The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about everyday experiences, including public transportation. Being able to describe a positive public transport experience eloquently can significantly boost your score. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about public transportation. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: How often do you use public transport?

Suggested answer (Band 7-8):
“I use public transport quite regularly, particularly the subway system. On average, I’d say I take public transportation about 3-4 times a week, mainly for commuting to work or meeting friends in the city center. It’s not only cost-effective but also helps me avoid the stress of driving in heavy traffic.”

Busy subway station with commuters

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Public Transport Experience That Was Enjoyable
You should say:

• What type of transport it was
• Where you were going
• Who you were with
• And explain why it was enjoyable

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an exceptionally memorable public transport experience I had last summer when I took a scenic train journey along the coast. It was a regional train service that connected several picturesque towns along our country’s southern shoreline.

I was traveling from my hometown to visit a friend who had recently moved to a quaint seaside village about 200 kilometers away. What made this trip special was that I was accompanied by my grandmother, who had never taken this particular route before.

The journey was absolutely delightful for several reasons. Firstly, the train itself was remarkably comfortable, with spacious seats and large windows that offered panoramic views of the coastline. As we traveled, we were treated to breathtaking vistas of golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and the sparkling blue ocean.

What really made the experience enjoyable was sharing it with my grandmother. She was utterly captivated by the scenery and kept pointing out interesting landmarks and wildlife she spotted. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and it made me appreciate the journey even more. We had wonderful conversations, reminiscing about family holidays and sharing stories I had never heard before.

The journey was also enhanced by the impeccable service provided by the train staff. They were incredibly friendly and attentive, offering information about the places we were passing and even pointing out a pod of dolphins we might have otherwise missed.

This public transport experience was so much more than just a means of getting from A to B. It became a cherished memory and a bonding experience with my grandmother. It reminded me that sometimes the journey itself can be just as rewarding as the destination.”

Describe a place you go to for a day trip could be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking preparation, as it shares similarities with describing enjoyable transportation experiences.

Follow-up questions:

1. Do you think this kind of positive experience is common on public transport?
2. How could public transport be improved to make journeys more enjoyable for passengers?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 7-8):
“While such overwhelmingly positive experiences might not be the norm, I believe that public transport can often provide enjoyable moments. The key lies in our perspective and willingness to appreciate the little things. However, factors like overcrowding and delays can sometimes detract from the experience. Nonetheless, with proper planning and a positive attitude, many public transport journeys can be quite pleasant.”

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):
“To enhance passenger experience, public transport services could focus on several areas. Implementing cutting-edge technology for real-time updates and smoother ticketing processes would be beneficial. Additionally, improving comfort levels through better seating and climate control, as well as providing onboard entertainment options, could make journeys more enjoyable. Lastly, training staff in customer service excellence could significantly impact passengers’ overall experience.”

Modern train interior with comfortable seating

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to public transportation. Here are some sample questions and answers:

Question 1: How has public transportation changed in your country over the past few decades?

Answer (Band 8-9):
“Public transportation in my country has undergone a radical transformation over the past few decades. There’s been a significant shift towards sustainability, with many cities investing heavily in electric buses and trams to reduce carbon emissions. We’ve also seen a remarkable improvement in infrastructure, with the expansion of subway systems and the introduction of high-speed rail networks connecting major cities.

Moreover, there’s been a notable emphasis on integrating smart technology. Nowadays, passengers can easily plan their journeys, track their rides in real-time, and make cashless payments through mobile apps. This has drastically enhanced convenience and efficiency.

Another key change has been the increased focus on accessibility. Public transport providers have made concerted efforts to make their services more inclusive, with features like low-floor buses and tactile paving in stations to assist passengers with disabilities.

These advancements have collectively contributed to a shift in public perception. Once seen as a necessity only for those who couldn’t afford private transport, public transportation is now often viewed as a smart, eco-friendly choice for all segments of society.”

Question 2: Do you think private car ownership will decrease in the future due to improvements in public transport?

Answer (Band 7-8):
“This is a complex issue, but I believe that improvements in public transport could indeed lead to a gradual decrease in private car ownership, especially in urban areas. As public transportation becomes more efficient, reliable, and comfortable, it offers a compelling alternative to the hassles of car ownership such as parking difficulties, maintenance costs, and traffic congestion.

Moreover, with the growing awareness of environmental issues, many people are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprint. Efficient public transport systems can significantly reduce individual carbon emissions compared to private cars.

However, it’s important to note that this shift might not be uniform across all regions. In rural areas or places with less developed public transport infrastructure, private cars may remain a necessity. Additionally, cultural factors and personal preferences play a role – some people simply enjoy the freedom and convenience that comes with owning a car.

Ultimately, I think we’ll see a mixed scenario where car ownership decreases in some areas but remains stable in others, with an overall trend towards reduced dependence on private vehicles in well-connected urban centers.”

Describe an outdoor activity you want to take up could be a related topic to consider, as improved public transportation often makes outdoor activities more accessible.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Panoramic views (adjective + noun) – /ˌpænəˈræmɪk vjuːz/ – Wide, unobstructed views of an area
   Example: “The train offered panoramic views of the coastline.”

2. Impeccable service (adjective + noun) – /ɪmˈpekəbl ˈsɜːvɪs/ – Flawless, excellent service
   Example: “The staff provided impeccable service throughout the journey.”

3. Radical transformation (adjective + noun) – /ˈrædɪkl ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃn/ – Complete or major change
   Example: “The city’s public transport system has undergone a radical transformation in recent years.”

4. Shift towards sustainability (phrase) – /ʃɪft təˈwɔːdz səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – A change in focus to more environmentally friendly practices
   Example: “There’s been a clear shift towards sustainability in public transportation policies.”

5. Integrate smart technology (verb phrase) – /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt smɑːt tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – To incorporate advanced digital systems
   Example: “Many bus services now integrate smart technology for ticketing and real-time updates.”

Describe a place in nature where you enjoy going alone could be an interesting contrast to discussing public transportation experiences, offering a different perspective on travel and enjoyment.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing public transport experiences:

1. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to make your account vivid and engaging.
2. Incorporate personal anecdotes to demonstrate your ability to communicate experiences effectively.
3. Practice discussing both positive and negative aspects of public transportation to show balanced viewpoints.
4. Familiarize yourself with topic-specific vocabulary and use it naturally in your responses.
5. Be prepared to discuss broader issues related to public transport, such as environmental impact and urban planning.

Remember, the key to success is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while incorporating advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

Describe a time when you went on a hike could be another interesting topic to practice, as it involves describing a journey, albeit a different type from public transportation.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss public transport experiences confidently in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your overall score.