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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe An Enjoyable Journey By Public Transport: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 10:52

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, cue cards are used to prompt you to speak on a specific topic for a couple of minutes. This helps assess your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently. 

 

An enjoyable journey by public transport can leave a lasting impact, offering a unique and inspiring experience. Such journeys can open your eyes to new cultures, sceneries, and interactions, making them memorable. 
 

In this piece, we will explore sample answers for the topic "Describe An Enjoyable Journey By Public Transport," guiding you on how to structure your response effectively.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe An Enjoyable Journey By Public Transport

You should say

  • When and where you went?
  • What kind of transport did you use?
  • How was your trip?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

 

  • Think back to a memorable journey you took by public transport. I recall a delightful train journey I took from Delhi to Shimla last summer.
  • The purpose of the trip was to enjoy a relaxing holiday in the hills and experience the scenic beauty of the region.
  • I chose the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train, renowned for its picturesque route and charming heritage.
  • The anticipation of travelling through the mountains made the journey even more exciting.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • I chose the train for its convenience and the unique experience it offered. The journey promised spectacular views and a sense of adventure.
  • I felt a mix of excitement and tranquillity as the train chugged through lush green valleys and tunnels. The cool breeze and the rhythmic motion of the train were very soothing.
  • During the journey, I enjoyed reading a book and occasionally chatting with fellow passengers who shared interesting stories about Shimla.
  • The scenic route and the friendly atmosphere made the experience truly enjoyable and memorable.
     

Key Highlights:

 

  • One of the key highlights was the stunning views of the mountains and valleys, with the train winding its way through numerous tunnels and bridges.
  • A memorable moment was when the train stopped at a small station, and we had a chance to savour some local snacks and tea while admiring the surroundings.
  • I faced a slight challenge when the train slowed down due to steep gradients, but this allowed for more time to soak in the beautiful landscapes.
  • The camaraderie among passengers and the helpfulness of the train staff added to the overall pleasant experience.
     

Conclusion:

 

  • This journey was enjoyable due to the combination of breathtaking scenery, comfortable travel, and engaging interactions.
  • It made me appreciate the convenience and charm of travelling by public transport, especially for scenic routes.
  • The experience has influenced me to consider train journeys more often for future trips, as they offer a unique perspective and a relaxing travel experience.
  • Reflecting on this trip, I realise the value of slowing down and enjoying the journey itself, not just the destination.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • Think back to a memorable journey you took by public transport. I recall an enjoyable bus journey I took from Mumbai to Goa last winter.
  • The purpose of the trip was to meet some friends and enjoy the vibrant culture and beautiful beaches of Goa.
  • I chose an overnight sleeper bus, which was reputed for its comfort and scenic route along the Konkan coast.
  • The excitement of visiting Goa and the comfort of the bus made the journey even more appealing.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • I chose the bus for its convenience and the opportunity to see the coastal landscapes. The journey promised a blend of comfort and adventure.
  • I felt a mix of excitement and relaxation as the bus cruised through the scenic coastal roads. The rhythmic hum of the bus and the gentle sway made the journey very soothing.
  • During the trip, I enjoyed listening to music and watching the beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea from the window.
  • The cosy ambience of the sleeper bus and the anticipation of reaching Goa made the experience truly delightful.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • One of the key highlights was witnessing the stunning coastal scenery, with the bus passing through charming villages and lush greenery.
  • A memorable moment was when the bus stopped at a roadside dhaba, where we had a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy some delicious local food.
  • I faced a minor challenge when the bus encountered a narrow, winding road, but the skilled driver navigated it smoothly, adding a bit of adventure to the trip.
  • The friendliness of fellow passengers and the courteousness of the bus staff enhanced the overall experience.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • This journey was enjoyable due to the combination of picturesque scenery, comfortable travel, and pleasant interactions.
  • It made me appreciate the ease and charm of public transport, especially for long-distance journeys.
  • The experience has influenced me to consider bus journeys more often for future trips, as they offer a unique perspective and a relaxing travel experience.
  • Reflecting on this trip, I realise the joy of the journey and the wonderful experiences it can bring beyond just the destination.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • Recall a memorable journey you embarked on using public transport. I vividly remember a delightful train trip I took from London to Edinburgh last summer.
  • The purpose of the journey was to explore Scotland's beautiful landscapes and immerse myself in its rich history.
  • Opting for the iconic East Coast train service, renowned for its comfort and scenic route, heightened my anticipation for the journey.
  • The prospect of traversing the picturesque English countryside and reaching the Scottish capital excited me.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • The decision to travel by train was influenced by my love for scenic routes and the desire for a relaxed travel experience. The journey promised a blend of comfort and adventure.
  • As the train departed from King's Cross station, I felt a sense of tranquillity envelop me. The rhythmic sound of the train and the passing landscapes outside the window created a soothing ambience.
  • During the journey, I read a book and savoured snacks from the onboard cafe while enjoying the changing scenery outside.
  • The seamless journey and the anticipation of exploring Edinburgh made the experience truly enjoyable and memorable.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • One of the key highlights was witnessing the breathtaking vistas of the Scottish Highlands as the train traversed through rugged landscapes and verdant valleys.
  • A memorable moment was when the train passed over the iconic Forth Bridge, offering panoramic views of the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh's skyline in the distance.
  • I encountered a slight delay due to maintenance work on the tracks, but the efficient communication from the train staff and the opportunity to stretch my legs during the stopover made it manageable.
  • The friendly interactions with fellow passengers and the courteous service provided by the train crew added to the overall charm of the journey.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • This journey was enjoyable due to the combination of stunning scenery, comfortable travel, and engaging experiences along the way.
  • It reaffirmed my appreciation for the convenience and charm of train travel, especially for long-distance journeys.
  • The experience has inspired me to consider train journeys more often for future trips, as they offer a unique perspective and a leisurely travel experience.
  • Reflecting on this trip, I realise the joy of the journey itself and the wonderful memories it creates, making it an unforgettable part of my travel adventures.

When the cue card section of the IELTS Speaking Test starts, the examiner will give you a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to address. You will have one minute to prepare, and then you must speak on the topic for up to two minutes.

 

The best way to answer these cue cards is to break down your response into smaller, manageable sections. This makes your answer structured and easy to follow. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe An Enjoyable Journey By Public Transport":
 

Introduction:

 

  • Start by briefly introducing the journey – where you were going and why.
  • Mention the mode of public transport you used, like a train, bus, or metro.
  • Set the scene by describing the context, such as whether it was for leisure or a special occasion.
  • Keep it concise and engaging to capture the examiner’s interest.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • Explain why you chose public transport for this journey.
  • Share your thoughts and feelings during the trip, highlighting what made it enjoyable.
  • Talk about any interests or activities you engaged in during the journey, like reading, sightseeing, or conversing with fellow passengers.
  • Relate any unique or memorable aspects of the experience that stood out to you.
     

Key Highlights:

 

  • Describe specific moments or events that made the journey memorable, such as beautiful scenery or interesting encounters.
  • Mention any challenges you faced and how they were part of the experience.
  • Highlight the benefits of using public transport, like convenience, cost-effectiveness, or environmental friendliness.
  • Share any positive interactions you had with other passengers or staff.
     

Conclusion:

  • Summarise why this journey was enjoyable and what its lasting impact was on you.
  • Reflect on how it might influence your future travel choices.
  • Mention any lessons or insights you gained from the experience.
  • End with a positive note about the value of taking journeys by public transport.
     

By structuring your answer in this way, you ensure that your response is clear, comprehensive, and engaging, fitting well within the two-minute time limit.

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you describe a topic on the cue card, the examiner will ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into the topic and your opinions. This part of the test assesses your ability to express yourself fluently and coherently, extending the conversation beyond the initial prompt.

 

Q1. How did you choose the mode of public transport for your journey?

Answer 1: I chose the train for its scenic route and comfortable travel experience. The prospect of enjoying picturesque landscapes and a leisurely journey influenced my decision.

 

Answer 2: I opted for the bus because of its affordability and convenience. The overnight sleeper bus allowed me to save on accommodation costs while enjoying the coastal scenery.

Q2. What aspects of the journey made it enjoyable for you?

Answer 1: The breathtaking countryside views from the train window and the relaxed atmosphere onboard contributed to the enjoyment. Additionally, the friendly interactions with fellow passengers added to the overall pleasant experience.

 

Answer 2: The comfortable seating and amenities provided by the bus, such as blankets and reclining seats, made the journey enjoyable. Moreover, witnessing the sunset over the sea from the bus window was truly mesmerising.

Q3. Did you encounter any challenges during the journey, and how did you overcome them?

Answer 1: While the train journey was smooth overall, there was a brief delay due to signal issues. However, the train staff kept us informed about the situation, and I utilised the extra time to relax and enjoy the onboard facilities.

 

Answer 2: The bus journey faced minor traffic congestion along the coastal route, causing a slight delay. However, the driver navigated through alternative routes efficiently, ensuring that we reached our destination safely and without much inconvenience.

Q4. How did the journey impact your overall travel experience?

Answer 1: The enjoyable journey enhanced my overall travel experience by adding a memorable and relaxing component to it. It allowed me to appreciate the journey, not just the destination, and create lasting memories.

 

Answer 2: The scenic journey by public transport enriched my travel experience, providing unique perspectives and opportunities for exploration. It reaffirmed my preference for eco-friendly and culturally immersive modes of travel.

FAQs

Q. What kinds of topics are covered in Part 1?

Ans. In Part 1, you will be asked about familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. These questions are designed to help you relax and get comfortable.

Q. What should I do in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. In Part 2, you'll be given a topic card and have 1 minute to prepare. You must speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Focus on organising your thoughts clearly and covering all the points on the card.

Q. What happens if I can't think of anything to say in Part 2?

Ans. Try to keep talking as much as possible. If you run out of things to say, elaborate on your points with examples or additional details. The examiner will stop you when your time is up.

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