IELTS Speaking Part 3: Cities, Transport and the Environment

Let's move on to some general questions about cities.

Why do you think so many people move to big cities?

Mainly for work, I think. That's where the jobs are.

Cities also offer better hospitals, universities and entertainment.

Ha, and much better coffee, of course!

What problems can this cause?

Well, traffic is probably the biggest problem.

In my city, a ten-kilometre trip can take an hour!

And all those cars make the air really dirty.

An hour? That sounds exhausting.

It is. I spend about two hours a day commuting.

How could governments encourage people to use public transport?

Hmm... I think the first step is making it cheaper.

If buses cost more than driving, people won't switch.

They should also make trains more frequent and reliable.

Some cities charge drivers to enter the centre. Is that fair?

Well, it's a bit controversial, to be honest...

It's unfair on people who have no other option.

But London's charge has reduced traffic quite a lot.

Do you think cars will disappear from cities one day?

Disappear completely? No, I don't think so!

But electric cars and bike lanes will become far more common.

Some cities have already turned whole streets into parks!

Interesting. Thank you, that's the end of the test.

Thank you! I really enjoyed that discussion.

Good. And good luck with that commute!

Ha, thanks! I'll need it.