Cue Card

Describe a trip that you went on by public transportation

You should say:

• Where you went
• What means of transportation you took
• Who you were with
• How you felt about the trip

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. In what ways can we fix traffic problems?
2. Is it fair to limit the use of private cars?
3. Should governments encourage people to use public transportation?
4. What’s the most popular means of transportation in your country?
5. Do you prefer public or private transportation? Why?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the time I took the Greyhound bus from New York to Los Angeles. It was a wild ride, and I don't just mean the potholes on the highway. As I settled into my seat, I noticed a guy in his mid-40s, dressed in a full suit, clutching a briefcase and looking like he owned the place. He struck up a conversation, telling me he was a traveling salesman, and we chatted for hours about everything from the best diners on the East Coast to our shared love of 80s rock music.

As the bus rumbled on, we picked up a few more passengers, including a young couple on their honeymoon and a group of rowdy college kids on spring break. The atmosphere on the bus transformed into a makeshift community, with strangers sharing snacks and stories. We even had an impromptu sing-along to a Bon Jovi song that came on the radio.

But the real highlight of the trip was when we hit a massive traffic jam outside of Chicago. The bus driver, a gruff but lovable guy named Joe, decided to take a detour through a rural town. We ended up driving down a dirt road, passing by cornfields and farmhouses, and even stopping at a local diner for a impromptu lunch break. It was like a scene from a movie – the whole bus erupted in cheers and applause when Joe announced we were going to make a pit stop.

As we finally pulled into LA, I felt a pang of sadness. I had grown attached to my fellow passengers, and the bus had become a temporary home. The salesman and I exchanged numbers, promising to grab a drink the next time we were in the same city. As I stepped off the bus, I realized that sometimes the best trips are the ones you don't plan – and the people you meet along the way are the real destination.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

wild ride

an exciting or unpredictable experience

The rollercoaster was a wild ride!

My first year of college was a wild ride.

potholes

holes or dips in a road surface

The road was full of potholes, so we had to drive slowly.

The city needs to fix the potholes on Main Street.

briefcase

a case used to carry papers, documents, and other work-related items

He carried a briefcase to Work every day.

She used her briefcase to carry her laptop and files.

Sample Part 3 Answers

In what ways can we fix traffic problems? I think one way to fix traffic problems is to invest in public transportation infrastructure. I was on a trip recently where I took the train to visit my family in another city, and it was amazing how efficient it was. The train was clean, comfortable, and on time. I was able to relax and enjoy the scenery while I traveled, which was a huge contrast to the stress of driving in traffic. If more people had access to reliable public transportation like that, I think it would really reduce the number of cars on the road and ease congestion. Plus, it would be better for the environment and reduce air pollution. So, investing in public transportation infrastructure, like trains, buses, and bike lanes, could really make a big difference.

Is it fair to limit the use of private cars? I think it's fair to limit the use of private cars in certain areas, like city centers or highly congested roads. I remember visiting a city in Europe where the city center was closed to cars, and it was amazing how pedestrian-friendly it was. People were able to walk and bike safely, and the air was much cleaner. By limiting private cars in certain areas, cities can create more livable spaces and reduce pollution. Of course, it's not always fair to limit private cars, especially for people who need them for work or other essential activities. But in areas where public transportation is available, I think it's reasonable to encourage people to use it instead of driving.

Should governments encourage people to use public transportation? Absolutely, governments should encourage people to use public transportation. Not only is it better for the environment, but it's also more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. I've noticed that when I take public transportation, I'm able to be more productive during my commute, whether it's reading a book or catching up on work emails. Plus, it's a great way to reduce stress and anxiety caused by driving in traffic. Governments can encourage people to use public transportation by investing in reliable and convenient systems, offering incentives like discounted fares or tax breaks, and educating people about the benefits of using public transportation.

What’s the most popular means of transportation in your country? In the US, I think the most popular means of transportation is still driving a car. However, I've noticed that there's a growing trend towards using public transportation, especially among younger people. I've seen more and more cities investing in bike-share programs, ride-hailing services, and expanded public transportation systems. I think this is a great trend, as it's more sustainable and efficient than driving a car. Plus, it's often more affordable and convenient, especially in urban areas.

Do you prefer public or private transportation? Why? I prefer public transportation, and it's because of the convenience and flexibility it offers. When I took that train trip to visit my family, I was able to relax and enjoy the scenery, which was a huge contrast to the stress of driving. Plus, I didn't have to worry about parking or traffic, which was a huge relief. I also appreciate that public transportation is often more affordable than driving a car, especially for longer trips. Of course, there are times when private transportation is necessary, but overall, I prefer public transportation for its convenience and efficiency.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

on time

arriving or happening at the planned or expected time

The train was on time, so I arrived at my destination exactly as planned.