Describe a journey that didn't go as planned IELTS Cue Card

The speaking part two of the IELTS exam, commonly referred to as the Cue card (IELTS Speaking), is a crucial facet for which you should put in the effort to rehearse your speech. For the purpose of enhancing IELTS Speaking Task 2 performance, we have included 2 sample responses and 7 additional questions on the topic “Describe a journey that didn't go as planned”.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Cue Card

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You will be given a cue card topic with 3-5 discussion-related questions. You have one minute to compose your response to the question, "Describe a journey that didn't go as planned," using a pencil and paper. You must then speak for a further two minutes. Thus, part 2 lasts for 3 to 4 minutes.

Describe a journey that didn't go as planned

You should say 

Where did you go?
Who did you go with?
What did you do?
and explain why you disliked this journey?

Describe a journey that didn't go as planned - Model answers and Follow up questions

For your convenience, we have included two sample responses to the "explain a journey that didn't go as planned" IELTS speaking cue card as well as the 7 follow-up questions of part 3.

Describe a journey that didn't go as planned model answer 1

Introduction
Even though it occasionally doesn't turn out that way, vacations are meant to be a joyful respite from the tedious regularity of our lives.

Where did you go?
It makes me think of a time when I planned and failed a solo vacation. I finally decided to cross it off my bucket list and made my reservations for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands after being motivated by several YouTube travel bloggers. To prevent any big difficulties, I did a good deal of research before my trip.

Who did you go with?
I was all there by myself. I thought of going there with my friends but I wanted to explore it alone, as I had never been on a vacation alone.

What did you do?
I made travel arrangements for the flight from Delhi to Port Blair, from whence I intended to check into a hotel to replenish before the tour. I planned to visit Port Blair, the Havelock Islands, and the Neil Islands, and then head back to Port Blair during the four-day journey. I kept all the necessary items that might be needed based on the suggestions from others and my research.

and explain why you disliked this journey.
Until I got to my final destination, everything was running well. As soon as I arrived, I began to feel uneasy due to the environment of the location. When I attempted to locate my medical kit, I realised it was gone. I booked a taxi to go to my hotel, where I discovered a Wi-Fi connection despite widespread network difficulties. After notifying my family of my location and attending a local clinic, I misplaced my wallet while returning home. After explaining my problem and appealing to several locals, they assisted me in reaching the hotel. On the second day, after reaching my hotel at Havelock, I realised that I booked it for the previous date instead due to which I had to pay an extra amount to stay there. Later, my guide informed me about the unpredictable weather conditions due to which I had to spend my next two days in the hotel room as a red alert was declared in the entire area.

Conclusion
I gained a lot of knowledge from my errors because it is true that human beings make blunders. Despite the difficulties I encountered, I concluded that I had entirely ruined the good aspects of my first solo vacation through my negligence and irresponsibility. It would have been a more satisfying trip if I had been more careful and attentive about my reservations and carrying my medications.

Describe a journey that didn't go as planned model answer 2

Introduction

• Going on a trip or travelling is the best way to cheer up the heart and forget about all that has gone wrong in one's life; the experience is in an entirely other location.

Where did you go?

• When I went to Agra on a trip that I had planned, things did not go according to plan. 
• This was one of those situations.

Who did you go with?

• The trip was something that my family and I planned together. Because I enjoy driving so much, we decided to take a road trip.
• When travelling by car, simply taking in the scenery may be an exciting experience in and of itself. 
• It is a seven-hour drive from where I reside to Agra, so making travel arrangements for the entire trip was not too difficult. 
• I had the impression that it would just be my parents, my brother, and me. I was wrong. However, as we were making our way to the car with all of our belongings packed and the entire plan in mind, our neighbours arrived. 
• They inquired about our destination and offered to accompany us on our trip by inviting themselves along. 
• Although I did not speak a word, I found myself in an extremely embarrassing situation. During the entirety of the trip, I had to force a smile on my face.

What did you do?

• I reasoned that it would be beneficial for me to keep my headphones on and not engage in conversation with anyone else, so I did just that. But as soon as I removed my headphones, the child who lives next door began making fun of me. 
• I had to save my dignity in order to stay out of trouble, so before we got into a fight, I asked him if he wanted to remove my headphones or not. 
• To my good fortune, I almost always have a spare pair. However, after I handed over my headphones to him, he proceeded to destroy them. 
• Despite the fact that my heart was smashed into pieces and that my rage reached a new level, I maintained control over it.
• As soon as we arrived in Agra, the idea was for all of us to spend the following day in a hotel because it was already so late. 
  What we hadn't anticipated was having to sleep in each other's rooms. I was forced to give it to that obnoxious child who was only three years old. 
• I adore children, just not that particular one.

and explain why you disliked this journey?

• If it hadn't been for going to visit the Taj Mahal there, I would have hired a cab and left on my own, disappearing to a place distant from our neighbours. 
• I was quite patient throughout the entire trip, and when we got home, my parents gave me money as a reward for my endurance.

Conclusion

• In spite of the fact that it did not go according to plan, it turned out to be an enjoyable experience in the end.

IELTS speaking part 3 Describe a journey that didn't go as planned - follow-up questions

The 7 follow-up questions for the content "Describe a journey that didn't go as planned" are presented below. You are required to provide a succinct explanation to each question during the speaking segment 3 of the IELTS test, which should last for about 4-5 minutes.

1. Do you like to travel solo or with a group of people?
It all depends on the circumstance and the moment. When I have official business, I travel alone. However, I prefer to travel with my family most of the time since it makes me feel safe and gives me the chance to spend time with them.

2.Do people choose quick journeys or lengthy ones?
It is up to each individual to decide the trip they want or can afford. Adults, in my opinion, prefer short excursions because they want to take a break from their work, and short trips assist to gather some new and fresh energy, whereas children are unburdened by obligations and desire to travel a big distance.

3. What sort of issues might travellers face on such journeys?
People have to contend with a wide range of issues, some of which include problems with the environment, their transportation, their diet, their ability to communicate, and their living arrangements.

4.Why is travelling important?
 Travelling allows us to meet new people and gain firsthand experience. By travelling and establishing new friends, people can exchange perspectives and ideals, let go of incorrect notions, and become more open-minded and less backward. Travelling fosters tolerance and understanding, reduces preconceptions, and alters attitudes by reminding people that we're all the same and should treat each other with respect and care.

5. Where do you hope to travel? Why?
Since I was a child, I've wanted to see America. I liked American TV shows and movies and still do. I wanted to view the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. I love the way people live in that nation and the suburban architecture. New York, the city that never sleeps, is my main goal, but I want to explore other places. In the U.S., I'd visit museums, historic sites, and the White House. I'd also like to see the seven contemporary wonders.

6.What vacation spots do you suggest?
For summer vacation, I'd consider going to marine places to rest, swim, and have fun. Depending on the season, I prefer hillbilly locations. In the spring, experiencing nature helps people relax and oxygenate their brain. In winter, they can ski and hike in mountainous locations. The aforementioned tips would make everyone enjoy their holiday, in my opinion.

7.Some predict such everyday journeys will become rarer. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
After a certain time, everyday journeys won't be essential in some areas. Someone need not be physically present for a formal online meeting. Digital job doesn't involve travel or being at the office. You can't drive your own car from your home desk. I agree that technology will minimise travel times in the future.

Related IELTS cue card topics

Check out the other IELTS cue card topics to practise.

• Describe a place you have visited recently

Conclusion

Via using our three sample responses and 7 follow-up questions on the matter of "Describe a journey that didn't go as planned", you can hone your grammatical and communications skills.