IELTS Speaking activity · Topic 03
Public transport and city life
Part 1 short answers about you
Answer in 2–3 sentences: give your answer, a reason and a small example. Tap a timer, then speak out loud.
- How do you usually travel to work or school?
- Is public transport good where you live?
- Do you use your phone when you travel? What for?
- Have you ever missed a bus or a train? What happened?
Part 2 the long turn
In the real test you get 1 minute to prepare and then speak for up to 2 minutes. Press the button and the timer does both.
Describe a memorable journey you took on public transport.
You should say:
- where you were going
- who you were with
- what happened on the way
and explain why you still remember it.
Record your answer and listen back. The recording stays on your device and isn't sent anywhere.
Part 3 discussion
These questions are about people and society, not just you. Give your opinion, explain why, and mention another point of view.
- What are the main advantages of public transport over cars?
- How can cities encourage people to drive less?
- How do you think transport will change in the next 20 years?
Useful language
Try to use two or three of these in your answers.
to commuteto travel to work or school every day
rush hourthe busiest times on the roads and trains
packedvery full of people
reliableyou can trust it to come on time
traffic congestiontoo many cars, so traffic moves slowly
to cut down onto use or do less of something