As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the seemingly simple yet surprisingly nuanced question, “How do you get to school?” in the IELTS Speaking test. While it might appear straightforward, this question presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase your vocabulary, fluency, and grammatical range. Let’s delve into how you can transform this question into a chance to shine!
Understanding the Significance of “How Do You Get to School?” in IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners aren’t just looking for the ‘right’ answer; they’re evaluating:
- Vocabulary: Can you use a variety of words related to transportation, distance, and time?
- Grammar: Are your sentences grammatically accurate and varied in structure?
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak smoothly and connect your ideas logically?
- Pronunciation: Can you be easily understood?
Navigating the “How Do You Get to School?” Question Effectively
1. Go Beyond the Obvious:
Instead of simply saying, “I go to school by bus,” aim for a more elaborate response. Consider incorporating:
- Distance and Time: “My school is located about 20 minutes away by bicycle, so I usually cycle there.”
- Frequency and Routine: “I typically take the subway to school every day, except on Wednesdays when I have a late start and prefer to walk.”
- Reasons for Choice: “I find taking the train to be the most convenient option as it’s faster than driving during rush hour.”
2. Expand Your Transportation Vocabulary:
Instead of repeating common words like “car” or “bus,” utilize a wider range of vocabulary:
- Public Transport: “I commute by train/subway/metro.”
- Private Vehicles: “I drive my car/ride my motorcycle/scooter.”
- Other Options: “I walk/cycle/skateboard to school.”
3. Showcase Grammatical Range:
- Use different tenses: “I used to take the bus, but now I walk.”
- Utilize conditional sentences: “If the weather is nice, I prefer to cycle.”
- Incorporate relative clauses: “The bus stop, which is right outside my house, is always crowded in the morning.”
Illustrative Examples from Real IELTS Speaking Tests
Example 1:
Examiner: How do you get to school?
Candidate: Well, my university is situated in the heart of the city, quite close to where I live. It takes me approximately 15 minutes to walk there, so I usually opt to walk, especially when the weather is pleasant. It’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air before a day of lectures.
(Analysis: The candidate provides context about the location, uses varied vocabulary like “situated,” “approximately,” and “opt,” and demonstrates good grammar with the use of a relative clause.)
Example 2:
Examiner: How do you usually travel to school?
Candidate: I live on campus, so my commute is incredibly short! My classes are usually just a five-minute walk from my dormitory. However, if I have a very early class or if it’s raining heavily, I might take the campus shuttle bus, which is free for students.
(Analysis: The candidate adapts to their situation (living on campus) and still manages to showcase vocabulary like “commute,” “dormitory,” and “shuttle bus.” )
Key Tips for Success:
- Practice makes perfect: Rehearse various responses to the question, experimenting with different vocabulary and grammar structures.
- Record yourself: Listening to your responses will help you identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency.
- Think about your own experiences: Draw upon your own commuting habits and preferences to make your answers more natural and engaging.
Remember, the “How do you get to school?” question, though seemingly simple, offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your English language proficiency. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate this question confidently and impress the IELTS examiner.