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Transportation
Lesson
28
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll talk about how you get around, transportation systems, and how travel can be improved. You'll practice explaining preferences and describing public and private transport.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
commute
traffic
vehicle
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
train
noun
bicycle
noun
crowded
adjective
air conditioning
noun
subway
noun
public
adjective
stressful
adjective
seats
noun (plural)
walk
verb, noun
own
verb, adj.
delay
noun
self-driving
adjective
bus
noun
rush hour
noun (phrase)
packed
adjective
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I travel by...
My usual commute is...
One thing I like about it is...
It’s more eco-friendly to...
Public transport should...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
I usually travel by...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
For example, on weekdays I...
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
One thing I like about it is...
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
How do you usually get around your city?
Yuki
I usually take the train to get around Tokyo. The subway system here is really convenient and always on time. Sometimes, if the distance is short, I walk because many places are close together. On weekends, I might take the bus or even ride my bicycle when the weather is nice.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
What are some advantages and disadvantages of using public transportation?
Yuki
One advantage is that public transportation is very efficient in Tokyo, so I don’t need to own a car. It’s also cheaper and better for the environment. However, during rush hour, the trains can be extremely crowded, which makes it stressful and uncomfortable. Also, sometimes delays happen if there’s an accident.
Examiner
Have you ever had a funny or crazy experience while using public transportation?
Yuki
Yes! One time, the train was completely packed, and we were all standing shoulder to shoulder. Suddenly, a man right in front of me sneezed — and I felt it on my face! The worst part was, it was the one day I forgot to bring my mask. I couldn’t even move or wipe my face because it was so crowded. I just stood there frozen until I finally got off at my stop. Now, I always make sure I have a mask!
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
What do you think would make public transportation more comfortable?
Yuki
I think public transportation would be more comfortable if there were more seats and better air conditioning. ________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
What do you usually do while you're traveling on public transportation?
Yuki
When I travel on public transportation, I usually listen to music or watch videos on my phone.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
Do you think self-driving cars will become popular in the future? Why or why not?
Yuki
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
Once the technology is very safe, more people will start using them.
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
Do you think owning a car will still be popular in 20 years? Why or why not?
Is driving a car better than using public transport?
How can transportation be made more eco-friendly?
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