Similar to describe a time when you taught someone something new, describing a bicycle ride requires careful organization and rich vocabulary to achieve a high band score.
IELTS Speaking Test preparation with examiner and candidate discussing bicycle ride
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you enjoy cycling?
- How often do you ride a bicycle?
- Did you cycle when you were a child?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely adore cycling as it’s both an excellent form of exercise and an environmentally friendly mode of transport. I try to hit the road on my bike at least three times a week, usually early in the morning when the air is crisp and fresh. During my childhood, cycling was an integral part of my daily routine – I would pedal my way to school every day.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a bicycle ride you took
You should say:
- When and where you took this ride
- Who you were with
- What happened during the ride
- And explain why this ride was memorable
Person enjoying scenic bicycle ride through countryside landscape
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I went on a bike ride last summer with my friend in the countryside. We rode for about two hours and saw many nice views. The weather was good, and we stopped at a small café for drinks. It was memorable because we had fun and took many photos.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an unforgettable cycling adventure I embarked on last autumn with my cycling enthusiast friend Sarah. We set out at dawn for a challenging yet exhilarating ride through the scenic coastal route of Cornwall, similar to describe a trip you planned and enjoyed.
The journey was absolutely breathtaking as we meandered through quaint fishing villages and along dramatic clifftops. We made several stops to capture the stunning vistas and even encountered a pod of dolphins frolicking in the distance. The ride was particularly memorable because it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me discover my own physical capabilities.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Question 1: How has cycling changed in your country over the years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Cycling has become more popular in my country. More people use bikes now, and there are better bike lanes in cities. The government has made new rules to protect cyclists.”
Modern urban cycling infrastructure with dedicated bike lanes
Band 8-9 Answer:
“There has been a paradigm shift in cycling culture in my country. The government has implemented comprehensive cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and secure parking facilities. This has transformed urban mobility, making cycling a viable alternative to traditional transportation methods, while also describing a recent experience you had in a park has become more cycling-friendly.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Embark on: To begin a journey
- Meander through: To follow a winding course
- Exhilarating: Very exciting and energizing
- Paradigm shift: A fundamental change in approach
- Vista: A pleasing view
- Implement: To put into effect
- Comprehensive: Complete; including all aspects
- Viable: Capable of working successfully
- Infrastructure: Basic physical structures needed for operation
- Sustainable: Able to be maintained at a certain level
Visual aids showing key cycling vocabulary and phrases
Expert Tips:
- Practice describing various aspects of cycling using advanced vocabulary
- Structure your answer with clear introduction, body, and conclusion
- Include personal experiences to make your answer more authentic
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Incorporate relevant idioms and collocations naturally
Remember to practice these responses while timing yourself to ensure you can deliver them fluently within the allocated time in the actual test.
