APIERoad Trips: IELTS Speaking Practice
Road trips and travelling by car
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
How to use this lesson
For Teacher
Guide students through the vocabulary review and spoken sentence patterns for 10 minutes.
Check answers together using the auto-revealed explanations before moving on to recording practice.
For Learner
First, complete the word checks and collocation matching to prepare your road-trip vocabulary.
Next, read the sentence patterns aloud and try the fun fact quiz before you start speaking.
Module 1: Build-Up
Build your road-trip words and patterns before you speak.
Vocabulary Check
(Choose the best word for each sentence)1. We drove on the __________ because we wanted to travel quickly between the two big cities.
2. The main street was closed for repairs, so drivers had to take a long __________ through the village.
3. The fuel warning light came on, so we stopped at the next service area to __________.
4. The mountain track was very __________, with many stones and holes, so our car shook a lot.
5. We picked up our __________ car at the airport counter as soon as our plane landed.
Collocation Matching
Read the 6 meanings in the reference list below. Then match each common road-trip phrase to its exact meaning (A–F).
Meanings Reference
4 Useful Sentence Patterns
Use these natural patterns when talking about plans, road trips, and travel choices.
What about ...ing?
Example:
"What about packing some snacks for the drive?"
Why this works: Use this to suggest an easy idea to your travel partners without sounding bossy.
I suggest that we ...
Example:
"I suggest that we leave early before the traffic starts."
Why this works: This sounds polite and clear when you want to avoid a problem like heavy road delays.
It takes about [time] to ...
Example:
"It takes about two hours to reach the beach."
Why this works: It gives a quick estimate of journey time when someone asks how far a place is.
I would rather ... than ...
Example:
"I would rather drive slowly than take risks on a wet road."
Why this works: Use this to compare two choices and clearly explain which one you prefer.
Route 66 Fun Facts
Test your guessing skills with these two famous highway facts before you check the answers.
Guess the Year
In what year was the famous Route 66 in the United States created?
Guess the Distance
About how many miles did Route 66 run from Chicago to Santa Monica?
Module 2: IELTS Speaking Practice
Practice Part 1 and Part 2 with your own voice.
Speaking Part 1: Short Answers
Answer each question in your own words. Record your voice, get AI feedback on all four criteria, and then open the model answer.
How do you usually travel when you go to another town?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
💡 Show Model Answer & Useful Phrases (Check after speaking)"Well, normally I prefer to catch the coach when I visit another town. It takes around two hours, and I like to look out the window and relax with my phone instead of driving."
Do you prefer to sit in the front or in the back of a car?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
💡 Show Model Answer & Useful Phrases (Check after speaking)"To be honest, I'd rather sit in the passenger seat in the front. If I sit in the back, I sometimes get car sick. I also have more legroom up front."
What do you like to do when you are on a long journey?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
💡 Show Model Answer & Useful Phrases (Check after speaking)"Well, you know, when I'm on the road for hours, I usually listen to a playlist of soft songs to pass the time. Sometimes I just take a short nap if I feel tired."
Have you ever travelled by car for a whole day?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
💡 Show Model Answer & Useful Phrases (Check after speaking)"Yes, I have! Once my family drove from morning until evening. We stopped for petrol and snacks a few times, but by the end of the day, I really felt exhausted from sitting so long."
Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
Take one minute to prepare your notes, then record your answer for 60 to 90 seconds.
Describe a trip by car or by bus that you remember well.
You should say:
- where you went;
- who you went with;
- what happened on the way;
- and explain why you remember it.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
💡 Show Model Answer & Useful Phrases (Check after speaking)"Well, I'd like to talk about a weekend road trip that I remember very clearly. About two years ago, my cousin and I decided to take a bus to visit our grandparents in a small countryside town. During the journey, something unexpected happened. After driving for an hour on the motorway, the bus had a flat tyre, so the driver had to pull over to fix it. We had to wait by the roadside, but everyone stayed calm. My cousin and I bought some cold drinks at a nearby shop and took some funny photos while we waited. Later, the driver had to take a detour along a scenic route because the main road was crowded. We arrived late in the evening, but we got there safely. I remember this trip so well because we laughed a lot, even with the delay."
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