Describing an unexpected trip is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate experiences, express emotions, and use varied vocabulary. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about travel and unexpected events. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you enjoy traveling?
A: Absolutely! I find traveling to be an exhilarating experience. It broadens my horizons and exposes me to diverse cultures and perspectives. There’s something truly magical about exploring new places and stepping out of my comfort zone.
Describe a place you visited that had an unexpected impact on you is another common topic that may come up in IELTS Speaking. Being prepared for such questions can help you perform better in the test.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe A Trip You Planned That Did Not Go As Expected
You should say:
- Where you went
- Who you went with
- What happened that was unexpected
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a trip I took to Bali last summer with my best friend. We had been planning this vacation for months and were really looking forward to it. We had booked a nice hotel near the beach and made a list of all the places we wanted to visit.
However, things didn’t go as planned. On the second day of our trip, there was an unexpected volcanic eruption. The airport was closed, and many tourist attractions were shut down for safety reasons. We were stuck in our hotel for most of the trip.
At first, I felt really disappointed and frustrated. We had spent a lot of money on this trip, and it seemed like it was all going to waste. But as time went on, we tried to make the best of the situation. We spent time talking to other stranded tourists and even made some new friends.
In the end, while it wasn’t the trip we had planned, it turned out to be a unique experience. I learned that sometimes unexpected events can lead to interesting adventures.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d be delighted to share an account of a trip that took an unexpected turn. Last summer, my closest friend and I embarked on what we anticipated would be an idyllic getaway to the paradisiacal island of Bali. We had meticulously planned every detail, from our beachfront accommodation to an itinerary brimming with cultural excursions and adventure activities.
However, our well-laid plans were dramatically upended on the second day of our sojourn when we received news of an imminent volcanic eruption. The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in the closure of the airport and the shutdown of numerous tourist attractions for safety reasons. Consequently, we found ourselves confined to our hotel for the majority of our stay.
Initially, I was overwhelmed with disappointment and frustration. The substantial financial investment we had made in this trip seemed to be evaporating before our eyes. However, as time progressed, we made a conscious decision to embrace the situation and make the most of our circumstances.
Interestingly, this unexpected turn of events led to some truly enriching experiences. We found ourselves engaging in profound conversations with fellow stranded tourists, forging new friendships that have endured beyond the trip. We also had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture in ways we hadn’t anticipated, gaining insights into the daily lives of the Balinese people and their resilience in the face of natural disasters.
In retrospect, while the trip deviated significantly from our original plans, it evolved into an unforgettable adventure. This experience served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of adaptability and positivity in the face of unexpected challenges. It reinforced my belief that sometimes, the most memorable experiences arise from the most unforeseen circumstances.
Unexpected trip to Bali disrupted by volcanic eruption
Follow-up Questions
Q: How did this experience change your approach to travel planning?
A (Band 6-7): This experience taught me to be more flexible when planning trips. Now, I always make sure to have a backup plan and travel insurance. I also try to be more open to changes and unexpected events.
A (Band 8-9): This eye-opening experience has fundamentally altered my approach to travel planning. I now prioritize flexibility and contingency planning in my travel arrangements. I’ve become more meticulous about researching potential risks and purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Moreover, I’ve cultivated a more adaptable mindset, viewing unexpected events not as setbacks, but as opportunities for unique experiences and personal growth.
Q: Do you think unexpected events during travel can be beneficial?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think they can be. Unexpected events can lead to new experiences and help us learn to deal with difficult situations. They can make our trips more memorable and interesting.
A (Band 8-9): Absolutely. I firmly believe that unexpected events during travel can be immensely beneficial. They often serve as catalysts for personal growth, pushing us out of our comfort zones and fostering resilience and adaptability. These unplanned occurrences can lead to serendipitous encounters and experiences that enrich our journeys in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. Moreover, they tend to create the most vivid and lasting memories, often becoming the highlights of our travel stories. Such events challenge our problem-solving skills and can deepen our understanding of local cultures and communities, ultimately broadening our perspectives in profound ways.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think technology has changed the way people plan their trips?
A (Band 6-7): Technology has made trip planning much easier. We can now book flights and hotels online, read reviews from other travelers, and use maps on our phones to find our way around. It’s also easier to stay in touch with family while traveling.
A (Band 8-9): Technology has revolutionized the landscape of travel planning. It has democratized access to information, allowing travelers to make more informed decisions through online reviews, virtual tours, and real-time updates. Advanced booking platforms have simplified the process of securing accommodations and transportation, while mobile applications provide on-the-go assistance with navigation, language translation, and local recommendations. Furthermore, technology has enhanced safety measures through features like real-time tracking and instant communication tools. However, it’s worth noting that this technological dependence can sometimes detract from the spontaneity and serendipitous discoveries that often make travel memorable.
Q: Do you think it’s better to plan every detail of a trip or leave room for spontaneity?
A (Band 6-7): I think it’s good to have a balance. Planning is important to make sure you don’t miss important things, but leaving some free time allows for unexpected discoveries and experiences. It’s nice to have flexibility in your schedule.
A (Band 8-9): I believe the optimal approach lies in striking a delicate balance between meticulous planning and embracing spontaneity. A well-structured itinerary ensures that you maximize your time and don’t miss out on key attractions or experiences. It also provides a sense of security, particularly in unfamiliar environments. However, allocating unstructured time within your schedule is equally crucial. This flexibility allows for serendipitous discoveries, impromptu interactions with locals, and the ability to immerse oneself more deeply in experiences that resonate unexpectedly. Moreover, it provides a buffer for unforeseen circumstances and the opportunity to follow recommendations from fellow travelers or locals. Ultimately, this balanced approach can lead to a more enriching and authentic travel experience.
Describe a trip you took that didn’t go as planned is another topic that might come up in IELTS Speaking. Being prepared for such variations can help you perform better in the test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Meticulously planned /məˈtɪkjələsli plænd/ (adverb + verb): Carefully and precisely planned.
Example: We had meticulously planned every aspect of our trip to Paris.Upended /ʌpˈendɪd/ (verb): Completely changed or disrupted.
Example: Our travel plans were upended by the sudden flight cancellation.Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Example: Traveling often tests one’s adaptability to different cultures and situations.Serendipitous /ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs/ (adjective): Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example: Our wrong turn led to a serendipitous discovery of a hidden beach.Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: Facing travel challenges has greatly improved my resilience.
Key vocabulary and phrases for IELTS Speaking
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing unexpected trips in IELTS Speaking:
- Practice narrating personal experiences with a clear structure (beginning, middle, end).
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to make your story vivid.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary appropriately.
- Show your ability to reflect on experiences by discussing your feelings and lessons learned.
- Practice speaking about both positive and negative unexpected events to demonstrate range.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Describe a time when you missed or were late for an important event is another related topic that could help you prepare for unexpected situations in your IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking practice tips
By mastering these techniques and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss unexpected trips and other travel-related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate these strategies into your daily English conversations as well.
