Describe a memorable journey you have made
Describe a memorable journey you have made.
You should say:
- where you were going
- how you were travelling
- why you were making the journey
And explain what made the journey so memorable.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
A journey is memorable because something went differently from the plan. Build your answer around that moment.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| Where you were going | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How you were travelling | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| Why you were making the journey | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain what made the journey so memorable. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
A journey that really stays in my mind is an overnight train trip I took from my home city to the coast when I was nineteen. I was going to start a summer job at a hotel there, so it was the first time I'd travelled that far alone.
I chose the sleeper train because it was cheaper than flying and I liked the idea of waking up somewhere new. I shared a compartment with an elderly couple and a student about my age, and we ended up talking for hours, sharing snacks and playing cards.
Around midnight, the train stopped in the middle of nowhere because of a problem on the line, and we were stuck for nearly four hours. Instead of being annoyed, everyone in the carriage seemed to relax; people opened the windows, someone played music on a phone, and we watched the sunrise over the fields.
What made it so memorable was that sense of independence combined with the kindness of strangers. I arrived late and exhausted, but feeling much more confident about the summer ahead.
About 180 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- stays in my mind
- in the middle of nowhere
- we ended up
- stuck for
- the kindness of strangers
- the summer ahead
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- What do people learn from travelling?
- Do you think the growth of international tourism is a good thing?
- Why?
- How has tourism changed the way people in your country live?
- How should tourists behave when they visit your country?
- What do you think is the best way for a tourist to travel if they want to learn about your country?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by plane?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.