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Long car journey notes are quite popular in the IELTS speaking test, as car journeys and any kind of travel are an integral part of everyone’s life. Therefore, practicing IELTS cue cards, such as “Describe a long car journey you have taken”, is essential for IELTS Speaking practice.
Let’s explore 3 sample answers on the topic – Describe a long car journey you have taken – along with related IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions to hone your speaking skills.
Describe a long car journey you have been on.
- You should say Where did you go.
- What did you do there?
- Who did you go there with?
- Explain why you made this car trip.
Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1
- Where you went?
Exploring Goa, a popular holiday destination in India, has always been on my bucket list. So last summer, I grabbed the opportunity that was given to me and I did not miss it. My family and I took a road trip from my hometown to Goa. The journey was about 600 km and it took us almost 10 hours by car to get there.
- What did you do there?
When we were in Goa, we spent most of our time on the beach. I went swimming, sampled the local seafood, and even explored the local flea markets with my sister. We also visited some famous tourist spots like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Dudhsagar Falls.
- Who did you go there with?
I went there with my family, including my parents and sister. It was a trip that we had planned for a long time and we all enjoyed the trip together, especially the music and snacks that we had prepared for the trip.
- Explain why you took this trip by car.
We chose to travel by car because it gave us the opportunity to stop wherever we wanted. We stopped at various scenic spots along the way and took pictures, which would not have been possible if we had taken a plane or train. Also, driving together gave us more family bonding time, which was one of the main reasons for the trip.
Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
- Where you went?
Travel and tourism stories have always fascinated me and the idea of driving down a beautiful avenue or even a flat road gives me a sense of excitement. Thinking of a trip as the best trip and continuing to bring back fond memories of adventure is related to my trip with friends to Triyuginarayana in Uttarakhand.
- What did you do there?
So it was a random plan and I hadn’t thought about it for a long time. However, as they say, “unplanned trips turn out to be the best trips”, this trip lived up to that belief. After class, all my friends decided to plan a weekend trip together. After a long discussion, we all unanimously decided to start our journey to Triyuginarayan the next day. We all had a lot of fun and joy along the way and of course at the destination, looking back at that day brought back a lot of memories and a bit of nostalgia.
- Who did you go there with?
There were a total of seven people on this trip and all of them were my classmates. We had a lot of fun along the way, including listening to the best local playlist and playing a lot of games. We all brought a lot of snacks to munch on along the way and all of this made this amazing journey through the snow-capped mountains an ecstatic experience.
- Tell us why you took this trip.
Since we had been planning to go on tour for a long time and it was our final year of college, this trip was a great idea. However, due to the sudden nature of the project, we couldn’t find a train or bus reservation to get there so we decided to take a friend’s car. Luckily, it was the best idea. I wish I could relive those days with those people.
Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3
- Where you went?
A few months ago, my brother and I took a trip from Mumbai to Udaipur, a distance of about 750 km. It was a much-needed break from the demanding IELTS preparation. The trip took about 14 hours and we passed through several towns and rural landscapes along the way. Udaipur, often called the ‘city of lakes’, is famous for its historic palaces, beautiful lakes and rich cultural heritage.
- What did you do there?
During our stay in Udaipur, we explored various historical sites, including the City Palace, which offers a stunning view of Lake Pichola. We also took a boat ride on the lake and visited Jag Mandir Island. We also spent some time exploring the local markets, which are famous for their traditional textiles and crafts. Another highlight was visiting the Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, which offers an incredible panoramic view of the city at sunset. Although I wanted to stay a few more days and immerse myself in the cultural and historical past of the place, my brother kept reminding me about my upcoming exams.
- Who are you going there with?
I went on this trip with my brother, as this was a vacation we had planned together for a long time. He lives in Bangalore due to his job and so we could spend less time there now. We both love exploring new places and the idea of taking a trip to Udaipur excited us. The long hours in the car gave us plenty of time to have deep conversations and enjoy each other’s company.
- Explain why you are taking this trip by car.
We chose to road trip because we wanted to enjoy the freedom of driving. The idea was to stop at small villages along the way and explore lesser-known sights. The trip allowed us to experience a gradual change in landscape from the coastal regions of Maharashtra to the more arid landscapes of Rajasthan. The flexibility of being able to set your own pace, combined with the joy of exploring places off the beaten path, made road tripping the perfect choice for this trip.
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Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on
Check out some IELTS vocabulary to use when answering the ‘Describe a long car journey you have taken’ cue card and make sure you impress the IELTS examiner.
Flea market
Meaning: a type of street market that sells goods, usually at low prices.
Example: Local people hold flea markets on weekends to showcase their crafts to tourists.
Avenue
Meaning: tree-lined street
Example: The avenue that connects town to town is a wonderful artery.
Odyssey
Meaning: a journey or a long period of time that includes many different and interesting activities.
Ex.: Odyssey and exploration have always been my top priorities.
Random
Meaning: unforeseen
Example: Everything was decided randomly and without careful preparation.
Excogitate
Meaning: devise a plan
Example: We all make plans to overcome this threat.
Ecstatic
Meaning: Excited/delighted
Example: An ecstatic experience is following what your heart tells you to do.
Demanding
Meaning: requires a lot of effort, care, skill, etc.
Example: His demanding office job took a terrible toll on his health.
Panoramic
Meaning: shows panoramic or wide view
Example: The panoramic view from Tiger’s Point is worth seeing.
On the street
Meaning: is little known or popular with many people
Example: They met very few people on the street.
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Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on – IELTS Part 3 Follow-Up Questions
In Part 3, you will be asked a number of questions related to the topic of the paper given to you in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test. Below are sample answers to the Part 3 questions mentioned in the previous part of the article with sample answers selected by experts.
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What are the advantages of a private car? / Why do people like to have a private car?
Many people choose to own a private car because it brings many benefits. Convenience is the main advantage. People who own personal vehicles have complete control over their schedules because they can drive whenever and wherever they want without being restricted by public transport schedules. In addition, cars are more comfortable because they provide a better protected atmosphere, which is especially useful for long trips or in bad weather. In addition, personal cars are also the best choice for individuals, families who need to transport large volumes or many passengers.
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What are the advantages of public transport?
One of the main advantages of public transport is that it is more affordable than buying and maintaining a personal vehicle. Public transport also helps reduce traffic congestion because fewer cars on the road means less traffic and faster travel times for people. Compared to private vehicles, it is a more environmentally friendly choice because it creates less pollution and carbon emissions. Additionally, using public transport can reduce the burden of driving, freeing up time for people to work, read or relax on their way to work.
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How are bicycles and coaches different?
There are significant differences between personal vehicles and bicycles, such as size, speed and usage.
Bicycles are more compact, more environmentally friendly and require physical effort to pedal. They are more economical and perfect for short trips. On the other hand, personal vehicles are more spacious, faster and more comfortable, especially for long journeys. In addition, cars can carry more passengers and more loads, but they contribute to traffic jams or pollution.
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What can we say about the cars of the future?
The cars of the future will be self-driving cars and vehicles. With the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, self-driving cars will replace current cars. In addition, with poor environmental conditions, cars will become more environmentally friendly.
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What about car ownership in the future?
In my opinion, car ownership will not be the same as it is now. Due to the population explosion and the increasing number of car owners, car ownership will be shared on a common basis and carpooling will be very common.
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Do many families in your country own their own cars?
Yes, many families in my country, especially in urban and suburban areas, own their own cars. Owning a car is a necessity in cities because public transportation can be unreliable in some areas. Additionally, owning a car is more practical for families with children or those who travel long distances frequently. However, middle-class and upper-class families are more likely to own a car because they can be expensive to buy and maintain.
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Is it a good thing for everyone to have their own car?
Although having a car brings freedom and convenience, not everyone should have one. If everyone owned a car, it would likely lead to more pollution, traffic congestion, and the need for additional infrastructure, such as parking lots and highways. Additionally, owning a large number of cars can exacerbate environmental issues such as carbon emissions.
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What are the differences in car buying preferences between men and women?
Men tend to be more concerned with technical factors such as speed and design and prefer cars with higher performance, such as sports cars or cars with powerful engines. On the other hand, when choosing a car, women often prioritize comfort, safety features and utility. Cars with larger cargo capacity, better fuel economy or easier handling may be their choice. But everyone’s tastes are very different, and more and more men and women are making decisions based on their own needs rather than following a stereotype.
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How to buy a private car in your country?
In my country, buying a private car is usually a simple process. First, individuals can go to authorized dealers or browse online platforms to compare different models and prices. After choosing a car, buyers usually negotiate the price and complete the paperwork, including registration and insurance. Financing options, such as car loans or installment payments, are also available for those who cannot pay the full amount up front. Once all the paperwork is completed, the buyer can take delivery of the vehicle. There is also a used car market for those looking for more affordable options.
Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions on Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on
Improve your IELTS score by incorporating the impressive vocabulary provided below when answering the following questions in the IELTS Speaking section for long journeys cue cards.
Minimize
Meaning: to do something as small as possible (in amount or degree)
Example: The company will reduce the working hours of its employees this month.
Commute to work every day
Meaning: To travel a long distance from home to work every day
Example: My father has to commute to work every day.
Surge
Meaning: uprise
Example: The crime rate in the city increased after the death of the brave policeman.
Outbreak
Meaning: increased suddenly
Example: During the discussion, there was a burst of laughter followed by dead silence.
Explode
Meaning: increase
Example: The number of children living in the basement is constantly increasing.
Regular
Meaning: general
Example: Hurricanes are common this season in the eastern part of the country.
Aggravate
Meaning: make something worse, especially an illness or problem
Example: Taking the wrong medicine made his condition worse.
Stereotype
Meaning: a fixed idea about a particular type of person or thing, which is often not true in reality
Example: The role of women in the family is a stereotype of our society.
Down payment
Meaning: to invest or pay in advance or make initial capital
Example: Because the investor could not pay the money in advance, he refused to hand over the house.
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Make sure your vocabulary and speaking style are appropriate to achieve Band 8+ in the IELTS Speaking test. You can also practice IELTS Speaking test topics or connect with our IELTS experts to practice on similar flashcards to take your IELTS Speaking preparation to the next level!