Would You Live in a City Without Cars?
Learn topic-related expressions and join the speaking club to practice them!
Marhaban everyone! my name is Bilel and I'm from Tunisia . I have a bachelor's degree in English (International Relations). I have worked as a translator, International Business Developer and a director in a teaching center. After COVID, I started my carrier as a part-time English teacher in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia. I'm an ambitious person, and never give up my dream of working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, and why not be an ambassador someday!?
I'm thrilled to see you all in the Langclub sessions.
Topic guide Optional
A quick way to understand the topic and find useful language. Read as much or as little as you like.
1-minute overview
A city without private cars may sound radical, but many cities already limit traffic in central streets, near schools, or in historic areas. Supporters argue that fewer cars could mean quieter streets, cleaner air, safer walking and cycling, and more space for trees, cafés, housing, or play. Public transport could become faster and more reliable if it did not compete with heavy traffic.
However, a car-free policy is not simply a ban. Its success depends on frequent, affordable buses and trains, safe routes for walking and cycling, and practical access for people with disabilities, older residents, parents, and workers with unusual hours. It also raises logistical questions: shops still need goods, people still move house, and ambulances and fire engines need clear routes. The central tension is between reducing dependence on private cars and ensuring that mobility remains convenient, fair, and accessible for everyone, including people who live beyond the dense city center.
However, a car-free policy is not simply a ban. Its success depends on frequent, affordable buses and trains, safe routes for walking and cycling, and practical access for people with disabilities, older residents, parents, and workers with unusual hours. It also raises logistical questions: shops still need goods, people still move house, and ambulances and fire engines need clear routes. The central tension is between reducing dependence on private cars and ensuring that mobility remains convenient, fair, and accessible for everyone, including people who live beyond the dense city center.
Useful vocabulary
Approx. CEFR · Topic relevance
pedestrianize
/pəˈdestriənaɪz/to make an area mainly or only for people walking, rather than private cars
The city could pedestrianize the main shopping street on weekends.
car dependency
a situation in which daily life is difficult without using a private car
In outer suburbs, car dependency can make a sudden ban feel unfair.
modal shift
a change from one form of transport to another, especially from cars to public or active transport
Better bus lanes could encourage a modal shift away from driving.
last-mile delivery
the final stage of moving goods from a local hub to a shop or customer
Cargo bikes may be suitable for last-mile delivery in busy neighborhoods.
curb access
the ability for vehicles to stop briefly at the edge of a street for loading or dropping off people
Hotels and pharmacies may need limited curb access even on car-free streets.
universal accessibility
design that enables people with different physical, sensory, or cognitive needs to use a place or service
A car-free plan should be judged by its universal accessibility, not only its environmental benefits.
Useful expressions
The key trade-off is between ... and ...
Use this to identify two valuable goals that may conflict.
The key trade-off is between reclaiming street space and maintaining convenient door-to-door access.
That benefit depends heavily on ...
Use this to show that a positive outcome is conditional rather than automatic.
That benefit depends heavily on whether buses are frequent outside peak hours.
We should distinguish between ... and ...
Use this to separate ideas that are often treated as the same.
We should distinguish between banning private cars and banning every motor vehicle.
The policy could be equitable only if ...
Use this to introduce a fairness condition.
The policy could be equitable only if affordable alternatives reach poorer and outer neighborhoods.
A phased approach might be more realistic than ...
Use this to propose gradual change instead of an immediate, absolute solution.
A phased approach might be more realistic than removing all parking at once.
Question list
- Ice breaking
- Main topic
- Free talk
| Q1. | If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | What’s a gesture of kindness from your past that you’ve never forgotten? |
| Q3. | If you could be any kitchen appliance, which one would you be and why? |
| Q4. | What extinct creature would you want to bring back to life? |
| Q5. | What's one thing you're looking forward to this year? |
| Q6. | If you could spend one day with no responsibilities, how would you use it? |
| Q7. | Describe a project that made you feel incredibly proud upon completion. |
| Q8. | How do holidays and festivals differ in your country or culture compared to other places? |
| Q1. | How do you usually travel around your city? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | What would improve if most cars disappeared? |
| Q3. | Who might find a car-free city difficult? |
| Q4. | Would better buses make living without cars easier? |
| Q5. | How could shops receive deliveries without many cars? |
| Q6. | Would children have more freedom to play outside? |
| Q7. | Should some streets still allow emergency vehicles? |
| Q8. | Would you move to a car-free neighborhood? |
| Q1. | What's the best meal you've ever eaten? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | Ferries and boats offer different perspectives of a place. Do you have a favorite memory on the water? |
| Q3. | When do you feel most content with your accomplishments? |
| Q4. | Why do moments of stillness feel profound? |
| Q5. | When do you feel most inspired to try new things? |
| Q6. | What makes long-term growth rewarding? |
| Q7. | Have you ever gotten a hangover? |
| Q8. | Let’s say your life story was turned into a film. Which actor would play you, and what would be the title? |
Rules
Please be kind and respectful.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
No flirting! Don't ask for other people's social network, number etc. if he/she refuses to give them.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
Give others an equal opportunity to speak.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
Avoid Smoking / Drinking while you are talking.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
Turning your camera on is mandatory.
Note: You can be banned for violating any of these rules
Ready to join the conversation?
Book your spot and bring your perspective to the discussion.
