How to answer effectively the question: "Do you prefer to go on holiday with friends or family?"

 

To answer the IELTS Speaking Test question "Do you prefer to go on holiday with friends or family?" effectively, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Question

The examiner is asking for your personal opinion and reasons for that opinion. You need to compare two options (friends vs. family) and explain your preference.

2. Structure Your Answer

A well-structured answer helps you organize your thoughts and convey them clearly. Here’s a suggested structure:

a) Introduction – Start by giving a direct answer to the question. b) Explanation – Explain why you prefer one over the other. c) Compare both options – Briefly mention what you enjoy about both holidays with friends and with family, then reinforce your preference. d) Conclusion – End with a concluding sentence that wraps up your response.

3. Use Relevant Vocabulary

Incorporate vocabulary related to holidays, travel, and relationships. Words like companionship, bonding, relaxation, fun activities, privacy, freedom, preferences, and enjoyment will be useful.

4. Use a Range of Grammar Structures

Showcase your ability to use complex sentences, comparisons, conditionals, and modals. For example:

• “If I go with my friends, I tend to enjoy more adventurous activities, which I love.”
• “Although I value spending time with my family, I prefer the freedom that comes with traveling with friends.”

5. Show Fluency and Coherence

Speak at a natural pace and maintain coherence by linking ideas with connectors like because, however, although, moreover, on the other hand, etc.

Sample Answer:

Introduction:

"I definitely prefer to go on holiday with my friends. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my family, but holidays with friends are usually more fun and adventurous for me."

Explanation:

"The main reason I prefer going with friends is the sense of freedom and flexibility. When I’m with friends, we usually explore more exciting places, like hiking trails or amusement parks, and we have more independence in deciding what to do each day. I feel like I can be more spontaneous and laid-back because my friends and I share similar interests."

Comparison:

"That being said, holidays with family are also enjoyable because they provide a sense of security and comfort. With family, the pace is usually slower, and it’s more about relaxation and bonding. However, I think the excitement of traveling with friends outweighs the family experience, especially at my age, when I enjoy trying new things and pushing my limits."

Conclusion:

"So overall, while family trips have their benefits, I prefer the freedom, excitement, and fun that come with traveling with my friends."

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Analysis of the Answer:

1. Introduction: The speaker gives a clear, direct answer, establishing their preference early.
2. Explanation: The reasons are well-developed, including specific examples of activities that explain why the speaker prefers traveling with friends.
3. Comparison: Briefly compares holidays with family, acknowledging both sides while reinforcing the preference for friends.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the speaker's opinion and leaves a lasting impression on the examiner.

Tips:

• Be Personal: Since this is a personal question, make your answer reflect your own experiences and preferences.
• Use Specific Examples: Mention specific activities or situations you’ve experienced to make your answer sound more authentic and detailed.
• Be Balanced: Even if you have a strong preference, briefly discuss the merits of both options. It shows a more nuanced understanding.
• Don’t Memorize: Use a natural tone. Examiners prefer spontaneous answers over rehearsed ones.

This approach will help you deliver a well-rounded, clear, and fluent answer, which is key to scoring high in the IELTS Speaking Test.