Walking tours are an excellent way to immerse yourself in a city’s culture and atmosphere. This topic is increasingly popular in IELTS Speaking tests, as it allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe places, express preferences, and discuss urban experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to exploring cities on foot in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Describe a place where you would go for a retreat can be similar to describing a city you’d like to explore, as both involve discussing locations and your reasons for choosing them. However, let’s focus on urban exploration for this guide.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. Do you enjoy walking in cities?
2. What’s your favorite city to explore on foot?
3. How often do you go for walks in your city?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy walking in cities?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find walking to be the best way to experience a city’s vibe. It allows me to stumble upon hidden gems like quaint cafes or street art that I might miss otherwise. Plus, it’s a great form of exercise and helps me get a feel for the local culture firsthand.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a potential cue card related to our topic:

Describe A City You Would Like To Explore On Foot
You should say:

• Which city it is
• Why you want to explore it on foot
• What you expect to see there
• And explain why walking is the best way to explore this city

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’ve always dreamed of exploring Rome on foot. The Eternal City has captivated my imagination for years, and I believe walking is the perfect way to immerse myself in its rich history and vibrant culture.

Rome is a city where ancient and modern coexist harmoniously. By exploring it on foot, I expect to stumble upon hidden piazzas, discover charming trattorias tucked away in narrow alleys, and marvel at the juxtaposition of millennia-old ruins next to bustling modern shops.

I’m particularly excited about the prospect of wandering through the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, known for its medieval charm and lively atmosphere. I can already imagine myself getting pleasantly lost in its labyrinthine lanes, each turn potentially revealing a picturesque courtyard or a centuries-old church.

Of course, no walk through Rome would be complete without visiting its iconic landmarks. I’m looking forward to approaching the Colosseum on foot, watching it gradually come into view and appreciating its colossal scale as I get closer. Similarly, I’d love to meander through the Roman Forum, imagining the bustling life of ancient Romans as I walk in their footsteps.

Walking is undoubtedly the best way to explore Rome because it allows for a more intimate connection with the city. You can’t truly appreciate the details of Baroque facades or the aroma wafting from local bakeries from inside a vehicle. Moreover, Rome’s compact historic center and the proximity of many attractions make it ideal for pedestrian exploration.

In essence, walking through Rome would allow me to experience the city with all my senses, from the sight of magnificent architecture to the sounds of animated conversations in piazzas, the feel of sun-warmed cobblestones beneath my feet, and the taste of gelato from a neighborhood gelateria. It’s this multisensory experience that I believe makes walking the ultimate way to discover the heart and soul of the Eternal City.”

Walking tour in Rome with Colosseum in background

Follow-up questions:

1. What are some challenges of exploring a city on foot?
2. How does walking tours compare to other forms of city exploration?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):

“While exploring a city on foot offers numerous benefits, it does come with its own set of challenges. One of the primary concerns is fatigue, especially in larger cities where attractions can be spread out. Covering long distances on foot can be physically demanding, particularly for those not accustomed to extensive walking.

Another significant challenge is navigating unfamiliar streets. Even with modern GPS technology, it’s easy to get disoriented in a new city, especially one with a complex layout like Rome or Venice. This can lead to unintentional detours which, while sometimes serendipitous, can also be time-consuming and frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule.

Weather conditions can also pose a challenge. Exploring on foot leaves you exposed to the elements, whether it’s scorching sun, unexpected rain, or chilly winds. This requires careful planning and preparation, including appropriate clothing and potential alternative indoor activities.

Lastly, safety can be a concern, particularly when walking through unfamiliar neighborhoods or during late hours. It’s crucial to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, which can sometimes detract from the enjoyment of exploration.

Despite these challenges, I believe the rewards of exploring a city on foot far outweigh the difficulties. With proper planning, such as researching routes in advance, wearing comfortable shoes, and staying hydrated, many of these issues can be mitigated, allowing for a rich and immersive urban experience.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How has technology changed the way people explore cities?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Technology has revolutionized urban exploration in numerous ways. Firstly, smartphone apps and GPS have made navigation significantly easier. Gone are the days of fumbling with paper maps; now, travelers can effortlessly find their way to attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems with just a few taps on their phones.

Moreover, augmented reality (AR) apps are enhancing the exploration experience. Users can point their phones at buildings or landmarks to instantly access historical information, creating a more interactive and educational journey through the city.

Social media and review platforms have also transformed how we discover and choose places to visit. Travelers can now easily find recommendations from locals and fellow tourists, helping them uncover authentic experiences off the beaten path.

However, this technological revolution is not without its downsides. There’s a risk of over-reliance on digital tools, which might lead to a less spontaneous and serendipitous exploration. Additionally, the constant use of smartphones can sometimes detract from being fully present in the moment and truly immersing oneself in the city’s atmosphere.

In essence, while technology has made urban exploration more accessible and information-rich, it’s crucial to strike a balance between utilizing these tools and maintaining the spirit of discovery and personal interaction that makes exploring a new city so rewarding.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Immerse oneself (phrasal verb) /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/: To become completely involved in something.
   Example: “Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.”

2. Stumble upon (phrasal verb) /ˈstʌmbl əˈpɒn/: To find or meet by chance.
   Example: “While exploring on foot, you might stumble upon charming cafes or hidden art galleries.”

3. Juxtaposition (noun) /ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃn/: The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
   Example: “The juxtaposition of ancient ruins and modern buildings makes Rome fascinating.”

4. Meander (verb) /miˈændə(r)/: To follow a winding course; to wander aimlessly.
   Example: “I love to meander through the narrow streets of old European cities.”

5. Multisensory (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈsensəri/: Involving or using more than one sense.
   Example: “Exploring on foot provides a multisensory experience of a city.”

Describe a building you admire for its architecture is another topic where you can utilize similar descriptive language and vocabulary to discuss urban exploration.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing city exploration:

1. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions to bring your experiences to life.
2. Practice speaking about different aspects of urban exploration, from architecture to local cuisine.
3. Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and examples to support your points.
4. Work on your pronunciation and fluency by recording yourself and listening back.
5. Stay informed about urban trends and city planning to discuss more abstract topics in Part 3.

Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing the vocabulary, but in using it naturally and appropriately within context. Regular practice and exposure to English-language content about travel and urban life can significantly improve your performance.

IELTS Speaking Test discussion on urban exploration

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss cities and urban exploration in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score significantly. Good luck with your preparation!