges systematically. They often rely on travel insurance, seek assistance from local authorities or their embassies, and maintain flexibility in their plans. The key is to remain level-headed and view obstacles as opportunities rather than insurmountable problems.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Meticulously orchestrated (adv + v) /məˈtɪkjələsli ˈɔːkɪstreɪtɪd/ – carefully planned and arranged
- Unprecedented situation (adj + n) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/ – never known or experienced before
- Swiftly pivot (adv + v) /ˈswɪftli ˈpɪvət/ – quickly change direction or focus
- Ill-fated (adj) /ˌɪl ˈfeɪtɪd/ – unlucky or unsuccessful
- Transform (v) /trænsˈfɔːm/ – completely change
- Immerse oneself (v) /ɪˈmɜːs/ – involve oneself deeply
Examiner’s Tips
- Focus on using a wide range of vocabulary related to travel and problem-solving
- Structure your response with clear introduction, body, and conclusion
- Include specific details and personal reactions
- Practice describing both positive and negative experiences
- Use various tenses appropriately to show timeline
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally
Remember to maintain eye contact with the examiner and speak at a natural pace while incorporating these elements into your response.
