Describe A Time When You Were Stuck In A Traffic Jam: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- When and where it happened?
- How long you were in the traffic jam?
- What you did while waiting?
- Explain how you felt when you were in that traffic jam.

7 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
00:00
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How do you usually feel when you are stuck in traffic?
What do you think causes traffic jams in your city?
Have you ever missed an important event due to traffic?
Band 5-6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How do you usually feel when you are stuck in traffic?
What do you think causes traffic jams in your area?
Have you ever tried any strategies to avoid traffic jams?
Band 5-6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How do you usually cope with being stuck in traffic?
Have you experienced traffic jams in other cities?
What do you think causes traffic jams in cities?
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Band 5-6
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Follow up questions
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How do you feel about living in a big city like Mumbai compared to your village?
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Band 5-6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How do you usually cope with being stuck in traffic?
What do you think causes traffic jams in your area?
Have you ever missed an important event due to traffic?
Cue 1:When and where it happened?
- Begin by specifying the exact location and time of the traffic jam, such as a busy road or a specific city.
- Mention any relevant details about the day, like weather conditions or events happening nearby.
Example
It was a Tuesday evening around 6 PM, and I was driving home from work in Bangalore. The roads were particularly congested due to a local festival, which always attracts a lot of traffic.
Cue 2:How long you were in the traffic jam?
- Clearly state the duration of the traffic jam, using specific time frames like minutes or hours.
- You can also mention if it felt longer or shorter than expected.
Example
I ended up stuck in that traffic jam for nearly an hour. At first, it felt like it would be a quick delay, but as the minutes passed, it seemed to drag on forever.
Cue 3:What you did while waiting?
- Describe the activities you engaged in while waiting, such as listening to music or making phone calls.
- Mention any thoughts or reflections you had during this time.
Example
While I was waiting, I decided to listen to some music to pass the time. I also called a friend to chat, which helped distract me from the frustration of being stuck.
Cue 4:Explain how you felt when you were in that traffic jam.
- Share your emotions during the traffic jam, whether it was frustration, boredom, or something else.
- You can also reflect on how you coped with those feelings.
Example
I felt quite frustrated at first, especially knowing I was missing dinner plans. However, as time went on, I tried to stay calm and reminded myself that getting upset wouldn’t change the situation.
Conclusion
Example
Overall, being stuck in that traffic jam was a test of patience. It taught me to be more mindful of my travel times and to always have a backup plan for busy days. Despite the inconvenience, I managed to turn it into a moment of relaxation by listening to music and connecting with a friend.
Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.
Tips to answer this Cue Card
1: Vague Descriptions
Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. Specific details help the examiner understand your experience better.
Tip
Include specific details about the location, time, and circumstances of the traffic jam to make your answer more vivid.
2: Neglecting Emotions
Failing to express your feelings during the traffic jam can make your response less relatable. Emotions add depth to your story.
Tip
Share how you felt during the traffic jam, whether it was frustration, boredom, or something else, to connect with the examiner.
Lack of Structure
A disorganized response can confuse the listener. A clear structure helps convey your message effectively.
Tip
Follow the cue prompts in order, discussing when and where it happened, how long you were stuck, what you did, and your feelings.

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