Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Do you enjoy taking time away from your usual routine?
Sample response
Yes, definitely. I think stepping away from my normal routine helps me reset mentally, especially when work starts to feel repetitive. Even a short change of scene, like a weekend in a nearby town, can make me feel much more refreshed.
Q2
How often do you travel to another place for a short break?
Sample response
Not very often, to be honest, probably every two or three months. I’m usually quite busy, so I can’t disappear for long, but I do try to squeeze in short breaks whenever I can.
Q3
Who do you usually spend your time away with?
Sample response
Most of the time, I go with close friends or family. It really depends on the kind of trip, but I usually enjoy travelling with people I’m comfortable with because it feels more relaxed and fun.
Q4
Do you prefer to plan everything in advance or be spontaneous?
Sample response
I’d say I’m somewhere in the middle. I like to book the important things in advance, like transport and accommodation, but I still leave room for spontaneous plans. That way, the trip feels organised without being too rigid.
Q5
What kind of places do you like visiting most?
Sample response
I’m especially drawn to places with natural scenery, like mountains, lakes, or coastal towns. I find those places much more calming than crowded cities, and I enjoy just walking around and taking everything in.
Q6
What do you usually do to relax when you are away from home?
Sample response
I usually slow down quite a bit. I like having a long walk, trying local food, and sitting somewhere quiet with a coffee, just watching what’s going on around me. For me, relaxation is more about doing simple things at an unhurried pace.
Q7
Did you go on many trips when you were a child?
Sample response
Yes, quite a few, actually. My family used to take short trips during school holidays, usually to visit relatives or go to the seaside. I think that’s probably where I developed my love of travelling.
Q8
Do you prefer staying in your own country or going abroad?
Sample response
I enjoy both, but if I had to choose, I’d probably say going abroad. Being in a different country exposes you to new food, customs, and ways of life, which makes the whole experience more exciting. Having said that, travelling within my own country is often easier and less stressful.
Q9
What do you usually pack when you go away for a few days?
Sample response
For a short trip, I pack quite lightly. I usually take a few changes of clothes, basic toiletries, my phone charger, and one extra pair of shoes. I also tend to bring a book or my headphones because they make travelling much more enjoyable.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a memorable trip you had. You should say: - When and where you went - Who you went with and what you did there - What made this trip memorable And explain how you felt about this experience.
Sample response
One of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had was a short holiday to Da Nang in central Vietnam about two years ago. I went there in the summer with two of my closest friends, and it was one of those trips where everything just seemed to go right. To begin with, we spent four days there, which wasn’t very long, but we managed to do quite a lot. We visited My Khe Beach early in the morning, tried a lot of local seafood, and took a day trip to Hoi An, which was probably my favourite part. What stood out to me was the atmosphere in the old town. It was full of lanterns, small cafes, and beautiful old buildings, so it felt both lively and peaceful at the same time. In the evenings, we would just walk around, chat, and enjoy the cooler weather. Another thing that made the trip special was the company. I was with people I’m completely comfortable with, so there was no pressure at all. We laughed a lot, took hundreds of photos, and even got lost once while looking for a local restaurant, which somehow became one of the funniest moments of the whole trip. Overall, it was memorable not only because the place was beautiful, but also because I felt genuinely relaxed and happy. When I look back on it now, I still remember that trip very warmly, and it reminds me how valuable simple experiences can be.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do people feel the need to take breaks from work or study?
Sample response
I think people need breaks because no one can stay productive indefinitely. If someone studies or works non-stop, they usually become tired, less focused, and even irritable. A short break gives them time to recover mentally and physically, so when they return, they often perform better. For example, even a weekend away can help someone come back with more energy and motivation.
Q2
How has the way people spend their time away changed in recent years?
Sample response
It has changed quite a lot, mainly because of technology and changing lifestyles. In the past, people often took longer, less frequent holidays, whereas now many prefer short breaks that are easier to fit around busy schedules. Social media has also influenced this, because people are constantly exposed to new destinations and travel trends. As a result, time away has become more flexible, but perhaps a bit more commercial as well.
Q3
Do you think travel helps people learn more about other cultures? Why or why not?
Sample response
Yes, I do, but only if people travel with some curiosity and openness. Seeing another culture firsthand is very different from reading about it online, because you notice everyday things like food habits, social manners, and family life. That kind of direct experience can challenge stereotypes and make people more understanding. However, if tourists stay in resorts and avoid local communities, they probably won’t learn very much.
Q4
What are the advantages and disadvantages of visiting very popular destinations?
Sample response
There are clear advantages to visiting famous places. They usually have good transport, plenty of accommodation, and well-developed tourist services, which makes travel easier and safer, especially for first-time visitors. On the other hand, they can be overcrowded, expensive, and sometimes less authentic because they are designed mainly for tourists. A city like Paris, for instance, is iconic and convenient, but some areas can feel so busy that it becomes hard to enjoy them properly.
Q5
In what ways can time away from home benefit relationships with family or friends?
Sample response
Spending time away together can strengthen relationships because people are removed from their usual pressures and distractions. At home, everyone is busy with work, school, or chores, so they may not really connect. During a trip, they have more chances to talk, share experiences, and create positive memories together. Of course, travelling can also reveal tensions, but if people get along reasonably well, it often brings them closer.
Q6
Do you think people will travel differently in the future?
Sample response
Yes, I’m sure they will. In the future, I think travel will become more technology-driven, with smarter booking systems, digital passports, and more personalised travel planning. At the same time, environmental concerns may push people to travel more responsibly by choosing trains, staying closer to home, or travelling less often but for longer periods. So overall, travel may become both more efficient and more conscious.