IELTS Speaking Part 3
Public transport
Practise discussing broader issues connected with public transport. These are original discussion prompts, not official or predicted exam questions.
Original practice material · Draft: editorial review pending
Practice questions
1. How has public transport changed over the last generation?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
2. Why do people have different attitudes towards public transport?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
3. What benefits can public transport bring to individuals or communities?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
4. What problems can arise when public transport is handled poorly?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
5. What role should schools, families or employers play in public transport?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
6. Should governments invest more public resources in public transport? Why or why not?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
7. How might public transport develop over the next twenty years?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
8. How might attitudes towards public transport differ between generations or cultures?
- Give a clear position.
- Explain the main reason or trade-off.
- Support it with an example.
- Acknowledge a different perspective when useful.
Develop your ideas
- compare past and present
- explain causes and effects
- consider advantages and disadvantages
- give an example
- qualify an opinion
- suggest a realistic solution
Useful language
- One important factor is…
- A possible downside is…
- Compared with the past,…
- It depends on…
- For instance,…
- In the long term,…
An example to develop
- A frequent bus may be useful to office workers but less useful if its last service leaves before a hospital night shift ends. Explain whose needs a timetable serves.
- Choose a relevant question above. State your view, explain how this example supports it, and consider one limitation. These are hypothetical practice examples, not research claims.
Practise your answer
Use the existing speaking practice tools, or type instead. This is practice feedback, not an IELTS band score.
up to 90 seconds practice.