The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about new experiences or activities in unfamiliar places. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to describe events, express feelings, and reflect on personal growth. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions related to “describe an activity you did in a new place” across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about new experiences or activities. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy trying new activities?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy trying new things. It’s always exciting to learn something different and challenge myself. Recently, I tried rock climbing for the first time, which was both thrilling and a bit scary.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I’m quite enthusiastic about exploring new activities. There’s something inherently exhilarating about stepping out of my comfort zone and broadening my horizons. For instance, I recently took up scuba diving, which was not only a physical challenge but also opened up a whole new world beneath the waves.”
- How do you feel when you visit a new place?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I usually feel excited and a bit nervous when visiting a new place. It’s interesting to see different cultures and landscapes, but sometimes I worry about getting lost or not understanding the local customs.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Visiting a new place elicits a mix of emotions for me. On one hand, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation about the unknown adventures that await. Conversely, there’s a slight trepidation about navigating unfamiliar territory. However, I find that this combination of feelings ultimately enhances the overall experience, making it more memorable and rewarding.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe an activity you did in a new place
You should say:
- What the activity was
- Where you did it
- Who you were with
- And explain how you felt about doing this activity in a new place
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about the time I went skiing for the first time. It was during a winter trip to the Alps with a group of friends. We decided to try skiing at a famous resort in Switzerland.
I was quite nervous at first because I had never skied before, and the slopes looked really steep. My friends were more experienced, so they helped me get started. We took a beginner’s lesson together, which was really helpful.
At the beginning, I fell down a lot and felt a bit embarrassed. But as the day went on, I started to get the hang of it. By the end of the day, I was able to go down some easy slopes without falling.
I felt really proud of myself for trying something new and not giving up. It was challenging but also really fun. The scenery was beautiful, with snow-covered mountains all around us. Overall, it was an exciting experience, and I’m glad I tried it in such a stunning new place.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to recount an exhilarating experience I had recently when I embarked on a scuba diving adventure in the Great Barrier Reef. This aquatic expedition took place off the coast of Queensland, Australia, during a solo travel experience I undertook to challenge myself and expand my horizons.
The activity itself was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Donning the scuba gear and descending into the vibrant underwater world was like entering an alien landscape. The kaleidoscope of colors from the coral and marine life was breathtaking, and the sensation of weightlessness as I glided through the water was utterly surreal.
Although I was part of a small group led by an experienced instructor, the serene isolation beneath the waves created a profound sense of solitude and introspection. This juxtaposition of being alone yet part of something so vast was deeply moving.
Engaging in this activity in such a renowned location added an extra layer of significance to the experience. The Great Barrier Reef’s ecological importance and fragile beauty made me acutely aware of the need for environmental conservation.
Emotionally, I was overwhelmed by a cocktail of feelings. There was the initial trepidation of trying something new in an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous environment. This quickly gave way to exhilaration as I acclimated to the underwater realm. Ultimately, a profound sense of accomplishment and connection with nature washed over me.
This experience was transformative, not just in terms of acquiring a new skill, but in broadening my perspective on the natural world and my place within it. It reinforced my belief in the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing new challenges, particularly in unfamiliar settings.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did this experience change your perspective on trying new activities?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“This experience made me more open to trying new things. I realized that even if something seems scary at first, it can be really rewarding if you give it a chance. Now I’m more willing to step out of my comfort zone.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This experience profoundly altered my outlook on embracing novel activities. It served as a poignant reminder that genuine growth often lies beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. The initial apprehension I felt was far outweighed by the sense of accomplishment and the newfound perspectives gained. Consequently, I’ve become more proactive in seeking out diverse experiences, viewing each as an opportunity for personal development and broadening my worldview.”
- Do you think it’s important to try new activities in unfamiliar places? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think it’s important because it helps you learn about different cultures and ways of life. It can also boost your confidence and make you more adaptable. Trying new things in new places can lead to unexpected discoveries and memorable experiences.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe in the immense value of engaging in novel activities in unfamiliar environments. Such experiences serve as catalysts for personal growth, fostering adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and cognitive flexibility. When we immerse ourselves in unfamiliar situations, we’re compelled to navigate outside our usual patterns of thought and behavior, which can lead to profound insights and expanded perspectives. Moreover, these experiences often cultivate empathy and global awareness, which are increasingly crucial in our interconnected world. The discomfort and challenges inherent in such situations can also bolster resilience and problem-solving skills, attributes that are invaluable in both personal and professional spheres.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Why do you think some people are hesitant to try new activities?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think some people are afraid of failing or looking silly when trying something new. They might also worry about wasting time or money if they don’t enjoy the activity. Some people just prefer to stick with what they know and feel comfortable with.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The reluctance to engage in novel activities often stems from a complex interplay of psychological and social factors. Primarily, there’s the fear of the unknown and the potential for failure, which can be particularly daunting for individuals who place a high value on maintaining a sense of competence and control. Additionally, there’s often a comfort in routine and familiarity that can make the prospect of change seem unnecessarily risky or disruptive.
Social pressures and cultural norms can also play a significant role. In some societies, there may be an expectation to conform to certain behaviors or pursuits, making deviation from these norms feel like a social risk. Furthermore, past negative experiences with new activities can create a lasting aversion, leading to a self-reinforcing cycle of avoidance.
Economic factors shouldn’t be overlooked either. Trying new activities often requires an investment of time and resources, which can be prohibitive for some individuals, especially if the potential benefits are not immediately apparent.
Lastly, some people may simply underestimate their own adaptability and resilience, leading them to overestimate the challenges and underestimate the potential rewards of new experiences. Overcoming these barriers often requires a shift in mindset and the cultivation of a growth-oriented approach to life’s opportunities.”
- How can trying new activities in unfamiliar places benefit society as a whole?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it can help people understand different cultures better, which can lead to more tolerance and less conflict. It can also encourage creativity and innovation as people learn new ways of doing things. This can be good for the economy too, as new ideas can lead to new businesses or improvements in existing ones.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The societal benefits of engaging in novel activities in unfamiliar environments are multifaceted and far-reaching. Primarily, such experiences foster cross-cultural understanding and empathy, which are crucial in our increasingly globalized world. When individuals step outside their cultural comfort zones, they often develop a more nuanced appreciation for diversity and challenge their preconceived notions, leading to greater social cohesion and reduced prejudice.
From an economic perspective, exposure to diverse activities and environments can spark innovation and entrepreneurship. Encountering different approaches to problem-solving or unique cultural practices can inspire new ideas and business opportunities, potentially driving economic growth and fostering international collaboration.
Additionally, the personal growth that often results from these experiences can translate into societal benefits. Individuals who have broadened their horizons tend to be more adaptable, resilient, and open-minded – qualities that are invaluable in addressing complex global challenges. This collective enhancement of soft skills can lead to a more flexible and capable workforce, better equipped to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the modern world.
Moreover, engaging with new activities in unfamiliar places often heightens awareness of global issues such as environmental conservation or social inequality. This increased consciousness can catalyze grassroots movements and inform policy decisions, potentially leading to positive societal changes on a larger scale.
Lastly, the tourism and cultural exchange that often accompany these experiences can contribute to economic development in host communities, while also preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. This symbiotic relationship between visitors and locals can foster mutual respect and understanding, creating a more interconnected and harmonious global society.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing new activities in unfamiliar places, consider incorporating these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Embark on /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/ (phrasal verb) – to start or begin a new project or experience
Example: “I decided to embark on a culinary tour of Southeast Asia to expand my palate.” -
Broaden one’s horizons /ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/ (idiom) – to expand the range of one’s knowledge, experience, or interests
Example: “Traveling to different countries has really helped me broaden my horizons.” -
Step out of one’s comfort zone /step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/ (idiom) – to do something that you find difficult or that makes you feel nervous
Example: “Learning to scuba dive was a way for me to step out of my comfort zone and face my fears.” -
Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ (verb) – to become completely involved in something
Example: “I tried to immerse myself in the local culture by staying with a host family.” -
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective) – making one feel very happy, animated, or elated
Example: “Paragliding over the coast was an exhilarating experience that I’ll never forget.” -
Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb) – to try to acquire or develop a quality or skill
Example: “Trying new activities in unfamiliar places has helped me cultivate adaptability and open-mindedness.” -
Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective) – very great or intense
Example: “The experience had a profound impact on my worldview and personal growth.” -
Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun) – something that causes an important event or change to happen
Example: “My first solo trip abroad was the catalyst for my passion for international travel.”
Incorporating these words and phrases into your responses can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English and help you achieve higher scores in the IELTS Speaking test.
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in describing new activities in unfamiliar places:
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Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate experiences coherently and engagingly. Focus on structuring your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
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Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and phrases related to travel, activities, and emotions. Use them in context to ensure proper usage.
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Work on pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of place names and activity-specific terminology. Clear pronunciation enhances the overall impact of your response.
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Develop your reflective skills: Practice analyzing your experiences and articulating how they affected you. This is particularly important for Part 3 questions.
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Use vivid descriptions: Incorporate sensory details and figurative language to make your descriptions more vivid and memorable.
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Prepare for follow-up questions: Anticipate potential follow-up questions and practice expanding on different aspects of your experience.
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Record yourself: Regular self-recording can help you identify areas for improvement in fluency, pronunciation, and coherence.
By implementing these strategies and consistently practicing, you can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing new activities in unfamiliar places.
Describe a holiday tradition in your family can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking preparation, as it allows you to demonstrate your ability to discuss cultural practices and personal experiences.