This is a sample response for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3. In addition to the model answer there are highlighted words and phrases. Teal is for vocabulary relating to this topic, yellow is for generally useful words and phrases.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
You should say:
- what the place was
- when you went there
- what was special about it
and say if the visit have affected your life in any way
Model answer
Some twenty years ago my family decided to travel to Italy, so they booked a package holiday. They would always do that back then just for the sake of convenience. The country was great and it made a huge impact on me, but one particular place really struck a chord with me. It was Dali’s museum of art with finest examples of his works as well as complete compositions of art objects.
One thing that made it especially memorable was the museum guide who explained the context of the works. Each reflected a particular period of Dali’s development and let us in on his emotional state then. The impact was so great that when I came home I couldn’t help willing to learn more about him. His art became a gateway to surrealist genre for me and to this day I am very grateful for that.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Travelling
How do you think technology has changed the way people travel nowadays?
Well, technology has definitely redefined the way we approach travelling. One thing to name is GPS navigation that over the years has become increasingly efficient. Not only do they show you the shortest route to your destination, they also warn you about traffic congestion, roadworks with many other nifty features. A soothing voice prompt will lead the way, warn about the upcoming turns and intersection, without you having to distract from driving. These effectively made traditional paper maps obsolete. Reading such maps is already becoming a lost art, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise, given how awfully convenient GPS navigators are.
What are some of the benefits of travelling within your own country rather than travelling abroad?
The benefits are numerous and quite honestly rather obvious. The first thing that comes to mind is price – it’s much more accessible, especially if you are on a tight budget. You get more bang for your buck! Secondly, you get to know your country better. You probably will go to historic sites, learn about local history, maybe even get to know your ancestors! It probably helps to feel more pride for your country once you familiarise yourself with it. Finally, it’s less of a fuss since you don’t have to cross the border and deal with all the bureaucracy. It might not be a reason strong enough to give up on travelling abroad, but it’s still a factor, right?
Some people prefer to travel alone, while others like to travel with companions. What are your thoughts on both options?
The two options have their benefits as well as drawbacks, as is the case with most things I guess. Travelling with somebody else is the conventional choice, and reasonably so. Together you feel more confident, it’s probably a case of safety in numbers. Going somewhere distant, using train or plane, dealing with all the papers can feel intimidating. Hence a shoulder to lean on is always welcome. Then comes the fun factor – the trip feels more enjoyable when you have someone else along for the ride to share all your positive emotions with. Finally, when it comes to renting a car or a place to crash it’s always cheaper when several people chip in.
Travelling on your own has its merits too. One thing is that you go whenever you want to go – whether your thing is lush forests of the Amazon or bustling night life of Tokyo – and there is nobody else who would rather go elsewhere. I had to deal with difference of opinion like that so I can really relate. Come to think of it, I guess that’s the only good thing about solitary trips.
Tourism
In some countries, tourists are criticized for not respecting local customs and traditions. What advice would you give to someone visiting a foreign place for the first time?
It is true that people might feel entitled when travelling. But just because you have paid for the airline ticket doesn’t mean you own the place. People could also act inappropriately out of ignorance rather than lack of respect for others. I guess tourism agencies should brief people leaving for a distant country for the first time. One advice they could give them is to take in the culture slowly, observe to fit in rather than stand out. Oriental and occidental cultures can be shockingly contrasting, so it wouldn’t hurt to educate yourself before leaving for a distant location. The internet is bustling with all information one could ever need and then some. So it really is a non-issue as long as people are ready to fill in their cultural gaps before setting off.
Has tourism become more accessible and affordable in recent years? If so, what impact does this have on people’s destination choices?
I’d say the situation really varies from country to country and the corresponding income levels. But broadly speaking, tourism is definitely within financial reach for most today. Affordable, so-called “low-cost” airlines make travelling on a budget reality as long as you are not to picky with dates and ready to get on the plane on a short notice. I guess they basically sell vacant seats at a hefty discount at the last minute. Accommodation options like hostels have made travelling without splashing on it a reality too. Resorts and hotels have been around for ages, as long as your are willing to pay. Hostels offer bare necessities without costing you an arm and a leg.
As for the way it has changed the map of tourism, I guess the destinations became more unorthodox. People don’t see tourism as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity anymore since the costs are almost negligible. As a result of this they can choose paths less trodden, some exotic locations that haven’t been commodified by travel agencies. People love feeling like trail-blazers, you know? That’s what affordable tourism offers – a nice new experience with no financial strings attached.
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