Describe a journey that didn't go as planned.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What was the destination?
With whom were you going?
What went wrong?

34 unique answers with expert feedback

How did you feel about your friends backing out of the trip?

I felt really disappointed and frustrated because I was looking forward to spending time with my friends. It was supposed to be a memorable trip, and their last-minute changes made it difficult for us to enjoy that experience together.

What would you do differently if you had the chance to plan that trip again?

If I could plan the trip again, I would make sure to book the flights earlier and have a backup plan in case someone couldn't make it. I would also communicate more with my friends to ensure everyone was committed to the trip before finalizing any plans.

Have you had any other travel experiences that didn't go as planned?

Yes, I once planned a road trip with my family, but the car broke down halfway. We had to wait for a tow truck, which delayed our journey significantly. It taught me the importance of being flexible and having a backup plan for travel.

Band 6-7

00:00

I was traveling with my family to Bural which is a district in Bhoj Bhoj and we planned on going through a particular route that would help us reach the place faster but due to some construction work on the highway we had to change our route and take a different route that was congested because it went through the narrow lanes of the village this is why our journey didn't go as planned but we reached our destination on time

Follow up questions

How did the unexpected route affect your travel experience?

The unexpected route made our journey more challenging as we encountered heavy traffic in the narrow lanes. It was frustrating at times, but it also allowed us to see parts of the village we wouldn't have otherwise experienced.

What did you learn from this journey about planning trips?

I learned that it's important to have a flexible mindset when planning trips. Sometimes, unexpected situations can lead to new experiences, and being adaptable can make the journey more enjoyable.

Would you choose to take the same route again despite the congestion?

I think I would consider taking the same route again if I had more time to spare. The village had its charm, and it could be worth exploring further, but I would prefer to avoid peak travel times to minimize congestion.

Band 6-7

00:00

When I was in 10th standard, our school organized a school tour to Vandrala. Actually, me and my friend were so excited to go to Vandrala. We reached Vandrala at 8.30 am. In the morning, it was okay and we enjoyed a lot. We got into so many rides. After that, when we went to the swimming area, when my dress got wet, I just wanted to change my dress. I went to the dressing room. The floor was a little slippery. When I went to the dressing room, I just fell down. My hand was broken. At that time, I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want to disturb the others. I just controlled my pain so that I couldn't go to any other rides. I wasn't able to enjoy with my friends. It was such a heavy pain for me. After two hours, I just literally couldn't control my pain. When I informed the teacher, they admitted me to a nearby hospital. All other students also came with me.

Follow up questions

How did your friends react when they found out about your injury?

My friends were really concerned when they found out. They were surprised that I had kept it to myself for so long. Once they saw how much pain I was in, they immediately wanted to help and support me. They even stayed with me at the hospital until I was treated.

What lessons did you learn from this experience?

I learned the importance of speaking up when you're in pain. I realized that it's okay to ask for help and that my friends would have understood. It also taught me to be more cautious in slippery areas and to prioritize my safety over trying to not disturb others.

Would you go on another school trip after this experience?

Yes, I would definitely go on another school trip. While this experience was unfortunate, I still have great memories from the trip. I think it's important to not let one bad experience stop me from enjoying future adventures with my friends.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Thank you for this wonderful cue card. It reminded me of one of the most lovely experience. I have been lucky enough to have a number of memorable journeys over the years. This journey is one of the most memorable journey of life that took place after I got married. I had gone to honeymoon with my husband far away from my hometown. So naturally, I was very much excited. The excitement grew even bigger when we decided that we will travel by flight since the travel time will be reduced. We were told that the flight will take approximately 2-3 hours to reach Chandigarh and we will have to hire a cab from Chandigarh to Shimla which is approximately 50 km from Chandigarh airport. Honestly, this was a whole new experience for me and I just could not wait to board the flight. I was super excited to travel by flight since travelling by flight has always been my favourite mode of commute. The objects outside the flight felt that they were just coming at our sight and vanishing like some ghosts within a fraction of a second. Anyway, I remember every minute of this journey so well because this was my first trip with my husband. Furthermore, mainly because we felt joy in exploring the city and enjoying the wonderful weather and most delicious foods I have ever eaten with an affordable price. The only thing that went wrong was the motion sickness I felt during the flight. However, same was resolved within few minutes after I took the medicine. So, this is one of the most memorable journeys I have ever had in my life.

Follow up questions

What other modes of transport do you enjoy for traveling?

Apart from flying, I enjoy traveling by train and road trips. Trains offer scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere, while road trips allow for spontaneous stops and exploration of hidden gems along the way.

How do you usually prepare for a journey?

I typically make a checklist of essentials, research the destination, and plan an itinerary. I also like to pack snacks and entertainment for the journey to make it more enjoyable.

What advice would you give to someone traveling for the first time?

I would advise them to stay calm and flexible, as things may not always go as planned. It's important to embrace the experience, enjoy the journey, and be open to new adventures.

Band 6-7

00:00

I'm going to share my experience of a trip from college to Hyderabad. We were all excited for the Hyderabad trip. It was the talk of the town for weeks and when it finally came upon us, we were ecstatic. We spent a great load of time packing our suitcases and telling each other how incredible the journey was going to be. Even though one of us could not make it, we were incredibly excited to come back and tell her the whole story of how the trip went. On the first day of us reaching there, everything was normal. We reached the hotel, we unpacked, we were talking about where we were going to go, how we were going to go, what we were going to do and we did. We saw the Charminar, we walked along the streets of Charminar, we took in the sights, we drank Irani chai, the whole nine yards. Everything started to derail as soon as two of my friends started to get into an argument. To be completely honest, I don't know what the argument was about. It was something very petty but the argument escalated into something huge that tore our group of eight into two.

Follow up questions

How did the argument affect the rest of your trip?

The argument created a rift in our group, making it difficult to enjoy the planned activities. We ended up splitting into two smaller groups, which changed the dynamics of our trip. Some of us felt uncomfortable, and it took away from the excitement we had initially.

What did you learn from this experience?

I learned that communication is key in any group setting. It's important to address conflicts early on before they escalate. I also realized that sometimes, it's better to focus on the positive aspects of a trip rather than letting small issues ruin the experience.

Would you go on a similar trip with the same friends again?

I would consider going on a trip with the same friends again, but I would ensure we have a plan for handling disagreements. I believe that every experience, good or bad, can teach us something valuable about friendship and teamwork.

Show all 34 answers

Cue 1:What was the destination?

Begin by clearly stating the destination of your journey, making it relatable and specific.
Provide some context about why you chose this destination, such as its significance or your expectations.

Example

I was supposed to travel to Manali, a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning landscapes and pleasant weather. I had been looking forward to this trip for months, as it was my first vacation after a long time.

Cue 2:With whom were you going?

Mention the people you were traveling with, highlighting your relationship with them.
Share a brief insight into why this group was significant for this journey.

Example

I was going with my college friends, who I hadn't seen in years. We had planned this trip as a reunion to relive our college days and create new memories together.

Cue 3:What went wrong?

Describe the specific issues that arose during the journey, ensuring to convey your feelings about the situation.
Explain how these problems affected your plans and the overall experience.

Example

Unfortunately, our bus broke down halfway through the journey due to engine failure. We were stranded for hours in the middle of nowhere, and by the time we got a replacement bus, it was too late to reach Manali before nightfall. This unexpected delay turned our excitement into frustration.

Conclusion

Summarize the overall impact of the journey on you and your friends.
Reflect on any lessons learned or how you adapted to the situation.

Example

Despite the setbacks, we made the best of our time together, sharing stories and laughter while waiting. This experience taught us the importance of patience and adaptability, reminding us that sometimes the journey is more memorable than the destination itself.

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 the Journey

Providing vague information about the journey can make your answer less engaging. Specific details help the examiner understand your experience better and keep their interest.

Tip

Include specific details about the destination, the people you traveled with, and the events that unfolded during the journey.

2: Neglecting Emotional Impact

Failing to express how the journey affected you emotionally can make your answer feel flat. Sharing your feelings adds depth and personal connection to your story.

Tip

Reflect on your emotions during the journey and share how the unexpected events made you feel, whether it was frustration, disappointment, or humor.

Ignoring the Structure of the Answer

A disorganized response can confuse the listener. It's important to structure your answer clearly to ensure it flows logically and is easy to follow.

Tip

Use a clear structure: start with the destination, introduce your companions, describe what went wrong, and conclude with your reflections on the experience.

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