CONTENTS
Sample questions and answers from speaking part 1, 2 and 3
Words and terms frequently used when talking about work
Learn how to use wide variety of parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives
Find out groups of words that usually used together by native speakers
References to teaching and authentic materials related to this topic: IELTS blogs, podcasts, videos and articles
Download this article in PDF.
Travel: Sample questions and answers for IELTS speaking exam
Part 1
- Do you like to travel?
-Yes, I do. I am keen on broading my horizons and there is nothing that helps to do it more comprehensively than travelling.
- What kind of places have you visited in your life?
-Sadly, I didn’t get to see many destinations inside and outside of my native country. I have traveled a bit in the South of Russia and went to see parts of Switzerland, Italy, France, Ukraine, Serbia, Belarus and Germany.
- Which place would you really like to visit? Why?
– I had first thought about this when I was in middle school, much before I first left Russia. I remember seeing Machu-Pikchu in one of our books about nature and falling in love with it. Since then, I have always wanted to go to Peru and this old Inks city.
- What’s the best place you’ve ever visited?
-The city that has really astonished me with its beautiful architecture and history was Paris. This is not only the capital of culture, economics and education, but also the place full of vivid art and romance.
- How do you prefer to travel on long journeys?
-When it takes a lot of time to get to a destination, I definitely prefer to travel by a sleeping train. These are trains with comfortable beds where it’s possible to relax and recharge before reaching new places.
Part 2
Describe an interesting journey you have been on. You should say:
-
- where you went
- how you travelled there
- who you went with
and say how it affected your life at the time
One of my favourite trips is the one I did in March to Paris. There is a peculiar thing about me – I don’t like travelling without a clear purpose. I would rather go to a conference abroad than just fly to another country with no purpose other than wandering streets. So, this is exactly what happened on my journey to France. I was invited to attend a 3-days workshop on corporate mergers and acquisitions with BCG that stands for Boston Consulting Group.
The hosting company paid all my expenses including a round flight to Paris, however I had a hard time receiving a visa, so I had to reschedule initial itineraries. After I finally landed in the French capital, a transfer driver picked me up and drove to a chateau, which turned out to be a beautiful countryside hotel set up in an old mansion.
There was not only me, but also 50 other young people – students from the best European universities. The acceptance rate to this annual event is only 4%, so I felt very privileged to be there. I have not only made friends from all over the world, but also solved a real-life business case where we had to value and sell a company, presenting the strategy to the management board afterwards. And the best final part of the event was a sight-seeing trip around Paris, where I admired the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame de Paris, and many other breathtaking cathedrals and palaces that France is so famous for.
Part 3
- Which method of travel do you consider safest?
Well, in my opinion, travelling by train is the safest. So far, it has been the means of transportation that is the least prone to accidents. Since it runs along its own railway, it is not very likely for two trains to crash. I reckon, most accidents that happen with trains are due to mechanical or technical issues which could be avoided if the system is checked and monitored properly.
- Has travel become safer in recent years?
Yes, I believe so. The modern technological progress allows for constant improvement of transportation quality, especially because the demand for journeys is rising. This is due to the ability to use enhanced materials that can endure higher loads and tougher exploitation conditions. Another breakthrough is the Artificial Intelligence solutions that make transport more reliable – it is able to predict accidents, crashes and break-downs.
- What are the pros and cons of low-cost air travel?
Low-cost air travel allows people with budget constraints to cover long distances in short periods of time. However, when travelling on board of low-costers one should remember that they trade their comfort for cheap tickets. Usually, meals and baggage fees are not included into initial price. Planes might be old and seats may not be that comfortable. There is also a possibility of poor customer service on board.
Key vocabulary: Definitions and examples
WORD
DEFINITION
EXAMPLE
TRAVEL – BY AIR
airport
a place aircraft flights run to and from: a station for air travel
Transfer times cover the average period taken from leaving the airport to arriving in your resort.
to take off
the action of becoming airborne
The plane about to take off from Nice, heading for Luton airport.
plane
an airplane
An hour later than planned, the plane took off.
to land
come down through the air and alight on the ground
The plane landed safely with the remaining engine.
low-cost air travel
travel via airline that generally has lower fares and fewer comforts
Bradford International Airport is served by many operators including low-cost airlines
check-in
the place where travellers report to on arrival at the airport
You can still use self check-in if you are travelling with hold luggage.
TRAVEL – SEA / OCEAN
voyage
long journey usually involving travel by sea
Tasman made several voyages to the Far East.
ship
a large boat that carries passengers or goods by sea
The wooden ship took fifteen days to make the crossing to America.
to sail
travel in a boat with sails, especially as a sport or recreation
There are many lakes and rivers where you may fish, canoe or sail.
sailboat
a boat propelled by sails
I also have a 30-foot cruising sailboat.
port
a town or city with a harbor where ships load or unload
Because our town is a port, and because it has two rivers, there are often many people from other lands here.
ferry
a boat or ship for conveying passengers and goods, especially over a relatively short distance and as a regular service
We caught the overnight ferry from Birkenhead to Belfast.
cruise-ship
a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages
The distinction between ocean liners and cruise ships has blurred, particularly with respect to deployment.
boat
a small vessel propelled on water by oars, sails, or an engine
There is also boats available for hire.
TRAVEL – BY LAND
subway
underground railway system
The New York City subway system is one of the world’s largest.
underground
underground railway system
The London underground is like a moving public thoroughfare.
tube
the underground system in London
It’s in a quiet residential area close to the tube.
train
a series of connected railway vehicles pulled by a locomotive
London is 80 minutes away by shuttle service, with trains every 30 minutes.
traffic
vehicles moving on roads
Summer holidays often mean hours stuck in traffic in a hot car.
road
a path for vehicles to drive on
Follow the road down to Clanbrassil Street.
railway
a track made of parallel bars on which trains run
Probably the most famous landmark along the railway is Ribblehead Viaduct with its 24 arches.
TRAVEL – VACATION
hike
a walk outdoors for pleasure
Take a hike on some of these tracks.
camp
a place with tents or other shelters for people holidaying or travelling
The tour involves staying in camps in the mountains.
vacation
a period of time away from work, especially in which one travels; holiday
We found that people were taking fewer vacations and spending more time in one destination.
trip
a journey or visit somewhere
My wife Jen and I visited Borneo in March 2004, as part of a longer trip including Thailand and Nepal.
travel agent
the person working in company that provides travel and tourism related services to the public
Travelers really need travel agents for complex trips.
travel
the action of traveling, typically abroad
International travel, was catastrophically affected by the September 11th attacks on New York.
tourist
a person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure
Many areas have important natural features which serve to attract tourists.
suitcase
a case with a handle and a hinged lid, used for carrying clothes and other personal possessions
She has a whole suitcase of shoes.
sightseeing
the activity of visiting places of interest as a tourist
The members took us sightseeing in the Yellowstone National Park
route
a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination
The driver must take you to your destination by the shortest possible route.
passenger
somebody who travels in a vehicle, aircraft, train, or vessel but is not the driver or a member of its crew
Rail passengers in Germany have to deal with unreliable timetables
motel
a roadside hotel designed primarily for motorists
We found a motel on the other side of Mississippi
luggage
suitcases and bags used when travelling
He has no luggage, no passport, just the clothes on his back
to go camping
the activity of going to a place with tents or other shelters for people holidaying or travelling
Find a rock every time you go camping and write a memory on it.
journey
a short, easy, or routine trip from one place to another
How long is the train journey?
hotel
an establishment providing accommodations, meals, and other services for travelers and tourists
We will make all your hotel bookings and arrange the tour for you.
hostel
cheap hotel
It is widely known the fact that hostels are cheaper than hotels.
to book
to make a reservation or registration
During the course of one week four hundred guests were booked into a hotel.
to go sightseeing
to visit places of interest in a particular location
On Saturday I took the opportunity to go sightseeing.
excursion
an organized trip, often one that is part of a holiday a leisure activity
During the trip the pupils will go on several excursions.
destination
the place where someone or something is going
It took us five days to reach our destination, Ban Pong , 30 miles north of Bangkok.
to go abroad
to visit a foreign country or countries
In order to go abroad, one has to start from the scratch and work accordingly.
ticket
a piece of paper or small card that gives the holder a certain right, especially to enter a place, travel by public transport, or participate in an event
There is no booking fee when you buy tickets in person at the galleries.
guide
a person who shows others the way
He began his journey to the ruin of ancient Loulan City, accompanied by five cameramen and two local guides.
locals
a local person
Talking with locals is a great way of really getting to know a new place
getting to know
learn, find out
I love seeing the world and getting to know it’s people.
countryside
the land and scenery of a rural area
In the Chinese countryside, nobody seems to know where anything is.
scuba diving
the sport or pastime of swimming underwater using scuba gear
Stav and I are off to Sharm to go scuba diving and lounging around in the sun.
to get lost
unable to find one’s way; not knowing one’s whereabout
Touring motorcyclists are supposed to get lost.
TRAVEL – ADJECTIVES
incredible adventure activities
impossible to believe
I will never forget incredible adventure activities we experienced during the trip.
indigenous peoples
first peoples, aboriginal peoples, native peoples, occurring naturally in a particular place
New Zealand recognises its indigenous people in its constitution.
dangerous places
hazardous places, likely to cause harm
it’s a good idea to know how to behave and what not to do when traveling to dangerous places
tropical islands
Islands with extremely hot climate, situated in the regions of the world that lie between the tropics
Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef covered with hundreds of unique tropical islands
exciting
causing one to feel great enthusiasm and eagerness
Nottingham is a vibrant and exciting city, recently voted the third best shopping city in the UK
fantastic
extraordinarily good or attractive
head all the way to the top for a fantastic view of the city.
foreign
from, in, characteristic of or of another country
Touring motorcyclists are supposed to get lost.
overseas
from, to, or relating to a foreign country, especially one across the sea
Earnings from overseas visitors contributed more than £ 3 billion to the economy
memorable
noteworthy or pleasurable and therefore likely to be remembered
At any time of year, a visit to Durlston is a memorable experience.
cross-country
across a region or country
Cross-country travel allows you to see the beauty of this country
tiring
making one feel tired
It has been a tiring journey, and I shall sleep well tonight.
pleasant
giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment
In the afternoon we took a walk – just long enough to feel a pleasant tiredness
Word Formation
WORD
PART OF SPEECH
EXAMPLE
check-in
noun
You can still use self check-in if you are travelling with hold luggage.
to check-in
verb
Check-in online via the airline website
hike
noun
Take a hike on some of these tracks.
hiking
noun
I am a teacher in a local high school and our hobbies include hiking and photography .
safe
adjective
Australians experience a safe lifestyle.
safety
noun
When travelling near crocodile habitats, observe safety signs and don’t swim in rivers.
safely
adjective
You can safely enjoy New Zealand’s unique landscapes.
travel
noun
International travel, was catastrophically affected by the September 11th attacks on New York.
travelling
adjective
A convenient traveling route to the destination will also be suggested
to travel
verb
As you travel the mountain roads look out for the monuments in memory of 1944.
Collocations
to come by
to go by
to travel by
It’s two hours by
verb+by+
ship
take
travel by
catch
get
miss
wait for
run for
board
get on
hop on
jump aboard/on
get of
verb+
train
catch
get
take
miss
board,
get on
get off
step off
verb+
plane
go by
go on
take
travel by
run for
catch
get
miss
board
get on/onto
verb+
bus
air
bus
car
coach
rail
sea
train
foreign
international
overseas
world
long-distance
business
leisure
cheap
risk
adjective+
travel
agency
business
company
firm
industry
arrangements
plans
allowance
costs
expenses
insurance
travel+noun
travel
be able/unable to
be free to
want to, wish to
be forced to
have to
verb+
travel
long
short
bus
car
railway
train
comfortable
easy
pleasant
safe
arduous
hard
tiring
dangerous
cross-country
epic
adjective+
journey
extended
long
quick
overnight
weekend
annual
forthcoming
fantastic
great
memorable
round
foreign
overseas
round-the-world
European
shopping
sightseeing
adjective+
trip
Useful resources
IELTS Websites
- IELTS topic vocabulary for speaking test: Travel [thetesttaker.com]
- IELTS Holiday Vocabulary [ieltsspeaking.co.uk]
- Health Vocabulary [ieltsadvantage.com]
- IELTS Speaking Vocabulary. Travel & Holidays [ielts-up.com]
Podcasts
- Useful Expressions for Travelling [teacherluke.co.uk]
- Flight Stories [teacherluke.co.uk]
- Podcast 46 – Air Travel in Australia [slowenglish.info]
- The point and the pleasure of travel Excess Baggage [bbc.co.uk]
Articles
Videos
More videos:
Downloads
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