Sameer from Kolkata described his city’s traffic in a Part 3 practice. He said “too much traffic” three times and couldn’t explain what to do about it.

Learn IELTS transport and cities vocabulary as phrases with their usual partners, not as single words. The 15 phrases below sit in two groups, with three Task 2 questions and three Part 3 questions to practise on.

Can You Describe a Problem and a Solution?

IDP IELTS gives Task 2 examples that ask two things at once, such as what problems something causes and what can be done about them. “Too much traffic” names a problem; the phrases below help you describe causes and solutions.

Metro rail in several Indian cities, two-wheelers, long commutes and migration from villages to cities give you everyday examples.

Transport Words: Getting Around

Word or phrase Meaning Example
traffic congestion Roads so full of traffic that vehicles move slowly or stop. Extra bus lanes may help to reduce traffic congestion.
public transport Buses, trains and other services that people share to travel. Public transport can be cheaper than running a car.
commute To travel regularly between home and work (also a noun). She commutes from the suburbs to the city centre every day.
rush hour The busy time when people travel to or from work. Buses are slow and crowded during the evening rush hour.
car ownership The fact of owning a car. Car ownership can bring parking problems to city centres.
metro system An urban railway network, often partly underground. A metro system can connect the suburbs to the city centre.
cycle lane A part of a road that only bicycles may use. Safe cycle lanes may encourage more people to cycle to work.
pedestrian A person who is walking rather than travelling in a vehicle. Wider pavements make roads safer for pedestrians.

City Words: City Life

Word or phrase Meaning Example
urbanisation The process of more people living and working in towns and cities. Urbanisation puts pressure on housing, water and transport.
urban sprawl The spread of city buildings into the surrounding countryside. Urban sprawl can take over farmland around a growing city.
housing shortage Not enough homes for the people who need them. A housing shortage can push up rents in big cities.
green spaces Parks and other open areas with grass and trees. Green spaces give city residents a place to relax.
quality of life The level of health, comfort and happiness a person or group has. Cleaner air can improve residents’ quality of life.
overcrowding Too many people or things in one place. Overcrowding on trains can make travel stressful.
cost of living The money people need to pay for food, housing and clothes. Rising rents can increase the cost of living.

Collocation and Word Form: Errors to Avoid

Incorrect: “The government should invest in more public transports.”

Correct: “The government should invest in more public transport.”

Public transport is uncountable, so it has no plural “s”.

Incorrect: “Many people travel with public transport to work.”

Correct: “Many people travel by public transport to work.”

Oxford Learner’s gives the example “to travel on/by public transport”.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Transport and City Practice Questions

Give yourself five minutes to plan each answer, which is our advice, not an IELTS rule. Then write it using at least four phrases from the tables.

Practice question 1 (written for this post)

Some people believe that public transport should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

  • Free fares might encourage some drivers to leave their cars at home.
  • Free travel would help low-income families spend less on transport.
  • Without fares, governments would need other money to run services.
  • Free services may become crowded and still need investment.

Practice question 2 (written for this post)

Some people move from villages to cities to find work. What problems does this cause, and what can be done about them?

  • More people can mean housing shortages and higher rents.
  • Water, electricity and roads may come under pressure.
  • Cities could build affordable homes and improve public transport.
  • Governments could create jobs in smaller towns and villages.

Practice question 3 (written for this post)

Some people argue that private cars should be banned from city centres, while others think this would cause problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

  • Fewer cars could mean cleaner air, less noise and safer streets for pedestrians.
  • Car-free zones can be used for walking, cycling and street markets.
  • Shopkeepers may worry about deliveries and customers who need to drive.
  • Disabled people or those carrying heavy loads may need access.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Transport and City Questions and Sample Answers

Part 3 is a discussion of general, abstract issues linked to your Part 2 topic, so practise extended answers on abstract topics and language for giving reasons.

How could traffic in your city be reduced?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

I think the city should invest in public transport, for example by extending the metro system to newer suburbs. If buses have their own lanes and trains come every few minutes, more people might leave their cars at home. That could reduce traffic congestion and shorten the daily commute.

Is it better to live in a city or in the countryside?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

It depends what you value. Cities offer more jobs and services, but the cost of living is high and overcrowding can lower your quality of life. The countryside has cleaner air and green spaces, although a long trip to a good hospital can be a problem.

What will cities be like in 50 years?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

It’s hard to say, but I imagine urbanisation will continue, so planners will try to control urban sprawl by building upwards. There may be fewer private cars, with more cycle lanes and areas for pedestrians. I hope the air will be cleaner too.

Tip

Describe your own daily commute aloud, using three phrases from the first table.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn transport phrases with their usual partners, not as single words.
  • Public transport is uncountable, so it takes no plural “s”.
  • In Part 3, name a problem and then give a solution.

The bottom line: Replace “too much traffic” with traffic congestion, then add one solution, such as a metro system or cycle lane.