As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who feel anxious about the IELTS Speaking test, particularly the dreaded cue card section. One question that seems to pop up frequently is “Do you like travelling?”. While this might seem straightforward, many struggle to formulate a compelling response that showcases their language skills. This article will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to confidently tackle this question and impress your examiner.
Why This Question Matters in Your IELTS Speaking Test
The beauty of the “Do you like travelling?” question lies in its open-ended nature. It’s a golden opportunity for you to demonstrate:
- Fluency and Coherence: Speaking naturally and smoothly about your travel experiences.
- Lexical Resource: Using a wide range of vocabulary related to travel, destinations, and activities.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Constructing grammatically correct and varied sentences.
- Pronunciation: Speaking clearly and understandably.
Deconstructing the “Do You Like Travelling?” Question
The key to success is to view this question as an invitation to tell your unique travel story. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach it:
1. Express Your General Sentiment
Begin by directly answering the question. Don’t be afraid to be honest!
- If you enjoy travelling: “Yes, I absolutely love to travel!” or “Travelling is a huge passion of mine.”
- If you’re indifferent: “To be honest, travelling isn’t really my top priority, but…”
- If you haven’t traveled much: “I haven’t had many opportunities to travel yet, but…”
2. Elaborate and Provide Reasons
This is where you build upon your initial response and provide context.
- Talk about your motivations: “I love exploring new cultures and experiencing different ways of life.”
- Share what you enjoy most: “I find it incredibly relaxing to visit historical sites or spend time in nature.”
- Explain any hesitations: “While I enjoy the idea of travelling, I sometimes find the planning process a bit overwhelming.”
3. Illustrate with Examples
Concrete examples make your response more engaging and believable.
- Talk about a memorable trip: “One of my most unforgettable trips was to [Destination]. I was blown away by [Specific Experience].”
- Describe a place you’d love to visit: “I’ve always dreamed of visiting [Destination] because [Reasons for wanting to go].”
Woman Talking About Travel
Sample Answer Illustrating These Strategies
“Yes, I’m very passionate about travelling! I find it incredibly enriching to immerse myself in different cultures and broaden my horizons. For example, last year I went on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. It was an incredible experience to witness the vibrant street life in Bangkok and learn about ancient temples in Cambodia. I’m also drawn to nature, so hiking through the rice paddies in Vietnam was truly unforgettable. Every trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, fuels my curiosity and desire to learn more about the world around me.”
Top Tips to Ace This Question
- Don’t Memorize: Focus on communicating your genuine thoughts and feelings about travel.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Instead of repeating “good” or “interesting,” explore synonyms like “fascinating,” “remarkable,” or “captivating.”
- Structure Your Response: Use linking words and phrases like “moreover,” “in addition,” or “on the other hand” to ensure a coherent flow.
- Practice, Practice, Practice!: Rehearse answering this question and others like it to build your confidence.
Conclusion
Remember, the “Do you like travelling?” question is an opportunity to shine! By demonstrating your language skills and sharing your unique perspective on travel, you can create a positive impression on your examiner and boost your overall IELTS Speaking score.