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Describe A Time The Vehicle You Were Travelling in Broke Down

Describe A Time The Vehicle You Were Travelling in Broke Down

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card

Describe A Time The Vehicle You Were Travelling in Broke Down.

You should say:
  • when it happened
  • where you were
  • what the problem was
  • What you did
and describe how you felt after the incident.



IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer | Describe A Time The Vehicle You Were Travelling in Broke Down

I'll explain what happened when my car broke down while driving. A month or two ago. I was traveling to the city, the car began to make some strange noises, everything seemed okay at first, but then things began to go wrong.

I decided to pull over and see what was what. So, I got out and went to the front of the car and opended the hood and checked out the engine. There was no obvious sign of a problem with the engine.

Because I hadn't found anything suspicious, I decided to push on. Sadly, I only got a few more miles before smoke started to appear, coming out of the engine bay and the car stopped again.

I didn't know what to do. So, again, I had a look at the engine bay but couldn't find anything obviously wrong. It's a good thing my friend is an expert mechanic. So I texted him to come and help me.

I waited for at least an hour before he arrived and then he examined the motor and other items, before saying that there was nothing he could do at the moment.

We decided to hook the car up to his tow truck, and we got into his truck and drove home and then took the car to his auto repair shop to begin repairing it.

Later, I was somewhat dejected because I had really been looking forward to the day when I woke up, but the day didn't go as I had planned.

Thankfully, he rebuilt the engine, and despite the cost, it's now performing better, so hopefully nothing like that will happen again.


Example Follow-Up Questions & Sample Answers

Have you ever experienced a flat tire (flat tyre) while on the road?

Yes, about two years ago I was driving to the city, and I had a flat tire. It took me by surprise, but luckily, I had a spare and knew how to change it. It delayed me for about half an hour, but I managed to get back on the road and reach my destination without any further issues.

Has there ever been a time when your vehicle wouldn't start? What did you do?

The last time I needed immediate help with my vehicle was when it wouldn't start after I stopped for gas. I tried to restart it multiple times, but no luck. I called my friend, who is a mechanic, and he came by to look at the engine.

How do you usually handle car breakdowns or repairs?

I usually call my mechanic friend, d, to come and help me. He is very knowledgeable and always knows how to fix any issues with my car. We usually work together to repair the car on the spot, or tow it back to his shop for further repairs.

Have you ever had a major car breakdown that completely disrupted your plans? How did you deal with it?

Yes, about a year ago, my car's engine broke down while I was on my way to an important meeting. It completely disrupted my plans, and I was worried I would miss the meeting. However, I called a tow truck and had my car towed to a mechanic's workshop. Luckily, it was in the same destination as my meeting, so I was able to pick up my car about two hours later.

Have you ever been on public transport when it broke down? What was your experience like?

Yes, I have been on public transport when it broke down. It was a crowded bus and it suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The driver announced that there was a mechanical issue and we would have to wait for another bus to come pick us up. It took nearly an hour for the replacement bus to arrive and it caused a lot of inconvenience for everyone on board. I learned the importance of regular maintenance and servicing for public transport vehicles as well.

What are some common causes of car breakdowns?

Some common causes of car breakdowns include flat tires, dead batteries, engine failures, and faulty alternators. These can be caused by various factors such as the old age of the vehicle, lack of maintenance, extreme weather conditions, or simple wear and tear.

How often do you get your car serviced?

I try to get my car serviced every six months or after every 10,000 km. Regular maintenance and check-ups can help prevent major breakdowns and keep the car running smoothly.

How important is it to have emergency supplies in your car?

Having emergency supplies in your car can be crucial in case of unexpected breakdowns or emergencies on the road. Some essential items to include are a first-aid kit, spare tire and tools for changing it, jumper cables, flashlight, extra fluids like oil and coolant, and emergency contact information.



What would you say in your answer to this IELTS speaking cue card question about describe an occasion when the vehicle you were travelling in broke down?

Have you ever experienced such a situation?

Do you have a story about going on a journey but your vehicle broke down? Or being a passnger on public transport when it had a problem and stopped.

See an overview of each IELTS speaking section


Good luck with your IELTS exam!


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