Describe a traffic jam you were stuck in – IELTS part 2 and 3
Describe a time you were stuck in a traffic jam
- When and where it happened
- How long were you in it
- What you did while waiting
And explain how you felt about it
“As I commute into the city for work every day, I always do my best to avoid the rush hour traffic, which is not always easy. I usually get up at 6 am and catch the bus at 6.30 to beat the heavy traffic, and go for a relaxing coffee before starting work.
However, about 2 weeks ago, I slept in on a monday morning and didn’t wake up until 8am,missing the early bus, and not catching the next one until 8.30, which i knew would mean being late for work due to the traffic.
Normally the bus ride into the city centre takes about 45 minutes, but because of taking the bus during the peak rush hour it now took almost 2 hours. The traffic was unbelievable, and cars were bumper to bumper, moving at a snail’s pace, for the entire journey.
What made it even worse was that the bus was full, and passengers were packed together like sardines , which also meant I had to stand for the full journey. To try and pass the time, I just read the news using my mobile phone, as well as messaging my boss to let him know I would be late for work due to the heavy traffic.
I’m not the most patient person and being stuck in a traffic jam like this is something I really hate, and always something I try to avoid. I also take pride in always being on time for work, and felt absolutely terrible to be over an hour late on this day. I now set 2 alarms every night to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.
Thank you”
Idioms
- Bumper to bumper
If traffic is bumper to bumper, it means the vehicles are so close to one another that they are almost touching and moving very slowly.
- At a snail’s pace
To move very slowly, like a snail.
- Packed like sardines
If you say that a crowd of people are packed like sardines, you are emphasising that they are sitting or standing so close together that they cannot move easily.
Part 3 questions – Describe a time you were stuck in a traffic jam.
1.What are some ways we could solve traffic problems?
“I think this is a very serious problem that faces so many cities today, and there is certainly no quick fix to solve the problem. However, personally I believe the powers that be really have to try and improve the public transportation system, before anything can change….for example develop more subway lines and bus routes.
Another thing would be to actually ban private cars in city centres, which I think could be a necessary evil to really get to grips with this problem. Furthermore, I think the government could develop more bicycle lanes, and encourage people to cycle to work rather than driving a car, which would not only help ease the congestion, but would also be a big help to the environment. “
See the idioms explained below.
2.Should governments encourage people to use public transportation?
“Yes, I believe governments should certainly push people to use public transportation more, rather than driving private cars, which I think is the main cause of traffic problems today. Not only would this help with the terrible traffic and congestion problems that cities face today, but it would also be very beneficial to the environment.
Having said that, I think that the government must first do more to improve the public transport system, as public transportation in my city is still very basic, and not able to cope with the growing population. “
3.What is the most popular form of transportation in your country?
“I guess the most popular form of transportation in Vietnam today is still the motorbike, although this is starting to change, and there are more and more cars every year, which is of course leading to more traffic problems.
In the countryside and smaller towns motorbikes are still very much the main form of transportation, and few people can actually afford their own car. However, in the big cities, many families now have a private car, which makes it very convenient for them to enjoy family trips out of the busy city.”
4.Do you prefer private or public transportation?
“Well, I think it really depends on the situation….. If I’m travelling into the city centre, I am happy to take the bus or subway, as it’s both cheap and convenient, and I don’t have to worry about finding a parking space. What’s more, I’m also doing my bit for the environment by using public transportation.
Mind you, if I’m taking a trip into the countryside, or a family outing, I prefer to drive as there is little public transportation outside of the cities. On top of that, I really enjoy the experience of driving in the countryside, as well as being able to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.”
Idioms
- No quick fix
To say that there is no quick fix to a problem means that there is no simple solution to the problem.
“There is no quick fix to pollution, and it’s going to take years of reforms and hard work to solve the problem.”
The powers that be
The powers that be refers to the people who are in charge of, or control a situation, and decide what should be done.
“The students wanted to have a big party in the school, but the powers that be wouldn’t allow it.”
- A necessary evil
A necessary evil is something that we don’t like, but we understand it is needed, and we must accept it.
“I really hate having to wear a face mask due to the covid pandemic, but I do understand it’s a necessary evil.”
- Get to grips with
To start to understand a problem and be able to deal with it.
“We really need to get to grips with the problem of drug addiction before it spirals out of control.”
See 17 great idioms for discussing problems
More part 2 and part 3 example answers
Describing people in part 2 topics
Describe an important river example answer
Describe a positive change you made
Describe something that helps you concentrate on study
Describe a movie that you like
Describe a rule that you don’t like
