IELTS Speaking Part1 | Mock Exam | Music & Travel

Introduction

In this article, we delve into two captivating topics - Music and Travel. You'll explore insightful dialogues about treasured travel memories, the joys of hosting foreign visitors, and a deep love for music, all expressed with the fluency and coherence that examiners seek for higher Band Scores. Let's embark on this enriching journey through an immersive IELTS speaking practice!

Exam Script

Examiner: Where was the last place you visited on holiday?
Student: The last place we road-tripped to was Germany and Belgium. We soaked in a tonne of European history and beauty, and I tasted the best chocolates I've ever had in Belgium. Germany offered me a different feel; we spent time at historical sites, while my husband reveled nature's beauty.

Examiner: Would you like to go back there again?
Student: Absolutely, it's etched in our hearts, and going back isn't out of the cards. Particularly, the enthralling landscapes in Germany were quite captivating for my husband while Belgium was a chocolate haven for my kids. These memories are for keeps.

Examiner: What kind of tourist destinations do you usually prefer?
Student: I'm a history buff and love visiting historical places. So, any place that tells a story, says of a bygone era, or has a charm of the past attracts me. And while I absorb the beauty of history, my husband usually finds a nearby park or a mountain to explore.

Examiner: Has a foreign visitor ever stayed at your home?
Student: Sure has! Having recently migrated to London, we invited one of my husband's buddies from South Korea. It was a joyful week full of immersive cultural exchanges, not to forget the food galore that we relished.

Examiner: What’s the best way to save money while traveling?
Student: I believe planning early is the key to saving money while traveling. Early bird catches the worm, no? Look for deals or discounts on accommodation or flights. Also, preparing a few meals ourselves have often proved to be cost-effective and fun.

Examiner: How much time do you spend listening to music every day?
Student: Music is a part of my daily ethos. I usually listen to music when I'm cooking or doing chores, so I'd say it's about two hours every day. Interestingly, it varies depending on my schedule and mood.

Examiner: Are your music tastes varied?
Student: Oh, absolutely! I'm a tad obsessed with BTS, a band from my homeland, South Korea. And I also indulge in Coldplay. So, you can say my playlist is a mix of K-pop to Alternative rock.

Examiner: What is your favorite song?
Student: 'Viva la Vida' by Coldplay holds a special place in my heart. That song is magical. It transports me to a different place and time. I can't help but adore the melody and lyrics of it.

Examiner: Do you like to sing along to your favorite songs?
Student: Oh, always! Singing along to my favorite songs is like a ritual for me. I do it alone and with my family. When the catchy beats of 'Viva la Vida' surface, I just can't resist.

Examiner: Are you learning to play a musical instrument at the moment?
Student: Yes, indeed. I've recently signed up for piano lessons at our community center. It's exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. But hey, who said picking up a new hobby was easy?

Vocabulary

• Road-tripped (verb): Travel by automobile on a trip or a journey.
• Etched (adjective): Cut or impressed into a surface, have a lasting effect or impression.
• Absorb (verb): To take in or soak up.
• Relished (verb): Delight in, enjoy greatly.
• Ethos (noun): Attribute that is characteristic of a particular person, culture, or group.
• Immersive (adjective): Fully engaging or involving.
• Galore (adverb): In abundance; plentifully.
• Treasured (adjective): Valued or cherished greatly.
• Ritual (noun): A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
• Enthralling (adjective): Captivating or fascinating.

Highlights

• Past Simple Tense: "The last place we road-tripped to was Germany and Belgium."
• Present Perfect Tense: "We have soaked in a tonne of European history and beauty."
• Present Continuous Tense: "Singing along to my favorite songs is like a ritual for me."
• Future Simple Tense: "Going back isn't out of the cards."
• Idiomatic Usage: "Germany was a chocolate haven for my kids."
• Present Perfect Tense: "I've recently signed up for piano lessons at our community center."

By reading this article, you'll find yourself better equipped to discuss your travel adventures and music preferences in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, fluency, coherence, and vocabulary variety are key to achieving a high band score. So, immerse yourself in these topics, and you'll be on your way to IELTS success!