✦ IELTS Topic: Travelling by Train – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Catch a train
   e.g., I usually catch a train to work every morning.

2. Miss the train
   e.g., I overslept and missed the train to the airport.

3. Train station
   e.g., The train station was busy with commuters and tourists.

4. Platform number
   e.g., The train to Manchester departs from platform number 3.

5. Reserved seat
   e.g., I booked a reserved seat to make sure I had space to work.

6. Onboard services
   e.g., The onboard services included free Wi-Fi and refreshments.

7. Express train
   e.g., We took the express train to London — it was much faster.

8. Train timetable
   e.g., Always check the train timetable before your journey.

9. Change trains
   e.g., We had to change trains halfway through the journey.

10. Scenic route
    e.g., The train journey through the mountains took the scenic route.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Travelling by Train

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you often travel by train?

2. What do you like or dislike about train journeys?

3. Are trains common in your country?

4. Do you prefer trains or buses?

5. Have you ever missed a train?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a train journey you enjoyed.
You should say:

• where you were going

• what the train was like

• what you did during the journey
  and explain why you enjoyed it.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I catch a train to university almost every day.
2. I enjoy the view, especially when the train takes a scenic route.
3. Trains are very common, especially between big cities.
4. I prefer trains because of the onboard services and comfort.
5. Yes, I once missed the train because I was stuck in traffic.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

Last spring, I took a train from Edinburgh to the Highlands. I had a reserved seat and boarded at the central train station just after lunch.

The train followed a scenic route through hills and valleys. I used the onboard services to grab a coffee and enjoy the ride.

I had to change trains once, but it was easy because I’d checked the train timetable in advance.

It was a relaxing and beautiful trip — the landscape was stunning, and the express train made the journey quick and comfortable. I’d definitely do it again.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Travelling by Train

1. "I usually catch a train to work every morning."
Q: What does the speaker do regularly?

2. "I overslept and missed the train to the airport."
Q: What happened to the speaker's journey?

3. "The train station was busy with commuters and tourists."
Q: What was the station like?

4. "The train to Manchester departs from platform number 3."
Q: Where can the speaker board the train?

5. "I booked a reserved seat to make sure I had space to work."
Q: Why did the speaker reserve a seat?

6. "The onboard services included free Wi-Fi and refreshments."
Q: What was provided on the train?

7. "We took the express train to London — it was much faster."
Q: What was special about this train?

8. "Always check the train timetable before your journey."
Q: What should you check before travelling?

9. "We had to change trains halfway through the journey."
Q: What did they do during the trip?

10. "The train journey through the mountains took the scenic route."
Q: What made the journey special?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Takes the train daily.

2. Missed it due to waking up late.

3. Very crowded and active.

4. At platform 3.

5. To ensure space and comfort.

6. Internet and drinks/food.

7. It was faster than usual trains.

8. The train schedule.

9. Switch to another train.

10. It went through beautiful scenery.