Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Do you enjoy going away for a holiday?
Sample response
Yes, absolutely. I really enjoy getting away for a few days because it helps me switch off from my routine and clear my head. Even a short trip can make me feel refreshed, especially if I’m somewhere quiet or surrounded by nature.
Q2
How often do you visit new places?
Sample response
I’d say fairly often, maybe every few months if I have the time and money. They don’t always have to be big trips either; sometimes I just visit a nearby town I’ve never been to before. I like that feeling of discovering somewhere unfamiliar.
Q3
Do you prefer short breaks or longer holidays?
Sample response
To be honest, I prefer longer holidays. Short breaks are nice, but they can feel a bit rushed, whereas with a longer trip I can relax properly and explore at a slower pace. I usually enjoy a place much more when I’m not checking the time all the time.
Q4
Who do you usually go with when you leave your city for a few days?
Sample response
Most of the time I travel with close friends or family. It depends on the kind of trip, really: with friends it’s usually more adventurous, while family trips tend to be calmer and better organised. Occasionally, I travel alone too, if I just want some space.
Q5
What kind of places do you like to visit most?
Sample response
I’m especially drawn to places with natural scenery, like mountains, lakes, or coastal towns. I find those places far more relaxing than crowded cities. That said, I also enjoy historic cities if they have beautiful architecture and a strong local culture.
Q6
Do you prefer planning everything in advance or being more spontaneous?
Sample response
I’m somewhere in the middle, actually. I like to plan the important things in advance, such as transport and accommodation, because it saves stress later on. But once I arrive, I prefer to leave some room for spontaneous decisions.
Q7
What is the most common way for you to get to another city?
Sample response
The most common way is probably by train. It’s usually convenient, reasonably comfortable, and I can just sit by the window and enjoy the view. If the distance is too long, though, I’d choose a flight.
Q8
Did you go on many family holidays when you were a child?
Sample response
Yes, I did, although they weren’t very luxurious or anything like that. My family used to take short trips during school holidays, usually to visit relatives or go to seaside towns. I still remember them fondly because it was one of the few times we could all relax together.
Q9
Is there a place you would like to visit in the future?
Sample response
Yes, I’d love to visit Japan in the future. I’m fascinated by the mix of modern city life and traditional culture there, and I’d especially like to see Kyoto during the autumn season. It seems like one of those places that would feel completely different from my everyday life.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a journey you really enjoyed. You should say: - when and where you went - who you went with and how you got there - what you did during the journey And explain why you remember this journey so well.
Sample response
One journey I really enjoyed was a train trip I took to a mountain town about two years ago. It was during early autumn, and I went with two of my closest friends for a long weekend. We chose the train instead of driving because we wanted the trip itself to feel relaxing rather than tiring. To begin with, the scenery was absolutely stunning. As the train left the city, the view gradually changed from crowded buildings to open countryside, rivers, and eventually hills covered in orange and golden leaves. What stood out to me was how peaceful everything felt. We spent a lot of the journey chatting, listening to music, and taking photos through the window. At one point, we even bought snacks and coffee from the trolley service, which made the whole experience feel a bit old-fashioned in a nice way. Another thing I loved was that there was no real pressure. Unlike air travel, there were no long queues or stressful security checks, so we could just settle into our seats and enjoy the ride. When we arrived, we explored the town, went on a short hike, and stayed in a small guesthouse with an amazing view. I remember this journey so well because it wasn’t only about reaching the destination. The journey itself was memorable, calm, and full of little moments that made me genuinely happy. Overall, it reminded me that travel can be enjoyable even before you arrive.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do many people like visiting new places?
Sample response
I think many people enjoy visiting new places because it gives them a break from their normal routine. Human beings are naturally curious, so seeing different landscapes, food, or lifestyles can be exciting and refreshing. It can also help people feel more alive, especially if their daily life is repetitive. For example, even a short trip to a nearby city can make someone feel as if they’ve had a completely new experience.
Q2
How has modern transport changed the way people move between cities and countries?
Sample response
Modern transport has made travel much faster, cheaper, and more convenient than it used to be. People can now commute between cities by high-speed train or book international flights in just a few minutes on their phones. As a result, travel is no longer seen as something rare or difficult; for many people, it’s part of everyday life or work. On the other hand, this convenience has also increased traffic, pollution, and overcrowding in some destinations.
Q3
What are the advantages and disadvantages of visiting famous destinations?
Sample response
The main advantage of visiting famous destinations is that they usually have good infrastructure, so transport, accommodation, and information are easy to find. People also feel more confident going somewhere well known because they already have an idea of what to expect. However, the downside is that these places are often overcrowded, expensive, and sometimes less authentic than people imagine. A popular beach or landmark may look beautiful in photos, but in reality it can be full of tourists and long queues.
Q4
In what ways can visitors affect local communities and the environment?
Sample response
Visitors can affect local communities in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, tourism creates jobs and brings income to small businesses like hotels, restaurants, and local markets. However, if too many people visit one place, it can push up prices, create noise, and change the character of the area. Environmentally, tourism can lead to litter, damage to natural sites, and higher carbon emissions, especially when people travel frequently by plane.
Q5
Do you think people learn more from going abroad than from books or films? Why?
Sample response
Yes, in many cases I do think people learn more from going abroad, because direct experience is usually more powerful than second-hand information. When you actually live in another place, even briefly, you notice things that books and films often miss, such as people’s habits, body language, or everyday routines. That kind of learning tends to stay with you because it is personal and emotional. Still, books and documentaries are useful as preparation, especially for people who cannot travel easily.