Cue Card

Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic jam

You should say:

• when it happened
• why there was a traffic jam
• what you did; and
• explain how you felt about the traffic jam.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How can we reduce the number of traffic jams?
2. Do you think developing public transportation will reduce the number of traffic jams?
3. Do you think building more highways will reduce the frequency of traffic jams?
4. What are some good ways to reduce the amount of cars on the roads?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was driving home from a concert on a Friday night, and the highway was a parking lot. I mean, it was literally a parking lot – people were getting out of their cars, stretching their legs, and chatting with each other like we were all old friends. I was stuck in that jam for three hours, and it was a wild ride. At first, I was frustrated, but then I started to people-watch and noticed all the weird things people do when they're stuck in traffic. Like, have you ever seen someone try to eat a bowl of soup while driving? It's a real thing.

As I sat there, I started to think about how traffic jams are like life. Sometimes you're moving along just fine, and then suddenly you hit a roadblock. But it's how you respond to that roadblock that matters. Do you get angry and honk your horn, or do you take a deep breath and enjoy the view? I started to think about all the times in my life when I'd gotten stuck, and how I'd responded. Had I been patient and open to new experiences, or had I gotten frustrated and tried to force my way through?

As the hours passed, the traffic started to move, and I found myself feeling a little sad to leave my new friends behind. We'd all been through something together, and it had created a strange sort of camaraderie. As I drove away, I realized that sometimes getting stuck can be a blessing in disguise. It forces you to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the people and world around you. And who knows, you might even make some new friends along the way.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

parking lot

a place where cars are parked, but in this context, it means a place where cars are not moving

The highway was a parking lot

The concert venue was a parking lot

people-watch

to observe and study people, often in a public place

I love to people-watch at the airport

People-watching is my favorite thing to do on the subway

roadblock

an obstacle or barrier that prevents progress or movement

The traffic jam was a roadblock on my way home

The lack of funding was a roadblock to our project

Sample Part 3 Answers

How can we reduce the number of traffic jams? One way to reduce the number of traffic jams is to improve traffic management systems. For instance, smart traffic lights that adjust their timing in real-time based on traffic flow can help prevent congestion. Additionally, implementing intelligent routing systems that provide drivers with real-time traffic updates can help redirect traffic away from congested areas. By leveraging technology, we can optimize traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of traffic jams.

Do you think developing public transportation will reduce the number of traffic jams? I strongly believe that developing public transportation can significantly reduce the number of traffic jams. When people have a reliable and efficient public transportation system, they are more likely to leave their cars behind and use buses, trains, or subways to commute. This not only reduces the number of cars on the road but also decreases the likelihood of traffic congestion. For example, cities like Tokyo and New York have well-developed public transportation systems, and as a result, they have fewer traffic jams compared to cities with underdeveloped public transportation.

Do you think building more highways will reduce the frequency of traffic jams? While building more highways might seem like a straightforward solution to reduce traffic jams, I'm not convinced it's the most effective approach. In many cases, building more highways can actually lead to a phenomenon called 'induced demand,' where the increased capacity of the highway encourages more people to drive, ultimately leading to more congestion. Furthermore, building more highways can also lead to urban sprawl, making cities more spread out and increasing the need for lengthy commutes. Instead, I think we should focus on optimizing our existing infrastructure and promoting alternative modes of transportation.

What are some good ways to reduce the amount of cars on the roads? One effective way to reduce the number of cars on the road is to promote flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours. By allowing employees to work from home or adjust their schedules, we can reduce the number of cars on the road during peak hours. Another approach is to encourage carpooling and ride-sharing. For instance, companies can offer incentives for employees who carpool or use ride-sharing services, reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. Additionally, investing in bike-friendly infrastructure, such as bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, can also encourage people to opt for alternative modes of transportation.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

traffic management systems

systems that monitor and control traffic flow to reduce congestion

smart traffic lights

intelligent routing systems

public transportation

shared or collective transportation systems available to the public

buses

trains

subways

induced demand

the phenomenon where increased capacity leads to increased usage, offsetting the benefits of the increase

building more highways leads to more people driving

urban sprawl

the spreading out of urban areas, often resulting in longer commutes

cities with limited public transportation

telecommuting

working from home or remotely

flexible work arrangements

working from home

carpooling

sharing a ride with others to reduce the number of cars on the road

ride-sharing services

carpooling programs

bike-friendly infrastructure

infrastructure that supports and encourages cycling

bike lanes

bike-sharing programs