IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Topic: Describe a short trip that you frequently make (or, take) but dislike.

Hospitals would be the least favorite places on earth if there was a survey. As a matter of fact, I hate every second since setting foot on any hospital campus, including Saigon Eye Hospital, where I have to visit every 6 months to get my eyes checked.

The last time I’ve been there was 3 months ago when it was time to have a regular check-up. It was not a very enjoyable trip but I had to do anyway, otherwise, my eyes were the ones that got hurt. The eye hospital was far from my house but pretty near where I worked, therefore, I went to work earlier than usual that day to pay a quick visit to the eye center. It was a smart decision because less people were there when it was still early in the morning and traffic wasn’t that horrible. Once I arrived at the hospital around 9AM, I had to wait 2 hours for my turn, which was the most longest 2 hours of my life. This time, I took my number and went out for fresh air since I wanted to do something different rather than sitting cross-legged on the chair playing Angry Bird. Hence, I made a tour around the hospital campus to explore the building. After half an hour of reading all the leaflets informing people about how to protect their eyes to ensure 10/10 vision and studying thoroughly the hospital’s map, I was bored out of my mind and started to get back where I was supposed to have a check-up. Although my exploration didn’t make me feel more enthusiastic with a hospital, it did help to keep my eyes away from my phone for 30 minutes, which was impressive. Next time when I get back, I’ll make sure to find the best way to enjoy myself.

Check-up (noun) an examination by a doctor or dentist to make sure that you are healthy

Cross-legged (adj) in a sitting position, with your knees bent and with the lower legs crossing each other

1. Are there any special places for visiting?

My country is one of the most ideal places to visit in the world since it has a wide range of natural landscapes ranging from mountainous areas such as Venick to beach villages scattering along the countries such as Scubbi.

2. Do people like to travel abroad?

Traveling abroad is everyone’s dream, I think and most people share that dream as well. However, not everyone can afford it. First thing to take into consideration is that people need to pass a visa application round in order to travel to foreign countries apart from those which are located in South East Asia (mostly). The procedure might take time and is not actually simple at all because applicants have to prove their financial status and meet other requirements. Another reason is language barrier could be a deterrent for anyone who wishes to experience but unable to communicate in any other languages outside their mother tongue, which might be easier if they can speak English since it’s the most widely spoken one.

Take into consideration (phrase) consider something

Deterrent (noun) something that makes people decide not to do something by making them realize that something unpleasant could happen to them

3. What can people benefit from travelling?

They say “Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. Not in terms of finance or physical materials. It’s all about experience and expanding your world. Going to different places where different customs are practiced, different languages are spoken and different people with completely different perspective of life might overwhelm you at first but will be an incredible memory and lifetime experience. Travelling can transform you forever since you will start to wonder how life is like in other parts of the globe, being more tolerate and embracing all the opportunities to share and open up your world.

Lifetime experience (phrase) the best experience that you’ve  ever had

4. Do you like to travel on your own or with your family?

Traveling alone and with my family are both exciting because I’ve tried both. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but I really appreciate both types of experience since they offer me what I need at a certain amount of time. For example, if I plan to get away from the city for a few days to have time for myself, I will be on the road on my own with my little backpack. This gives me flexibility and freedom that I’ve never had if I go on a holiday with my family. However, it will be more enjoyable if I have a family trip on New Year holiday.

Get away from (phrase verb) move away from a place