Speaking Part 3: Hospitality

Introduction:

In this section, we will discuss the topic of hospitality in the context of visitors from abroad. We will explore how people treat visitors in different countries, the changing importance of hospitality, and the advantages of staying with a friend compared to staying in a hotel when visiting a foreign country.

Question 1: In your country, how do people treat visitors from abroad?

Sample Answer: In the United Kingdom, people generally treat visitors from abroad very well. The people in the UK are known for their open-mindedness and welcoming nature. The country embraces the diversity of cultures brought by immigration and tourism. For instance, most cities in the UK have a cosmopolitan atmosphere, where you can come across visitors from every corner of the world.

Question 2: Do you think hospitality towards visitors is less important than it was in the past?

Sample Answer: In my opinion, the importance of hospitality towards visitors may have reduced in my city, but only because we have become accustomed to seeing visitors from different countries on a regular basis. It has become a normal part of our lives, and we no longer consider it as something extraordinary.

Question 3: What are the advantages of staying with a friend compared to staying in a hotel when visiting a foreign country?

Sample Answer: Opting to stay with a friend when visiting a foreign country offers several advantages. Firstly, staying with a friend provides access to local knowledge about the best places to visit. Your friend can recommend hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations that are not mentioned in guidebooks. Secondly, staying with a friend enables you to experience the character and customs of the local people. This aspect of cultural immersion is one of the most fascinating aspects of traveling in a foreign country. On the other hand, staying in a hotel allows for a more adventurous experience where you are forced to explore the new place independently.

Useful Vocabulary:

1. Open-mindedness: a willingness to consider new ideas and opinions without prejudice. Example: People in my country are known for their open-mindedness and acceptance of different cultures.

2. Welcoming: friendly and hospitable towards visitors. Example: The hotel staff provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere for their guests.

3. Embrace: to accept or welcome something enthusiastically. Example: The country has embraced the diversity of cultures brought by immigration.

4. Cosmopolitan: having a mix of cultures and influences from around the world. Example: The city has a cosmopolitan population with residents from various countries.

5. Reduced: made smaller or lesser in degree or extent. Example: The importance of traditional customs has reduced in recent years due to globalization.

6. Accustomed: familiar with something through repeated exposure or experience. Example: After several visits, I have become accustomed to the local traditions and way of life.

7. Extraordinary: very unusual or remarkable. Example: The view from the top of the mountain was truly extraordinary.

8. Hidden gems: lesser-known or secret places of great beauty or interest. Example: The local guide took us to some hidden gems in the city that tourists usually miss.

9. Off-the-beaten-path: referring to places or routes that are less frequented or well-known by tourists. Example: I prefer to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations to experience the authentic local culture.

10. Cultural immersion: the process of fully engaging and experiencing the everyday life and customs of a different culture. Example: Staying with a local family provided me with a rich cultural immersion experience.

Remember to practice using these words and phrases in your speaking and writing to improve your vocabulary and score higher in your IELTS test.