Describe A Travel You Were Looking Forward To But Was Delayed: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where were you going?
Why was it important for you?
Why was it delayed?
What happened in the end?

42 unique answers with expert feedback

What other places have you traveled to before this trip?

Before planning the trip to Dubai, I had traveled to several places, including Paris and Tokyo. Each destination offered unique experiences and cultures that enriched my understanding of the world. I particularly enjoyed the historical sites in Paris and the vibrant city life in Tokyo.

How did you feel when you learned about the delays?

When I first heard about the delays and floods in Dubai, I felt a mix of disappointment and anxiety. I was really looking forward to this trip, and the thought of it being canceled was upsetting. However, I tried to stay positive and hoped for the best as we rescheduled our plans.

What did you learn from this travel experience?

This travel experience taught me the importance of flexibility and patience. Despite the initial setbacks, we were able to adapt our plans and still enjoy our trip. It also reinforced my love for travel and the joy of exploring new cultures, which I will cherish forever.

Band 7

00:00

సంపగ్సను పేటిక పేటికా పేటికంగు వారత్ పిటికు పేటిక సానువ మించం పేటిక పేటిక పేటిక పేటిక పేటిక పనుపటి నిష్పతే తో వెరిత� షేన్స్ ఘొన్ను వద్ద సంవత్సరం పేటికంగు పేటిక పేటిక పేజీదాన్ చార్గలు జూడి . One trip I was really looking forward to but unfortunately got delayed was a vacation to Japan. I had been planning to go to Tokyo and Kaito with a group of friends during the cherry blossom season which is usually around late March to early April. I was extremely excited about this trip because I have always been fascinated by Japanese culture, food and especially the scenery during spring. We had made detailed plans to visit temples, try local street food and even booked tickets to a sumo wrestling match. The idea of experiencing the cherry blossoms in full bloom was something I have been dreaming about for years. However, just a few weeks before our departure, a major earthquake struck Japan and while the areas we planned to visit went heavily affected, the transformation systems were disrupted and some tourist sites were closed temporarily due to safety concerns and the uncertainty we had to choose but the postponed our trip. I felt really disappointed at first because we had been planning it for months and it was something I had been saving up for but at the same time I understood that safety comes first. We eventually rescheduled the trip for the following year and when we finally went it was absolutely worth the wait.

Follow up questions

What specific aspects of Japanese culture are you most interested in?

I am particularly fascinated by traditional Japanese arts, such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy. Additionally, the unique blend of modernity and tradition in cities like Tokyo intrigues me. I also love Japanese cuisine, especially sushi and ramen, and the cultural significance behind these dishes.

How did you feel when you had to postpone your trip?

I felt a mix of disappointment and understanding. It was hard to accept that our long-planned trip was delayed, especially after saving up for it. However, I recognized that safety was the priority, and I tried to focus on the positive aspect of rescheduling for a later date.

What did you do while waiting for your rescheduled trip?

During the waiting period, I researched more about Japan, learned some basic Japanese phrases, and tried to connect with others who had visited. I also planned additional activities for our trip, such as visiting more temples and exploring local festivals to make the most of our experience.

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently, I have planned a trip to Bangalore with my family for a three-day trip but unfortunately due to my university exam I was not able to go looking and I was more the Bangalore trip was most looking forward trip but later after university exam I have rescheduled the travel and last week I went to Bangalore with my family and that was so enthusiastic that it was for 3D trip and we were able to explore each aspects of Bangalore as we know it is a shopping paradise we were able to explore and indulge the shopping culture like commercial street, brigade road and chickpea. Additionally, we visited Nandi hills as the morning

Follow up questions

What did you do to prepare for your trip to Bangalore after rescheduling?

After rescheduling my trip, I researched popular attractions and made a list of places to visit. I also checked the weather forecast to pack appropriately and ensured that we had all necessary bookings for accommodations and transportation.

How did you feel when you finally went on the trip after the delay?

I felt a mix of excitement and relief. After the stress of exams, it was refreshing to finally embark on the trip. The anticipation built up during the delay made the experience even more enjoyable, and I was eager to explore Bangalore with my family.

What was your favorite part of the trip to Bangalore?

My favorite part of the trip was visiting Nandi Hills early in the morning. The sunrise view was breathtaking, and it was a great way to start the day. Additionally, exploring the vibrant shopping areas like Commercial Street was thrilling, as I love shopping.

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Band 6-7

00:00

As many of you might have a group of friends whom you might have decided to go for a trip. In same way I also have few of my friends group whom we decided ok so this is the trip we have to go and we planned for Rajasthan. But as you might have guessed our trip had got cancelled at the last minute. The reason was that I could still remember the reason that one of my friend had decided not to go in the last minute because he had some of his girlfriend issues so that's why he had decided he was not allowed to come to the trip. Then what to do then we decided ok he has cancelled however he has cancelled the trip so we might have also might be also cancelled the trip. But after few days one of my friend again called me and told me that we have planned for the Rajasthan this time and it might be great if you could come. So not ignoring this opportunity I joined with them and I was so happy that I joined it was really a wonderful trip that we had planned and enjoyed it a lot. And I would definitely remember this for a whole lifetime about this trip and would definitely want to plan it once again to go there.

Follow up questions

What were your expectations for the trip to Rajasthan?

I was really looking forward to exploring the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan. I expected to visit historical forts, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the vibrant festivals. The anticipation of spending quality time with friends and creating unforgettable memories added to my excitement.

How did you feel when the trip was initially canceled?

I felt quite disappointed when the trip was canceled. I had been looking forward to it for weeks, and it was frustrating to see our plans fall apart due to unforeseen circumstances. However, I understood my friend's situation and tried to stay positive about the possibility of rescheduling.

What was the highlight of your trip to Rajasthan?

The highlight of the trip was visiting the majestic forts, especially the Amer Fort in Jaipur. The architecture was stunning, and the view from the top was breathtaking. Additionally, spending time with my friends and sharing those experiences made it even more special, creating lasting memories.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, me and my best friend once have decided to visit a beautiful place and a very famous tourist destination in our country which is placed at Kashmir and its name is Kullu Manali and it was our dream destination to visit once in our life because the beauty of the nature, the cooling temperature, all these things attract us very much. Not only us, I think it's a dream place of each and every person in India and the thing that we are struggling was the fund we can't manage because we are students now so we didn't have enough money to go there alone and we think that it will be possible in one day and we are what? The plan was came on when I was in Bangalore. I was so much exhausted by my work and I messaged, I texted my friend that I am coming back to Kerala, we can go anywhere to explore and my friend said that we can go to Kullu Manali but he thought that it will be, we have decided to go on after 4 to 3 months but in my mind I think that we can go in next month itself so on that time I had money.

Follow up questions

What specific activities were you looking forward to in Kullu Manali?

We were really excited about trekking in the mountains, visiting the local markets, and enjoying the scenic beauty. We also wanted to try some adventure sports like paragliding and river rafting, which are quite popular in that region.

How did you feel when your travel plans were delayed?

I felt quite disappointed and frustrated because I had been looking forward to this trip for a long time. It was hard to wait, especially since I was already feeling exhausted from work and needed a break to recharge.

What did you do during the delay to keep your travel spirit alive?

During the delay, I researched more about Kullu Manali, watched travel vlogs, and planned our itinerary in detail. I also saved more money and talked to friends who had visited there to get tips and recommendations.

Show all 42 answers

Cue 1:Where were you going?

Begin by mentioning the destination you were excited to visit.
Include details about what attracted you to this place, such as its culture, scenery, or activities.

Example

I was looking forward to visiting Goa, a beautiful coastal state in India known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. I had planned this trip for months because I wanted to relax by the sea and experience the famous Goan culture.

Cue 2:Why was it important for you?

Explain the personal significance of this trip, such as a special occasion or a much-needed break.
Share your feelings about the anticipation and excitement leading up to the trip.

Example

This trip was particularly important for me because it was my first vacation after a long year of working hard at my job. I was feeling quite stressed, and I believed that a few days in Goa would help me recharge and enjoy some quality time with my friends.

Cue 3:Why was it delayed?

Describe the reason for the delay, whether it was due to external factors like weather or personal circumstances.
Make sure to convey your disappointment and how it affected your plans.

Example

Unfortunately, my trip was delayed because of unexpected heavy rains in Goa. The weather forecast predicted a storm, and my flight was canceled just a day before we were supposed to leave. I felt really disappointed as I had been looking forward to this getaway.

Cue 4:What happened in the end?

Discuss how you handled the situation and whether you were able to reschedule your trip.
Share any positive outcomes or lessons learned from the experience.

Example

In the end, I managed to reschedule my trip for the following month. Although I was initially upset, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the weather was perfect during the new dates. I had an amazing time in Goa, and it was worth the wait!

Conclusion

Example

Overall, while the delay was frustrating, it taught me the importance of patience and flexibility in travel plans. Sometimes, things don’t go as expected, but they can still turn out wonderfully in the end.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Detail in Description

Candidates often provide vague answers without enough detail. This can make the response less engaging and informative, leading to a lower score.

Tip

Include specific details about the destination, your feelings, and the significance of the trip to make your answer more vivid and interesting.

2: Ignoring the Delay Reasons

Some candidates forget to explain why the trip was delayed, which is a key part of the cue card. Omitting this can leave the answer incomplete.

Tip

Clearly explain the reasons for the delay, whether it was due to weather, personal issues, or other factors, to provide a full picture.

Rushing Through the Conclusion

Many candidates rush their conclusion, failing to summarize what happened in the end. This can leave the listener unsatisfied.

Tip

Take a moment to reflect on the outcome of the trip and share any lessons learned or feelings about the experience to wrap up your answer effectively.

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