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C1 Speaking Sample Test: Transport & Commuting

Posted on 28-09-2024 by theylem | 40 views

Part 1: Introduction & Interview (2-3 Minutes)

  1. What type of transportation do you use most often?
    Sample Answer:
    “I mostly use public transport like buses and trains because it's convenient and affordable. It also helps me avoid the stress of driving and finding parking. Additionally, using public transportation is more environmentally friendly than driving a private car, which is important to me.”

  2. How do you think public transportation can be improved in your city?
    Sample Answer:
    “I think public transportation in my city could be improved by increasing the frequency of buses and trains, as well as making them more punctual. Another improvement would be to create more routes that connect different parts of the city, which would make commuting easier for more people. Also, ensuring that buses and trains are clean and well-maintained would make the experience more comfortable for passengers.”

  3. Do you prefer to travel by car or by public transport? Why?
    Sample Answer:
    “It depends on the situation. I prefer public transport for everyday commuting because it’s cheaper and less stressful than driving. However, I prefer traveling by car when I'm going on a road trip or visiting a place that’s difficult to reach by public transport, as it offers more freedom and flexibility.”


Part 2: Long Turn (4 Minutes)

Prompt:
Describe a memorable journey or trip you have taken.

  • You should say:
    • Where you went
    • How you traveled
    • What you saw and did during the journey
  • And explain why this journey was memorable for you.

Sample Answer:
“A memorable journey I took was a road trip across the coastline of my country last summer. I traveled with two friends, and we decided to drive instead of taking a train or bus because we wanted the freedom to stop whenever we found something interesting. We rented a small car and spent a week driving along the coast, stopping at beaches, small towns, and scenic viewpoints along the way. We explored hidden trails, tasted local food at roadside diners, and even camped one night under the stars. What made this journey memorable was the sense of adventure and the feeling of being able to explore places that weren’t on the typical tourist route. The breathtaking views of the ocean and the spontaneous stops we made turned it into an unforgettable experience.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think the way people travel has changed in recent years?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, definitely. With the rise of budget airlines and the availability of online booking platforms, traveling has become more accessible and affordable for many people. Additionally, the trend toward more sustainable travel has led people to consider eco-friendly options, like cycling or taking public transportation instead of driving. Technology has also changed how we plan our journeys, with navigation apps and travel guides making it easier to explore new places.”


Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 Minutes)

Task Prompt:
Here are some different types of transportation. Talk together about how convenient each type might be for traveling within a city and decide which one is the best overall.

  • Buses and trams
  • Trains and subways
  • Bicycles and e-scooters
  • Private cars and taxis
  • Walking

Sample Discussion Points:
“I think trains and subways are very convenient for traveling within a city because they’re usually fast and can avoid traffic. They can also carry a large number of passengers, which makes them efficient for cities with a high population. However, buses and trams are also widely used, and they tend to have more stops, which is useful for getting closer to your destination. What do you think about bicycles and e-scooters?”
“I agree, trains and subways are very efficient. Bicycles and e-scooters are great for short distances and are eco-friendly, but they might not be practical for longer journeys or when the weather is bad. I also think that private cars and taxis offer comfort and convenience, but they can be expensive and contribute to traffic congestion. If you had to pick one form of transport as the best overall for city travel, which one would you choose?”

Extended Answer:
“I would choose trains and subways as the best overall form of transportation for city travel because they’re fast, reliable, and help reduce traffic congestion. However, combining different forms of transport, like using a bike to get to a train station, might be the most practical way to move around the city efficiently.”


Part 4: Discussion (5 Minutes)

  1. Do you think governments should encourage people to use public transport more?
    Sample Answer:
    “Yes, I think governments should definitely encourage people to use public transport more. Using public transportation can reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve air quality. Governments can promote public transport by improving services, making fares more affordable, and raising awareness about the environmental benefits. Offering incentives, like reduced parking fees for using park-and-ride systems, can also motivate people to choose public transportation over driving.”

  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a private car?
    Sample Answer:
    “The advantages of using a private car include convenience, comfort, and the ability to travel at your own pace. It’s also easier to carry things around and reach destinations that may not be accessible by public transport. However, there are several disadvantages as well. Cars can be expensive to own and maintain, they contribute to pollution, and they can cause traffic jams in busy cities. Additionally, finding parking can be a hassle, especially in crowded areas.”

  3. How do you think the future of transportation will change?
    Sample Answer:
    “I think the future of transportation will focus more on sustainability and technology. We are already seeing a rise in electric vehicles as a way to reduce carbon emissions. There’s also growing interest in autonomous vehicles or self-driving cars, which could revolutionize how we commute. Shared transportation services, like ride-sharing and bike-sharing, are likely to become even more popular. Additionally, with smart city planning, we may see an increase in multimodal transport systems that make it easy to switch between different types of transportation, like biking to a subway station and then taking the train to work.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think cycling should be promoted more as a means of transportation in cities?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I think cycling should definitely be promoted more in cities. It’s an eco-friendly mode of transport, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and helps reduce traffic congestion. To encourage more people to cycle, cities could build better bike lanes, provide bike-sharing programs, and create safe parking areas for cyclists. With the right infrastructure and awareness campaigns, cycling can become a more popular and practical option for short commutes.”


Key Vocabulary and Phrases

  1. Public transport: Modes of transportation that are available for use by the general public, such as buses, trains, and subways.

    • "Public transport is a cost-effective way to commute."
  2. Road trip: A long-distance journey taken by car.

    • "We decided to take a road trip along the coastline."
  3. Traffic congestion: Heavy traffic that slows down movement, often in urban areas.

    • "Traffic congestion during rush hour can be frustrating."
  4. Commuting: The act of traveling to and from work or school regularly.

    • "My daily commute to work takes about 30 minutes by train."
  5. Eco-friendly: Environmentally friendly; not harmful to the environment.

    • "Riding a bike is an eco-friendly way to travel."
  6. Shared transportation: Transport services that can be used by multiple people, like ride-sharing or bike-sharing programs.

    • "Shared transportation services can reduce the number of cars on the road."
  7. Autonomous vehicles: Self-driving vehicles that do not require human intervention to operate.

    • "Autonomous vehicles could change the future of transportation."
  8. Multimodal transport systems: Systems that involve using more than one type of transport to reach a destination.

    • "Multimodal transport systems make it easier to combine cycling and public transport."
  9. Punctual: On time; not late.

    • "Public transport needs to be punctual to attract more users."
  10. Sustainable travel: Travel that is environmentally friendly and aims to reduce carbon footprint.

    • "Sustainable travel is important for protecting our planet."
  11. Affordable: Reasonably priced; not too expensive.

    • "Public transportation is usually more affordable than owning a car."
  12. Navigation apps: Applications used to find routes and directions when traveling.

    • "Navigation apps help me find the quickest way to my destination."
  13. Carbon emissions: The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to pollution and climate change.

    • "Reducing carbon emissions is a major goal of sustainable transport."
  14. Bike lanes: Dedicated lanes on the road for cyclists.

    • "Bike lanes make cycling safer and more convenient in cities."
  15. Flexible travel: Being able to choose when and where to travel without being limited by schedules or routes.

    • "Driving a car allows for more flexible travel compared to using the bus."
  16. Park-and-ride: A system where people can park their cars and transfer to public transport to complete their journey.

    • "Park-and-ride facilities help reduce the number of cars in city centers."
  17. Ride-sharing: Sharing a vehicle with others traveling in the same direction, usually arranged through an app.

    • "Ride-sharing is a convenient way to split travel costs."
  18. Cycling infrastructure: The facilities and structures that support cyclists, like bike lanes, bike racks, and cycling paths.

    • "Investing in cycling infrastructure can encourage more people to bike to work."