How do you usually travel around your city?
These days it's mainly the metro rail, since there's a station about ten minutes from my flat. For shorter trips I take a rickshaw, and if I'm running late, I'll book a motorbike ride through an app. Buses are cheaper, but they're so crowded and slow that I avoid them whenever I can.
How did you get here today?
I came by metro and then a rickshaw. I left home far earlier than I needed to because I was nervous about being late, but in the end the journey was surprisingly smooth. The metro was packed, as usual in the morning, but it still took only about twenty minutes, which would be unthinkable by road.
Is public transport good where you live?
It's improving, but it still has a long way to go. The metro has been a huge step forward, because it's clean, punctual and air-conditioned. The problem is that it only covers part of the city, so most people still depend on buses, which are overcrowded, unpredictable and often in pretty poor condition.
Do you prefer travelling by bus or by train?
Train, without hesitation. For long journeys, like visiting relatives in Chittagong, the train is far more comfortable. You can walk around, buy tea from the vendors and watch the paddy fields go past. Buses on the highway can be quicker, but the way some drivers overtake on blind bends terrifies me.
Has transport in your area improved in recent years?
Yes, noticeably. A few years ago, getting from my area to the city centre could easily take two hours, whereas the metro now does it in a fraction of that time. The elevated expressway has helped drivers as well. Having said that, the roads near my flat are still jammed every evening, so it's far from perfect.
Would you like to own a car in the future?
Honestly, I'm not sure. A car would be useful for family trips and for taking my parents to the doctor, but in Dhaka you'd spend half your life stuck in traffic and the other half looking for parking. If the metro keeps expanding, I'd rather put that money towards travelling or a home.
Sample answers written by Abroadway as models of natural, high-band speaking (not official IELTS samples).
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