Describe a long journey you had and would like to take again: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When/where you went
Who you had the journey with
Why you had the journey
And explain why you would like to have it again

14 unique answers with expert feedback

What challenges did you face during your long train journey?

During the journey, I faced several challenges, including my health issues like migraines and stomach problems. The long duration of the train ride made it difficult to manage these conditions. However, I learned to cope without medication, which was a significant personal achievement for me.

How did the experience of traveling by train differ from other modes of transport?

Traveling by train was a unique experience compared to flying or driving. It allowed me to see the landscape change gradually, interact with fellow passengers, and enjoy the journey itself rather than just focusing on the destination. The slower pace gave me time to reflect and appreciate the journey.

What did you learn from this journey that you can apply to future travels?

I learned the importance of adaptability and resilience. Despite my health issues, I managed to enjoy the journey and overcome obstacles. This experience taught me to prepare better for future travels, both physically and mentally, and to embrace uncertainties as part of the adventure.

Band 6-7

00:00

The longest journey of my life was travelling from Delhi to Kanyakumari in a car and I travelled in 2013 when I was around 11 years old. It was a very new experience for me, travelling in the car for such a long time, non-stop. We did take stop, but it was not that long. And I had this journey with my uncle and aunt, which were hunting down their home in Kanyakumari and I had my vacations going on, so I planned to go with them, because there was nothing to do at home. We started this journey from Delhi, then we crossed many states to reach Kanyakumari. But that journey reminds me of a lot of things, the different types of food I had, the many beautiful sceneries I saw while we were on the road trip and I also saw many different types of cultures. And once we reached Kanyakumari, it was like a world's wonder. As we all know, it is located by the sea and you can see the Sri Lanka from there if you are on the right spot. I saw Sri Lankan borders from my eyes. And yes, I would like to do that journey again, because it is a very flourishing experience to have in life and I suggest everyone that at least one time in their life, they should have that experience.

Follow up questions

What was the most memorable part of your journey from Delhi to Kanyakumari?

The most memorable part was seeing the beautiful landscapes and experiencing the diverse cultures along the way. Each state we passed through had its own unique charm, and the food was a delightful adventure. Reaching Kanyakumari and witnessing the sea was truly breathtaking.

How did this journey influence your perspective on travel?

This journey opened my eyes to the beauty of road trips and the experiences they offer. It taught me the value of exploring different cultures and cuisines, and how travel can create lasting memories. I now appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

Would you prefer to travel by car again or try a different mode of transport?

While I loved the car journey for its flexibility and the ability to stop whenever we wanted, I would also like to try traveling by train or even by plane for longer distances. Each mode of transport offers a unique experience, and I’m curious to explore them all.

Band 6-7

00:00

A journey I would like to take again is my trip to Europe during the 5th grade. I went to Europe with my family around 2016 and this was an amazing trip because of how well planned it was. It was only a 7 day trip but we had visited almost every place in Europe including Paris, Switzerland and Italy. When we went on this trip there were several families who had come along with us. We ended up making friends with a lot of them and as a result we enjoyed the time together. The trip was arranged by a third party and they had a certain guidelines to follow and a certain trip package but us and the other family made our own plans and this resulted in having a much greater time. The most favourite part of our trip was trying out different cuisines together. I experienced different cultures and different food items from all over Europe and that was probably my most favourite part of the trip. It was also the last time that me and my family went on a trip together so yeah it was a really emotional experience for me. It's also how the trip back then was really cheap and right now I don't think me or my family can afford it.

Follow up questions

What was the most memorable experience from your trip to Europe?

The most memorable experience was trying out different cuisines with my family and friends. Each meal was unique, and sharing those moments made it even more special. I loved tasting authentic Italian pasta, Swiss chocolate, and French pastries, which allowed me to appreciate the diverse cultures.

How did this journey impact your view on traveling?

This journey made me realize the importance of exploring new cultures and cuisines. It sparked my love for travel and made me appreciate the time spent with family and friends. I learned that traveling can create lasting memories and strengthen relationships, which I value deeply.

Would you plan a similar trip in the future? Why or why not?

Yes, I would love to plan a similar trip in the future. Experiencing Europe again with my family would be amazing, especially now that we can explore more places and create new memories. However, I would need to consider the budget and plan carefully to make it feasible.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Also, we went on a trip from our college to Manali and that area, north eastern area of India, that is Manali, Kasol, Amritsar and Delhi, all they covered out that location. But moreover, why I enjoyed that trip is because that was the last trip together when we were in college with our college group and it was in a winter break and we all were very stressed before that semester because there was a placement and exams where all the steps were going on and after that we got the job, everyone was so chilled, so we took a trip to give a reward to ourselves. But all the arrangements were done by our college, so we just need to pay the price and we took a train journey for 2-3 days, in that we had done so many fun activities together, after that we went to Manali through the road, hill road and the bus was taking us to the round circle of the Manali hotel and that was so mesmerizing and in that we had enjoyed so many activities, I had spent such a good time with my friends, with my best friend, now they become like family to me, not just a friend because they took care of me so much in that trip, everything from start of the day till the night, we took care of each other generally like whenever we were playing, dancing or everything, we were very close to each other and we got very free, we drank a lot, we ate a lot, we did paragliding, rafting, every dangerous activities together, so now we are very strong together.

Follow up questions

What was the most memorable activity during your trip?

The most memorable activity was paragliding. It was exhilarating to soar through the sky with my friends, and the views of the mountains were breathtaking. We all cheered each other on, and it really brought us closer together as we faced our fears and enjoyed the thrill.

How did this journey impact your friendships?

This journey strengthened our friendships significantly. We shared so many experiences and supported each other throughout the trip. It created a bond that felt more like family, and we still reminisce about those moments, which keeps our connection strong even after college.

Would you recommend this trip to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend this trip because it offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The beautiful scenery, fun activities, and the chance to bond with friends make it an unforgettable experience. It’s a great way to unwind and create lasting memories.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, one of my favorite long journeys has to be my trip to Bali, which happened last September. I went to Bali with two of my very close friends and we went there to enjoy and relax and basically to see what this hype about Bali was because we had been thinking to go to Bali for a long while and when we did get the opportunity, we could not contain ourselves. So I feel what attracted us to Bali was the beauty of that place, the natural landscape, the waterfalls, the rice field terraces and the people of Bali. They were very hospitable, very welcoming and they helped us enjoy our stay over there and it made a very lasting impression on us. Also, not to forget the food, Indonesian food has now become one of my favorite foods, one of my favorite cuisines, I would say, especially nasi goreng and mee goreng, they were really tasty. Nasi goreng is a type of fried rice with your choice of toppings and mee goreng is a type of stirred noodles and stir-fried noodles, I would say, with your choice of toppings, of course. And I felt that after spending two weeks in Bali, I found that maybe two weeks is not enough to explore Bali and I guess that is one of the reasons why I would like to go visit Bali once again.

Follow up questions

What other places would you like to visit in Bali?

In addition to the beautiful landscapes, I would love to explore Ubud for its art and culture, visit the iconic Tanah Lot temple, and maybe even take a cooking class to learn more about Indonesian cuisine.

How did this journey impact your view on travel?

This journey made me realize the importance of experiencing different cultures and cuisines. It opened my eyes to the beauty of nature and the warmth of local people, which has inspired me to seek more adventures and connections in my future travels.

What preparations did you make for this journey?

Before the trip, we researched Bali's attractions, booked our accommodations, and made a rough itinerary. We also packed essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable clothing to ensure we were ready for both relaxation and exploration.

Show all 14 answers

Cue 1:When/where you went

Begin by mentioning the destination of your journey and the time period when it took place.
Include some details about the journey, such as the mode of transport and the duration.

Example

I took a long journey to the beautiful hill station of Manali in Himachal Pradesh last summer. It was a 12-hour bus ride from Delhi, and I remember the excitement building up as we climbed the winding roads surrounded by lush green mountains.

Cue 2:Who you had the journey with

Mention the people you traveled with and your relationship to them.
Share a brief anecdote about your time together during the journey.

Example

I traveled with my college friends, and it was a reunion after a long time. We shared laughter and stories throughout the journey, and I vividly remember us singing our favorite songs together, which made the long ride enjoyable.

Cue 3:Why you had the journey

Explain the purpose of your journey, whether it was for leisure, adventure, or a special occasion.
Describe any specific activities you planned to do there.

Example

The main reason for our trip was to escape the heat of the city and enjoy some adventure. We planned to go trekking, visit the famous Solang Valley, and relax by the river. The thought of experiencing the cool mountain air was refreshing.

Cue 4:And explain why you would like to have it again

Reflect on the memories created during the journey and how they impacted you.
Discuss what you would do differently or what you would look forward to on a second trip.

Example

I would love to take this journey again because it was one of the best experiences of my life. The breathtaking views and the fun we had together are unforgettable. If I went again, I would like to explore more offbeat locations and perhaps try paragliding, which we missed last time.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, this journey to Manali holds a special place in my heart. The combination of adventure, friendship, and the stunning natural beauty makes it a trip I would cherish and want to experience again.

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

Failing to provide specific details about the journey can make your answer sound vague and uninteresting. It's important to engage the listener with vivid descriptions.

Tip

Include specific locations, activities, and emotions to create a more engaging narrative about your journey.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Not addressing all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. Each cue is designed to help structure your response and provide clarity.

Tip

Make sure to cover all the cues: when and where, who you were with, why you went, and why you want to go again.

Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language can limit your ability to express your thoughts clearly and may not showcase your English proficiency effectively.

Tip

Use varied vocabulary and sentence structures to articulate your thoughts more clearly and demonstrate your language skills.

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