THUONGMAI UNIVERSITY

ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES 1

GROUP DISCUSSION
Topic: Transport
Group: 5
Class: 231_ENTI1011_42
Teacher: Phạm Thị Phương Liên
List of students (in the order of presenting)
No. Name (for students) Task assigned
1 Trần Thị Thùy Linh Warm-up game
2 Phạm Thị Thanh Mai Overview + PPT
3 Nguyễn Ngọc Mai (Leader) Public transport
4 Nguyễn Thị Loan Private transport
5 Nguyễn Hoàng Mai Comparison
6 Thân Thị Ngọc Mai Future trends + Summary + PPT
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 2

I. An overview of transportation ..................................................................................... 3

1.1. The importance of transportation. ........................................................................ 3

1.2. The evolution of transportation. ............................................................................ 3

II. Distinguish transportation. .......................................................................................... 3

2.1. Public transportation .............................................................................................. 4

2.1.1. Advantages of public transportation ................................................................... 4
2.1.2. Disadvantages of Public transportation .............................................................. 4

2.2. Private transportation ............................................................................................ 4

2.2.1. Advantages of private transportation .................................................................. 4
2.2.2. Disadvantages of public transportation .............................................................. 5

III. Which is better: Public transportation or Private transportation? ....................... 5

IV. Predictions about future transport trends and Conclusion ..................................... 7

4.1. Predictions ............................................................................................................... 7

4.2. Article summaries ................................................................................................... 8

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 INTRODUCTION
1. Greeting
Good afternoon everyone, we are group 5. We are delighted to have you here and have
an opportunity to present our chosen topic. Thank you for joining us for our group
presentation today.
2. Introducing the group’s member:
There are six members in our team:
1. Trần Thị Thùy Linh
2. Phạm Thị Thanh Mai
3. Nguyễn Ngọc Mai
4. Nguyễn Thị Loan
5. Nguyễn Hoàng Mai
6. Thân Thị Ngọc Mai
3. Warm up Game:
Game rules: Secret door
On the screen there are 4 secret doors, behind each door is a definition of a noun related
to our topic. If you guess correctly, that secret door will be opened, at this time, part of the
picture of the game's keyword will be displayed. After opening all 4 doors, a picture of the
game's keyword will appear on the screen.
The winner is the person who guesses the game's keyword correctly the fastest
Definition of a noun related to transportation.
1. Bus : a large vehicle in which people are driven from one place to another
2. bicycle : a two-wheeled vehicle that you sit on and move by turning the two pedals
(= flat parts you press with your feet)
3. congestion : a situation in which there is too much traffic and movement is difficult
4. emission : an amount of a substance that is produced and sent out into the air that is
harmful to the environment, especially carbon dioxide
Game’s keyword: Transportation
(winner name) has successfully found out the keyword, it is also the name of our
presentation topic today: Transportation
4. Outlining the presentation:
In this presentation, there are 4 parts to our presentation which are: overviews of
transportation, distinguish transportation, the comparison of the two of them, prediction as
well and conclusion.

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I. An overview of transportation
Firstly, what is transportation? According to the Cambridge dictionary,
transportation means a vehicle or system of vehicles, such as buses, and trains, just to name
a few, for getting from one place to another. In other words, transportation is the movement
of goods and people from place to place.
1.1. The importance of transportation.
In terms of the importance of transportation, there is no doubt that transportation
plays a significant important role in many aspects of our life in modern society. Firstly,
transport drives the economic development of a nation by enabling the transfer of raw
materials to factories and the delivery of finished goods to markets. Improved transportation
systems increase efficiency and productivity, contributing to economic growth. Another
thing I would like to mention is that the transport industry provides a great deal of job
opportunities, including trucks, buses, cab drivers, pilots, locomotive engineers, and others.
Moreover, Transportation helps people stay connected with friends and family, bridging
the distance between people living far apart. Furthermore, transportation has considerably
boosted the tourism industry, making it easy and quick to travel to previously hard-to-reach
or unknown locations. Last but not least, transportation facilitates essential services such as
water supply, ambulances, fire brigades, school buses, and commuting to workplaces,
among others.
1.2. The evolution of transportation.
Let's move on to the evolution of transportation. The history of transportation which
began from the human era, continued to change over some time. Looking at the timeline, it
is clear that the evolution of transportation took baby steps to reach the present scenario.
The first means of transportation was the human foot, where people used to walk large
distances to reach places. Rearing animals not only helped with basic needs but also helped
as a means of transportation. Then came the invention of the wheels which made a drastic
shift in the arena of transportation. The invention of the wheel made thus the flourishing of
land transport. After this, people started to pave the way to water and air too.
Over time with technological development, humans tried their hand at air transportation.
This made the start of air transport. By the time from air balloons to airplanes to satellites,
all have helped in transportation in one or the other way. Air transport turned out to be the
most time-saving means of transport giving a luxurious way to travel.
II. Distinguish transportation.
There are various ways to distinguish transportation, however, in this presentation, we
classify transportation into two types which are public transport and private transport.
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2.1. Public transportation
Public transportation is a form of local travel that enables more people to commute
together along designated routes. These systems are available to the public, may require a
fare, and run at scheduled times. Public transportation includes some common forms of
transport namely: Buses; Trains; Subways; Bicycles and Taxis
2.1.1. Advantages of public transportation
The advantages of public transportation are numerous. First of all, public
transportation helps reduce urban congestion, which is one of the greatest challenges of
developed nations. If transport systems are modernized in the near future, a single railway
can eliminate 1000 cars from the roads. Secondly, this form of transport also has financial
benefits for the economy since less money is spent on private cars and fuel. Every public
transport pays tax to the government which makes an important contribution to the
development of any economy. Last but not least, from an environmental perspective, public
transport significantly help reduce pollution emitted from motor vehicles making the
environment cleaner and boosting living standards.
2.1.2. Disadvantages of Public transportation
While public transportation offers numerous advantages, there are also some
disadvantages to consider. One drawback is that public transport can be slower compared
to personal vehicles. This is primarily because public transport vehicles have to make stops
along their designated routes, which can add to travel time. Additionally, public transport
vehicles do not stop at specific destinations. This can be inconvenient, especially if the final
destination is not within walking distance. Another downside is the issue of cleanliness
when public transport vehicles are not usually well-maintained. This can make the
commuting experience less pleasant, particularly during peak hours when vehicles are
crowded.
However, public transportation systems vary from one city to another, with each
offering a unique combination of these modes.

2.2. Private transportation

Private transport is the personal or individual use of transportation vehicles that are not
available for the general public. Private transport includes a wide range of vehicles such as
private cars, bicycles, motorbikes, etc. Each mode of private transport has its own unique
features.
2.2.1. Advantages of private transportation

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 Private transport offers several advantages, making them a popular mode of
transportation of individuals and families. First and foremost, using personal vehicles is
convenient and flexible. With a private vehicle, you can plan your journey to take place
whenever and wherever you like. This flexibility is particularly valuable for those with busy
or unpredictable schedules. Private transport also provides a higher level of privacy in your
own vehicle compared to public transportation. You can listen to your favorite music, make
private calls, or have private conversations without the presence of strangers. Furthermore,
private transport is accessible, it allows you to reach locations that may not be easily
accessible by public transport, giving you the freedom to explore remote or less-served
areas.
2.2.2. Disadvantages of public transportation
On the other hand, owning a private vehicle has some disadvantages as well. One of
the On the other hand, owning a private vehicle has some disadvantages as well. One of the
most significant drawbacks is its environmental impact as it generates air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions, which can harm the environment. This not only contributes to
global climate change but also has negative consequences on public health, leading to
respiratory problems and other pollution-related illnesses. In addition, private transport
contributes to traffic jams, especially in densely populated urban areas. This congestion not
only wastes time but also increases fuel consumption and emissions. Moreover, private
vehicles can be dangerous because they are more likely than public transportation to be
involved in traffic accidents and result in fatalities. Last but not least, the cost of owning
and maintaining a private vehicle can be burdensome, including expenses related to fuel,
insurance, repairs, and parking. Parking can be difficult, especially in populated urban
areas, where finding a parking space can be time-consuming and expensive.
In conclusion, people have different opinions about private transport. Some people
enjoy using them, while others choose to use public transport. The decision to use private
vehicles or consider alternative transportation options should be weighed carefully, taking
into account these pros and cons, as well as personal preferences and circumstances.

III. Which is better: Public transportation or Private transportation?

The terrain of the area, as well as personal needs, can be influential factors when
considering the choice between public and private transport options.
Public transport Private transport

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 1. Urban Areas:
Public transport is often a
preferred choice in urban areas
with dense populations and high
traffic congestion.
2. Well-Connected Areas:
Public transport is particularly
advantageous in areas with a
The
well-developed transportation
terrain of
infrastructure which have
the area
frequent and reliable services
3. Limited Parking Space:
In areas where parking is scarce
or expensive,, using public
transport eliminates the hassle of
finding parking spaces and
reduces parking costs.
1. Affordability:
Public transport is generally more Private transport offers greater
cost-effective compared to
owning a private vehicle. It can
help save money on vehicle
purchase, fuel, insurance, and
Personal parking fees.
needs 2. Health and Well-being:
Walking or cycling to and from
public transit stops can help
incorporate physical activity into
your daily routine, promoting
better health and well-being.
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1. Rural or Remote Areas:
Private transport is often more
practical in rural or remote areas with
limited public transport infrastructure.
2. Lack of Public Transport
Coverage:
If there are no bus or train routes that
directly serve your destination, private
transport allows you to have more
control over your travel routes and
schedules.
3. Challenging Terrains:
Private vehicles are more
convenience and flexibility, better
equipped to navigate winding roads,
and rough terrains that may be less
accessible by public transport.
1. Flexibility and Convenience:
flexibility and convenience in terms of
travel times and destinations.
2. Privacy and Comfort:
Private transport provides a higher
level of privacy and comfort
compared to public transport. You
create a personalized and comfortable
environment during your commute or
travel.
 3. Environmental
Consciousness:
Choosing public transport aligns
with environmental sustainability
goals. by reducing traffic
congestion and lowering
greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Emergency Situations:
Private transport offers the advantage
of immediate access in case of
emergencies. Whether it's a medical
emergency or urgent travel needs,
having a private vehicle allows you to
respond quickly and efficiently.

4. Social Interactions: 4. Family or Group Travel:

Public transport provides
opportunities for social
interactions and community
engagement by Commuting
alongside fellow passengers
It is more convenient and cost-
effective when traveling with family
or a group of people. It offers the
flexibility to accommodate multiple
passengers while maintaining privacy
and comfort.

In short, when considering the choice between public and private transport, factors
such as the terrain of the area and personal needs play a crucial role. By carefully evaluating
these factors, individuals can make an informed decision that aligns with their unique
requirements and contributes to their overall transportation satisfaction.

IV. Predictions about future transport trends and Conclusion

4.1. Predictions
Honestly, we can’t tell what the future of transport will really look like. A hundred
years ago horses and carts were still common. Even thirty years ago, predictions of the
future were pretty far off the mark. Just like today’s transport couldn’t have been predicted
then, the trajectory of tomorrow’s transit technology could change overnight. Therefore,
the following are just some predictions that are personal speculation.
To begin with, in the future, public transport will surpass private transport in both quantity
and quality because of its superiority and advantages consistent with sustainable
development. Secondly, existing public transit lines (such as light rail, subways, and heavy
rail) are likely to be extended. Besides, in terms of fuel, fossil fuels will gradually be phased
out in favor of electricity. We are gradually moving towards using renewable and
environmentally friendly energy. It is an inevitable trend to protect the environment and
humanity. In addition, active transport will stay active. Bikes, scooters, and walking may
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not be new ideas, but they’re already playing a huge role in transport today, and they’re set
to play a role going forward.
Furthermore, maybe we’ll have fully autonomous self-driving within a few years.
4.2. Article summaries
In the article, we discussed the role and history of transport, then went into depth about
the two main types of transport: public transport and private transport. We provided
information on the two modes of transport mentioned above: concepts, classifications,
advantages, and disadvantages. We compared the two types and drew conclusions about
when to use which mode of transport. Finally, we made some predictions about future
transport trends.