As an IELTS examiner and experienced English instructor, I’m here to guide you through one of the common topics in IELTS Speaking: describing a public transport system you frequently use. This topic often appears in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to remain relevant in future exams. Let’s dive into how you can effectively tackle this subject and achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about public transportation. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- How often do you use public transport?
- What’s your preferred mode of public transportation?
- Do you think public transport in your city is efficient?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: How often do you use public transport?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I rely heavily on public transport for my daily commute. I’d say I use it at least five times a week, primarily to get to and from work. It’s not only cost-effective but also helps me avoid the stress of driving in heavy traffic.”
Frequent public transport usage
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s move on to the cue card section. Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a public transport system in your city that you frequently use.
You should say:
- What type of transport it is
- How often you use it
- Where you usually go using this transport
- And explain why you choose to use this particular mode of transport
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about the bus system in my city, which I use quite frequently. It’s a network of buses that cover most areas of the city, making it convenient for many residents.
I use the bus almost every weekday to get to work and back home. My office is about 10 kilometers from my house, and the bus route passes right by both locations, which is really handy.
Besides work, I often take the bus to the city center on weekends for shopping or meeting friends. It’s great for these trips because I don’t have to worry about parking, which can be a real hassle in busy areas.
I choose to use the bus for several reasons. Firstly, it’s much more economical than driving my own car, especially with the rising fuel prices. Secondly, it’s environmentally friendly, which is important to me. Lastly, it gives me time to relax or catch up on reading during my commute, which I find quite valuable.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to discuss the extensive metro system in my city, which I utilize on a daily basis. It’s a sophisticated network of underground and elevated trains that crisscross the urban landscape, serving as the backbone of our public transportation infrastructure.
I rely heavily on the metro, using it at least twice a day, five days a week for my daily commute. My workplace is situated about 15 kilometers from my residence, and the metro provides a direct, efficient route between the two locations.
Beyond my work-related travel, I frequently leverage the metro’s connectivity to explore various parts of the city. Whether it’s visiting cultural hotspots in the historic district or meeting friends in trendy neighborhoods, the metro serves as my go-to mode of transport.
There are several compelling reasons why I opt for the metro. Primarily, it’s incredibly time-efficient, allowing me to bypass the notorious traffic congestion that plagues our city streets. Moreover, it’s a cost-effective alternative to private transportation, especially considering the exorbitant parking fees in the city center.
From an environmental perspective, choosing the metro aligns with my commitment to reducing my carbon footprint. The metro’s electric propulsion system is far more eco-friendly compared to individual vehicles.
Lastly, I find the metro journeys conducive to productivity. The smooth rides and reliable Wi-Fi enable me to catch up on work emails, engage in personal development by listening to podcasts, or simply unwind with a good book. This optimal use of travel time significantly enhances my overall quality of life.”
Follow-up Questions
- What improvements would you suggest for this transport system?
- How does this transport system compare to others in your city?
Sample Answers
Question 1 (Band 7-8):
“While our metro system is generally efficient, there’s always room for improvement. I believe increasing the frequency of trains during peak hours could significantly reduce overcrowding. Additionally, extending operating hours on weekends would cater to the city’s vibrant nightlife.”
Question 2 (Band 8-9):
“Compared to other transport options, the metro stands out for its reliability and speed. While buses offer more extensive coverage of the city, they’re often subject to traffic delays. Taxis, though more flexible, can be prohibitively expensive for daily use. The metro strikes an optimal balance between efficiency, affordability, and environmental impact, making it the superior choice for many city dwellers.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to public transportation. Here are some potential questions:
- How has public transportation evolved in your country over the past few decades?
- What role do you think public transport plays in reducing urban pollution?
- Do you believe public transport should be free? Why or why not?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“While the idea of free public transport is appealing, I believe it’s not entirely feasible in most contexts. On the one hand, free public transport could significantly increase ridership, potentially leading to reduced traffic congestion and lower emissions. It would also make transportation more accessible to low-income groups, promoting social equality.
However, the financial implications are considerable. Public transport systems require substantial funding for maintenance, upgrades, and staff salaries. Without fare revenue, this burden would fall entirely on taxpayers, which might not be equitable for those who don’t frequently use public transport.
A more balanced approach might be to offer heavily subsidized fares or free transport for certain groups, such as students or seniors. This could strike a balance between accessibility and financial sustainability.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The question of whether public transport should be free is multifaceted and requires careful consideration of various socioeconomic factors.
On the surface, free public transport appears to offer numerous benefits. It could dramatically increase ridership, potentially leading to a significant reduction in private vehicle usage. This, in turn, could result in decreased urban congestion, lower emissions, and improved air quality in our cities. Moreover, it would eliminate financial barriers to mobility, promoting social equity and enhancing access to employment and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged groups.
However, the implementation of such a system presents considerable challenges. The foremost concern is financial sustainability. Public transport networks require substantial investment for maintenance, modernization, and operational costs. Without fare revenue, the entire financial burden would shift to public coffers, potentially necessitating increased taxation or reallocation of funds from other essential services. This raises questions of fiscal responsibility and equitable distribution of public resources.
Furthermore, the absence of fares might lead to overuse or abuse of the system, potentially resulting in increased wear and tear and a need for more frequent repairs or replacements. There’s also the risk of the tragedy of the commons, where free access might lead some users to undervalue the service.
A nuanced approach might be more effective. Instead of making public transport entirely free, governments could consider targeted subsidies for specific demographic groups, such as students, elderly, or low-income individuals. Another option could be implementing dynamic pricing models, where fares are adjusted based on demand, time of day, or income levels.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on a thorough cost-benefit analysis, taking into account local economic conditions, environmental goals, and social equity considerations. The aim should be to create a system that is accessible, sustainable, and aligned with broader urban development objectives.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated terms and expressions:
Extensive network /ɪkˈstensɪv ˈnetwɜːk/ (noun phrase): A wide-reaching system of routes.
Example: “The extensive network of buses covers even the most remote areas of the city.”Commute /kəˈmjuːt/ (verb/noun): Regular travel between home and work.
Example: “I commute by train every day, which takes about an hour each way.”Economical /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkl/ (adjective): Giving good value in relation to the amount of money spent.
Example: “Using public transport is more economical than driving, especially with current fuel prices.”Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example: “The city has invested heavily in its public transport infrastructure.”Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Example: “We need to develop more sustainable transport options to reduce our environmental impact.”Congestion /kənˈdʒestʃən/ (noun): The state of being overcrowded, especially with traffic.
Example: “The new metro line has significantly reduced congestion on the city’s main roads.”Accessibility /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Example: “Improving the accessibility of public transport for disabled users is a key priority.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing public transportation:
- Expand your vocabulary: Use a range of transport-related terms and general academic vocabulary.
- Provide specific examples: Relate your answers to personal experiences or observations.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts and opinions in detail.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures: Demonstrate your ability to use complex sentences and different tenses.
- Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without too many hesitations or repetitions.
- Stay relevant: Always address the question asked, using the cue card points as a guide in Part 2.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
By incorporating these strategies and vocabulary into your responses about public transportation, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!