Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a car journey you made that took longer than expected - Cue Card # 858
- Details
- Last Updated: Sunday, 30 March 2025 18:09
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 287
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Individual Long Run - IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a car journey you made that took longer than expected.
You should say:
- where you were going
- who you were with
- how you felt during the journey
and explain why this car journey took longer than expected.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer:
Introduction:
Thank you so much for this interesting topic. For this topic, I'd like to talk about a car journey I made with two friends that unexpectedly took much longer than I planned. In fact, it took eight hours when it was just a four-hour journey! Despite the delay and some frustration, in retrospect, it was a memorable experience, and I am glad to be able to share this experience with you.
Where you were going:
The journey I am referring to was a road trip from my hometown to a beautiful hill station called ...... located around 215 kilometres away. It was supposed to be a quick weekend getaway to enjoy the cool weather and scenic views, but luck was not perhaps in our favour! We planned to reach our destination within four hours. But little did we know that it would take so long!
Who you were with:
I was accompanied by my two best friends, Daniel and Sarah. They are my university friends and we often like to explore new places together. We had been planning this trip for weeks, and all of us were really looking forward to spending some quality time together. Daniel was the one driving, while Sarah and I were in charge of navigating and keeping the energy high with our favourite music.
How you felt during the journey:
Initially, I was quite excited and happy, as we were playing upbeat songs and talking about our plans at the hill station. However, as the journey progressed and unexpected delays occurred, my mood shifted from enthusiasm to mild frustration. Despite the obstacles, we tried to keep our spirits up, cracking jokes and sharing snacks to pass the time. We also took two highway breaks to have some snacks and coffee.
And explain why this car journey took longer than expected:
I believe an accident ahead on the highway made this whole debacle for us. We were stuck on the road for almost two hours, barely moving. To make things worse, it started raining heavily, which slowed us down even further. We had to take a detour through a narrow, winding road that added at least another hour to our trip. In total, a four-hour journey ended up taking nearly eight hours. Despite the delays and minor inconveniences, we managed to keep our spirits high and enjoy our time. Looking back, it was not just the destination but the shared experience that made the journey unforgettable.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Car journeys can sometimes take longer than expected due to a variety of reasons such as traffic, weather conditions, or unexpected detours. Below are some ideas to help you talk about a car journey that might take longer than planned:
1. Road trip with friends to a hill station:
You and your friends planned a road trip to a nearby hill station. You were looking forward to a quick getaway, but heavy traffic due to an accident on the highway delayed your trip by several hours. The sudden rain further slowed down the journey, making it twice as long as expected. You felt a mix of excitement and frustration, but eventually, you enjoyed the extra time with friends.
2. Family visit to a relative’s house:
During a family trip to visit your grandparents who live in a neighboring city, you encountered unexpected road construction. The detour took you through unfamiliar backroads, adding more than two hours to your travel time. You were with your parents and siblings, and despite feeling impatient, you made the most of the situation by sharing stories and playing car games.
3. Business trip delayed by road maintenance:
You were traveling to a nearby city for a work meeting when you got stuck in a long traffic jam caused by road repairs. You were with a colleague, and you both felt anxious about arriving late. Although the delay was stressful, you took the opportunity to discuss work projects and plan the presentation, making the most of the situation.
4. Vacation journey interrupted by car trouble:
On your way to a beach destination with your family, your car suddenly broke down. You had to wait for roadside assistance, which took a couple of hours to arrive. The journey, which should have taken three hours, stretched to six. You were initially upset but soon enjoyed the roadside picnic and the break from the drive.
5. Unexpected detour during a solo trip:
While driving alone to a countryside location, you missed an exit and ended up taking a wrong turn. Realizing your mistake, you had to rely on GPS to find an alternative route, which added at least an hour to the journey. Although you were slightly annoyed at first, you enjoyed discovering new scenic spots along the way.
These ideas provide a range of situations where car journeys took longer than expected. You can choose any of these scenarios or come up with your own experience to discuss during your exam.
Part 3: Detailed Discussion/ Two-way Discussion.
Discussion topic: Driving a car.
Q. How interested are young people in your country in learning to drive?
Answer: Well, I'd say young people in my country are generally very eager to learn to drive. Getting a driver's license is often seen as a rite of passage and symbolizes independence and freedom. Many youngsters look forward to driving their own cars so they can travel easily to university, jobs, or social events without relying on public transportation or parents. So, overall, it's definitely a high priority for many young adults here.
Q. What are the differences between driving in the countryside and driving in the city?
Answer: That's a good question! Driving in the countryside usually feels more relaxed because roads tend to be less crowded and quieter, giving people more time to enjoy the scenery. However, country roads can sometimes be narrow, winding, or poorly maintained. On the other hand, city driving can be stressful and requires constant attention due to heavy traffic, frequent stops, traffic lights, pedestrians, and cyclists. So, I'd say city driving demands a lot more concentration and patience compared to countryside driving.
Q. Do you consider most drivers where you live to be good drivers?
Answer: Honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag. I'd say most drivers here are generally responsible—they follow traffic rules, respect pedestrians, and drive cautiously. However, there's certainly a significant minority who drive aggressively or impatiently, especially during rush hours. Unfortunately, reckless driving or ignoring traffic signals still happens occasionally, but overall, I'd say most people drive reasonably well.
Discussion topic: Electric cars.
Q. How popular are electric cars in your country?
Answer: Electric cars are definitely gaining popularity, but they're not mainstream yet. More and more people seem to be considering electric vehicles, mainly because they're eco-friendly and cost less to maintain in the long run. However, the initial purchase cost and limited charging infrastructure are still major barriers. So, while electric cars are becoming increasingly common, we still have some way to go before they become truly popular among the general population.
Q. In what ways could more people be persuaded to buy electric cars?
Answer: I think the government could play a significant role by offering financial incentives, like tax breaks or subsidies, to make electric cars more affordable. Improving the charging infrastructure—making charging stations widely available and convenient—would also encourage more people to switch. Raising awareness about the environmental benefits and long-term cost savings of electric cars could further motivate potential buyers. I think if people see clear economic and environmental benefits, they'll be much more likely to make the switch.
Q. Do you think all cars will be electric one day?
Answer: Personally, I do believe it's highly likely that eventually, almost all cars will be electric. Considering climate change and increasing efforts to reduce pollution and carbon emissions, transitioning to electric vehicles seems inevitable. However, this shift probably won't happen overnight—it will take considerable investment, technological advancements, and changes in people's attitudes and habits. But given the current trends and environmental needs, I'd say a future where electric cars dominate is definitely on the horizon.
Necessary Vocabulary for the Cue Card Topic.
General Vocabulary Related to Driving:
Commute – To regularly travel between home and work or school.
Navigation – The process of finding a route or directions.
Rush hour – Peak traffic periods, usually morning and evening.
Road safety – Practices and regulations designed to prevent road accidents.
Traffic congestion – Heavy traffic causing slow or stopped movement.
Pedestrian – A person who is walking, especially near roads or vehicles.
Public transportation – Buses, trains, or other forms of transport accessible to the general public.
Infrastructure – Facilities like roads, bridges, and traffic signals.
Speed limit – The maximum legal speed allowed on a road.
Defensive driving – Safe driving practices that anticipate potential hazards.
Traffic violations – Acts of breaking road rules, such as speeding or running red lights.
Vocabulary Related to Electric Cars:
Electric vehicle (EV) – A car powered entirely by electricity.
Hybrid vehicle – A car that uses both electricity and gasoline for power.
Charging station – A designated place for recharging electric vehicles.
Sustainability – The ability to meet current needs without harming future generations.
Renewable energy – Energy sourced from resources like wind, solar, or hydro power.
Emission-free – Producing no harmful gases or pollutants.
Carbon footprint – The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual or vehicle.
Subsidies – Financial support provided by the government to encourage adoption of electric cars.
Zero-emission vehicle – A vehicle that releases no harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Energy efficiency – Using less energy to perform the same function, reducing waste.
Useful Expressions and Phrases:
Behind the wheel – In control of or driving a car.
Hit the road – To begin a journey or travel by car.
On the move – Travelling or busy; in motion.
Go green – To adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Fuel efficiency – Using fuel effectively to minimize waste.
Plug-in and charge – Referring to the convenience of recharging electric vehicles.
Long-term savings – Reducing costs over an extended period.
Road etiquette – Polite and safe behavior while driving.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a car journey you made that took longer than expected", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a time when you were late to reach somewhere.
2) Describe a time when you were stuck in traffic congestion.
3) Describe a time when something unexpected happened to you.
4) Describe a disappointing experience you have had.
5) Describe a long car journey you made with friends.
Report