Free IELTS Speaking practice card: Travel and Tourism

Directive for Part 1:

Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
Kind of Answer Expected: Short, direct answers with personal experiences or opinions.

Questions:

Sample Answers for Part 1:

Band 9 (Expert User):
“Yes, I absolutely enjoy traveling. It allows me to experience new cultures, try different cuisines, and meet people from all walks of life. I particularly enjoy visiting historical cities and nature destinations, as they give me a chance to learn something new. I travel at least two to three times a year, and the best place I’ve visited so far is Kyoto in Japan. The blend of tradition and nature there is simply mesmerizing.”
Band 7 (Good User):
“I do like traveling, especially to places with lots of history. I prefer traveling to cities with famous landmarks or natural places like mountains or beaches. I usually travel about once or twice a year. My favorite place so far has been Paris, because it has so many attractions like the Eiffel Tower and museums.”
Band 5 (Modest User):
“Yes, I like traveling. I prefer visiting big cities. I travel about once a year. The best place I went to was New York because there are many things to see.”

Explanation for Part 1:

Band 9: The response is clear, detailed, and insightful, with specific reasons for enjoying travel. The speaker provides a personal experience and elaborates on their preferences.
Band 7: The answer is relevant with some elaboration, though it may lack deep detail or variety in vocabulary. The response is fluent but may show slight hesitation.
Band 5: The answer is simple and may lack depth or detailed examples. There is a lack of elaboration, and the response is somewhat repetitive or brief.

Directive for Part 2:

Preparation Time: 1 minute
Speaking Time: 1-2 minutes
Kind of Answer Expected: Detailed, well-organized speech on the given topic.

Task:
Describe a place you would like to visit in the future. You should say:

What the place is
Where it is located
Why you want to visit it
And explain how you would feel if you were able to visit this place.

Sample Answer for Part 2:

Band 9 (Expert User):
“One place I would love to visit in the future is Iceland. It’s located in the North Atlantic and is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of exploring such a unique environment, where nature is both raw and beautiful. I’d particularly like to visit the Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa. If I were able to visit, I think I would feel exhilarated and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty firsthand.”
Band 7 (Good User):
“I would like to visit Australia one day, especially to see the Great Barrier Reef. It’s in the northeastern part of the country, and I have heard so much about how beautiful it is. I want to see the coral reefs and marine life there. If I went, I would feel very excited because it’s a dream destination for me.”
Band 5 (Modest User):
“I would like to visit the beach in Thailand. It’s a famous place with nice weather and clear water. I want to visit because I’ve heard people say it’s beautiful. I would feel happy and relaxed if I went.”

Explanation for Part 2:

Band 9: The response is highly detailed, with clear organization and a logical flow. The speaker provides vivid descriptions of the place and explains their feelings in a nuanced way.
Band 7: The answer is organized and relevant, but lacks some depth. The speaker provides a clear explanation, though it may not be as rich in detail or vocabulary.
Band 5: The response is simple with some basic descriptions and may lack depth or elaboration. The speaker gives a short, straightforward answer without many details.

Directive for Part 3:

Preparation Time: None
Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
Kind of Answer Expected: Longer, more analytical responses that explain and justify opinions.

Questions:

Sample Answers for Part 3:

Band 9 (Expert User):
“Tourism plays a vital role in the global economy, especially in countries that rely on it as a major source of income. It creates jobs, boosts local businesses, and brings in revenue from abroad. However, it can also have negative effects, such as over-tourism, which harms the environment and local communities. In recent years, people have started traveling more affordably thanks to budget airlines and online platforms like Airbnb. Tourism can put strain on natural resources, especially in popular tourist destinations, and this can harm wildlife and ecosystems. In the future, I think people will travel even more, particularly with the rise of virtual tourism and greater interest in sustainable travel.”
Band 7 (Good User):
“Tourism is definitely good for the economy because it provides jobs and helps businesses grow. People travel a lot more now with cheaper flights and online travel options. Tourism can damage the environment, though, especially in places with lots of tourists. In the future, I think people will travel more because of better technology and more affordable trips.”
Band 5 (Modest User):
“Tourism helps the economy because it brings money from people visiting. People travel more now because of cheaper flights. Tourism can be bad for the environment because too many people visit. I think people will travel more in the future because it’s easier.”

Explanation for Part 3:

Band 9: The speaker answers thoughtfully with deep insights into the topic, offering relevant examples and supporting their opinion. The response is well-developed and reflects a strong command of the language.
Band 7: The response is coherent and relevant, but the speaker’s ideas may lack depth or complexity. There is a good understanding of the topic, but the explanation is less detailed.
Band 5: The answer is relatively simple and straightforward. It provides some basic ideas, but lacks elaboration or complexity in the discussion.