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IELTS Speaking Sample Test: Topic 7 - Travel and Holidays

Posted on 02-10-2024 by theylem | 24 views

Part 1 (Introduction)

1. Do you like traveling? Why or why not?
"Yes, I absolutely love traveling! It allows me to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and try new foods. Traveling also gives me a chance to break away from my daily routine and experience adventure."

2. What kind of places do you like to visit on holiday?
"I enjoy visiting places that are close to nature. For example, I love going to the mountains, beaches, or countryside, where I can enjoy the fresh air, take long walks, and just relax away from the city's hustle and bustle."

3. What is your favorite way to travel?
"I prefer train travel because it's both comfortable and scenic. You get to enjoy the views outside your window while traveling through beautiful landscapes. Plus, it's less stressful than flying and gives you more space to move around."

4. What do you usually do during your holidays?
"During holidays, I like to plan a mix of relaxation and exploration. I usually start my day with some sightseeing, visiting local attractions like museums, markets, or historical sites. In the afternoons, I enjoy tasting local dishes at different restaurants, and in the evenings, I prefer to unwind by the beach or at a cozy cafe."

5. What kind of accommodation do you prefer when you travel?
"I usually prefer staying in boutique hotels or Airbnbs because they often provide a more personalized experience. I like places that are comfortable but also reflect the local culture or have a unique design. Staying in such accommodations makes the trip more memorable."


Part 2 (Long Turn)

Describe a memorable holiday you had. You should say:

  • Where you went
  • Who you went with
  • What you did there And explain why this holiday was special.

Response:

"One of the most memorable holidays I had was when I traveled to Bali, Indonesia, last year with my best friend. It was a spontaneous decision, and we were both looking for a destination where we could relax and also have some adventures.

In Bali, we stayed in a beautiful villa overlooking the rice terraces, which was breathtaking every morning. During the day, we explored several temples, went surfing at the beach, and took a trip to a nearby waterfall for some hiking. One of the highlights was visiting a local market where we got to try traditional Balinese dishes like nasi goreng and satay. In the evenings, we often found ourselves watching the sunset at a beachside cafe, enjoying live music.

This holiday was special to me because it was a perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. The hospitality of the local people and the natural beauty of the island made it an unforgettable experience."


Part 3 (Discussion)

1. Why do people like to travel?
"People like to travel for a variety of reasons. Some travel to relax and take a break from their daily lives, while others do it to seek adventure or explore new cultures. Traveling is also a way to broaden one’s perspective, learn about different ways of life, and create lasting memories."

2. How has tourism changed in recent years?
"Tourism has evolved significantly in recent years. With the rise of budget airlines and online booking platforms, travel has become more accessible to a larger number of people. There’s also been a shift towards more sustainable tourism, with travelers seeking eco-friendly options and experiences that support local communities. Additionally, social media has greatly influenced how people choose destinations, with many basing their choices on photos and recommendations they see online."

3. What impact does tourism have on local communities?
"Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on local communities. On the positive side, it can bring in economic benefits, create job opportunities, and help preserve local culture by encouraging the maintenance of traditional crafts and festivals. However, it can also lead to overcrowding, damage to natural resources, and sometimes even the commercialization of local customs, which can detract from their authenticity."


Key Vocabulary and Pronunciation

Vocabulary Pronunciation (IPA) Meaning Example Sentence
Explore /ɪkˈsplɔr/ To travel through an area to learn more about it "I love to explore new countries."
Adventure /ədˈvɛnʧər/ An unusual or exciting experience or activity "Our trip to the mountains was full of adventure."
Sightseeing /ˈsaɪtˌsiːɪŋ/ Visiting places of interest as a tourist "We spent the day sightseeing around the city."
Local attractions /ˈloʊkəl əˈtrækʃənz/ Interesting places to visit in a particular area "The local attractions included temples and museums."
Boutique hotel /buˈtik hoʊˈtɛl/ A small, stylish hotel that provides a unique experience "We stayed in a charming boutique hotel in Paris."
Immersion /ɪˈmɜrʒən/ Deep involvement or exposure to something "Cultural immersion is a big part of traveling."
Hospitality /ˌhɑːspɪˈtæləti/ The friendly and generous reception of guests "The hospitality of the local people was heartwarming."
Broadens one’s perspective /ˈbrɔːdnz wʌnz pərˈspɛktɪv/ Expands the way one thinks about the world and different cultures "Traveling really broadens one’s perspective."
Budget airlines /ˈbʌʤɪt ˈɛrlaɪnz/ Low-cost airlines that offer cheaper travel options "We flew with a budget airline to save money."
Sustainable tourism /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊrɪzəm/ Tourism that respects the environment and local communities "Sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly popular."
Eco-friendly /ˌiːkoʊˈfrɛndli/ Not harmful to the environment "We stayed in an eco-friendly resort."
Villa /ˈvɪlə/ A large and luxurious country house or estate "Our villa had a view of the ocean."
Scenic /ˈsiːnɪk/ Having beautiful natural scenery "The scenic route took us through the mountains."
Cultural immersion /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪˈmɜrʒən/ Deep involvement in and experience of a different culture "Staying with a local family was a great way for cultural immersion."
Overcrowding /ˌoʊvərˈkraʊdɪŋ/ When too many people are in one place at the same time "Overcrowding at tourist spots can ruin the experience."
Commercialization /kəˌmɜːrʃələˈzeɪʃən/ The process of making something commercial or focused on profit "The commercialization of festivals can diminish their cultural value."
Scenic route /ˈsiːnɪk ruːt/ A way to travel that passes through beautiful scenery "We chose to take the scenic route through the mountains."
Nasi goreng /ˈnɑːsi ɡoʊˈrɛŋ/ An Indonesian fried rice dish "We had a delicious plate of nasi goreng for lunch."
Sunset /ˈsʌnˌsɛt/ The time in the evening when the sun disappears below the horizon "Watching the sunset by the beach was amazing."
Waterfall /ˈwɔtərˌfɔl/ A cascade of water falling from a height "We hiked to a hidden waterfall in the forest."