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

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a long journey that you enjoyed.

You should say:

• where and when you had it
• how you got there and how long it took
• who you went with

and explain why you enjoyed this journey so much.

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

Model Answer 1:
Not sure how one would define “long journeys”, but, as far as I am concerned, a journey is considered long to me if it lasts more than 10 hours. But the journey I want to talk about lasted 14 hours when I visited the capital city of my country about 8 years ago for the first time as a young boy.

However, when I, together with my uncle and cousin, started the journey, I wasn’t told about the duration of our journey. All I was told was that it was going to be a long but exciting journey since it involved travelling by bus and also by a big ferry.

By the way, back in 8 years, the city in which I used to live didn’t have any direct communication facility, either by bus or train. It was because our region was separated by a very big river from the rest of the country. So, our only option was to first travel by bus almost half of the distance and then use the ferry to travel the rest of it.

So, we started our journey in the early morning, and as our bus was cruising along nicely, my uncle and cousin (both were considerably older than me) were introducing me to the places and cities that we were passing through. After finishing our bus journey after almost 6 hours, we finally began our journey on a huge ferry boat. We travelled almost 8 hours on that ferry, but it felt like only a few hours since it was one of the most wonderful and comfortable journeys of my life till then.

Anyway, I enjoyed this long journey, mainly because it allowed me to see some new and cool places for the first time outside of my own city. I also enjoyed it because during this journey, I was treated like an adult for the first time by the people who were travelling with me and around me.

Sample Answer 2:
I have always been passionate about travelling and discovering new places, so I am very excited to talk about a long journey that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my experience.

Back in 2017, I went on an extensive European tour that lasted for 28 days. I was accompanied by three of my closest classmates and my cousin, which made the journey even more enjoyable. During this trip, we visited several remarkable cities, including Berlin, Paris, Transylvania, London, Vienna, Lisbon, and Munich. What made the experience truly unique was that it was a road and rail trip - we did not take a single flight, instead relying on trains and buses, which allowed us to see the countryside and enjoy the scenic routes between cities.

One part of the journey that stands out in my memory was travelling from Paris to Berlin by train. Leaving Paris early in the morning, we watched the French countryside gradually transition into the lush landscapes of Germany. Passing through small towns and vineyards, I was struck by the stark contrast between the bustling city life of Paris and the tranquil rural charm along the railway. We stopped briefly in Strasbourg, a city famous for its picturesque old town and canals, before finally reaching Berlin in the evening. By the time we arrived, the city’s vibrant architecture and rich history had already left a lasting impression on me.

This journey was transformative in many ways. As a fresh graduate at that time, I had been preoccupied with finding a good job, but travelling across Europe opened my eyes to life beyond work. I discovered new interests, such as photography and journaling, and strengthened my bonds with my companions. Visiting museums, historic sites, and cultural landmarks in every city expanded my understanding of European history and traditions. Being away from home for nearly a month also helped me appreciate my family and homeland more deeply.

Overall, this journey was unforgettable. The timing was perfect, the people I travelled with were wonderful, and every city offered something unique to explore. It was not just a tour of beautiful locations, but a journey of self-discovery, learning, and lasting memories.

Sample Answer 3:
Travelling has always been one of my greatest passions, and I particularly enjoy exploring different countries. I have visited several European nations, and recently, I made a memorable trip from France to Italy. I am delighted to share this experience and thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about it.

Being a French national, I have already explored most of the famous attractions in my own country. So, I decided it was time to venture into another European nation, and Italy seemed like the perfect choice. The decision was spontaneous, but practical too, as travel between France and Italy is convenient. High-speed trains connect the two countries, making the journey smooth and relatively fast. I planned to start my trip on the first day of November last year.

I live in Paris, and that is where my journey began. I boarded a train from Paris Gare de Lyon heading to Ventimiglia, a charming town in northern Italy. Since it was an overnight journey of over six hours, I booked a sleeper car with an attached bathroom to ensure comfort. The train reached speeds of approximately 180 kilometres per hour, which was thrilling. Securing the ticket was a bit of a challenge, as sleeper cabins are often in high demand, but fortunately, my uncle, who works in the railway sector, helped me after some effort.

I travelled alone, deliberately leaving my younger brother behind, as I wanted the freedom to explore without worrying about anyone else. Before leaving, I had arranged hotel reservations and even booked a car to explore various scenic spots in Italy. The train journey itself was a highlight - I stayed awake most of the night, watching movies and enjoying the nighttime landscapes as we sped through France and entered Italy.

During my week-long stay, I explored beautiful towns, golden beaches, and vibrant markets. I met local people, learned about their culture, and indulged in traditional Italian cuisine, which was absolutely delightful. Ventimiglia, in particular, impressed me with its charming streets and coastal views. After a week, I returned to Paris by the same train, feeling both relaxed and inspired.

Oh, this journey was unforgettable. Travelling alone allowed me to immerse myself fully in the experience, enjoy every moment of the train ride, and appreciate Italy’s culture and natural beauty.

Idea Generation for this Cue Card / Candidate Task Card Topic:

This topic asks you to describe a long journey that you enjoyed. You should explain the destination, the mode of transport, the duration of the journey, the people you travelled with, and why it was memorable for you. To help you develop your own answer, here are some ideas based on different types of journeys:

1. Road trip along the Great Ocean Road, Australia:
I took a road trip with my family along the Great Ocean Road last summer. The journey lasted around eight hours, and we stopped at several beaches and lookout points. I enjoyed it because the scenery was breathtaking, and I loved sharing laughter and stories with my family during the drive.

2. Train journey to Kyoto, Japan:
I travelled to Kyoto by bullet train with a close friend during the cherry blossom season. It took about three hours. I enjoyed the journey because we could admire the Japanese countryside from the train window and talk about our plans to visit historic temples.

3. Flight to Rome, Italy:
I took a flight to Rome with my parents two years ago. The flight took nearly twelve hours. I enjoyed it because I had the chance to relax, watch movies, and anticipate exploring the ancient city, which made the long flight feel exciting rather than tiring.

4. Bus journey across Morocco:
I went on a long bus journey from Marrakech to Fez with a group of friends. The trip took around eight hours. I enjoyed it because the views of desert landscapes and traditional villages were stunning, and it gave me a sense of adventure.

5. Ferry ride to Santorini, Greece:
I took a ferry to Santorini with my sibling. The journey lasted about six hours. I enjoyed it because the sparkling Aegean Sea and the views of the island coastline were beautiful, and we spent the time chatting and taking photographs.

6. Road trip across Iceland:
I travelled with friends on a week-long road trip around Iceland. The longest stretch took seven hours. I enjoyed it because we explored waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes, making the journey as exciting as the destinations.

7. Train journey through Switzerland:
I took a scenic train ride from Zurich to Interlaken with my cousin. It lasted about three hours. I enjoyed it because the snow-capped mountains, lakes, and charming villages passing by the window were mesmerising.

8. Long hike to Machu Picchu, Peru:
I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a group of fellow travellers. The journey took four days. I enjoyed it because the trail offered incredible natural beauty, and the shared experiences with the group made it unforgettable.

9. Night bus to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
I took an overnight bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur with a friend. It took about eight hours. I enjoyed it because we played games, shared snacks, and woke up to the beautiful cityscape of Kuala Lumpur in the morning.

10. Road trip along the California coast, USA:
I went on a long drive with my family along the Pacific Coast Highway. The journey lasted a full day. I enjoyed it because the ocean views, cliffside roads, and small coastal towns made every moment exciting and memorable.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing a long journey that you enjoyed, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the details of the trip, the people you were with, and your personal feelings about the experience. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the scenic beauty, the sense of adventure, and the reasons why the journey was so special to you, making your response both descriptive and personal. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Long journey: – An extensive period of travel from one place to another.
Example: It was a long journey, but every moment of it was worth it.

Enjoyable: – Giving pleasure or enjoyment.
Example: The trip was an incredibly enjoyable experience for all of us.

Scenic route: – A road or path that passes through an area of natural beauty.
Example: We took the scenic route, which added to the beauty of the journey.

Road trip: – A long journey or vacation taken by car.
Example: I enjoyed the road trip so much because it was a chance to see new places.

Companionship: – The friendly company of other people.
Example: The companionship of my friends made the journey feel much shorter.

Memorable: – Worth remembering or easily remembered.
Example: The trip was a truly memorable experience that I will never forget.

Unforgettable: – Impossible to forget; very memorable.
Example: The whole journey was unforgettable because of the wonderful memories we made.

Exhilarating: – Making one feel very happy, animated, or thrilled; exciting.
Example: The exhilarating feeling of being on the open road was my favourite part.

Serene: – Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
Example: The serene landscape made the journey a very peaceful experience.

Fascinating: – Extremely interesting.
Example: The entire journey was fascinating because we saw so many different things.

Spontaneous: – Performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and not premeditated or planned.
Example: The most fun parts of the trip were the spontaneous stops we made along the way.

Milestone: – An important stage or event in the development of something.
Example: I consider this trip a personal milestone in my life.

Getaway: – A short holiday.
Example: It was the perfect getaway from the stress of my daily routine.

Adventures: – An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
Example: The trip was full of little adventures that we took on a whim.

Cherished: – Protected and cared for lovingly.
Example: The memories of that journey are something I will always cherish.

Eye-opening: – Surprising in a way that teaches one a new fact or idea.
Example: The long journey was a truly eye-opening experience that broadened my horizons.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe a long journey that you enjoyed", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe a long car journey you went on.
2) Describe a journey you went on.
3) Describe a journey [e.g. by car, plane, boat] that you remember well.
4) Describe a long-distance journey you have been on.
5) Describe a long journey/short trip you would like to make again.
6) Describe a journey that took longer than you expected.
7) Describe a trip you have taken recently.
 

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

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