As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered the “travel” topic countless times. It’s a recurring theme in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly in Part 1. Understanding how to answer “What does travelling mean to you?” effectively is crucial for achieving a high band score. This article will guide you through crafting impressive responses that showcase your language skills and resonate with the examiner.
Unpacking the Question: Why “Travelling” Matters in IELTS
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. The examiners aren’t just looking for vocabulary related to travel; they want to gauge your:
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak naturally and connect your ideas logically?
- Lexical Resource: Do you have a wide range of vocabulary to express yourself?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Can you use different grammatical structures correctly?
- Pronunciation: Can you be easily understood?
The question “What does travelling mean to you?” allows you to demonstrate all of these skills by discussing a topic most people find relatable.
Crafting Your Response: Key Strategies
1. Go Beyond the Generic: Avoid one-word answers or cliché phrases like “travelling is fun.” Instead, delve deeper and offer personal insights. Here are some angles to consider:
Personal Growth: Travel exposes you to different cultures and perspectives, fostering tolerance, adaptability, and self-awareness.
- Example: “For me, travelling is about stepping outside my comfort zone. It’s about challenging my preconceived notions and embracing the unknown.”
Learning and Discovery: Travel is an opportunity to learn about history, art, architecture, cuisine, and different ways of life.
- Example: “Travelling is an incredible way to learn. I find museums fascinating, but experiencing history firsthand at ancient ruins is truly awe-inspiring.”
Adventure and Exploration: Travel allows you to explore new landscapes, try new activities, and satisfy your sense of adventure.
- Example: “I love the thrill of exploring a new city, getting lost in the backstreets, and discovering hidden gems.”
Relaxation and Escape: Travel provides a break from routine, offering opportunities to relax, de-stress, and recharge.
- Example: “Travelling, for me, is about escaping the everyday hustle and finding tranquility in nature. I find peace hiking through forests or relaxing on secluded beaches.”
2. Connect with the Examiner: Engage the examiner by using emotive language and sharing personal anecdotes.
- Instead of: “I like to try different foods when I travel.”
- Say: “One of the things I love most about travelling is trying new cuisines. I still remember this incredible meal I had in Vietnam…”
3. Showcase Vocabulary and Grammar: This is your chance to demonstrate your language proficiency. Use a variety of adjectives, adverbs, and grammatical structures.
- Instead of: “I went to Italy and it was beautiful.”
- Say: “Last summer, I had the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Amalfi Coast in Italy. The vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and delicious food left an unforgettable impression on me.”
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Sample Response
Here’s an example demonstrating the techniques we’ve discussed:
Examiner: What does travelling mean to you?
You: For me, travelling is more than just visiting new places; it’s a transformative experience. It’s about expanding my horizons, both literally and figuratively. I’m fascinated by different cultures, and I love immersing myself in new environments, trying to understand different perspectives. Of course, I enjoy the excitement of exploring new cities and trying local delicacies, but it’s the personal growth and self-discovery that truly resonate with me.
Tips for Success:
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice speaking about travel, the more fluent and confident you’ll become.
- Record Yourself: Listen back to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, grammar, and fluency.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Make a list of travel-related words and phrases and practice using them naturally in your speech.
- Be Authentic: The examiners want to hear your genuine thoughts and feelings about travelling.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is a conversation. Relax, be yourself, and let your passion for travel shine through. With thorough preparation and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the world, you’ll impress the examiners and achieve your desired band score.