LIKE ALL BIG CITIES, TRAFFIC IS STILL HEAVY

In big cities, traffic is a common problem. There are many cars, buses, and motorcycles on the roads. People drive to work, school, or the store, and the streets get very busy. Even when cities have good transportation systems, traffic can still be heavy. It’s important to learn how to talk about traffic and describe it in English.

Examples:

• Like all big cities, traffic is still heavy in the morning.

• There is heavy traffic on Main Street.

• I don’t like driving during rush hour.

GRAMMAR: There is / There are + noun

We use there is for singular nouns and there are for plural nouns to talk about what exists.

Examples:

• There is a lot of traffic.

• There are many cars on the road.

• There is a traffic jam on 5th Avenue.

VOCABULARY

1. Traffic – many cars, buses, or bikes on the road.

2. Heavy – a lot; more than usual.

3. Rush hour – the time when people travel to and from work.

4. Jam – a situation when cars stop or move very slowly.

5. Street – a road in a city or town.

6. Driver – a person who drives a vehicle.

7. Busy – full of people or activity.

8. Noise – loud sounds from cars or people.

9. Commute – the trip from home to work or school.

10. Delay – something that makes you late.

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• Like all big cities, traffic is still heavy.

• There is a lot of traffic today.

• I’m stuck in traffic.

• The roads are very busy.

• It takes a long time to get to work.

SENTENCES

Positive:

• There is heavy traffic in the city.

• Many people take the bus to avoid traffic.

Negative:

• There isn’t light traffic in the morning.

• I don’t enjoy driving in the city.

Questions:

• Is there a lot of traffic now?

• Do you drive to work?

Answers:

• Yes, there is always traffic at this hour.

• No, I take the train.

CONVERSATION

Maya: Do you drive to work?

Tom: Yes, but like all big cities, traffic is still heavy.

Maya: I know! I was stuck for 30 minutes yesterday.

Tom: That’s terrible. What time did you leave?

Maya: Around 5 PM. It was rush hour.

Tom: Maybe you should leave earlier.

Maya: Good idea. Or maybe I’ll take the metro.

Tom: That might be faster.

READING

Traffic is a big problem in large cities. There are many people and many cars. Like all big cities, traffic is still heavy even with buses, metros, and bikes. During rush hour, streets are crowded and noisy. People try to leave earlier or take public transport to save time. It is important to know how to talk about traffic in English. You can describe the roads, the number of cars, or how long it takes to travel.

Questions and Answers:

1. Why is traffic heavy in big cities?

   • Because there are many people and cars.

2. What do people do to save time?

   • They leave earlier or take public transport.

3. When are the streets very crowded?

   • During rush hour.