# Describe a memorable journey: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Experiences

Describe a memorable journey you have taken.

You should say:
- where you went
- how you travelled
- who you travelled with
- and explain why this journey was memorable

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

The journey I want to talk about is when I took an overnight train to visit my grandparents, who live in a small town in the far north of my country. It was about four years ago, during the winter holidays, and it was the first time I travelled such a long distance without my parents.

I went with my younger sister, who was fourteen at the time, so I felt quite responsible for her. We had a sleeper compartment with four beds, and we shared it with an elderly couple who were going to see their son. The train left at about eight in the evening and arrived the next morning around eleven, so it was more than fourteen hours in total.

At first I was a bit nervous, because I was worried about our luggages and about missing our station. But the elderly couple were really kind. They shared their food with us, like boiled eggs and homemade pickles, and the man told us funny stories about his time in the army. Later in the evening, my sister and I sat by the window in the corridor and watched the snowy forests and small villages going past in the dark, with lights in the windows. It was really peaceful.

Why was it memorable? I think mainly because it was the first time I felt like an adult, taking care of my sister and organising everything by myself. Also, I loved the atmosphere of the train, it was so different from flying, much slower and more social. And when we arrived, my grandparents were waiting on the platform, and my grandmother was crying because she was so happy to see us.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer tells a clear and warm story that covers all four points, with details like the shared food and the snowy view from the corridor. Vocabulary such as "overnight train", "sleeper compartment" and "platform" is used well. Some errors persist, though: "it was the first time I travelled" (rather than "I had travelled", which is the standard form after "the first time" in a past story) and "our luggages" ("luggage" is uncountable). For Band 8, the speaker would use more evocative, idiomatic language and reflect on the journey with greater depth.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-a-memorable-journey).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.