Part 1
Part 1 Questions
- Where did you go for your last holiday?
- Do you like holidays? Why?
- Which public holiday do you like best?
- What do you do on holidays?
- Do you like to spend your day at home?
- Do you prefer a leisurely or a busy holiday?
- Would you prefer an exciting holiday or a peaceful holiday?
Sample Response
Where did you go for your last holiday?
My last proper holiday? I went to Da Nang in Vietnam for about five days. A friend recommended it - said the beaches were amazing. And yeah, they were right! Great beaches, and the street food was incredible. Definitely worth the trip.
Essential Vocabulary
Last holiday destinations
- got back from - recently returned from
- proper holiday - a real vacation (not just a day off)
- weekend getaway - short 2-3 day trip
- staycation - holiday spent at home
- went abroad - traveled to another country
- domestic travel - travel within your own country
- off the beaten track - unusual/less touristy destination
Liking holidays
- need a break - require rest from work/routine
- recharge my batteries - restore energy
- escape from the daily grind - get away from routine
- quality time - meaningful time with family/friends
- change of scenery - different environment
- let my hair down - relax and have fun
- much-needed rest - very necessary relaxation
Public holidays
- festive atmosphere - celebratory mood
- bank holiday - official public holiday (UK term)
- national holiday - country-wide celebration
- long weekend - holiday creating 3+ day break
- traditional celebrations - cultural festivities
- family gatherings - relatives coming together
- day off work - not having to work
Holiday activities
- sightseeing - visiting tourist attractions
- lounging around - relaxing without doing much
- catching up with friends - meeting friends you haven't seen
- exploring new places - discovering unfamiliar areas
- trying local cuisine - eating regional food
- outdoor activities - sports/activities outside
- sleeping in - waking up late
Home preferences
- homebody - person who prefers staying home
- cozy up - get comfortable at home
- pottering around - doing small tasks leisurely
- me time - time for yourself
- creature comforts - things that make you comfortable
- hermit mode - staying home and avoiding people
- home is where the heart is - home is most comfortable
Holiday styles
- packed itinerary - schedule full of activities
- go with the flow - no fixed plans
- action-packed - full of activities
- laid-back approach - relaxed style
- tick off the list - complete planned activities
- play it by ear - decide spontaneously
- slow travel - taking time to explore thoroughly
Excitement vs peace
- adrenaline rush - excitement from adventure
- peace and quiet - calm and silence
- thrill-seeking - looking for excitement
- tranquil setting - peaceful environment
- adventure holiday - trip focused on exciting activities
- unwind completely - fully relax
- get my pulse racing - do exciting things
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "To be honest, I'm more of a..." expressing preference
- "I'm not really one for..." saying what you don't like
- "There's nothing I enjoy more than..." strong preference
- "I tend to..." describing habits
- "It depends on my mood, really" flexible preference
- "I've always been someone who..." describing personality