Prepare for IELTS by Topic
9. Extreme Experiences
Extreme experiences could refer to sport, travel or other unusual and dramatic events that could happen. You may be asked a Speaking Task 2 question where you could describe such an event, and it could also be relevant in the Writing Tasks.
LISTENING
Listening Test Part:
1
Questions 1 - 4
Complete the table below.
Rafting Information
Questions 5 - 10
Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
What’s included
All safety equipment including helmets and 5___________.
Guests will be provided a 6___________ lunch.
There are 7___________ facilities at the rafting centre.
What to bring
You’re recommended to wear swimming shorts or a swimsuit.
Please bring a 8___________ and an extra set of clothes.
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure they have a 9___________.
For more information see the rafting company’s 10___________.
READING
My 7 Most Unforgettable Travel Experiences
In my three years of nomadic life, I have been fortunate enough to visit 25 countries and have had some incredible experiences. Here are a few highlights from some of the places I've been:
South Africa - One of the most memorable moments was seeing my first leopard in Kruger National Park. After several failed attempts, I finally spotted five leopards, including a mother and cub. Witnessing their beauty and grace was truly unforgettable.
Argentina - In Bariloche, I immersed myself in the culture by drinking yerba mate, a traditional Argentine drink. It was a bonding experience, as I shared cups with strangers and engaged in intellectual conversations. I also indulged in the exquisite malbec wines of Mendoza, visiting the Uco Valley and savouring the flavours of the region.
Vietnam - Vietnam offered a sensory overload with its vibrant sights, sounds, and smells. I treated myself to a remarkable manicure and pedicure with intricate nail art. Navigating the bustling streets filled with motorbikes was a thrilling adventure. I also indulged in affordable and fantastic massages throughout my stay.
New Zealand - During my time in New Zealand, I discovered the delightful red kiwifruit, which I had never seen before. I also developed a fondness for the country's honey, which was far superior to what I had experienced back home. Exploring the Maori culture and their deep connection to the land was an enlightening experience. I even acquired some pounamu, or greenstone, which symbolises my connection to the country.
Scotland - Highland cows stole my heart with their charming appearance. I couldn't resist playing with these adorable creatures. Additionally, I discovered Heathergems, a company in Pitlochry that creates stunning jewellery from coloured Heather plant roots. I still cherish the pieces I bought there.
Easter Island - Despite its remote location, I decided to visit Easter Island, intrigued by its famous stone statues called Moai. I was captivated by their enormous size and the mystery surrounding their creation and transportation. Spending almost a week on the island allowed me to delve deeper into its history and experience its unique allure.
Cambodia - While in Asia, I became fascinated with the monks in Cambodia. Their orange robes and peaceful presence left a lasting impression on me. I was surprised to discover that they engaged in everyday activities such as shopping for groceries and using smartphones. Witnessing the blending of their holy lives with the ordinary world was a humbling experience.
These are just a few of the remarkable experiences I've had during my nomadic life. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had these opportunities and look forward to many more adventures in the future.
Abridged version of: My 7 Most Unforgettable Travel Experiences (travelawaits.com)
Questions 1 - 8
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage? Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
1. The author was only able to see leopards at Kruger National Park after trying multiple times.
2. She experienced some important aspects of the way of life in Argentina.
3. There were some disturbing sights and smells in Vietnam.
4. She learned a lot about honey in New Zealand.
5. She found a company in Scotland that uses plants to create decorations.
6. She was shocked by the large size of the Moai statues on Easter Island.
7. She won’t easily forget the monks in Cambodia.
8. She is excited about travelling more.
Questions 9 - 15
Match the sentence beginning 9 - 15 with the endings A - I
9. In Kruger National Park, I had the unforgettable experience of seeing...
10. In Bariloche, I got to know the locals while...
11. During my time in Vietnam, I enjoyed...
12. In New Zealand, I came across...
13. In Scotland I fell in love with…
14. The sculptures in Easter Island fascinated me because...
15. I will never forget the monks due to...
A. ...cute and playful animals.
B. ...they were so large and strange.
C. ...special animals, including an adult and offspring.
D. ...a new kind of food I had never seen before.
E. ...a sensory overload of vibrant sights, sounds, and smells.
F. ...a range of excellent and inexpensive beauty treatments.
G. ...their unusual and friendly appearance.
H. … enjoying the breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
I. …enjoying a special local beverage.
SPEAKING
Speaking Part 1
1. Have you ever done an extreme sport? Would you like to?
2. What kind of food do you think is absolutely delicious?
3. What is the best trip or journey you have made?.
4. What things make you very happy?
5. Have you ever been really scared?
6. Where is the hottest or coldest place you have been?
7. What really annoys you?
8. Can you think of a very happy memory?
Speaking Part 2
Describe a time you were very happy.
You should say:
where you were
who you were with
what happened
and explain why you felt this way
Speaking Part 3
1. Why do some people like to do dangerous sports?
2. Would it be better to live in a very hot country or a very cold country?
3. Is the food in some countries much better than in others?
4. Should people be punished for antisocial behaviour?
5. Can people learn to control their fear?
6. How can technology help us remember special events?
WRITING
Writing Task 1 Assignment (General Training)
You recently had an exciting experience and you want to tell your friend about it. Write a letter to your friend describing the experience.
In your letter, you should say:
explain what the experience was
describe why it was so exciting
share your feelings during the experience
invite your friend to join you for a similar adventure
Writing Task 2 Assignment
Some people enjoy holidays which include many exciting activities, while others prefer a relaxing holiday by the beach.
Which do you think is better?
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Exercises:
Exercise 1: Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate vocabulary word from the list provided.
1. The weather was ___________, making everyone uncomfortable and sweaty.
2. He is ___________ by the thought of public speaking; it fills him with terror.
3. The roller coaster ride was ___________, with twists and turns that left everyone exhilarated.
4. I ___________ the moments spent with my family during the holidays; they are precious to me.
5. The chance to travel to a new country is something I would ___________ without hesitation.
6. The view from the mountaintop was absolutely ___________, it’s etched in my memory.
7. He can be ___________ to staff in shops and restaurants. I wish he would be more patient and polite.
8. The snorkelling trip was the ___________ of my holiday.
Exercise 2: Multiple-Choice Exercise
Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence.
1. The race was ___________, with cars competing to win until the final lap.
a) thrilling
b) adore
c) blissful
2. He was ___________ about cycling and went for a 1 hour ride every morning.
a) adore
b) scared stiff
c) crazy
3. The new amusement park ride is absolutely ___________.
a) exhilarating
b) cherish
c) obnoxious
4. She would ___________ to work abroad.
a) get a rush
b) jump at the chance
c) indulge
5. The vacation was so ___________ that they talked about it for years afterward.
a) highlight
b) unforgettable
c) invigorating
6. Her coworker always managed to ___________ her crazy.
a) drive
b) do
c) push
7. A cold shower in the morning is really ___________.
a) indescribable
b) dreadful
c) invigorating
8. He felt ___________ when she agreed to marry him.
a) cherished
b) dreadful
c) euphoric
Exercise 3: Rewrite Sentences
Rewrite these sentences using the words in brackets.
1. I decided to give myself a treat with a big piece of chocolate cake. (indulge)
2. The skydive was extremely exciting. (get a rush)
3. The beautiful music transported me to a magical place. (enchanting)
4. Walking on the sandy beach during sunset made me incredibly happy. (blissful)
5. I really value the memories of our time together in Paris. (cherish)
6. I absolutely love reading her novels. (adore)
Topic Vocabulary:
adore (verb)
Definition: To have a deep affection or love for someone or something.
Example: I adore reading great books.
be crazy about (idiom)
Definition: To really like or enjoy something.
Example: She's crazy about playing the guitar and practices for hours every day.
blissful (adjective)
Definition: Extremely happy.
Example: Walking on the sandy beach during sunset was a blissful experience.
boiling (adjective)
Definition: Very hot.
Example: It was boiling outside so I stayed at home and turned on the air conditioning.
cherish (verb)
Definition: To consider something very special or important.
Example: The trip to the beach with my grandparents is a memory that I cherish.
dreadful (adjective)
Definition: Extremely bad, unpleasant, or serious.
Example: The weather was dreadful, with heavy rain and strong winds making it difficult to go outside.
drive you crazy (idiom)
Definition: To make someone feel very annoyed, frustrated, or overwhelmed.
Example: The constant noise from construction next door is driving me crazy.
enchanting (adjective)
Definition: Really interesting or fascinating in a magical or delightful way.
Example: The enchanting melody of the music transported me to a magical place.
euphoric (adjective)
Definition: Feeling intense happiness.
Example: The Argentinian football fans were euphoric when their team won the World Cup.
exhilarating (adjective)
Definition: Making you feel very happy and full of positive energy.
Example: The roller coaster ride was exhilarating.
get a rush (idiom)
Definition: To get a sudden intense feeling of excitement.
Example: The skydive gave me a big rush.
highlight (noun [c])
Definition: The most important or memorable part.
Example: The fireworks display was the highlight of the evening.
indulge (verb)
Definition: To allow oneself to enjoy or do something pleasurable or satisfying, often in excess.
Example: I decided to indulge myself with a big piece of chocolate cake.
invigorating (adjective)
Definition: Something that makes you feel more awake, energised, and refreshed.
Example: He takes a cold shower in the morning because he finds it invigorating.
jump at the chance (idiom)
Definition: To eagerly and quickly accept an opportunity.
Example: When he was offered a trip to Paris, he jumped at the chance to go.
memorable (adjective)
Definition: Very difficult to forget.
Example: The speech was both heartfelt and memorable.
obnoxious (adjective)
Definition: Annoying, offensive, or unpleasant in behaviour or manner.
Example: The drunk man was loud and obnoxious.
scared stiff (idiom)
Definition: Extremely scared.
Example: I was scared stiff by a loud bang in the middle of the night.
thrilling (adjective)
Definition: Causing a strong feeling of excitement or exhilaration.
Example: There were some thrilling scenes in the movie.
unforgettable (adjective)
Definition: Impossible to forget.
Example: The view the mountain summit was unforgettable.
Listening Answer Key
1. scenery, 2. Hutchins, 3. Creek, 4. families, 5. lifejackets, 6. packed, 7. shower, 8. towel, 9. strap, 10. blog.
Reading Answer Key:
Questions 1 - 8:
1. T
2. T
3. F - the sights and sounds were vibrant
4. NG - she only mentioned developing a fondness for honey
5. F - the plants are used to create jewellery
6. F - she was captivated (very interested) by them
7. T
8. T
Questions 9 - 15:
9C, 10I, 11F, 12D, 13A, 14B, 15G
Vocabulary Answer Key:
Exercise 1: 1. boiling, 2. scared stiff, 3. thrilling, 4. cherish, 5. jump at, 6. unforgettable, 7.obnoxious, 8. highlight
Exercise 2: 1.a, 2.c, 3.a, 4.b, 5.b, 6.a, 7.c, 8.c
Exercise 3: (Suggested answers)
1. I decided to indulge in a big piece of chocolate cake.
2. I got a rush out of the skydive.
3. The enchanting music transported me to a magical place.
4. Walking on the sandy beach during sunset was blissful.
5. I cherish our time together in Paris.
6. I adore reading her novels.