Travel and Adventure
Directives for Test-Takers:
- Part 1: Provide personal answers. Use 2-3 sentences for each question. Stay relevant and concise.
- Part 2: You will have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak. Take notes during the preparation time to organize your ideas and cover all the bullet points.
- Part 3: Expand your answers by giving reasons, examples, and contrasting views. Aim to speak for about 1-2 minutes per question when prompted.
🟢 Part 1: Introduction
Explanation
- Duration: 4–5 minutes.
- Examiner asks general questions about familiar topics.
- Goal: Show ability to speak about simple, everyday things.
Questions:
- Do you like traveling?
- What is the most interesting place you have visited?
- Do you prefer traveling alone or with others?
Band 5:
- Yes, I like traveling. It’s fun.
- I went to the beach in Thailand. It was very nice.
- I like with others. Alone is boring.
Band 7:
- Yes, I really enjoy traveling because I can learn about new cultures and try different food.
- The most interesting place I visited was Kyoto in Japan. I loved the temples and the traditional atmosphere.
- I prefer traveling with friends because we can share experiences and help each other when needed.
Band 9:
- Absolutely, I love traveling. It broadens my perspective and allows me to understand how different societies function.
- The most fascinating place I’ve visited was Istanbul. The mix of Eastern and Western culture, combined with the rich history, was unforgettable.
- I usually prefer traveling with others because it creates shared memories, although I also enjoy occasional solo trips for reflection.
🟦 Part 2: Cue Card
Explanation
- You get 1 minute to prepare and 1–2 minutes to speak.
- Try to cover all points on the card.
Describe a memorable journey you have taken.
You should say:
- Where you went
- How you traveled
- What happened during the journey
- And explain why it was memorable
Band 5 (~1 min):
“I went to Busan by train. I went with my family. The train was long but fun. We ate snacks and watched the view. It was memorable because it was my first big trip.”
Band 7 (~1.5 min):
“I’d like to talk about a trip I took to Jeju Island last year. I traveled by plane, and it only took about an hour. During the trip, I visited beaches, waterfalls, and a lava cave. It was memorable because I went with close friends, and we laughed a lot together. The nature there was beautiful and very different from the city life I’m used to.”
Band 9 (~2 min):
*”One of the most memorable journeys I’ve ever taken was a road trip across New Zealand’s South Island. I traveled by car with two friends, and we spent about two weeks exploring. During the journey, we drove past breathtaking mountains, stayed in small towns, and even tried bungee jumping.
What made it truly memorable was the sense of adventure and freedom. Every day was different, and we could stop wherever we wanted to enjoy the scenery. It was also a bonding experience, as we had to plan, share responsibilities, and solve small problems together. I’ll never forget the feeling of driving along the coast with the ocean on one side and snow-capped peaks on the other.”*
🟣 Part 3: Discussion
Explanation
- Duration: 4–5 minutes.
- Examiner asks abstract and opinion-based questions connected to Part 2.
- You should give longer, thoughtful answers with reasons and examples.
Questions:
- Why do people like traveling to new places?
- How has tourism changed in the past 20 years?
- Do you think travel will become easier or harder in the future?
Band 5:
- Because it’s fun and new. People see new things.
- Now more people travel. Before not so many.
- Maybe easier. Airplanes are faster.
Band 7:
- People like traveling because they can relax, learn about other cultures, and escape from their daily routine.
- Tourism has become cheaper and easier. With low-cost airlines and booking apps, people can travel more often.
- I think it will become easier because technology will improve transport. But maybe rules and visas can make it harder sometimes.
Band 9:
- I think people are naturally curious. Traveling allows them to experience unfamiliar environments, which can be exciting and educational.
- Tourism has grown rapidly in the last two decades due to globalization and affordable flights. It has also become more personalized, with people seeking unique experiences rather than just sightseeing.
- I believe travel will generally become easier thanks to faster transport and digital tools. However, challenges such as climate change and political tensions might limit mobility for certain regions.