IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an interesting journey you have been on

Describe an interesting journey you have been on.

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Select a specific journey to keep your narrative focused and avoid rambling.
  2. Jot down sensory details like sounds or weather to make your story vivid.
  3. Ensure you link the journey's impact to your personal feelings for the final section.

Band 8 model answer

A couple of years ago, I embarked on a truly memorable journey to the Scottish Highlands. My primary destination was the Isle of Skye, a place I had dreamt of visiting since I was a child. I decided to make the trip by train from London to Inverness, followed by a local car hire to navigate the rugged terrain of the islands. I was accompanied by my older brother, who is an avid amateur photographer, so we were perfectly aligned in our desire to capture the dramatic landscapes. The journey itself felt like an escape from the relentless pace of urban life. As the train wound its way north, the scenery shifted from rolling green hills to the stark, haunting beauty of the Cairngorms. What made this journey so incredibly memorable was the sense of profound isolation we felt once we reached the Quiraing. We arrived just as the mist was rolling off the cliffs, creating an ethereal, almost cinematic atmosphere that felt completely otherworldly. We spent hours hiking across the craggy ridges without seeing another soul, just the wind howling against the rocks and the occasional golden eagle soaring overhead. It was a stark contrast to my usual life in the city, and the silence was genuinely transformative. We didn't have any mobile reception for two days, which forced us to be entirely present in the moment. That level of digital detox, combined with the raw, untamed power of the scenery, left a lasting impression on me, reminding me how vital it is to step away from the daily grind and reconnect with the natural world.

267 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

embarked
To begin a journey or a new project.
rugged
Having an uneven, broken, or rocky surface.
relentless
Continuing in an intense or harsh way.
ethereal
Extremely delicate and light in a way.
otherworldly
Relating to an imaginary or spiritual world.
craggy
Rough, uneven, and steep in appearance.
digital detox
A period of time away from technology.
daily grind
The exhausting routine of everyday working life.

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe an interesting journey you have been on."?

Select a specific journey to keep your narrative focused and avoid rambling.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

More cue cards: an experience