TOPIC 02: TRANSPORTATION

1. Hit the road

o Meaning: To begin a journey
o Synonyms: Start traveling, set off
o Sample Answer: "I’d love to hit the road on a motorcycle trip to the countryside
with my best friend next spring because the weather is perfect for riding."
2. Off the beaten path
o Meaning: Unusual, not frequently visited
o Synonyms: Remote, out of the way
o Sample Answer: "I'd like to take a car trip to a destination off the beaten path,
such as a small coastal village where I can relax and escape the hustle and bustle."
3. Get away from it all
o Meaning: Escape everyday life and routines
o Synonyms: Escape, retreat
o Sample Answer: "Taking a bicycle trip to the nearby national park would be a
fantastic way to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet."
4. In the driver's seat
o Meaning: To be in control of a situation
o Synonyms: In control, in charge
o Sample Answer: "I prefer traveling by car because it puts me in the driver's seat,
allowing me to decide when and where to stop."
5. Pedal to the metal
o Meaning: To go at full speed
o Synonyms: Accelerate, go fast
o Sample Answer: "I'd love to go on a road trip with my family and really put the
pedal to the metal on open highways, feeling the thrill of speed."
6. Cruise along
o Meaning: To travel smoothly and easily
o Synonyms: Glide, travel effortlessly
o Sample Answer: "A motorcycle trip along the scenic coastal roads would be
amazing, allowing us to cruise along and enjoy the breathtaking views."
7. Take a back seat
o Meaning: To allow someone else to be in control
o Synonyms: Relinquish control, step aside
o Sample Answer: "For once, I’d like to take a back seat on a car trip and let my
friend do the driving while I enjoy the scenery."
8. Roll with it
o Meaning: To adapt to a situation as it changes
o Synonyms: Adjust, go with the flow
o Sample Answer: "A bicycle trip allows us to roll with it, stopping spontaneously
at interesting places we come across."
9. Get in gear
o Meaning: To start working or moving effectively
o Synonyms: Get moving, start up
 o Sample Answer: "I’ve been planning this car trip for months, and I can’t wait to
finally get in gear and start the adventure."
10. Wheels in motion
o Meaning: A plan or activity that has begun
o Synonyms: Underway, in progress
o Sample Answer: "The wheels are in motion for a motorcycle trip to the
mountains next month, and I’m already excited about the journey."
11. On the right track
o Meaning: Proceeding in a good or correct way
o Synonyms: Doing well, making progress
o Sample Answer: "Taking the high-speed train to the city was a great decision,
and I felt like I was on the right track for a successful trip."
12. Jump on the bandwagon
o Meaning: To join a trend or activity
o Synonyms: Follow the trend, join in
o Sample Answer: "I decided to jump on the bandwagon and take the new metro
line that everyone was raving about, and it turned out to be a smooth and
enjoyable ride."
13. Catch the travel bug
o Meaning: To develop a strong desire to travel
o Synonyms: Become interested in travel, wanderlust
o Sample Answer: "After my enjoyable journey on the scenic bus route, I caught
the travel bug and started planning more public transport adventures."
14. A change of scenery
o Meaning: A move to different surroundings
o Synonyms: New environment, different setting
o Sample Answer: "The train journey offered a refreshing change of scenery,
passing through beautiful landscapes and quaint towns."
15. In the same boat
o Meaning: In the same situation as others
o Synonyms: Sharing the same experience, equally affected
o Sample Answer: "Everyone on the bus seemed to be in the same boat, enjoying
the ride and the chance to relax during the commute."
16. Hop on
o Meaning: To get on or board a vehicle quickly
o Synonyms: Jump on, board
o Sample Answer: "I decided to hop on the local tram for a leisurely tour of the
city, and it turned out to be a delightful experience."
17. Hit the brakes
o Meaning: To slow down or stop something
o Synonyms: Pause, halt
o Sample Answer: "As the train pulled into the station, I hit the brakes on my busy
thoughts and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings."
18. Sit back and relax
o Meaning: To stop worrying and enjoy oneself
o Synonyms: Unwind, take it easy
 o Sample Answer: "During the bus journey, I could sit back and relax, letting
someone else do the driving while I enjoyed the view."
19. Smooth sailing
o Meaning: A situation without problems or difficulties
o Synonyms: Trouble-free, easygoing
o Sample Answer: "The metro ride was smooth sailing, with no delays or crowded
carriages, making it an enjoyable trip."
20. Take the scenic route
o Meaning: To travel in a way that offers pleasant views
o Synonyms: Sightseeing route, leisurely path
o Sample Answer: "I chose to take the scenic route by ferry, and it was a delightful
experience with breathtaking views of the coastline."
21. Stuck in a rut
o Meaning: Stuck in a boring or monotonous routine
o Synonyms: In a dead-end, going nowhere
o Sample Answer: "My daily bus ride to work feels like being stuck in a rut, with
the same monotonous route and traffic jams every day."
22. A necessary evil
o Meaning: Something unpleasant but unavoidable
o Synonyms: Unavoidable, inescapable
o Sample Answer: "The short car journey to the dentist is a necessary evil that I
really don’t enjoy due to the heavy traffic."
23. Drag one's feet
o Meaning: To do something slowly because you don't want to do it
o Synonyms: Delay, procrastinate
o Sample Answer: "I always drag my feet when it’s time to take the crowded train
home, as I dread the uncomfortable ride."
24. Caught in traffic
o Meaning: To be delayed or slowed by traffic
o Synonyms: Stuck in traffic, held up
o Sample Answer: "Every morning, I get caught in traffic during my short drive to
work, which is frustrating and time-consuming."
25. Same old, same old
o Meaning: Routine and unchanging
o Synonyms: Mundane, repetitive
o Sample Answer: "Taking the subway to the office every day is the same old,
same old, with nothing new or exciting to look forward to."
26. Tied up
o Meaning: To be busy or occupied
o Synonyms: Engaged, preoccupied
o Sample Answer: "I’m often tied up with errands, which requires taking a short
but unpleasant bus ride across town."
27. Mind-numbing
o Meaning: Extremely dull or boring
o Synonyms: Boring, tedious
 o Sample Answer: "The short car trip to the grocery store is mind-numbing due to
the repetitive traffic signals and slow-moving vehicles."
28. Bite the bullet
o Meaning: To do something unpleasant that is unavoidable
o Synonyms: Endure, face up to
o Sample Answer: "I have to bite the bullet and take the overcrowded tram to work
each morning, despite how much I dislike it."
29. Get on my nerves
o Meaning: To annoy or irritate someone
o Synonyms: Annoy, irritate
o Sample Answer: "The noise and chaos of the short bus ride to school really get
on my nerves."
30. Going through the motions
o Meaning: Doing something mechanically and without enthusiasm
o Synonyms: Routine, mechanical
o Sample Answer: "Every time I drive to the gym, I feel like I’m just going
through the motions, as the journey is always uneventful and dull."
31. Cost an arm and a leg
o Meaning: Very expensive
o Synonyms: Costly, overpriced
o Sample Answer: "In my country, air travel can cost an arm and a leg, which is
why many people prefer cheaper alternatives like buses and trains."
32. Get the show on the road
o Meaning: To begin an activity or journey
o Synonyms: Start, commence
o Sample Answer: "With the increasing popularity of electric cars, manufacturers
need to get the show on the road by producing more affordable models."
33. At a crossroads
o Meaning: Facing a crucial decision
o Synonyms: At a turning point, pivotal moment
o Sample Answer: "Public transport is at a crossroads, as cities must decide
between investing in sustainable options or expanding current systems."
34. Burn the midnight oil
o Meaning: To work late into the night
o Synonyms: Work late, stay up late
o Sample Answer: "Transport planners are burning the midnight oil to develop
solutions that will reduce traffic congestion in city centers."
35. Get the green light
o Meaning: To receive permission to proceed
o Synonyms: Approval, authorization
o Sample Answer: "The government recently got the green light to expand the
railway network, which will make train travel more accessible."
36. Put the brakes on
o Meaning: To slow down or stop an activity
o Synonyms: Halt, stop
 o Sample Answer: "Environmental concerns have put the brakes on plans to
expand the airport, as residents worry about increased pollution."
37. The driving force
o Meaning: The main factor that causes something to happen
o Synonyms: Catalyst, motivator
o Sample Answer: "Convenience is the driving force behind the popularity of ride-
sharing apps in urban areas."
38. In the fast lane
o Meaning: A hectic and pressured way of life
o Synonyms: Busy, fast-paced
o Sample Answer: "With the rise of technology, people are living in the fast lane,
which has increased the demand for quick and efficient transport options."
39. Hit a roadblock
o Meaning: To encounter an obstacle
o Synonyms: Face a challenge, encounter difficulty
o Sample Answer: "The new public transport initiative hit a roadblock due to
funding issues, delaying its implementation."
40. In the pipeline
o Meaning: Being developed or in progress
o Synonyms: Underway, in preparation
o Sample Answer: "There are several new transport projects in the pipeline that
aim to improve connectivity between cities."
41. Back on track
o Meaning: To return to the right direction or path
o Synonyms: Regain focus, resume progress
o Sample Answer: "After facing setbacks, the construction of the new metro line is
back on track and should be completed next year."
42. A rough ride
o Meaning: A difficult time or experience
o Synonyms: Challenging, tough
o Sample Answer: "Commuters have had a rough ride lately due to frequent train
delays and cancellations."
43. Jump through hoops
o Meaning: To go through a lot of effort to achieve something
o Synonyms: Struggle, face challenges
o Sample Answer: "Introducing free public transport would require the
government to jump through hoops in terms of budget and logistics."
44. Run out of steam
o Meaning: To lose energy or motivation
o Synonyms: Tire out, become exhausted
o Sample Answer: "The initiative to increase carpooling has run out of steam, as
many people still prefer driving alone."
45. Keep the wheels turning
o Meaning: To maintain progress or activity
o Synonyms: Sustain, continue
 o Sample Answer: "Even during the pandemic, public transport operators worked
hard to keep the wheels turning and ensure essential services."
46. Stuck in traffic
o Meaning: Delayed due to heavy traffic
o Synonyms: Gridlocked, congested
o Sample Answer: "Many commuters face difficulties because they often get stuck
in traffic during rush hour."
47. A bumpy ride
o Meaning: An experience with many difficulties
o Synonyms: Rough, challenging
o Sample Answer: "Introducing new transport policies can be a bumpy ride due to
opposition from various stakeholders."
48. Bite the bullet
o Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation
o Synonyms: Endure, confront
o Sample Answer: "To reduce congestion, the government must bite the bullet and
invest in comprehensive public transport solutions."
49. The tip of the iceberg
o Meaning: A small part of a much larger problem
o Synonyms: Surface issue, small fraction
o Sample Answer: "Traffic congestion is just the tip of the iceberg; underlying
issues like urban planning need to be addressed."
50. On the road to recovery
o Meaning: Improving after a difficult period
o Synonyms: Recovering, getting better
o Sample Answer: "The transport sector is on the road to recovery after the
setbacks caused by the pandemic."
51. Ahead of the curve
o Meaning: More advanced than others
o Synonyms: Innovative, forward-thinking
o Sample Answer: "Countries investing in electric and driverless cars are ahead of
the curve, setting trends for the future of transport."
52. Leap into the unknown
o Meaning: To try something new without knowing what will happen
o Synonyms: Take a risk, venture out
o Sample Answer: "Adopting driverless cars is a leap into the unknown, but it
could revolutionize how we think about transport."
53. At the forefront
o Meaning: In a leading position
o Synonyms: Leading, pioneering
o Sample Answer: "Technological advancements are at the forefront of future
transport developments, promising more efficient travel."
54. Get up to speed
o Meaning: To become familiar with recent developments
o Synonyms: Update, catch up
 o Sample Answer: "Governments need to get up to speed with new transport
technologies to plan effectively for future infrastructure."
55. Break new ground
o Meaning: To do something innovative
o Synonyms: Innovate, pioneer
o Sample Answer: "The introduction of hyperloop technology could break new
ground in high-speed travel, drastically reducing journey times."
56. Cutting-edge
o Meaning: Extremely modern and advanced
o Synonyms: Innovative, state-of-the-art
o Sample Answer: "Cutting-edge technologies like magnetic levitation trains could
redefine the future of rail travel.
Featured Questions

1. Describe a bicycle/motorcycle/car trip you would like to go

You should say: Who you would like to go with Where you would like to go When you would
like to go And explain why you would like to go by bicycle/motorbike/car

2. Describe an enjoyable journey you made on public transport

You should say:

 how you travelled

 where and when you went
 who you went with

And explain why this journey on public transport was enjoyable

3. Describe a short journey you often make that you really do not like

You should say:

Where you go

When you go there

Why you go there

And explain why you do not like the trip

Part 1:

Public transport

 Do people in your town or city use public transport a lot? Why/Why not?
 When did you last use public transport? Why?
 What would you like to change about the public transport in your town/city? Why/Why
not?
 Do you think you will use public transport more in the future? Why/Why not?

Part 2:

Describe a person who often travels by plane

Describe an important journey you made there was a delay

Describe a time you changed your decision

Describe a time that your activity was prevented by the weather

Describe an enjoyable trip that you made with your friends

Describe a place far from home that you traveled to

Part 3:

Types of transport

 the most popular forms of public transport in your country

 the costs of different forms of transport in your country
 why air travel has become much more common nowadays

Difficulties with transport

 why commuters might face difficulties when travelling to work

 whether introducing free public transport would reduce congestion in city centres
 how governments should improve public transport in the countryside

The future of transport

 the effect that driverless cars could have on people’s lifestyles

 the priority for transport in the future must be speed
 the need for people to use any transport in the future when they can experience the world
online

Cars in your country

 how popular it is to own cars in your country

 the main advantages of owning a car
 whether it would be a good thing if everyone in your country owned a car

Attitudes to cars

 why different people choose different types of cars

 men and women have a different attitude to cars
 how people’s attitude to cars may change in the future

Cars and the environment

 how the car has impacted on the natural environment

 whether governments should regulate car use to protect the environment
 for many people the benefits of owning a car outweigh the damage to the environment
Travelling by plane

 ****how popular it is to travel by plane inside your country

 the advantages and disadvantages of air travel
 which is more important to passengers, comfort or price

Airports

 the advantages/disadvantages of living near a major airport

 whether airports are good places to work
 whether the expansion of airports should strictly controlled

Impacts of air travels

 the impact of increasing air travel on the environment

 whether governments should act to reduce the amount of air travel for leisure
 air travel is vital for increasing international commerce in today’s globalised world

Travelling by train

What are the benefits of travelling by train?

Do you think trains now are more environmentally friendly compared to older models? Why?

What amenities do the new trains have compared to older models?