Travel: questions and Band 8 answers
The examiner asks three to five short questions on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. These are the 12 questions about travel in the BandLadder test bank, with sample answers for the most frequent ones. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
Sample answers
Where was the last place you visited on holiday?
I spent my last holiday exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh. It was a fascinating trip, particularly because I was able to hike up Arthur's Seat during a rare sunny afternoon to get a panoramic view of the entire cityscape and the surrounding coastline.
Would you like to go back there again?
Definitely, as three days simply wasn't enough time to soak up all the local culture. I have a long list of traditional pubs and smaller galleries that I didn't manage to visit, so I am already planning to return for a week next autumn.
What kind of tourist destinations do you usually prefer?
I generally gravitate towards mountainous regions rather than crowded beach resorts. There is something incredibly refreshing about the crisp air and the tranquility of a remote hiking trail, which helps me disconnect from the stresses of my daily professional life.
Has a foreign visitor ever stayed at your home?
Actually, I hosted a close friend from Japan last summer for a couple of weeks. It was a wonderful experience because I could introduce him to our local culinary specialties and show him the hidden gems of my neighbourhood that most tourists usually overlook.
Do you enjoy travelling?
Travelling is a genuine passion of mine because it provides such a refreshing change of pace. Immersing myself in a completely different linguistic and cultural environment always broadens my perspective and leaves me feeling incredibly inspired and rejuvenated for months afterwards.
What's the best way to save money while travelling?
The most effective strategy is to opt for local transport and eat at street markets instead of expensive tourist restaurants. By living more like a resident than a visitor, you can significantly reduce your daily expenses while enjoying a much more authentic experience.
Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.
More travel questions to practise
- Have you done much travelling?
- Do you think it's better to travel alone or with other people?
- would you like to travel in the future?
- Do you like travelling to new places? Why or why not?
- What kind of places do you prefer to visit on a short trip?
- Do you think travelling is more common for young people now than in the past?
Useful vocabulary
- panoramic view
- a wide view of an area in all directions
- soak up
- to absorb or enjoy the atmosphere of a place
- gravitate towards
- to be attracted to or move towards something specific
- hidden gems
- special places that are not well known to tourists
- change of pace
- a situation that is different from your usual routine
- rejuvenated
- feeling much more energetic and fresh than before
- Use specific examples to make your answers more interesting and authentic to the examiner.
- Keep your answers concise but ensure they are long enough to demonstrate your vocabulary range.
Answer out loud and get a band
The AI examiner asks Part 1 questions like these, listens, and scores fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, with the words that cost you.
Practise Part 1 with the AI examinerOn your phone? Get the BandLadder app.