Describe a Long Car Journey You Went On - IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3

Long car journey cue cards are quite common in IELTS Speaking exam as travelling by car and any kind of journey is part and parcel of everyone’s life. As a result, practicing IELTS cue cards, like ‘Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on’ is a must for IELTS Speaking preparation.

Let’s explore 3 sample answers on the topic - Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on - along with IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions related to it to brush up your speaking skills.

Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• Where you went?

Exploring Goa, which is a popular holiday destination in India, was always on my bucket list. So, last summer, when I got the opportunity, I did not miss it. My family and I went on a long car journey from my hometown to Goa. The journey was about 600 kilometers, and it took us almost 10 hours to get there by car.

• What you did at this place?

Once we reached Goa, we spent most of our time on the beaches. I went swimming, tried some 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 Waterfalls.

• Who you went there with?

I went with my family, including my parents and my younger sister. It was a road trip we had planned for a long time, and we all enjoyed the journey together, especially the music and the snacks we packed for the trip.

• Explain why you went on that journey by car.

We chose to travel by car because it gave us the flexibility to stop wherever we wanted. We stopped at different scenic spots along the way and clicked photographs, which wouldn’t have been possible if we had taken a flight or a train. Also, driving together gave us more time to bond as a family, which was one of the main reasons for the trip.

Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• Where you went?

Travelling and trips-trivia have always caught my attention and the thought of going for a drive on a beautiful boulevard or even on the smooth roads gives me an exuberant vibe. Thinking about a journey that was the best car journey that still continues to bring the best memory as far as odyssey is concerned has to be my trip with my friends to Triyuginarayana in the state of Uttarakhand.

• What you did at this place?

So, this was a random plan and was not thought of for a long time. But, as it is said, ‘Unplanned trips turn out to be the best ones’, this trip held to this belief. After finishing our classes, all of my friends decided to excogitate a plan to go for a long trip together during the weekend. After some discussion, we all unanimously decided to start our journey to Triyuginarayan the very next day. We all had so much fun and frolics on the way and, of course, at the destination point, and reminiscing about that day brings a lot of memories and a punch of nostalgia.

• Who you went there with?

Altogether seven people went on this trip and all of them were my classmates. On the way, we had a lot of fun, including enjoying the best playlist of the local music along with tons of games. We all brought a load of snacks to munch on along the way and all this made the beautiful journey through the snow-clad mountains an ecstatic experience.

• Explain why you went on that journey by car.

Given the fact that we all were planning to go on a tour for the longest time till then and since it was the last year of our college, this trip was an amazing idea. However, owing to the suddenness of the plan we couldn’t find a reservation in trains or a bus to travel to the destination and thus we decided to take the car of one of my friends. Thankfully, that was the best idea. I wish I could relive those days once again with the same 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 went on a road trip from Mumbai to Udaipur, a distance of approximately 750 kilometers. It was a much-needed break from the demanding IELTS preparation. The journey took us around 14 hours, and we passed through several towns and rural landscapes along the way. Udaipur, often referred to as the ‘City of Lakes’, is known for its historical palaces, beautiful lakes, and rich cultural heritage.

• What you did at this place?

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. Additionally, we spent some time exploring the local markets, known for their traditional handicrafts and textiles. Another highlight was the visit to the Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, which provided an incredible panoramic view of the city at sunset. Although I would have liked to stay back for a few more days and soak in the cultural and historical past of the place, my brother reminded me of my upcoming exam.

• Who you went there with?

I took this journey with my elder brother, as it was a long-overdue holiday we had planned together. He lives in Bangalore due to his job and so we get to spend less time now. We both love exploring new places, and the thought of taking a road 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 went on that journey by car.

We opted for a road trip because we wanted to enjoy the freedom that comes with driving ourselves. The idea was to stop along the way at small villages and explore lesser-known attractions. The road trip allowed us to experience the gradual shift in scenery from the coastal regions of Maharashtra to the more arid landscape of Rajasthan. The flexibility to set our own pace, combined with the joy of discovering off-the-beaten-path locations, made traveling by car the perfect choice for this trip.

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 while answering the cue card, 'Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on' and make sure to impress your IELTS examiner.

• Flea market

Meaning: a type of street market that sells goods, usually at a low price
Eg.: Locals set up the flea market during the weekend to showcase their crafts to the tourists.

• Boulevard

Meaning: road with a line of trees on its side
Eg.: The boulevard that connects the town with the city is a fantastic thoroughfare.

• Odyssey

Meaning: a long trip or period involving a lot of different and exciting activities
Eg.: Odyssey and explorations have always been my priorities.

• Random

Meaning: unplanned
Eg.: Everything was decided on a random basis and was not rehearsed well.

• Excogitate

Meaning: to think of a plan
Eg.: We all excogitated a plan to triumph over this menace.

• Ecstatic

Meaning: Euphoric/delighted
Eg.: An ecstatic experience is all about doing what your heart says.

• Demanding

Meaning: needing a lot of effort, care, skill, etc.
Eg.: The demanding desk job had a terrible impact on his health.

• Panoramic

Meaning: showing a full or wide view
Eg.: The panoramic view from Tiger's Point is worth-watching.

• Off-the-beaten-path

Meaning: not known or popular with many people
Eg.: They met very few people on the off-the-beaten-path.

Describe a Long Car Journey You Went on - IELTS Part 3 Follow-Up Questions

In Part 3, you will be asked some questions related to the topic of the cue card you have been given in IELTS Speaking Part 2. Given below are the sample answers to Part 3 questions mentioned in the previous section of the article with expert-curated sample answers.

• What are the advantages of private cars?/Why do people like to have private cars?

Many people choose to own private cars since they provide a number of benefits. The convenience factor is the main advantage. People who own a private vehicle are in total control of their schedules, as they can drive whenever and wherever they like without being restricted by the timetables of public transportation. Moreover, cars are more comfortable because they offer a more protected atmosphere, which is especially useful for lengthy trips or in severe weather. Additionally, private automobiles are also the best option for individuals or families who need to transport huge loads or several passengers.

• What are the benefits of public transportation?

One of the key benefits of public transportation is that it is more affordable than buying and maintaining a private vehicle. Public transportation also helps to minimize traffic congestion as fewer automobiles on the road equals less traffic and faster travel times for everyone. When compared to private vehicles, it is a more environmentally friendly choice because it produces fewer pollution and carbon emissions. Additionally, taking public transit can ease the burden of driving, freeing up time for people to work, read, or unwind during their commute.

• What are the differences between bicycles and private cars?

There are significant differences between private vehicles and bicycles, such as size, speed, and purpose. Bicycles are more compact, environmentally friendly, and need physical effort to ride. They are more economical and perfect for short trips. Private vehicles, on the other hand, are more spacious, quick, and comfortable—especially on long journeys. Also, cars can fit more passengers and carry more loads, but add to traffic congestion or pollution.

• What can we say about cars in the future?

The cars in the times to come would be automotive and self-driving. With the surge and waves of artificial intelligence and machine learning, self-driving cars would be displacing the present cars. Furthermore, considering the poor environmental conditions, cars would become more eco-friendly.

• What about car ownership in the future?

In my opinion, car ownership wouldn’t be the same way as it is during the current times. Owing to the population outburst and burgeoning car owners, the ownership of the cars would be on a shared basis where car-pooling would be very frequent.

• Do many families own private cars in your country?

Yes, many families in my country, especially in urban and suburban areas, own private cars. Owning a car is essential in cities because public transportation can be unreliable in some areas. Furthermore, owning a private vehicle is more handy for households with children or for people who frequently need to travel great distances. However, middle-class and upper-class families are more likely to own cars as they can be costly to buy and maintain.

• Is it a good thing that everyone has his/her own cars?

Although having a car gives freedom and convenience, not everyone should have a car of their own. If everybody owns a car, it would probably result in more pollution, traffic jams, and the need for additional infrastructure, such as parking lots and highways. Moreover, owning a large number of cars can further exacerbate environmental problems like carbon emissions.

• What is the difference between men's and women's preference on cars?

Men tend to be more interested in technical factors like speed and design and like cars with higher performance, like sports cars or vehicles with powerful engines. On the other hand, when selecting a car, women frequently give priority to comfort, safety features, and usefulness. Cars with greater storage capacity, better fuel economy, or easier handling can be their choice. But, tastes differ greatly from person to person, and more and more, both men and women are making decisions based on their own needs rather than sticking to stereotypes.

• How to buy private cars in your country?

In my country, buying a private car typically involves a straightforward process. First, individuals can visit authorized dealerships or browse online platforms to compare different models and prices. After selecting a car, the buyer usually negotiates the price and finalizes the paperwork, which includes registration and insurance. Financing options, such as car loans or payment installments, are also available for those who cannot pay the full amount upfront. Once all formalities are completed, the buyer can take possession of the car. There are also second-hand car markets 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 band score by incorporating the impressive vocabulary provided below when addressing the IELTS Speaking follow-up questions for long car journey cue cards.

• Minimize

Meaning: to make something as small as possible (in amount or level)
Eg.: The company will minimize the working hours for its employees this month.

• Commute

Meaning: to travel a long distance from home to work every day
Eg.: My father had to commute every day for work.

• Surge

Meaning: uprise
Eg.: There is a surge in the crime rates in the city after the death of the brave policeman.

• Outburst

Meaning: a sudden increase
Eg.: During the discussion, an outburst of laughter was followed by a pin drop silence.

• Burgeoning

Meaning: increasing
Eg.: The number of children in the ground kept on burgeoning.

• Frequent

Meaning: common
Eg.: Storms are frequent occurrences during this season in the eastern part of the country.

• Exacerbate

Meaning: to make something worse, especially a disease or problem
Eg.: The wrong medicine had exacerbated his condition.

• Stereotype

Meaning: a fixed idea about a particular type of person or thing, which is often not true in reality
Eg.: The role of a woman in the family is a stereotype of our society.

• Upfront

Meaning: invest or pay in advance or as beginning capital
Eg.: As they could not pay the amount upfront, the promoter refused to hand over the house.

Make sure that your vocabulary and style of speaking are on point to grab that Band 8+ in the IELTS Speaking test. You can also practice IELTS Speaking test papers or can connect with our IELTS experts to practice similar cue cards to take your IELTS Speaking preparation to the next level!

Also let us know which street market you love to visit in the comments below!

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