[SEP – DEC 2021] IELTS Cue Card Sample: Describe an educational trip you went on in your school days

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an educational trip you went on in your school days

You should say

• where you went
• who you went with
• what you saw (or did) there
• and explain what you learned on that trip.

Sample Answer

Children in school are burdened with studies all the time and have very few opportunities to know the world. So I appreciate the idea of educational trips which helps the students to explore the world.

(where you went) (who you went with) (what you saw (or did) there) My school organized educational trips every year. But one of them still lingers in my memory. It was the trip we undertook when I was in the seventh grade. We were to be taken to a bird sanctuary. Everyone was thrilled at this idea. Soon there was a long queue in the library with everyone searching for books on birds. Our teachers asked us to observe the birds and record it in a notebook. Finally, the day arrived, and I travelled by school bus along with my classmates to the “ Rangan Thittu bird sanctuary” in Mysore. All through the journey, we were discussing ideas to make notes. The place was covered with trees. We learnt that it was home to nearly 170 species of birds. Some exotic birds like Common spoonbill, Asian openbill stork, Woolly-necked stork, Lesser whistling duck, Spot-billed pelican were perching on the branches of the trees. It seemed that some birds started treating the sanctuary as their home. We diligently made notes of all our observations.

(and explain what you learned on that trip) I marveled at God’s exotic creations. I learnt the movement of birds, ways to feed them, their food choices and how they manage such long flights etc. The visit is one of the motivational factors behind me opting for Biology in the Secondary school.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2 (IELTS Cue Card)

burdened (verb) – cause (someone) worry, hardship, or distress.

Eg: The old lady was burdened with the thought of death linger ( verb ) – be slow to disappear or die.

Eg: Thin neckline began trending from 1980s. But the fashion lingers on queue (noun) – a line or sequence of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.

Eg: There was a long queue in front of the government office

Exotic (adj) – originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country.

Eg: “these are some exotic species of plants. Take them” perching (verb) – (of a bird) alight or rest on something.

Eg: The woodpecker perched on a bark .

 

IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Discussion)

Do you think educational trips really do help promote learning?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Of course, yes. Since it is a form of practical learning, a student gains insightful experiences of the real world. The student will be able to appreciate better in a real-world atmosphere compared to the classroom environment. It fosters originality and freedom of thought. Since students undertake these trips as a group, it builds team spirit and togetherness.

How would you compare what children learn on educational trips (school excursions) to what they learn in the classroom?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Classroom learning is competitive. There are assignments and exams that follow it. So students are pressured to learn. All the more, it is inside a closed room. Conversely, in field trips, children don’t have a fear of exams or grades and learn at their own pace. Their curiosity is aroused, and they learn more and better. Since students gain a thorough understanding, it will, in turn, improve performances in the classroom in those subjects.

What do you think is (or, should be) the role of the teacher during a school excursion?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) The teacher should allow the students to enjoy the new environment. Rather than the teacher explaining how a particular object is to be perceived, the students must be left on their own. Teachers should also encourage students to be creative. Besides, teachers can even silently notice how the students interact with one another, what enthralls them and their reactions to a particular object. Eg, birds. This will enable the teacher to guide the students in a better way in the classroom.

What is the value for the children of going on such excursions with a teacher as opposed to going there with their parents, or going there alone?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) When going out with parents, the main goal is enjoyment. Parents use the time to spend more time with kids, and the whole idea behind it would be to have fun. When going alone, a student does observe things, but will not have an opportunity to share his ideas. On the contrary, going out on an educational trip with a teacher and classmates fulfills many objectives. It promotes team spirit, boosts creativity, encourages discussion among students and develops confidence.

What do you think are the benefits of overseas educational trips?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Students gain exposure to international culture. Visiting a foreign land and learning their ways of life makes a student broadminded. It also motivates and energizes them to learn better. It raises confidence levels and creates interest to learn a new language. They learn to enjoy the food of the foreign nation and also manage to make new friends beyond cultural boundaries.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 3

insight (noun) – The capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of a subject

Eg: Rita found the post insightful

togetherness ( noun ) – the state of being close to another person or other people.

Eg: Ram organised frequent parties to encourage the sense of togetherness in his kids.

pressured (verb) – attempt to persuade or coerce (someone) into doing something.

Eg: The mother pressured the kid to eat all the items on the plate.

enthral (adj) – capture the fascinated attention of.

Eg: Sita was enthralled on seeing the mountains.

creativity (noun) – the use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness.

Eg: The painting showed the heights of his creativity.