This IELTS cue card question from Part 2 of a recent IELTS Speaking Test asks you to talk about an important journey that was delayed for some reason.
Describe a time when your journey was delayed for some reason
You should say:- where you went
- why it was delayed
- how you felt about it
And explain how you dealt with the delay.
Use the time to make brief notes to help organise your answer.
IELTS Sample Answer | An important journey that was delayed for some reason
For a long time, I was working in a place where I needed to be present for most of the day, every day of the week.
At the same time, I was studying at university, which made it very difficult for me to have free time.
When there were holidays, it was a time of hard work because there were many activities that we had to do in the place where I worked, and when it was a quiet time at work, the university had exam season, deadlines for assignments and course evaluations.
So I spent five years of my life running from one place to another, to meet all the commitments I had, and I only had one day off a week.
That is why one of the most important journeys I wanted to do was delayed because I never had enough free time to go on vacation to the peninsula of my country, which is famous worldwide for its great beauty, but sadly a place I had never managed to visit.
Because it was a long-distance trip, I needed a considerable number of days off to be able to complete the trip.
For a long time, I had the hope of being able to travel to that beautiful peninsula, but I knew that there had to be a change in my way of life to have the freedom to do so.
I knew how important it was to finish my university studies and that is why I waited with calm, knowing that one day I would finish and I would have more freedom.
So after five years I finished university and work became less interesting, I looked for another income option and I quit my job to take a long vacation of more than a month.
My wish to travel to the peninsula became a reality, finally. And I traveled across the entire area from the bottom up and got to visit the most beautiful places and beaches that I have ever seen in my life.
Although it took me a long time to get round to doing it, I realized that sometimes it is essential to give up some things to achieve other more important dreams in life.
Ideas to include in your answer to the "Describe an important journey that was delayed" cue card
What Are Some Common Reasons for Delays When Traveling by Air?
Delays are almost always unpredictable but there are a few common reasons they happen.
For example, extreme weather conditions or more unexpected "Acts of Nature" which might include airplane mechanical/equipment failures, air traffic delays, or special needs passengers with disabilities.
At least 2 hours ahead of departure time for flights within Europe (EU) and at least 3 hours before departure for other destinations. You can also browse news channels on arrival in your destination airport so you can plan accordingly.
It's wise to come prepared, and have your boarding pass readily available for inspection.
Make sure you're aware of any inbound or outbound restrictions that might apply to international travel departing from your country, such as tourist quotas which sometimes exist in less accessible regions.
What Are Some Common Reasons for Delays When Traveling by Car?
The most common reasons are: bad weather, and accidents
If the forecast is for an impending snow storm or anything other severe, it might be a good idea to push your trip up a few weeks so you're sure that conditions are favorable if it's safe to travel.
Accidents happen everywhere and all times of the day and night; one-think-you're-clear moment can lead to being caught at an accident time period that could easily set your journey back by hours or even days.
Little things like knowing there's construction near a highways exit can help you avooid the area and look for alternative routes.