Describe a time when you were caught in a traffic jam.

You should say:

• When it happened
• Where it happened
• How you passed the time while waiting
• And explain how you felt when you were in that traffic jam

I remember a time when I got stuck in a terrible traffic jam last summer. It happened on a Friday evening, around 6 PM, when I was driving home from work. The traffic jam was on the main highway leading into the city, which is always busy during rush hour. While waiting, I tried to stay calm and pass the time. I turned on the radio and listened to some music, but the songs kept getting interrupted by traffic updates, which didn’t help! Then, I called my friend and we chatted for a while. It was nice to catch up, but after some time, even that got boring. I also looked at the cars around me and noticed how frustrated other drivers looked. Some were honking, and others were just sitting with tired faces. I felt really impatient and annoyed at first because I just wanted to get home. But after a while, I realized there was nothing I could do, so I tried to relax. I even laughed a little at how silly the situation was. In the end, the traffic started moving again, and I finally got home an hour later than usual. It wasn’t a fun experience, but it taught me to be more patient.

When answering the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question about a traffic jam, here's a simple way to structure your response. First, set the scene by saying when and where it happened—like 'last summer on the highway to the beach.' Then, explain how you passed the time—maybe you listened to music, called a friend, or just watched people around you. Finally, describe your feelings—were you frustrated, bored, or maybe even amused? Try to use a mix of past tenses (e.g., 'I was stuck,' 'I felt annoyed') and add a few details to make it interesting. Keep it natural, like you're telling a story to a friend. Don't forget to cover all the points: when, where, how you passed the time, and your feelings. Practice speaking slowly and clearly, and you'll do great!

Part 3 Example Question

1. When do traffic jams usually happen?

2. What are the causes of traffic jams?

3. Do you think the problem of traffic congestion will be eased in the future or will it become worse?

4. What would you suggest as possible solutions to the problem of congested traffic?