IELTS Speaking: Travel

Welcome to this comprehensive IELTS Speaking practice test focusing on travel and cultural experiences.

This practice set covers all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test, designed to help you prepare for the real exam with realistic questions and timing.

Test Structure and Timing:

• Part 1: Interview-style questions (4-5 minutes)
• Part 2: Individual long turn with topic card (3-4 minutes including 1-minute preparation)
• Part 3: Two-way discussion on abstract topics (4-5 minutes)

Practice each section with proper timing to simulate real test conditions and build your confidence for exam day.

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Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

The examiner will ask general questions about yourself and familiar topics. Answer naturally and provide some elaboration beyond simple yes/no responses.

Questions:

1. Do you enjoy traveling to new places? Why or why not?
2. What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited in your country?
3. How do you usually plan your trips or vacations?
4. Do you prefer traveling alone or with other people?
5. What kind of accommodation do you usually choose when traveling?
6. Have you ever experienced any travel problems or delays?
7. What’s one destination you would really like to visit in the future?
8. How has traveling changed since you were younger?
9. Do you think it’s important for young people to travel?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your responses to explore your answers further.

Sample Answer (Part 1):

Question: “Do you enjoy traveling to new places?”

Sample Response: “Yes, I absolutely love traveling to new places. There’s something incredibly exciting about discovering different cultures and experiencing ways of life that are completely different from my own. I find that traveling really broadens my perspective and helps me understand the world better. Plus, I enjoy the challenge of navigating new environments and trying local cuisines – it’s like a real-life adventure every time.”

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Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

You will have 1 minute to prepare and make notes, then speak for 1-2 minutes on the given topic.

Topic Card:

Describe a cultural experience you had while traveling or in your own country.

You should say:

• What the cultural experience was
• Where and when it happened
• What you learned from this experience
• And explain how this experience affected your understanding of different cultures

You have one minute to prepare. You can make notes if you wish.

Sample Answer (Part 2):

“I’d like to talk about a fascinating cultural experience I had during a homestay in rural Japan about two years ago. I was traveling through the countryside and decided to stay with a traditional Japanese family in their farmhouse for three days.

What made this experience so memorable was participating in their daily tea ceremony ritual every evening. The grandmother of the family, who spoke very little English, taught me the precise movements and etiquette involved in preparing and serving matcha tea. At first, I felt quite clumsy and worried about making mistakes, but she was incredibly patient and encouraging.

Through this experience, I learned that the tea ceremony isn’t just about drinking tea – it’s a meditation, a form of art, and a way of showing respect and mindfulness. Every gesture has meaning, from how you hold the bowl to the way you bow. I also discovered how much Japanese culture values precision, patience, and being present in the moment.

This experience completely changed my understanding of different cultures. Before this, I thought cultural differences were mainly about language and food, but I realized that culture runs much deeper – it’s about fundamental ways of thinking and approaching life. It made me more aware of my own cultural assumptions and more curious about the deeper meanings behind other cultural practices. Now, whenever I travel, I try to look beyond the surface and understand the philosophy behind different traditions.”

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Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

The examiner will ask more complex questions related to the topic, encouraging you to express opinions and discuss abstract ideas.

Questions:

1. How do you think international travel affects people’s understanding of other cultures?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of cultural globalization for traditional societies?
3. Do you believe that tourism always has a positive impact on local communities? Why or why not?
4. How might virtual reality and technology change the way people experience different cultures in the future?
5. What role should governments play in preserving traditional cultural practices?
6. How can travelers be more respectful and responsible when visiting other cultures?
7. Do you think young people today are more or less interested in learning about different cultures compared to previous generations?
8. What are the potential challenges of living in a multicultural society?

Sample Answer (Part 3):

Question: “How do you think international travel affects people’s understanding of other cultures?”

Sample Response: “I believe international travel can have a profoundly positive impact on cultural understanding, but it really depends on how people approach their travels. When travelers engage genuinely with local communities, stay in locally-owned accommodations, and make an effort to learn about local customs and history, it can break down stereotypes and build empathy. They return home as cultural ambassadors who can share authentic experiences with others.

However, I think there’s also a risk of superficial cultural consumption, where tourists only experience the commercialized aspects of a culture without understanding its deeper meanings. This can actually reinforce stereotypes rather than challenge them. For example, someone might visit Thailand and only see the tourist districts without understanding the complex social and economic realities that locals face.

The key factor seems to be the traveler’s mindset and preparation. Those who research beforehand, learn basic language phrases, and approach new cultures with humility and curiosity tend to have more meaningful exchanges. This creates a positive cycle where both visitors and locals benefit from the cultural exchange, leading to greater mutual understanding and respect.”

Ready to Practice?

Share Your Responses!

Try answering these questions and share your responses in the comments below. For more IELTS Speaking practice sets, you can also visit Library Topic.