Public Transportation: IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 & 3 Sample Answers

Public transportation is part and parcel of daily life, especially for students and working professionals. As a result, it is not only a common topic to practice but also easy to share your experiences.

While answering question related to IELTS Speaking, you should focus on one idea only and then expand that idea into a long meaningful sentence using IELTS Grammar patterns and vocabulary. So, try practicing Part 1 & 3 questions and a Part 2 cue card with sample answers along with related vocabulary for this topic and achieve a good score!

Let's explore IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 & 3 questions with relevant vocabulary to help you improve your speaking skills.

Speaking Part 1 - Public Transportation

IELTS Speaking Part 1 consists of a short discussion between the examiner and the candidate. You will be asked a series of questions on common topics. You have to state your opinion or experiences. Given below are ‘Public Transportation Speaking Part 1’ questions with sample answers on the subject.

1. What form of transport do you prefer to use? Why?

Without any doubt, I would say motorbikes. You can see people driving motorbikes all over the place in my country. Almost everyone travels by motorbike. The reason why a motorbike is so popular is due to their reasonable price and convenience. They are also extremely varied in terms of size, color and quality, thus a wide variety of choices is available for everyone.

2. How often do you take buses?

Almost every day. Since my house is so far away from my university, it’s impossible for me to travel by motorbike. In addition, the air is heavily polluted by exhaust fumes and traffic jams always take place, especially during peak hours. Thus, I’d prefer to take the bus, to save time, save gasoline and cause less pollution.

3. Can you compare the advantages of planes and trains?

Planes and trains regularly depart and arrive on time. Plus, there are many convenient facilities catering particularly to certain groups of passengers. However, traveling by plane is clearly time-saving and enjoyable in terms of onboard services like meals or comfortable seats, while traveling by train offers you a chance to see the world outside, and admire the views from their seats. It’s totally a great experience for most train travelers.

4. How much time do you spend traveling on a normal day?

I have to commute from my home to my workplace on a daily basis. It normally takes me 30 minutes to travel back and forth.

5. Would you ride bikes to work in the future?

Definitely not. Riding a bike means you’re exposing yourself to unpredictable weather and to air pollution. What is worse, I’m afraid are the main streets or the highway which is too dangerous for cyclists, as cars, motorbikes and buses will travel at a very high speed. Thus I’d rather ride a motorbike or take the bus instead.

6. What will become the most popular means of transport in your country?

I think buses will take the lead. You can travel the distance without much worries about ticket price or rainy weather outside. Also, new buses now offer better services like comfortable seats for the elderly or good air conditioning systems.

7. Do you prefer public transport or private transport?

I think I’d prefer public transport. It’s much more inexpensive and because it can contain a large number of people, it helps ease the intensity of traffic jams during peak hours and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by vehicles. Private transportation is more costly in terms of fees, taxes and gasoline.

Band 9 Vocabulary

Find some IELTS Speaking Vocabulary that have been used in the sample answers above and make sure to use them in your answers as well to make them more effective.

• Intensity: Of extreme force, degree, or strength
  Eg: The hatred gained intensity
• Greenhouse gas emissions: The emission into the earth’s atmosphere of any of various gases, esp carbon dioxide, that contributes to the greenhouse effect.
  Eg: There has been a lot of greenhouse emissions in the past few decades
• Without any doubt/There is no doubt that: A phrase expressing certainty or agreement; yes
  Eg: “Yes you can accomplish the work without any doubt”
• A wide variety of: A number or range of things of the same general class that is distinct in character or quality.
  Eg: There are a wide variety of people in this world
• Exhaust fumes: Waste gasses or air expelled from an engine, turbine, or another machine in the course of its operation.
  Eg: There were a lot of exhaust fumes coming out from the chimney
• Traffic jam: A-line or lines of stationary or very slow-moving traffic, caused by roadworks, an accident, or heavy congestion.
  Eg: There was a traffic jam on the main road
• Peak hours/Rush hours: The busiest hours
  Eg: We need to reach home before the rush hours
• To take the lead: To start winning a race or competition
  Eg: He took the lead in his hand for the recent project

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card – Public Transportation

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will have a cue card or a task card with a topic like ‘Describe a memorable experience you had while using public transportation’ followed by 3-4 questions related to the topic. Let’s have a look at the following sample answers.

Public Transportation – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

Certainly, one memorable experience I had while using public transportation occurred during a trip to London a couple of years ago. It was during the peak of summer, and I decided to explore the city’s famous landmarks using the iconic double-decker buses. I vividly remember it was a sunny afternoon, and I boarded one of those red buses near Westminster Abbey.

As I ascended to the upper deck, I found a vacant seat by the window offering a panoramic view of the bustling streets below. The bus meandered through the historic neighborhoods, passing by renowned sights such as Big Ben and the Tower Bridge. What made this experience truly memorable was the live commentary provided by the enthusiastic tour guide on board. Their informative narration added a layer of depth to the sights, enriching my understanding of London’s rich history and culture.

Moreover, the atmosphere on the bus was lively and vibrant, with tourists from various corners of the globe sharing their travel anecdotes and recommendations. It felt like a microcosm of the diverse world we live in, all encapsulated within the confines of a red double-decker.

Afterward, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and appreciation for the convenience and charm of public transportation. It made me realize how these seemingly mundane experiences can often turn into cherished memories, leaving a lasting imprint on our minds.

Public Transportation – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

One of the most enjoyable journeys I’ve had on public transportation happened last summer during a trip to Barcelona, Spain. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I decided to explore the city’s outskirts by taking a ride on the Montjuïc Cable Car.

The journey began at the base station near the Port Vell area. As I boarded the cable car and it started ascending, I was greeted with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea shimmering under the golden sunlight. The cable car gracefully glided over lush greenery and historic landmarks, offering a unique perspective of Barcelona’s skyline.

What made this journey truly enjoyable was the sense of tranquility and serenity it provided. Unlike the bustling streets of the city center, the cable car ride offered a peaceful retreat, allowing me to appreciate the beauty of nature and architectural marvels from a different vantage point. I felt a profound sense of awe as I soaked in the panoramic views unfolding before my eyes.

Moreover, the journey was accompanied by gentle breezes and the distant sounds of seagulls, creating a soothing ambiance that enhanced the overall experience. It was a moment of pure bliss, where time seemed to stand still, and I felt completely immersed in the beauty of my surroundings.

This journey stands out to me not only for its scenic beauty but also for the sense of tranquility and rejuvenation it brought. It reminded me of the simple joys of travel and the beauty of discovering new perspectives, making it a cherished memory that I will always treasure.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Public Transportation

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, you will be asked some questions related to the topic of the cue card you have been given in Part 2. So, some follow-up questions related to the topic, public transpotation, are given below with expert-curated sample answers.

1. How important do you think public transportation is for a city?

Public transportation plays a pivotal role in the functioning of a city, offering a convenient and sustainable means of commuting for its residents. It helps alleviate traffic congestion, reduces pollution, and promotes social inclusion by ensuring accessibility to transportation for all socioeconomic groups.

2. Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation? Tell its advantages and disadvantages.

One advantage of public transportation is its affordability and accessibility, making it a viable option for a wide range of individuals. Additionally, it reduces the environmental impact associated with private vehicles. However, drawbacks include overcrowding during peak hours, potential delays, and limited flexibility in terms of travel routes. Though I prefer private transportation mostly.

3. How can public transportation be improved to encourage more people to use it?

Improving the frequency and reliability of services, expanding the network to underserved areas, and investing in modernizing infrastructure are crucial steps to encourage greater usage of public transportation. Additionally, offering incentives such as discounted fares for regular commuters can also incentivize people to choose public transport over private vehicles.

4. Do you think public transportation should be free for everyone?

While the idea of free public transportation may seem appealing in promoting its usage, it’s essential to consider the financial implications and feasibility of such a policy. Instead of making it entirely free, implementing subsidized fares for certain demographics or providing free transportation during off-peak hours could be more sustainable approaches.

5. In what ways can public transportation contribute to reducing environmental pollution?

Public transportation, particularly modes like buses and trains, significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to individual cars. By encouraging more people to opt for public transport, cities can mitigate air pollution and combat climate change. Additionally, investing in electric or hybrid vehicles for public transportation fleets can further minimize environmental impact.

Brush up Your IELTS Speaking Skills with IELTSMaterial

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic Public Transportation IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, and 3, it is time for you to practice on your own with some common English words used in IELTS Speaking test. In case you need any help, you can leave a comment below or you can connect with our IELTS experts or join the free webinars for tips to ace your IELTS Speaking exam!

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