As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked, “How can I succeed in the IELTS Speaking test?”. One key is being prepared for anything, including common topics like travel. “Do you love travelling?” is a question you might encounter, and this article will equip you to answer it confidently and effectively.
Understanding the “Do You Love Travelling?” IELTS Question
The examiner isn’t just interested in whether you enjoy hopping on a plane. They are assessing your ability to:
- Express your opinions and preferences clearly and fluently.
- Provide reasons and examples to support your answers.
- Use a range of vocabulary related to travel and experiences.
- Maintain a natural conversation and engage with the examiner.
Navigating the “Do You Love Travelling?” IELTS Topic
1. Expressing Your Opinion
Start by directly answering the question. Don’t be afraid to say “yes” or “no”, but always elaborate!
- If you love travelling:
- “Yes, I absolutely love travelling! I find it incredibly enriching and exciting.”
- “Travelling is a huge passion of mine. I love experiencing new cultures.”
- If you don’t travel often or don’t enjoy it as much:
- “While I don’t travel constantly, I do appreciate the opportunity to visit new places occasionally.”
- “I haven’t had the chance to travel extensively yet, but I’m open to exploring more in the future.”
2. Providing Reasons and Examples
Make your answer substantial. Here’s where your vocabulary about travel experiences comes in handy:
- Reasons you love travelling:
- “I love the sense of adventure it brings, discovering hidden gems and trying new cuisines.”
- “Travelling broadens my horizons and helps me learn about different cultures and perspectives.”
- “I find it incredibly relaxing to escape my routine and explore somewhere completely new.”
- Reasons you might not travel as much:
- “I have a demanding job that makes it difficult to take long trips.”
- “I prefer to travel when I can fully immerse myself in a culture, which requires more time and planning.”
3. Describing Travel Experiences
Be ready to share a specific travel experience. Structure your response using the PAST SIMPLE and PRESENT PERFECT tenses:
- Example:
- “One of my most memorable trips was to Vietnam last year. I was blown away by the stunning landscapes, especially Ha Long Bay. I’ve always enjoyed Southeast Asian culture, and Vietnam exceeded my expectations.”
IELTS Speaking Test Tips for Success
- Practice makes perfect: Speak about travel in English regularly.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn synonyms for common travel words (e.g., “beautiful” – stunning, breathtaking, picturesque).
- Think about your audience: Use clear, concise language that the examiner can easily understand.
- Don’t memorize answers: Speak naturally and be yourself!
Conclusion
The “Do you love travelling?” question on the IELTS Speaking test is an opportunity to demonstrate your language skills and share your personal experiences. By preparing in advance, you can approach this topic with confidence and achieve your desired band score.