Describing a place you’d like to visit again is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to vividly describe locations, express personal preferences, and discuss travel experiences. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Task
When asked about a place you’d like to visit again, the examiner is looking for:
- Detailed descriptions of the location
- Reasons for wanting to return
- Personal experiences and emotions associated with the place
- Ability to use a range of vocabulary related to travel and places
This topic often appears in Part 1 or Part 2 of the Speaking test, but related questions may also come up in Part 3.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you might encounter questions like:
- Do you enjoy traveling?
- What’s your favorite place to visit?
- Have you ever revisited a place you’ve been to before?
Let’s look at how to answer the third question:
Examiner: Have you ever revisited a place you’ve been to before?
Candidate: Absolutely! I’ve revisited Paris several times. It’s a city that never fails to captivate me. Each time I go back, I discover new aspects of its rich culture and history. The blend of ancient architecture and modern life is truly mesmerizing, and I always find myself yearning to return soon after leaving.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a place you would like to visit again.
You should say:
- Where it is
- When you first visited it
- What you did there
- And explain why you want to visit it again
Sample answer:
The place I’d love to visit again is the breathtaking island of Bali in Indonesia. I first set foot on this tropical paradise about five years ago during a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia.
Bali left an indelible impression on me from the moment I arrived. The island boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, from pristine beaches with turquoise waters to lush rice terraces and mist-shrouded volcanoes. During my stay, I immersed myself in the local culture, participating in traditional ceremonies and sampling the mouthwatering Balinese cuisine.
One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the spiritual heart of the island, Ubud. I spent days wandering through ancient temples, practicing yoga in serene retreats, and interacting with the warm-hearted locals. The tranquil atmosphere and spiritual energy of Ubud had a profound impact on me, helping me to unwind and gain a fresh perspective on life.
I’m eager to return to Bali because I feel there’s still so much more to discover and experience. I’d love to delve deeper into the island’s rich cultural heritage, perhaps learning some traditional crafts or taking part in a cooking class. Additionally, I want to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the island that I didn’t have time to visit during my first trip.
The unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual atmosphere makes Bali a place that continually draws me back. I believe each visit would offer new insights and experiences, making it a destination I could return to time and time again without ever growing tired of its charms.
Possible follow-up questions:
- What specific activities would you like to try on your next visit to Bali?
- How do you think the island might have changed since your last visit?
- Would you recommend Bali to other travelers? Why or why not?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think it’s better to revisit familiar places or explore new destinations?
Candidate: That’s an interesting question. I believe there are merits to both approaches. Revisiting familiar places allows you to delve deeper into the culture and perhaps discover hidden gems you missed on your first visit. You can build on your previous experiences and potentially forge deeper connections with the local community.
On the other hand, exploring new destinations broadens your horizons and exposes you to diverse cultures and perspectives. It can be incredibly enriching to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in completely new environments.
Personally, I prefer a balance between the two. While I enjoy returning to beloved destinations like Bali, I also make it a point to venture into uncharted territory regularly. This approach allows me to deepen my understanding of certain places while continuously expanding my worldview.
Examiner: How do you think tourism affects local communities in popular destinations?
Candidate: Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on local communities. On the positive side, it can boost the local economy, creating jobs and bringing in valuable revenue. It can also promote cultural exchange and foster understanding between different nationalities.
However, overtourism can lead to significant challenges. It may cause environmental degradation, strain local infrastructure, and lead to the commercialization of local cultures. In some cases, it can even price out local residents from their own communities due to rising costs of living.
I believe the key lies in sustainable tourism practices. This involves responsible travel that respects local cultures, supports local economies, and minimizes environmental impact. Destinations need to implement strategies to manage tourist numbers and ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed equitably among the local population.
As travelers, we have a responsibility to be mindful of our impact. This could involve choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, and being respectful of local customs and traditions.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, use a variety of advanced vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples from the sample answers above:
-
Captivate [/ˈkæptɪveɪt/] (verb): To attract and hold the interest of
Example: The city’s architecture captivated me from the moment I arrived. -
Mesmerizing [/ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/] (adjective): Capturing one’s complete attention
Example: The blend of old and new in the city was truly mesmerizing. -
Indelible impression [/ɪnˈdelɪbl ɪmˈpreʃn/] (phrase): A lasting mark or effect
Example: My first visit to Paris left an indelible impression on me. -
Immerse oneself [/ɪˈmɜːrs wʌnˈself/] (phrase): To involve oneself deeply in an activity
Example: I immersed myself in the local culture during my stay. -
Delve deeper [/delv ˈdiːpər/] (phrase): To investigate or explore more thoroughly
Example: On my next visit, I want to delve deeper into the local history. -
Broaden one’s horizons [/ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/] (phrase): To expand the range of one’s knowledge, interests, or experiences
Example: Traveling to new places helps to broaden one’s horizons.
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
-
Practice describing places using all five senses. This will make your descriptions more vivid and engaging.
-
Use a variety of tenses when discussing your experiences and future plans. This demonstrates your grammatical range.
-
Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally into your responses to show fluency and a wide vocabulary.
-
Develop your answers fully, providing reasons and examples to support your points.
-
Stay on topic but be prepared to discuss related themes, especially in Part 3 of the test.
-
Speak clearly and confidently, even if you make mistakes. Fluency and pronunciation are key components of your score.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss places you’d like to revisit in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and enthusiastically about your experiences and opinions.
For more tips on describing places in IELTS Speaking, you might find our articles on how to describe a place where you like to relax and unwind and describing a time when you visited a new city helpful.