IELTS Topic: Transportation
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
infrastructure: (noun)
the basic systems and services, such as transportation and power supplies, that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
Our traffic infrastructure needs to be improved, so they are building new and wider road ways.
vehicle:(noun)
something used to transport people or goods, especially something used on land or roads
I need a vehicle that can transport my whole family of four, so I want to buy a good family sized car. .
mode: (noun)
a way of operating, living, or behaving
My favorite mode of transportation is public transportation, as it is more efficient and friendlier on the environment.
highway/Expressway/Freeway: (noun)
a public road, especially an important road that joins cities or towns together
The new freeway system is very convenient, now I am able to arrive at my job on time.
public transportation:(noun)
a system of trains, buses, etc., that is paid for or run by the government
The public system in the UK is very efficient, and more affordable than driving your own car.
subway/Metro: (noun)
an underground, electric railroad in a city
I always take the metro train to work as it is faster and very affordable.
speed up: (phrasal verb)
to increase your speed
I had to speed up on the highway as I was driving in the fast lane.
fill up: (phrasal verb)
to fill the fuel tank of a car full
I will need to fill up my fuel tank as my car is running very low on petrol.
hitch a ride: (idiom)
get a ride with somebody else
I had to hitch a ride into town with my mom, as my car was in for repairs.
gas Guzzler: (idiom)
a vehicle that uses a lot of gas
This old Ford Pick Up truck is a real gas guzzler.
PART 1 QUESTIONS
Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes)
Here are possible questions that might come up during the test. Go over them with your tutor.
In the first part, the examiner will ask you a number of general questions
Let’s talk about how you travel.
What’s the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?
Do you prefer public or private transportation?
What is your favorite mode of transportation?
Do you like riding a bicycle?
Let’s talk about public transport
Do you use public transport? Why / why not?
Which type of public transport do you prefer? Why?
How good is the public transport where you live?
Do you think people should use public transport more? Why / why not?
Let’s talk about vehicles in the future
Do you think that the transport system will change much in the future?
Do you think autonomous vehicles are safe?
Do you think that electric cars will catch on?
What are the pros and cons of electric vehicles?
PART 2 QUESTIONS
Individual long turn (3-4 minutes)
Here are possible questions that might come up during the test. Go over them with your tutor.
You will have 1 minute to prepare to speak, and then you will talk for 2 minutes, during which the examiner will not speak.
Part 2 – sample task card
Sample A
Describe the transport system for commuters in your city or country.
You should say:
What kind of transport is available
Which kind of transport is the most popular
What the good points and bad points of the transport system are And say how you think it should be changed in the future.
Sample B
Describe a time when you missed a bus/ train/airplane.
You should say:
when it happened
where you were supposed to go
how you missed it and explain what you did after you missed it.
Sample C
Talk about an uncomfortable way you have trave
You should say:
what kind of transportation it was
who you were traveling with
where you were going
and why it was uncomfortable.
PART 3 QUESTIONS
Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes)
Here are possible questions that might come up during the test. Go over them with your tutor.
In the last part, you will talk with the examiner about issues related to the topic on the card.
How do most people travel long distances in your country?
Have the types of transport people use changed much over the last few decades?
Do you think transport is likely to continue to improve in the future?
Do you think the government should impose a restriction on citizens’ car ownership?
What kinds of improvement have there been in transport in your country in recent years?
How easy is it to travel around your country?
Do you think that transport problems are worse in urban or rural areas?
What measures could be taken to reduce the problems of congestion in cities?
Which method of travel do you consider the safest?
