As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the seemingly simple yet deceptively tricky IELTS Speaking question: “What do you do on your holiday?”
This question, often appearing in Part 1 of the Speaking test, aims to assess your fluency, vocabulary range related to leisure activities, and ability to provide detailed and engaging responses. It’s a golden opportunity to demonstrate your English proficiency while sharing your personal experiences.
Understanding the Question’s Significance
While seemingly straightforward, this question goes beyond simply listing activities. It evaluates your capacity to:
- Speak fluently and coherently: The examiner assesses your ability to express yourself naturally and smoothly without excessive hesitation.
- Utilize a wide range of vocabulary: Describing holidays requires using diverse vocabulary related to travel, hobbies, and experiences.
- Provide detailed and engaging responses: Instead of one-word answers, aim to paint a vivid picture of your holiday activities, sparking the examiner’s interest.
Effectively Describing Your Holidays
To deliver a strong response, consider these strategies:
- Think Beyond the Ordinary: Instead of generic activities, focus on unique aspects of your holidays. Did you try a local delicacy? Participate in a traditional celebration? These details make your response stand out.
- Employ Vivid Language: Use descriptive adjectives and adverbs to bring your experiences to life. Instead of saying “I went hiking,” say “I embarked on an exhilarating hike through breathtaking mountain trails.”
- Structure Your Response: Organize your thoughts logically. You can chronologically detail your holiday, or categorize your activities by themes like relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration.
- Showcase Your Vocabulary: Incorporate synonyms and idiomatic expressions. For example, instead of repeatedly saying “fun,” use words like “enjoyable,” “entertaining,” “amusing,” or phrases like “had a blast.”
Illustrative Examples from IELTS Speaking Tests
Let’s examine how these strategies can be applied to real IELTS Speaking scenarios:
Examiner: What do you do on your holiday?
Candidate 1: I usually go to the beach with my family. We swim and sunbathe. Sometimes we build sandcastles.
Candidate 2: On my holidays, I love to immerse myself in new cultures. Last summer, I travelled to Vietnam and participated in a cooking class where I learned to prepare authentic pho. It was an incredibly enriching experience.
Notice how Candidate 2’s response is more engaging and showcases a wider range of vocabulary.
Tips for Success:
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with common holiday-related vocabulary and practice speaking about your own experiences.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your responses helps identify areas for improvement in fluency and pronunciation.
- Think Outside the Box: Prepare for unexpected follow-up questions. The examiner might ask about your favorite holiday destination, a memorable experience, or your future travel plans.
Conclusion
Successfully tackling the “What do you do on your holiday?” question in the IELTS Speaking test involves combining vocabulary, fluency, and engaging storytelling. By incorporating these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll confidently navigate this common question and impress the examiner with your English proficiency.