IELTS Speaking Practice Question Set: Travel and Tourism

This practice set covers all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on the theme of travel and tourism.

Part 1 lasts approximately 4-5 minutes, Part 2 takes 3-4 minutes, and Part 3 is about 4-5 minutes long.

Part 1: Interview-style Questions

Do you enjoy traveling?
What’s your favorite mode of transportation when you travel? Why?
Have you ever been on a package tour? What was it like?
Do you prefer to travel alone or with others?
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited in your country?
How do you usually plan your trips?
What do you think are the benefits of traveling to other countries?
Are there any famous landmarks in your hometown that attract tourists?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your responses.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn

You will have 1 minute to prepare your response to this topic. You should then speak for 1-2 minutes.

Describe a memorable trip you have taken.

You should say:

Where you went

Who you went with

What you did during the trip

Why this trip was memorable for you

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

How has tourism changed in your country over the past few decades?
What are some potential negative impacts of mass tourism on local communities?
How can governments balance the economic benefits of tourism with environmental protection?
Do you think virtual reality tourism could ever replace physical travel? Why or why not?
In what ways can travel broaden a person’s perspective on life?
How might the rise of social media influence people’s travel choices and experiences?
What role does sustainable tourism play in addressing global climate change concerns?

Sample Answers

Speaking Part 1

Q: Do you enjoy traveling?

A: Yes, I absolutely love traveling. It’s always exciting to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. Traveling allows me to step out of my comfort zone and learn more about the world and myself.

Speaking Part 2

I’d like to talk about a memorable trip I took to Japan last year. I went with my best friend, and we spent two weeks exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. During our trip, we visited ancient temples, tried local cuisine, and even attended a traditional tea ceremony. We also had the chance to witness the cherry blossom season, which was breathtakingly beautiful.

This trip was particularly memorable because it was my first time in Asia, and the cultural differences were fascinating to experience firsthand. The efficiency of the public transportation system, the politeness of the people, and the blend of modern technology with traditional customs left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, sharing this experience with my best friend made it even more special, as we could reflect on our adventures together.

Speaking Part 3

How can governments balance the economic benefits of tourism with environmental protection?

Balancing economic benefits and environmental protection is a complex challenge for governments. One approach could be implementing sustainable tourism practices, such as setting visitor caps for sensitive areas, promoting eco-friendly accommodations, and investing in green transportation options. Governments could also introduce tourism taxes that directly fund conservation efforts. Additionally, educating both tourists and local communities about the importance of preserving natural resources can foster a sense of responsibility. By creating policies that encourage responsible tourism and reinvesting a portion of tourism revenue into environmental protection, governments can work towards achieving a balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.

IELTS Speaking Evaluation Criteria

We encourage you to practice all three parts of this speaking test, ideally with a study partner who can play the role of the examiner.

We invite you to share your responses in the comments below.

We’ll provide brief evaluations to help you identify areas for improvement.

For more IELTS Speaking practice tests, you can visit Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation and Hometown, Accommodation, and Country Topics.

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