Preparation status: Predicted topic cycle. This independent practice resource is not an official IELTS paper, and the questions in your test can be different. How topics are labelled.
Part 1 Questions
- Do you look out the window at the scenery when travelling by bus or car?
- Do you take photos of the scenery outside the car window?
- Do you prefer the mountains or the sea?
Band 6 & 7 Model Answers
Compare a Band 6 and a Band 7 answer for each question, see what lifts the score, then record your own and get it graded against British Council & IDP criteria.
Do you look out the window at the scenery when travelling by bus or car?
Yes, I often look out of the window when I'm in a car or on a bus. I find it relaxing to watch trees, houses and the people on the street. Sometimes I get bored and look at my phone, but usually I just enjoy the view.
Yes, I normally spend quite a bit of time looking out of the window when I'm travelling by car or bus. I like to take in the changing landscape, notice small details like the weather or the architecture, and it helps me relax and think. If the route is especially scenic I'll lean against the window and watch for a long time, though sometimes I’ll check my phone if it’s a long journey.
Do you take photos of the scenery outside the car window?
Sometimes I take photos out of the car window, especially if something looks nice. But often pictures come out blurred or I worry about distracting the driver, so I don't always do it.
I do take photos from time to time, particularly when the light is good or the view is dramatic, but I'm careful about it. Car windows and motion can cause blur, so I try to steady the camera and grab a few quick shots. Sometimes I resist taking photos altogether because I prefer to remember the moment without my phone.
Do you prefer the mountains or the sea?
I prefer the mountains. I enjoy walking and the peace there. The air feels fresher and the views are nice. The sea is good too, but I like hiking better.
I think I'd pick the mountains. I love the feeling of being surrounded by nature, the fresh, crisp air and the sense of space when you climb a hill and suddenly see a wide view below. Walking in the hills clears my head and it's great exercise. Having said that, I do appreciate the sea for relaxing and swimming, but overall the mountains suit me more.
How to answer Travelling IELTS Speaking questions
This Travelling set contains 3 short interview questions. Start each answer with the information the examiner asked for, then extend it with one reason, example or contrast. The goal is spontaneous, connected speech—not a mini-essay.
- Answer the exact question in the first sentence.
- Add one reason or specific personal detail.
- Use an example or contrast only when it adds new information.
- Finish naturally and let the examiner ask the next question.
Question-by-question approach
| Practice question | Useful answer move |
|---|---|
| Do you look out the window at the scenery when travelling by bus or car? | Answer directly, give a reason and add one natural personal detail. |
| Do you take photos of the scenery outside the car window? | Answer directly, give a reason and add one natural personal detail. |
| Do you prefer the mountains or the sea? | Answer directly, give a reason and add one natural personal detail. |
Vocabulary focus
Useful language already demonstrated in the model answers includes take in (the view), scenery, on the move, motion blur, capture the moment, steady the camera, surrounded by nature, clear my head. Learn the meaning and a natural word partnership, then use each item in a different answer instead of copying a complete script.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Giving a memorised response that only partly answers the question.
- Adding difficult vocabulary without checking meaning or collocation.
- Restarting after every error instead of correcting briefly and continuing.
- Reading the model answer before recording your own first attempt.
Travelling practice FAQ
How long should my answer be for Travelling in Part 1?
Aim for a direct answer plus a reason or detail, usually two to four sentences. Stop when the idea is complete rather than forcing a fixed word count.
Should I memorise the Travelling model answers?
No. Use them to notice structure and language, then answer from your own experience. Memorised wording can fail when the examiner changes the question.
What if I have no experience of the topic?
Say that honestly, then explain a related preference, observation or hypothetical example. You are assessed on language, not specialist knowledge.
