Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre:
Traveling has never been my cup of tea, and I’ve always avoided it at every possible opportunity. But life has a way of throwing you into unexpected situations. Not too long ago, I embarked on a journey to Nagaland with my wife, and it turned out to be an experience I’ll never forget—though not entirely for the best reasons.
The journey was quite the adventure. It began with a gruelling three-day train ride to Dimapur, Nagaland’s largest city. The landscapes changed dramatically as we moved across regions—from bustling urban centres to tranquil, rolling hills and lush greenery. Upon arriving at Dimapur, we embarked on a three-hour uphill drive to Jalukie Village, where my wife’s family lives. The roads were winding and dotted with charming villages, and the view of mist-covered mountains was nothing short of breathtaking. However, the hairpin bends left me feeling green around the gills, as I’m not great with motion sickness.
When we finally reached the village, I was greeted with unparalleled warmth and hospitality. The locals’ friendliness and their deep connection to nature were inspiring. I immediately felt welcomed by my wife’s family and their friends. Nagaland’s culture is incredibly vibrant, from its colourful attire and soulful music to its unique culinary traditions.
On the second day, I decided to throw caution to the wind and sample some local delicacies. The spread included fermented bamboo shoots, smoked meat, and even fried insects. At first, I was hesitant, but I pushed myself to try these exotic flavours. To my surprise, the food was delicious—earthy, spicy, and full of character.
Unfortunately, my culinary bravery soon backfired. Within a few hours, I began feeling unwell, and before I knew it, I was rushed to the hospital. It turns out I had a severe allergic reaction to one of the dishes I’d tried. The whole village came together to help, and my wife was on pins and needles the entire time. By the grace of God, I recovered quickly and was discharged the next day.
This trip was a mix of challenges and learning moments. While it taught me the importance of being cautious, it also opened my eyes to the richness of a culture I’d never experienced before. I gained immense respect for the people of Nagaland—their resilience, warmth, and strong sense of community.
Though I may not be eager to venture far afield anytime soon, this trip taught me that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to incredible growth and unforgettable memories. I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of diversity, even if it sometimes comes with its own set of challenges.
Note: this is a made up, spontaneous story and was framed by Jomon during one of the IELTS sessions. There is nothing to be feared when comes to Naga food.
List of vocabulary used:
- Cup of tea – Something that is to one’s liking or preference.
- Throwing you into – To force someone into a situation unexpectedly.
- Embarked – To begin a journey or venture, especially a significant one.
- Gruelling – Extremely tiring and demanding.
- Landscapes – The features of an area of land, including its scenery.
- Bustling – Full of energetic and noisy activity.
- Tranquil – Calm, peaceful, and undisturbed.
- Rolling hills – Smooth, rounded hills that appear to undulate in shape.
- Lush – Rich, abundant, and healthy in appearance, often used to describe vegetation.
- Winding – Twisting or turning in a way that’s not straight.
- Hairpin bends – Sharp, tight turns in a road or path.
- Green around the gills – A phrase meaning feeling nauseous, especially due to motion sickness.
- Unparalleled – Having no equal or match; exceptional.
- Hospitality – The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests.
- Vibrant – Full of life, energy, or colour.
- Soulful – Full of deep emotion or feeling.
- Throw caution to the wind – To take a risk or do something without worrying about the consequences.
- Delicacies – Special or rare foods, often considered luxurious or refined.
- Fermented – Foods or beverages that have been processed by the action of yeast or bacteria, typically to enhance flavour.
- Exotic – Unusual and attractive, often from a foreign country or culture.
- Backfired – To have the opposite effect from what was intended, often causing harm or trouble.
- Severe – Very intense or extreme.
- Allergic reaction – A harmful response by the immune system to a substance that it sees as a threat.
- On pins and needles – Feeling anxious or nervous, usually due to anticipation or uncertainty.
- Resilience – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
- Venturing – Going on a journey, especially one that involves risk or exploration.
- Comfort zone – A state or situation in which a person feels safe or at ease, with minimal stress or risk.
- Growth – The process of developing, improving, or expanding, particularly in terms of personal development.
- Unforgettable – Something that is so remarkable or extraordinary that it cannot be forgotten.
- Diversity – The state of having a variety of different elements, such as cultures or backgrounds, in a group or environment.
Idioms and Phrases:
- Never my cup of tea – Not something I enjoy or prefer.
- Throwing you into unexpected situations – Pushing you into situations you didn’t anticipate or plan for.
- Quite the adventure – A journey or experience that is exciting, unusual, and full of challenges.
- Gruesome three-day train ride – A long, tiring, and perhaps uncomfortable train ride.
- The landscapes changed dramatically – The scenery transformed greatly during the journey.
- Winding roads – Roads that twist and turn.
- Green around the gills – Feeling sick or nauseous, especially due to motion sickness.
- Unparalleled warmth and hospitality – Unmatched friendliness and welcoming attitude.
- Deep connection to nature – A strong bond with the natural environment and surroundings.
- Throw caution to the wind – To take a risk or do something without being overly cautious.
- Culinary bravery – The courage to try unfamiliar or unusual food.
- Backfired – Had an unintended negative result.
- On pins and needles – Feeling anxious or worried.
- By the grace of God – A phrase used to express relief or gratitude for an outcome, implying divine intervention.
- A mix of challenges and learning moments – A combination of difficult situations and opportunities to learn.
- Stepping out of one’s comfort zone – Doing something you’re not used to or are uncomfortable with.
- Incredible growth and unforgettable memories – Significant personal development and lasting experiences.
- Appreciate the beauty of diversity – Recognising the value in different cultures, practices, and ways of life.
Has this helped you? If it did, please pen down your precious thoughts in the comments section. Thanks
IELTS Speaking Task Topics
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Names
Learn about the importance of names and their cultural significance.
Study / Job
Discuss various aspects of studying and working in different fields.
Hometown
Explore the charm of your hometown and its unique features.
Accomodation
Understand various types of accommodation and living situations.
Weather
Learn about how weather influences daily life and activities.
Time
Discuss the concept of time, its importance, and time management.
Television
Talk about the role of television in modern entertainment.
Museum
Discuss the cultural importance of museums and historical exhibits.
Holidays
Explore the significance of holidays and different celebrations.
Films
Learn about the impact of films on culture and society.
Leisure Time
Discuss how leisure activities impact personal well-being.
Sport
Talk about the role of sports in health, entertainment, and culture.
Vegetables and Fruits
Discuss the health benefits and importance of fresh produce.
Maths
Explore the role of mathematics in various aspects of life.
Sky
Discuss the beauty and scientific significance of the sky.
Clothes&Fashion
Explore how clothing reflects culture and personal expression.
Weekend
Discuss the importance of weekends and ways people relax.
Reading
Learn about the importance of reading and various reading habits.
Sleep
Explore how sleep impacts physical and mental well-being.
Trees&Plants
Discuss the environmental and health benefits of plants.
Newspaper
Discuss the evolving role of newspapers in the digital age.
Texting
Explore the role of text messaging in modern communication.
Memorising
Learn techniques for improving memory and memorization.
Travelling
Discuss the importance and impact of traveling in modern society.
Communication
Explore the modes and significance of communicating well
Letter&Email
Explore the differences and significance of letters vs. emails.
Swimming
Discuss the benefits of swimming for health and fitness.
Snacks
Explore the role of snacks in daily nutrition and lifestyle.
Photography
Discuss photography’s cultural and artistic significance.
Help
Talk about the importance of offering and receiving help.
History
Discuss historical events and their impact on modern society.
Handwriting
Explore the significance of handwriting in education and culture.
Music
Learn about the influence of music on emotions and society.
Colours
Discuss how colours affect perception and mood.
Teachers
Explore the role of teachers in shaping students’ futures.
Being Alone
Talk about the experience and benefits of spending time alone.
Teamwork
Learn the importance of teamwork in professional and social contexts.
Countryside & City
Explore the charm and benefits of living in the countryside.
Social Media
Discuss the impact of social media on society and relationships.
Friends
Explore the importance of friendships in life.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Talk about the future of AI and its role in society.
Climate Change
Discuss the causes and consequences of climate change.
Transportation
Explore different modes of transportation in your area.
Sustainable Transportation
Explore ways to make transportation more environmentally friendly.
Space Exploration
Learn about the latest advancements in space exploration.
Shopping
Explore how shopping influences culture and the economy.
Modern Technology
Discuss how modern technology is reshaping society.
Technology
Learn about the role of technology in everyday life.
Sustainable Living
Explore ways to live sustainably for the future of the planet.
Globalisation
Learn about the effects of globalisation on society and economies.
Global Warming
Discuss the causes, effects, and solutions to global warming.
Gender Equality
Explore the importance of gender equality in modern society.
Health and Fitness
Discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Renewable Energy
Learn about renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment.
Cultural Traditions in Kerala
Explore the unique cultural traditions of Kerala, your hometown.
Cultural Traditions in Your Country
Learn about the cultural traditions in your country.
Education System
Discuss the education system in your country and its effectiveness.
Traditional Cuisine
Explore the significance of traditional cuisines in your culture.
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