IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an occasion when you got lost

Describe an occasion when you got lost

You should say:

• Where you were

• What happened

• How you felt

And explain how you found your way

Ideas for the IELTS Speaking Question:

1. Travel Experience: Getting lost in a foreign city or country.
2. Outdoor Adventure: Losing your way during a hiking or camping trip.
3. Shopping Mall: A situation where you got lost in a large shopping complex.
4. Theme Park: Experiencing being lost in a theme park.
5. Public Transportation: Getting lost in a complex transportation system.

Useful Expressions:

1. Introducing the Occasion:
   • “I’d like to talk about a time when I found myself lost in an unfamiliar place.”
   • “The occasion that comes to mind is…”
   • “I had an interesting experience of getting lost when…”
2. Where You Were:
   • “It happened when I was in…”
   • “The incident took place in a city/town called…”
   • “I was in the middle of…”
3. What Happened:
   • “I took a wrong turn and ended up…”
   • “I lost my way due to…”
   • “I miscalculated the directions and found myself…”
4. How You Felt:
   • “At that moment, I felt a sense of…”
   • “I started to feel a bit anxious and disoriented.”
   • “It was a mix of confusion and a bit of panic.”
5. How You Found Your Way:
   • “To find my way, I decided to…”
   • “I asked for directions from…”
   • “Luckily, I had a map or a GPS device with me, so I used that to guide me.”
   • “Eventually, I stumbled upon a familiar landmark that helped me regain my bearings.”

Sample Answer:

“I’d like to share an occasion when I got lost, and it happened during a solo trip to Tokyo, Japan. I was exploring the city and trying to navigate through its intricate network of streets and alleys. The incident occurred when I decided to take a shortcut to a popular shopping district.

As I meandered through narrow lanes and bustling markets, I took a wrong turn and found myself in an unfamiliar residential area. The buildings and signs were different, and I realized I had strayed far from my intended route. At that moment, I felt a mix of confusion and a bit of panic, as I didn’t speak the local language fluently.

To find my way back, I decided to retrace my steps and ask for directions from a local shopkeeper. They kindly pointed me in the right direction, but Tokyo’s complex layout made it challenging to navigate. Fortunately, I had a map on my phone, and with the help of GPS, I managed to find my way back to the main street.

The experience taught me the importance of careful navigation in unfamiliar places and relying on both technology and local assistance. While it was initially stressful, the adventure of getting lost added a memorable twist to my travel experience, and I eventually made my way to the intended destination.”