IELTS SPEAKING
TOPIC 1: TRAVEL & HOLIDAYS
VOCABULARY
1. Feelings, expressions
get away from it all (idiom): go somewhere, usually on holiday, where you can
completely relax and forget your responsibilities or problems.
recharge my battery: get back your strength and energy by resting for a period
of time, especially if you have been working hard.
enjoy = be into something: to be interested in and involved with something
know like the back of (your) hand: be very familiar with, know everything about
Ex: Because I know this place like the back of my hand, I don’t need to book
easy going: relaxed, without pressure
Ex: My holidays during Liberation Days were easy going while I still stayed at
home and did my homeworks.
blend in: easily fit in with other people
soak up the atmosphere: observe and enjoy what’s happening around you
time on their hands: Available time to do as you choose
2. Talk about Destinations
add to (its) attraction: make it more attractive
thriving: lively and successful
hustle and bustle: full of movement and noise
a (holiday) resort: a popular destination for holidays
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a fascinating mix: different elements that go together really well
steeped in history: full of history
ultra-modern: very recent and new
a home from home: a place where you feel very happy and comfortable
tourist hot spots: places very popular with tourists
exotic destinations : Unusual or strange holiday destinations
scenic views: Lovely scenes
quaint villages: Old-fashioned or charming small towns
magnificent landscapes: Impressive scenery
wildlife safari: A guided tour through a game park
off the beaten track: A place that is not on the main thoroughfare
craft markets: Stalls where goods made by the local people are sold
self-catering accommodation: A Place to stay where you see to your own food
spectacular beaches: Impressive sandy shorelines
stunning architecture: Magnificent buildings
3. Talk about Travel
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affordable: with a reasonable price range
a bit pricey: quite expensive
around the world: In all corners of the globe
arts and culture: The art, music and other cultural aspects of an area
efficient public transport: A functioning transport system intended for the use of
residents and visitors
get around: Get from place to place
guided tours: Walking, hiking or driving visits led by a guide who knows the area
holiday brochures: Pamphlets advertising holiday destinations
holiday destination: Place to which you leave on holiday
long-haul flights: Long distance flights
make advance reservations: Booking ahead of time
memorable experiences: Activities that you will remember for years
out of season: Outside the most popular holiday period
packaged deals: Travel deals that are put together by an agency and sold as a
package
swarming with tourists: Full of holidaymakers
go sightseeing: Take a trip around an area to see what it has to offer
travel abroad: Travel to overseas destinations
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Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
Tel. : 0946644581
SAMPLE QUESTIONS 1:
PART 1:
1. Do you like holidays? Why?
Yes, of course. You know, since I'm always swamped with homeworks and study,
a holiday once in a while is an optimal choice for me to get away from it all.
2. Which public holiday do you like best?
I would go with Tet holiday, or Lunar New Year for it is considered a distinct
festival of Vietnam. On this occasion, people not only have the chance to blow
off some steam and recharge their batteries after a whole year of hard work
but also get to enjoy family gatherings and tighten their bonds with other
family members.
3. Do you prefer to travel or stay at home during holiday periods? Why?
To be quite honest, I am very interested in traveling during holiday periods. These
holiday periods are when I put my feet up and escape from the hectic pace of
life. Besides, traveling is a good chance for me to take up extremely interesting
sports like trekking. Moreover, I can sample the local foods when I travel rather
than stay at home and eat normal ones.
PART 2:
Describe a place you visited on vacation.
A few years ago I went on a long weekend to the [PLACE] in the [PROVINCE]. It's
a very popular holiday destination in Vietnam. I went on my own and had a
wonderful time. I stayed in a youth hostel and met some really nice people but
the most memorable thing about the holiday were the breathtaking views and
lovely picturesque villages it can get very busy with hordes of tourists so I
decided to go out of season in the autumn. The weather was fantastic and the
shops were full of local crafts … a really great holiday. It's certainly not the kind
of short break for someone looking for a busy nightlife but if you want to relax in
the middle of stunning landscape I would certainly recommend a holiday to
[PLACE].
PART 3:
1. Do old people and young people choose different places to go on vacation?
Why?
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In my opinion, age doesn’t diminish wanderlust, but it sure affects the way we
travel, specifically the way we choose our holiday destinations.
I think younger people tend to enjoy adventure and having fun, so they would
choose to go to either some tourist traps where there are a lot of holiday
activities, or they could go backpacking somewhere off the beaten track to
satisfy their thirst for adventure.
As for older people, they definitely prefer relaxation, so they would just opt for
somewhere serene and peaceful to ease their mind, maybe near a lake or go to
churches and pagodas, or something like that.
2. What are the negative impacts of tourism?
I believe the most detrimental impact of tourism is on the environment. What I
mean is that excessive building, like roads, hotels or other holiday
accommodation, etc. can destroy the natural habitats and spoil the landscape of
the country.
Tourism can also lead to pollution and waste. From a cultural perspective, local
traditions may be lost, and traditional jobs and skills such as fishing, and farming
may die out soon.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS 2:
PART 1:
1. Where do you like to travel during the holidays?
I like to travel around Vietnam because domestic travel can be more
affordable. Traveling to holiday destinations when it is out of season saves a lot
of money. Out-of-season travel is also the best way to avoid places that are
swarming with tourists.
2. What are your favorite holiday pastimes?
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I like to get away from it all. I look for exotic destinations with scenic views that
are off the beaten track. I’d love to go on a wildlife safari! I tend to avoid guided
tours and packaged deals as I prefer to go sightseeing on my own.
3. How do you plan and prepare for your holiday?
I always do my research because I know exactly what I like. I thumb through
holiday brochures and check travel sites like Airbnb on the Internet. I’m drawn to
spectacular beaches and lush forests. I usually make advance reservations for
self-catering
PART 2:
Describe one of your best travel experiences
You should say:
● where it is
● what it is famous for
● how you knew this city
● explain why you think it is very interesting
PART 3:
1. What type of holiday destination do you think attracts most tourists?
I know that many people are drawn to wildlife safaris. This is certainly one of the
big attractions in Africa. In Europe and Asia, the stunning architecture,
museums and arts and culture attract thousands of tourists every year.
2. Do you think that the tourism industry will continue to grow in the next
two decades?
I do. Many European and Asian countries have aging populations who will have
time on their hands in the future. Many of them are likely to seek holiday
destinations around the world. Today there are many affordable destinations
that offer good value for money.
3. What do you think your country could do to attract more tourists?
Vietnam has a rich culture with unique traditions and festivals. Highlighting
these experiences for tourists could include things like water puppet shows,
traditional dance performances, or cooking classes.
NGUYỄN TRÚC QUỲNH - IELTS TUTOR
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
Tel. : 0946644581
