Aptis reading Test: General Tips and Strategies

Part 3: In this part of the test, you are going to look at two pictures and I will ask you two 
questions about them. You will have 45 seconds for each response. Begin speaking when you 
hear the beep.

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3.1. Compare the pictures. 
Both pictures show methods of transportation. Judging by the pictures, I think they show people 
commuting to or from work during rush hour. In the first picture, we see a man in the centre 
standing holding onto a handle-type of thing on a subway or a bus. The vehicle is crowded and he is 
surrounded by many people. In the second picture, I can’t see any people, but I see hundreds of cars 
stuck in a traffic jam on a motorway. It looks like it is sunset or sunrise depending on the direction 
that the picture was taken.
3.2. Tell me about how you travel to work. 
I don’t live very far from my job. It’s about 4 kilometres away from my home. With that being 
said, I usually ride my bike to work. It is a relatively flat and easy ride, so it is a nice way to be 
active before and after work. However, in the winter, it is a different story. I hate cycling in the rain, 
and I definitely cannot in the snow, so I take the bus. The bus stop is a few steps away from my door 
and the ride is only about 10 minutes long, so it’s pretty convenient.
3.3. What is better- taking public transport or driving a car? 
I think the answer to this question really depends on where you live. While taking public 
transport, like the bus or subway, is always better for the environment, it is not always practical. I 
used to live in the suburbs of my city, and I was almost always late for school when I had to rely on 
the bus. Under these circumstances, a car is much more convenient. Despite this, public transport is 
more eco-friendly than a car. If everyone drove their personal vehicle to work, there would be more 
pollution. I am in favour of taking public transport whenever it is possible.