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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 trip with your friends that you enjoyed.

You should say:

• where you went
• when you made this trip
• who was with you

and explain why you enjoyed this trip 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 if everybody will agree with me, but the truth is we don’t always get to enjoy our trips just the way we plan despite our best efforts.  Of course, there could be a number of reasons for that, but let’s not dwell on it today.  Instead, I would like to talk about a time when I actually enjoyed my trip with friends a lot. 

Well, I still can remember the day, during the month of March, rather vividly about 3 years ago when I and my friends (four of them, to be precise) decided to visit one of the most beautiful mountain sites in my country.  We had always wanted to visit this place but couldn’t really make it possible mainly because it was not only very far from where we used to live, but also the communication to that place wasn’t that great.

But, thankfully, the communication situation had gotten better by then, and we were finally able to take our trip to that beautiful place through a non-stop train service.  Now, it might sound a bit exaggerating, but the truth is that I am not really sure which was actually better of the two: the poetic and yet sophisticated train journey, piercing through the dense but very beautiful forest of the countryside, or the exotic views of the magnificent mountain site where the sun was busy playing “hide and seek” game throughout the entire day. 

But, whatever was the consensus about those two main aspects (train journey and view of the mountain site) of our journey, none of us - me and my friends that is – could dispute the fact that it was one of the best trips we had ever had until then.  After all, it was this trip that allowed us to experience mother nature in its unadulterated form for the first time, with its millennia-old mountain tops and ancient trees.  We enjoyed this trip quite a lot also because I and my friends had completely forgotten about our busy and complicated life for a few days!

Model Answer 2:

I am going to talk about a trip with my friends that I really enjoyed. But before I talk about the trip, I would like to thank you for this nice topic.

Last year, in the month of June, I went on a trip to Shimla with my three friends, Rhea, Aryan, and Neil. Little did I know back then that it would be such an exciting and joyful trip!

We planned the trip a few weeks before the actual trip. We took the night bus from Delhi and reached Shimla early in the morning. We had pre-booked a hotel room and took a cab to our hotel. After taking some rest, we explored the nearby markets and had some local food for lunch.

On the second day, we went trekking and sightseeing. We visited the Jakhu Temple, Green Valley, and the famous Kufri. Kufri is a small hill station, which is situated a few kilometres away from Shimla. We went horse riding and took some photographs in traditional Himachali attire. In the evening, we returned to our hotel and played board games. The next day, we went to Mall Road, which is the most popular tourist destination in Shimla. We did some shopping and visited Christ Church, which is situated on the Ridge. We also tried some street food and local delicacies.

Speaking from my heart, I had a great time with my friends on this trip. I enjoyed their company, and we had a lot of fun together. We made some great memories, which I will cherish forever.

Sample Answer 3:

Thank you so much because you have given me an opportunity to talk about a trip that I made with my friends. To be honest, when thinking about it, a lot of good memories rush back! 

One trip with my friends that I particularly enjoyed was a snowboarding excursion we took to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta a couple of winters ago. It was a long weekend in February, perfectly timed to escape the mid-winter blues and immerse ourselves in some breathtaking scenery and thrilling adventure. Little did we know that it would become such an unforgettable trip with dear friends. 

There were four of us in total: myself, Liam, Sarah, and Ben. We’ve been close friends since high school, and these kinds of getaways have become a bit of a tradition for us. Liam is the meticulous planner of the group, so he took charge of booking our accommodation - a cozy cabin nestled near Banff National Park - and organizing our lift passes. Sarah is a free spirit, always up for anything and bringing infectious energy to the group. Ben is the quiet observer, but his dry wit and unexpected bursts of enthusiasm always keep us laughing.

The trip itself was fantastic for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, the location was simply stunning. The majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies against the clear blue sky were a sight to behold. Waking up every morning to those panoramic views from our cabin was incredibly invigorating. Secondly, the snowboarding was exhilarating. We spent our days carving down the slopes, challenging ourselves on different runs, and enjoying the crisp mountain air. There was a real sense of camaraderie and easygoing companionship that made every moment enjoyable. However, what truly made this trip so memorable was the feeling of unadulterated freedom and the strength of our friendship. Away from the pressures of work and daily life, we could simply relax, be ourselves, and enjoy each other's company. There were no pretences, just genuine laughter, shared experiences, and unwavering support. The combination of the stunning natural beauty, the thrill of the activity, and the effortless bond with my closest friends made this trip an unforgettable and deeply enjoyable experience.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

Going on a trip with friends is a great way to relax, create memories, and enjoy each other's company. Here are a few potential ideas to help you frame your response. Feel free to adjust them based on your own experiences.

1. A Road Trip to the Mountains:
Last summer, my friends and I went on a road trip to the Canadian Rockies. We started our journey in Vancouver and drove through picturesque small towns before reaching Banff National Park. There were five of us in the group, and the whole trip was filled with laughter, hiking, and sightseeing. We spent our days exploring beautiful trails, admiring the turquoise lakes, and enjoying scenic views. We also stayed at a cosy cabin near the lake, which made the whole experience feel like a retreat from the busy city life. The reason this trip was so memorable was because of the stunning landscapes and the amazing bond we shared during the trip.

2. A Beach Trip to the Bahamas:
My friends and I decided to visit the Bahamas for a weekend getaway last year. The weather was perfect, with clear skies and warm sun. There were four of us, and we rented a beach house by the ocean. We spent most of our time lounging on the beach, snorkelling, and exploring the nearby coral reefs. We also went on a boat trip around the islands, which was an unforgettable experience. What made this trip so enjoyable was not just the beautiful location, but also the sense of freedom and relaxation that came with being by the sea with close friends.

3. City Exploration in New York:
A few months ago, my friends and I went to New York City for a weekend to explore the city and see a Broadway show. There were six of us, and we had a packed itinerary, including visits to iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. We enjoyed walking around the city, trying local street food, and experiencing the vibrant energy of NYC. The highlight of the trip was seeing a Broadway show, which was absolutely spectacular. The trip was so enjoyable because of the blend of culture, entertainment, and quality time spent with my friends.

4. Camping Trip in the Forest:
A few years ago, my friends and I went on a camping trip in the Adirondack Mountains. The group consisted of four friends, and we set out for the trip in early autumn. We camped under the stars, hiked through the forest, and cooked meals over a campfire. One of the best parts of the trip was sitting around the fire, telling stories, and playing games. It was a simple yet deeply enjoyable experience because of the connection to nature and the camaraderie we shared.

5. Exploring a Historical City - Rome:
Last year, my friends and I travelled to Rome for a long weekend. We were three in total, and we planned the trip around visiting historical sites such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City. We spent our days wandering through the ancient streets, sampling Italian food, and learning about the rich history of the city. The combination of culture, history, and delicious cuisine made this trip incredibly special. The whole experience was enjoyable because we were able to immerse ourselves in the heritage of the city while creating unforgettable memories together.

6. A Road Trip to Rajasthan, India:
Last year, my friends and I took a road trip to Rajasthan, India. We visited cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, exploring their majestic palaces, forts, and deserts. The four of us travelled by car and spent a week in these historical cities. We explored the vibrant markets, tasted traditional Rajasthani food, and even went on a camel safari in the Thar Desert. This trip was special because of the unique blend of culture, architecture, and history that Rajasthan offers. The bond we shared as a group, along with the unforgettable experiences, made this trip extremely memorable.

7. A Beach Trip to Da Nang, Vietnam:
In the summer of last year, my friends and I decided to visit Da Nang, a beautiful coastal city in Vietnam. We were five in total, and we spent three days relaxing on the beaches and exploring the nearby Marble Mountains. We tried various local seafood delicacies, including grilled fish and squid. The highlight of the trip was visiting the Golden Bridge, an iconic landmark with breathtaking views. The trip was enjoyable because of the perfect combination of nature, local culture, and the laid-back vibe of the beach city.

8. Exploring the Sundarbans, Bangladesh:
A few months ago, my friends and I went to explore the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to the Royal Bengal Tigers. We went on a boat tour, navigating through the intricate water channels of the forest. We also visited the Sundarbans Reserve Forest and witnessed the unique wildlife in its natural habitat. The three of us enjoyed the serenity of nature and the excitement of spotting various animals. This trip was particularly special because of the sense of adventure and the opportunity to experience one of the world's most unique ecosystems.

9. A Cultural Trip to Samarkand, Uzbekistan:
My friends and I travelled to Samarkand in Uzbekistan a couple of years ago. We were a group of four, and we visited the city to learn about its rich cultural heritage. We explored ancient sites such as Registan Square, the Shah-i-Zinda complex, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. We also had the opportunity to try local Uzbek dishes like pilaf and kebabs. What made this trip memorable was the fusion of history, culture, and architecture. We were able to immerse ourselves in the stunning beauty of one of Central Asia's oldest cities.

10. A Winter Trip to Moscow, Russia:
In December of last year, my friends and I went to Moscow, Russia, to experience the winter season. There were five of us, and we spent four days exploring the city's famous landmarks like the Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil's Cathedral. We were also able to experience the beauty of Moscow covered in snow, which made the city look like a winter wonderland. We tried traditional Russian food, such as borscht and blini, and visited several museums. The trip was memorable due to the magical atmosphere of the city during winter, along with the cultural richness and warmth we shared as a group.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:

When describing a trip with friends that you enjoyed, using vocabulary that evokes the location, the activities, and the camaraderie you shared can create a vivid and engaging narrative. Focusing on the positive aspects of the journey and the bonds of friendship will help explain your enjoyment. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:

A memorable getaway – A short vacation that you will always remember fondly.
Example: It was a truly memorable getaway with my closest friends.

Breathtaking scenery – Extremely beautiful and impressive natural views.
Example: We were surrounded by breathtaking scenery throughout the trip.

Adventurous spirit – A willingness to try new and exciting things.
Example: Our shared adventurous spirit made the trip even more fun.

Sense of camaraderie – A feeling of friendship and trust among a group of people.
Example: There was a strong sense of camaraderie throughout the entire trip.

Easygoing companionship – Relaxed and friendly relationship with each other.
Example: The easygoing companionship made every moment enjoyable.

Shared laughter and jokes – Happy and amusing moments experienced together.
Example: The trip was filled with shared laughter and inside jokes.

Unforgettable moments – Experiences that were so special you will always remember them.
Example: We created so many unforgettable moments together.

A welcome escape from routine – A pleasant break from everyday life.
Example: It was a welcome escape from our usual busy routines.

Strengthened our bond – Made our friendship even stronger.
Example: The trip really strengthened our bond as friends.

Unadulterated fun – Pure and genuine enjoyment without anything spoiling it.
Example: We had hours of unadulterated fun together.

A chance to unwind and relax – An opportunity to reduce stress and become less worried.
Example: It was a great chance to unwind and relax away from our responsibilities.

Create lasting memories – Form recollections that will stay with you for a long time.
Example: This trip helped us create lasting memories that we still talk about.

A deep sense of connection – A strong feeling of understanding and closeness with others.
Example: There was a deep sense of connection among all of us on the trip.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe a trip with your friends that you enjoyed", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe a journey that you remember well.
2) Describe a trip you have recently made.
3) Describe a trip that you would like to make in the future.
4) Describe a trip which was not up to your expectations.
5) Describe a holiday or vacation that you spent with a group of people.
6) Describe a journey you went on.
7) Describe an enjoyable journey that you spent in the countryside.
 

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

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