IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Travel

Describe a form of transport you enjoy using

Describe a form of transport you enjoy using

You should say:

  • what type of transport it is
  • how often you use it
  • where you usually travel using it

and explain why you prefer this form of transport over others.

How to plan your answer

Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.

  1. 1

    what type of transport it is

    Type of transport: A lightweight hybrid bicycle suitable for city riding.

  2. 2

    how often you use it

    Frequency: I ride it almost every day from early spring to late autumn.

  3. 3

    where you usually travel using it

    Where: Used for my daily work commute and weekend rides in local parks.

  4. 4

    and explain why you prefer this form of transport over others.

    Why prefer: Helps bypass traffic, offers daily exercise, and produces zero emissions.

Sample answer

about 231 words · 2 minutes

The form of transport I really enjoy using is my hybrid bicycle. It is a sleek, lightweight bike designed for city cycling, combining features of both road and mountain bikes. I ride it almost every single day, particularly from early spring to late autumn when the weather is pleasant. Even in winter, if the roads are clear and not too icy, I still prefer taking my bike out rather than sitting in a crowded bus or car. As for where I travel, I mainly use it for my daily commute to work. My workplace is about five kilometers away from my apartment, which takes roughly twenty minutes on two wheels. On weekends, I often ride along the scenic riverbank path or through local parks to unwind and catch some fresh air. There are several reasons why I prefer cycling over other modes of transport. First of all, it allows me to completely bypass gridlocked traffic during peak hours, saving me a huge amount of time and stress. Secondly, it is a fantastic way to incorporate physical exercise into my daily routine without needing a gym membership. Lastly, it is environmentally friendly, producing zero emissions, which gives me peace of mind knowing I am not contributing to urban air pollution. All in all, cycling offers me freedom, health benefits, and convenience, making it my absolute favorite way to get around the city.

A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.

Useful phrases

  • daily commute to work

    My daily commute to work takes about thirty minutes by train.

  • bypass gridlocked traffic

    Taking the back streets helped us bypass gridlocked traffic during rush hour.

  • peak hours

    Public transit is usually overcrowded during peak hours.

  • incorporate physical exercise into

    I try to incorporate physical exercise into my busy weekly schedule.

  • environmentally friendly

    Switching to public transport is an environmentally friendly choice.

Common mistakes

I am prefer riding bicycle than driving.

I prefer riding a bicycle to driving.

Use prefer doing something to doing something else instead of than.

It helps me to save many time.

It helps me save a lot of time.

Time is uncountable, so use a lot of or much instead of many.

I ride on my bike every days.

I ride my bike every day.

Every requires a singular noun like day and on is unnecessary here.

Tips for a higher band

  • Use topic-specific vocabulary related to transportation, such as commute, peak hours, and gridlocked traffic.
  • Maintain a natural speaking rhythm by grouping words into meaningful chunks rather than speaking word by word.
  • Vary your complex structures by using conditional clauses like if the roads are clear or complex prepositions like rather than.

Part 3 follow-up questions

After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.

  • How do you think public transport in major cities could be improved in the future?
  • Why do many people still prefer driving private cars despite heavy traffic congestion?
  • Do you think local governments should encourage non-motorized transport like cycling?

Now try this cue card

1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.

Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.

Describe a form of transport you enjoy using (IELTS Cue Card & Sample Answer)