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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

Describe a journey [e.g. by car, plane, boat] that you remember well.

You should say:

• where you went
• how you travelled
• why you went on that journey

and explain why you remember this journey well.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1: [A train jounry]
I have been lucky to have a number of memorable journeys over the years. So, thank you very much for offering me this great opportunity to share the experience of one of those journeys which I probably would never forget.

This journey, one of the most memorable ones of my life, took place when I just started my university, and I needed to visit my youngest uncle at a city, far away from my hometown, where he just had started his first job. So, naturally, I was quite excited. The excitement grew even bigger when one of my elder cousins, who also was travelling with me, informed me that we were actually going to make the journey with a high-speed train which just had started operating from my home town only a few weeks ago.

We were told that it was going to be a 6 to 7 hours journey and that train would travel, nonstop, at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour. So, it was a whole new experience for me, and I just couldn’t wait to board the train as soon as I arrived at the station. By the way, my cousin very smartly had selected a couple of window seats at the front of the brand new train, so we both knew that it was going to be a great experience, and it indeed was as the train started to run like a bullet with a whistle within seconds of starting our journey. The objects outside the train felt like 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, mainly because I never really travelled on a train that ran so fast and furiously. I remember it also because the service on that train was awesome. Finally, I also tried some of the most delicious foods I have ever eaten, and that too at an affordable price!

Model Answer 2: [A car journey]
I love to travel and explore new places, and I have had several memorable journeys in my life. One journey that I particularly remember well is a road trip that I took with my friends from college to a nearby hill station.

The journey started from my hometown, and we travelled by car. We drove through winding roads and scenic landscapes to reach the hill station, which was located around 200 km away from our city. We were riding in a BMW car that we hired for the journey.

We planned this trip as a short break from our college studies, and to unwind and relax amidst the beautiful natural surroundings. We were all excited about the trip and looked forward to experiencing the charm and tranquillity of the hill station.

I remember this journey well because it was one of the most fun-filled and adventurous trips in my life. The drive through the scenic routes was breathtaking, and we were able to witness some of the most picturesque views of the mountains, valleys, and forests. The weather was perfect, with clear blue skies and a cool breeze blowing, making the journey all the more enjoyable. We also had a great time chatting, singing, and playing games in the car, which added to the fun of the journey.

Model Answer 3: [A plane journey]

Introduction:
Travelling can be an exhilarating experience, and we all have memories of some journey that we made in the past that we still cherish. Here, I am going to talk about a plane journey that I remember well.

Where you went:
I travelled from my hometown to London on a plane. It was my first time travelling to another country by air, and I was quite excited about it. 

How you travelled:
I still remember that it was a British Airways flight, and the flight took off from the nearest international airport in my hometown. The duration of the flight was approximately 10 hours, and I travelled in economy class.

Why you went on that journey:
I went on that journey to attend a conference that was organized in London by my company. The conference was related to the latest trends in the IT industry, and it was mandatory for all the employees in my department to attend it. The company had arranged everything for us, including the flight, accommodation, and transportation.

And explain why you remember this journey well:
There are several reasons why I remember this journey well. Firstly, it was my first time travelling abroad, and I was thrilled about it. Secondly, the plane journey was quite comfortable, and I enjoyed the food and in-flight entertainment. Thirdly, it was a business trip, and I got to learn a lot from the conference. Lastly, I got to explore London after the conference which was an unforgettable experience, and it was possible due to the journey that I made.

Model Answer 4: [A boat journey]

Introduction:
Boat journeys can be adventurous and fun, especially when taken in the company of friends or family. I have been fortunate enough to take a boat journey that I remember vividly and recall fondly. It was a memorable experience that I would like to share here.

Where you went:
I went on a boat journey from the mainland to a small island called Ko Yao Yai, located off the coast of Thailand. The island is well-known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.

How you travelled:
The boat journey was the only means of transportation to the island. We boarded a traditional longtail boat, a type of wooden boat with a long tail at the back, operated by a local fisherman. The boat was not very big, but it had enough space to comfortably accommodate six people.

Why you went on that journey:
I went on this boat journey with my family on a vacation to explore the island's natural beauty and experience the local culture. We wanted to get away from the bustling city life and unwind in a peaceful environment.

And explain why you remember this journey well:
The boat journey was an exhilarating experience, and I still remember it vividly. As we left the mainland, the wind blew gently, and the waves splashed against the boat's sides. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, and we could see the lush green vegetation on the island from afar. The boat ride took us approximately 30 minutes, and the journey was relatively smooth. When we arrived at the island, we were welcomed by friendly locals who offered us traditional Thai snacks and drinks. We spent the day lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, and swimming in the crystal-clear water. The boat journey to Ko Yao Yai was an unforgettable experience that I cherish to this day.

Sample Answer 5: [A journey by plane]
I went to the USA last month to attend a conference arranged for health journalists. It was an interesting journey and most importantly, my first flight out of my country, Greece. I was amazed by the journey and the experience will be memorable always. This cue card appears exciting and I will describe the event in brief now. 

I travelled by aeroplane and also used some other local transports in the USA. But the journey by aeroplane was the most impressive one in my life. It took around 11 hours to reach the USA from Greece. I reached the airport in my private car and then boarded in the aeroplane. I was too excited that I could not sleep the entire time. Initially, I felt a bit of uncomfortable as it was my first air ride too. But gradually I coped with the situation. I had to visit the country for some official purposes. I am a senior reporter of health in a national newspaper of Greece. A conference of the journalists dealing with health issues was supposed to take place in the USA. My office authority selected me to join the conference. I was chosen for my extraordinary performance in reporting about the health issues of the country.   

I can recall every detail of the journey. In fact, I was really happy to have the chance to visit America and the flight was really enjoyable. I joined at the conference and presented a paper as well which was appreciated heavily by the other participants at the conference. Moreover, I also received a prestigious certificate for participating in this international conference. I had visited in different parts of New York, where the conference took place. Considering everything, it was a great trip in my life and I will never forget my experience from this trip.

More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card topic:

Topic: Describe a journey that you remember well.

1. I will always remember the boat journey I made on the Ganges in India. The journey took us to another ghat (port) which is a few kilometres away from where we started. And some of my friends accompanied me on this trip. It was an aimless journey on a moonlit night. But most of us wanted to enjoy the moon from the Ganges. The memories are still bright and I can see the bright moon after closing my eyes.

2. The last train journey to Moscow from Saint Petersburg was a wonderful one. I travelled by train and the journey was highly comfortable one. I had to visit Moscow for some official purposes. I attended a couple of meetings on the same day. I can remember the journey very well for some reasons. I took my seat beside a window and enjoyed the natural views. Moreover, I had some talks with co-passengers and has spent a good time with them.

3. I could not believe that a business class journey was so comfortable. I made it last month on a local bus. I went to Edinburg from London. It was a solo trip and solely intended to enjoy a bus ride. In fact, I had made a plan long ago to make the journey and completed last weekend. The entire journey was thrilling and filled with joy. I rode on the bus in time and reached at the exact time. I also met some people during the ride who sat beside me on the bus. Overall, it was a memorable journey.

4. I went on a trip with my family in Singapore. It was not a long journey. And we landed in Singapore earlier than we e4xpected. All the family members were present during the journey. We all wanted to have a vacation in Singapore and also meet some relatives there. The journey was memorable as we all had great fun. The entire vacation was filled with joy and delight. I felt sad while returning back to Hong Kong.

5. Group journeys are not always interesting as people of different classes and mentality get together. But I am lucky in that sense. We went to visit Mount Fuji and it was a mixed journey. The group has used different types of vehicles and even walked on feet. I wanted to see the mountain from a close distance and so, I became a part of the group. It was an interesting journey and an advantageous experience for me.

Part 3: Details Discussion

Discussion topics: Reasons for daily travel:

Q.  Why do people need to travel every day?
Q.  What problems can people have when they are on their daily journey, for example, to work or school? Why is this?
Q.  Some people say that daily journeys like these will not be so common in the future. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Discussion topics: Benefits of international travel:

Q.  What do you think people can learn from travelling to other countries? Why?
Q.  Can travel make a positive difference to the economy of a country? How?
Q.  Do you think a society can benefit if its members have experience of travelling to other countries? In what ways?

Answers to this part 3 questions - Speaking Sample 96 - Part 3 Questions.

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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