Topic: Travel
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Directive for Part 1:
- Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
- Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: Short, clear, and concise responses, with a focus on personal experiences and opinions.
Questions:
- Do you like to travel?
- What is the most interesting place you have visited?
- Do you prefer traveling alone or with others?
Sample Answers for Part 1:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“Yes, I love traveling. It gives me the opportunity to experience new cultures and learn more about the world.”
“The most interesting place I’ve visited was Kyoto in Japan. The mix of traditional temples, gardens, and modern life was fascinating. I also loved the food and the friendly locals.”
“I prefer traveling with others. It’s more enjoyable to share experiences, and I feel safer. Traveling with friends also means we can help each other with planning and making decisions.” - Reason for Band 9:
- The speaker answers in detail and provides clear personal experiences.
- Demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary and complex structures.
- Fully develops answers and uses natural, fluent speech.
- Band 7 (Good User):
“Yes, I enjoy traveling because it’s a good way to escape from daily life and relax.”
“The most interesting place I’ve been to is Paris. It’s known for its culture, and I enjoyed visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.”
“I prefer traveling with friends. It’s more fun and you can share memories together, but traveling alone can also be good sometimes because it’s peaceful.” - Reason for Band 7:
- The answers are relevant and fairly detailed.
- Occasional minor errors in grammar, but these do not impede communication.
- Good range of vocabulary, but slightly less complex than Band 9.
- Band 5 (Modest User):
“I like traveling because it’s fun.”
“The most interesting place I visited is the beach.”
“I prefer traveling with friends because it is more fun.” - Reason for Band 5:
- The responses are brief and lack detailed explanations.
- Some simple errors in sentence structure and vocabulary.
- Limited ability to expand on ideas, affecting fluency.
Part 2: Cue Card
Directive for Part 2:
- Preparation Time: 1 minute
- Speaking Time: 2 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: Detailed response with clear structure and explanation of your chosen experience or place. Provide specific details to engage the listener.
Cue Card:
Describe a trip you took that you really enjoyed.
You should say:
- Where you went
- What you did there
- Who you went with
- And explain why it was an enjoyable trip.
Sample Answers for Part 2:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“Last year, I went to the Swiss Alps for a week of hiking and skiing. The scenery was breathtaking, with snow-covered mountains and clear skies. I went with my close friends, and we spent our days exploring the trails and skiing in the morning, then relaxing by the fire in the evening. The trip was special because it was not only a chance to enjoy nature but also to reconnect with friends. I think the highlight was skiing down a mountain at sunset, which was truly unforgettable.” - Reason for Band 9:
- Detailed description with specific examples and personal experiences.
- Clear, structured answer with good cohesion.
- Wide range of vocabulary and natural use of complex grammatical structures.
- Band 7 (Good User):
“Last summer, I went to the beach with my family. We spent a week there, swimming and relaxing in the sun. I remember visiting a local market, trying fresh seafood, and enjoying the evening walks along the shore. It was an enjoyable trip because I spent quality time with my family, and we all got to unwind and have fun together.” - Reason for Band 7:
- The response is mostly clear and developed but lacks the same depth and variety as Band 9.
- The grammar is good, with only occasional minor errors.
- The speaker provides relevant examples, but lacks more complex ideas and descriptions.
- Band 5 (Modest User):
“I went to the beach last year with my family. We swam and walked around. I enjoyed spending time with my family.” - Reason for Band 5:
- Very limited detail and simple responses.
- The speaker does not expand on the experience or give specific examples.
- The response lacks fluency, and there are some grammar mistakes.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Directive for Part 3:
- Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
- Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: More developed answers, with explanations and examples to support your points. Focus on abstract ideas and opinions.
Questions:
- What are the benefits of traveling?
- How does travel help people learn about different cultures?
- Do you think travel is important for personal growth?
Sample Answers for Part 3:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“Traveling offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it broadens your perspective by exposing you to different ways of life. It also provides opportunities for relaxation and recreation, which are important for mental health. Traveling helps people learn about different cultures by allowing them to experience local traditions, food, and language firsthand. This kind of immersion leads to a deeper understanding than simply reading about another culture. Personally, I believe travel is essential for personal growth because it challenges your assumptions and pushes you out of your comfort zone.” - Reason for Band 9:
- Full and detailed responses with sophisticated vocabulary.
- Well-organized, coherent, and fluent answers that are appropriately extended.
- Natural, effortless speech with complex grammar and ideas.
- Band 7 (Good User):
“Traveling is good because it gives you a chance to relax and see new things. It also helps you understand other cultures better. For example, when I went to Japan, I learned about their traditions by visiting temples and talking to locals. Traveling helps people grow because it teaches you to be independent and learn how to handle different situations.” - Reason for Band 7:
- Clear and relevant answers, but lacks the complexity and depth of Band 9.
- Good control of grammar and vocabulary, though some phrases could be more natural.
- Ideas are developed, but not fully expanded with examples.
- Band 5 (Modest User):
“Traveling is good because you can relax and see new places. When you travel, you can learn about other people and their culture. I think it helps people grow because you learn new things.” - Reason for Band 5:
- The responses are too brief and underdeveloped.
- Limited vocabulary and grammatical range.
- The speaker provides minimal detail, and ideas are not fully explained.