Have you ever felt unsure about how to start your IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer? The topic Describe an enjoyable journey by public transport is a common one, but it can be tricky without good preparation. To achieve a high score, you need to build a lively story, use descriptive vocabulary for places, emotions, and context, and present your ideas in a clear and logical way to impress the examiner.
This guide will provide sample answers, outlines, and vocabulary to help you confidently handle this topic in the IELTS Speaking test.
1. Understanding the Topic – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card: Describe an enjoyable journey by public transport You should say:
Where you went
Who you were with
What you did
And how you felt about it
This task is part of the Describe an experience question type. To answer effectively, you should tell a story about a real (or imagined) journey using public transport. Focus on why it was enjoyable, what made it special, and how you felt during the trip.
2. Suggested Outline – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Where you went | A train trip from Jaipur to Udaipur about a year ago. This journey was memorable for several reasons. |
Who you were with
| I travelled with my family, including my parents and younger brother.
The journey was about 5 hours long but felt much shorter because of how pleasant it was.
We decided to take the train because it’s comfortable and scenic |
What you did
| We enjoyed looking out of the windows at the beautiful countryside
We also brought some snacks and had a little picnic on the train, which made the journey even more enjoyable.
We spent time chatting, playing games, and taking pictures. |
And how you felt about it
| I felt very relaxed and happy throughout the trip. The train ride allowed us to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the Indian countryside.
It was an excellent way to spend time together as a family and start our holiday positively.
It not only provided us with beautiful views and a comfortable ride but also gave us precious time to bond as a family. |
3. Sample Answer – IELTS Speaking Part 2
I would like to talk about an unforgettable journey I took last summer by train, which turned out to be very enjoyable. It was a trip from my hometown Hanoi to Da Nang, a picturesque coastal city in central Vietnam. I went there for a short getaway to relax and explore new places.
I travelled with a few close friends, and we had been planning the trip for months. When the day finally came, we were buzzing with excitement. It was the perfect chance to escape the hectic pace of city life and create meaningful shared memories.
The journey took about 16 hours, but it never felt boring. We spent time chatting, playing cards, and enjoying the breathtaking views of endless rice paddies, rolling hills, and dramatic mountains. We also brought snacks and drinks, which made the ride even more comfortable—almost like a picnic on the train.
What made this journey particularly enjoyable was the laid-back atmosphere. Unlike flying, there was no rush or stress. The train was spacious, we could stretch, walk around, or simply relax by the window.
Throughout the trip, I felt completely at ease. It was a refreshing change of pace, and it made me appreciate the charm and practicality of public transport for long-distance travel. I would definitely choose this mode of transport again.
High-scoring vocabulary:
unforgettable journey – a trip you will always remember
picturesque coastal city – beautiful seaside city
buzzing with excitement – very enthusiastic
breathtaking views – amazing scenery
laid-back atmosphere – relaxed and stress-free
refreshing change of pace – a new and enjoyable experience
4. Sample Answers – IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q: Do you think free public transport can solve traffic problems?
Free public transport may help reduce traffic congestion, as more people would choose buses or metro systems instead of private cars. This would ease road congestion during peak hours and improve air quality. However, it requires strong financial planning and public funding, which can be challenging to implement.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using public transport?
Advantages include being environmentally sustainable, cost-effective, and less stressful than driving. However, disadvantages include overcrowding during rush hours, inflexible schedules, and possible delays or cancellations.
Q: What difficulties do commuters face during rush hours?
Traffic congestion often causes long delays and stress. Public transport also becomes overcrowded, with limited seating and standing space, making the journey uncomfortable.
5. Vocabulary for “Describe an Enjoyable Journey by Public Transport”
Useful words and phrases:
scenic route – road with beautiful views
breathtaking view – stunning scenery
bustling atmosphere – lively environment
leisurely pace – slow and relaxing speed
cultural immersion – experience local culture
traffic congestion – heavy traffic
Collocations:
catch a glimpse of the scenery
soak up the atmosphere
board the train or bus
embark on a journey
reach the destination
navigate the transport system
Idioms:
hit the road – start a journey
travel light – carry little luggage
off the beaten track – visit less-known places
in the same boat – in the same situation
a smooth ride – an easy and comfortable trip
Master the Topic with IDP
The topic Describe an enjoyable journey by public transport is a great chance to showcase storytelling skills, descriptive vocabulary, and logical ideas in IELTS Speaking. With a clear outline, strong vocabulary, and practice, you will be ready to impress the examiner.
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