IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Travel
Describe a time when you got lost while travelling
Describe a time when you got lost while travelling
You should say:
- where you were travelling
- how you got lost
- who helped you find your way
and explain how you resolved the situation.
How to plan your answer
Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.
- 1
where you were travelling
Where: Exploring a scenic historic coastal town alone during a weekend getaway.
- 2
how you got lost
How lost: Got distracted taking photos; alleyways blocked my mobile phone signal.
- 3
who helped you find your way
Who helped: A friendly shopkeeper noticed my confusion and offered assistance kindly.
- 4
and explain how you resolved the situation.
Resolution/Closing: Followed paper map directions; resolved smoothly and reached safety.
Sample answer
about 269 words · 2 minutesI'd like to talk about a trip I took a couple of years ago when I visited a scenic coastal town known for its old architecture and winding streets. I was spending the weekend there on my own, just exploring the local sights and soaking in the atmosphere. It all happened on the second day of my trip. I was wandering through the historic district, snapping photos of the colorful wooden houses. I got completely absorbed in taking pictures and stopped paying attention to where I was heading. To make matters worse, the narrow alleyways blocked my mobile phone signal, so my digital maps stopped working. Before I knew it, every cobblestone street looked exactly the same, and I realized I was completely off track. After walking in circles for about twenty minutes, I started feeling a bit anxious. Luckily, I spotted a small bakery with an old lady standing outside. Seeing my puzzled expression, she kindly approached me and asked if I needed assistance. Even though there was a bit of a language barrier, she understood that I was looking for the central square. She went back inside her shop and pulled out a simple paper map of the town. She marked our current location with a pen and carefully drew a line showing the route back to the main avenue. To resolve the situation completely, I bought a couple of pastries from her to show my appreciation and followed her directions step by step. Within ten minutes, I was back on familiar ground. Overall, it was a stress-free resolution to what could have been a frustrating day.
A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.
Useful phrases
soaking in the atmosphere
We spent the afternoon sitting at an outdoor cafe, soaking in the atmosphere.
got completely absorbed in
I got completely absorbed in my book and missed my train stop.
to make matters worse
It started to rain, and to make matters worse, my umbrella broke.
completely off track
We took a wrong exit on the highway and ended up completely off track.
back on familiar ground
Once I saw the landmark, I knew I was back on familiar ground.
Common mistakes
I was lost my way in the city.
I lost my way in the city.
Do not mix the passive structure with active verbs like 'lost'.
The local person helped me for finding the street.
The local person helped me find the street.
Use 'help someone do or to do something', not 'help for doing'.
I reached to the hotel safely.
I reached the hotel safely.
The verb 'reach' takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.
Tips for a higher band
- Use past continuous and past simple together to set background context smoothly.
- Include natural time transitions like 'before I knew it' or 'within ten minutes' to improve coherence.
- Vary your language by using descriptive phrases instead of repeating the word 'lost'.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.
- Why do some people prefer using paper maps over mobile navigation applications when traveling?
- How has modern technology changed the way people handle getting lost in unfamiliar places?
- What skills do you think are necessary for someone to navigate a new city effectively?
Now try this cue card
1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.
Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.