VSTEP Speaking July Speaking Test 05

My favourite season is autumn because the weather is usually cool and comfortable. It is neither too hot nor too cold, so I can study, travel, and do outdoor activities more easily. In my country, the seasons are different from one region to another, and the south mainly has a dry season and a rainy season. The weather can affect my mood because I often feel more energetic on cool, sunny days. During very hot or rainy weather, I usually prefer staying indoors and doing relaxing activities.

In my free time, I usually listen to music, watch films, read online articles, or meet my friends. After a busy day, these activities help me relax and recover my energy. At weekends, I sometimes go to a café, exercise, or take a short trip with my family. I think having free time is important because people need a healthy balance between work or study and personal life. However, I also try not to spend all my free time using my phone because it can become an unhealthy habit.

I would choose to have a picnic because it is affordable, relaxing, and suitable for family members of different ages. We could prepare food together, play outdoor games, take photos, and enjoy fresh air while spending quality time with one another. Staying at home would be comfortable and inexpensive, but it might feel too ordinary and people could become distracted by phones or television. A resort would provide good facilities and professional services, but it could be costly, especially for a large family. A picnic offers a better balance between enjoyment and expense. Therefore, I believe it would be the best option for our family day out.

In my opinion, travelling is one of the best ways to learn and develop as a person. First, it broadens our knowledge because we can visit new places, learn about different cultures, try local food, and observe how other people live. For example, visiting a historical city can teach us more than simply reading about it in a textbook. Both domestic and international travel are valuable. Travelling abroad may offer greater cultural differences, while travelling within one’s own country is usually cheaper and helps people understand their national heritage. Second, travelling improves useful skills. People learn how to plan a schedule, manage a budget, communicate with strangers, solve unexpected problems, and become more independent. Young people can especially benefit because travel makes them more confident and open-minded. Finally, travelling helps people relax, create happy memories, and strengthen relationships with family or friends. However, tourism can also cause pollution, overcrowding, and damage to local culture if visitors behave irresponsibly. For this reason, travellers should respect local customs, reduce waste, and protect natural attractions. Overall, responsible travel can broaden knowledge, improve practical skills, and make life more enjoyable.