Of course! Talking about a foreign country is a very common and high-potential topic for IELTS Speaking Part 1 and Part 2. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you structure your answers, use rich vocabulary, and sound natural and fluent.

Part 1: General Questions

Examiners often start with simple, broad questions to warm you up.

Possible Questions & Sample Answers:

Have you ever been to a foreign country?

Yes, absolutely. I've had the opportunity to visit a few, but the one that stands out the most in my memory is Japan. I went there about three years ago for a holiday, and it was a completely eye-opening experience.

No, not yet. It's something I'm really keen to do, though. I haven't had the chance to travel abroad yet, but I've been doing a lot of research and dreaming about my first trip. I'm hoping to go to either Canada or New Zealand next year.

Is there a foreign country you would like to visit? Why?

Yes, definitely. The country I'm most eager to visit is Canada. I've seen so many stunning photos of its natural beauty, like the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls. I'm a huge fan of the outdoors, so I'd love to go hiking and maybe even see the Northern Lights. Plus, I've heard that Canadian people are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Absolutely. I've always been fascinated by Italy. For me, it's a perfect blend of history, art, and amazing food. I'd love to wander around ancient Roman ruins in the morning, visit world-class art galleries in the afternoon, and then enjoy a delicious pasta and pizza in the evening. It just seems like a country with so much soul.

Do you like to learn about other cultures?

Yes, I find it fascinating. I think learning about different cultures is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It helps you understand different perspectives on life, traditions, and values. It makes you more open-minded and appreciative of the diversity in our world. I often watch documentaries and read books about other countries to satisfy my curiosity.

What do you think is the best way to learn about a different country?

In my opinion, the best way is to actually visit it and immerse yourself in the culture. There's nothing like walking the streets, trying the local food, and talking to the people to get a real feel for a place. However, if that's not possible, I think watching high-quality documentaries or reading books by local authors are the next best things. They can give you a much deeper insight than just looking at travel blogs.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

This is where you have 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1-2 minutes on a specific topic.

Cue Card:

Describe a foreign country you would like to visit.

You should say:

• Which country it is
• When and why you want to go there
• What you would like to do there
• And explain why this country appeals to you so much.

How to Structure Your Answer (Using the "Canada" example):

Step 1: Introduction (Directly answer the first point)

• "The foreign country I'm incredibly keen to visit one day is Canada."

Step 2: The "Why" & "When" (Combine points 2 & 4)

• "I've been dreaming about this trip for a while now, and I'm hoping to make it happen within the next couple of years. The main reason I'm so drawn to Canada is its reputation for having breathtaking, unspoiled natural landscapes. I'm a bit of an outdoor enthusiast, so the idea of seeing vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic mountains is just irresistible to me."

Step 3: The "What" (Detail your activities - this is the core of your talk)

• "If I were to go, I would definitely want to explore a few different regions. I'd start in the west, perhaps in British Columbia, to go hiking in the Rocky Mountains. I've seen pictures of Lake Louise, and it looks like a scene from a fairytale. I'd also love to go on a wildlife tour, maybe to spot some bears or whales."
• "Beyond nature, I'm also interested in experiencing Canadian city life. I'd spend a few days in Vancouver, which I've heard is a very multicultural and vibrant city. I’d also love to visit Toronto to see the iconic CN Tower and maybe catch a hockey game, as I understand hockey is a huge part of their culture."
• "Of course, no trip would be complete without trying the food. I've heard they have some fantastic local specialties like poutine and maple syrup products, so I'd be sure to sample those."

Step 4: The "Explain" (Summarize your feelings and appeal - this is where you get to the highest level)

• "Ultimately, what appeals to me most about Canada is the sense of space and tranquility it seems to offer. In our increasingly busy and crowded world, I imagine Canada as a place where you can truly escape and connect with nature. It's not just about ticking sights off a list; it's about the feeling of peace and awe you get from being in such a vast and beautiful environment. It’s a country that seems to value both its natural heritage and its diverse, friendly population, which I find incredibly appealing."

Part 3: Discussion

Here, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to your Part 2 answer.

Possible Questions & Sample Answers:

What are the main reasons people travel abroad?

"I think the motivations are quite diverse. Primarily, many people travel for leisure and relaxation, to escape their daily routine and unwind on a beach or explore a new city. Secondly, there's a huge trend towards educational or cultural travel, where people want to learn about history, art, or different ways of life. Business is another major driver, of course. And increasingly, people are travelling for adventure and personal challenge, like trekking in the Himalayas or learning to scuba dive."

How has tourism changed a lot over the last few decades?

"Well, the most significant change is the sheer scale of it. Thanks to budget airlines and the internet, travel has become far more accessible and affordable to the average person. We've also seen a shift from mass tourism to more specialized forms of travel. For example, there's a huge demand for ecotourism, where people want to minimize their environmental impact, and authentic tourism, where they seek to experience the 'real' life of a place rather than just visiting commercialized tourist spots. Social media has also played a massive role, influencing where people go and what they do."

Do you think it's better to travel independently or as part of a tour group? What are the pros and cons?

"That's a great question, and I think it really depends on the individual and the destination. Travelling independently offers a huge sense of freedom and flexibility. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and it often works out cheaper. However, it can also be stressful and requires a lot of planning. On the other hand, tour groups are very convenient and hassle-free. The logistics are all taken care of, and it's a great way to meet people, especially if you're travelling alone. The main downside is that you have less freedom and can feel a bit herded around."

What can people do to ensure they have a positive experience when visiting a foreign country?

"I think the key is respect and preparation. Firstly, doing a bit of research about the local culture, customs, and etiquette is crucial. Simple things like learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in showing respect. Secondly, travellers should be mindful and responsible. This means being respectful of local environments, not littering, and being sensitive to local traditions. Finally, I believe in approaching a new place with an open mind. Being willing to try new foods, talk to locals, and embrace the unexpected often leads to the most memorable and rewarding experiences."

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases