The topic of describing a beautiful city you want to visit is a common one in IELTS Speaking exams. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal preferences, describe places vividly, and discuss travel-related topics. This theme has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about cities and travel. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you like traveling to cities?
2. What’s your favorite city that you’ve visited so far?
3. How often do you travel to other cities?
4. Do you prefer living in a city or in the countryside?

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

Examiner: Do you like traveling to cities?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I’m quite fond of exploring urban areas. Cities often offer a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modernity that I find incredibly fascinating. There’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s stumbling upon a hidden cafe, admiring stunning architecture, or immersing myself in local traditions. That being said, I do appreciate the occasional retreat to nature for some peace and quiet.”

This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, uses idiomatic expressions, and provides reasons for the preference, which are all characteristics of a high-scoring response.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Beautiful City You Want To Visit.
You should say:

• Where this city is located
• How you learned about this city
• What attractions it has
• And explain why you want to visit this city

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about Venice, a breathtakingly beautiful city in northeastern Italy that I’ve long dreamed of visiting. I first became enchanted with Venice through the captivating images in travel magazines and documentaries, which showcased its unique architecture and picturesque canals.

Venice is renowned for its intricate network of waterways, with the Grand Canal serving as the main thoroughfare. The city boasts numerous iconic landmarks, including the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica, with its ornate Byzantine architecture, and the majestic Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic design. The Rialto Bridge, spanning the Grand Canal, is another must-see attraction that has captured my imagination.

What draws me to Venice is its unparalleled combination of history, art, and romance. The idea of wandering through narrow alleys, crossing countless bridges, and exploring hidden piazzas is incredibly appealing. I’m also fascinated by the city’s rich cultural heritage, from its world-famous Carnival to its prestigious art exhibitions like the Venice Biennale.

Moreover, I’m eager to experience the unique Venetian way of life, traveling by vaporetto instead of cars, and indulging in authentic Italian cuisine in charming waterside restaurants. The city’s ethereal beauty, especially during sunrise and sunset, is something I long to witness firsthand.

In essence, Venice represents a perfect blend of architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and romantic atmosphere that I believe will create an unforgettable travel experience. It’s a city that seems to exist outside of time, and I’m truly excited about the prospect of immersing myself in its magical ambiance.”

This response effectively addresses all points in the cue card, uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and expresses enthusiasm for the topic.

Venice Grand Canal with historic buildings and gondolas

Follow-up questions:

1. What kind of preparations would you make before visiting Venice?
2. Do you think cities like Venice are at risk due to overtourism?

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

“To prepare for a trip to Venice, I’d start by thoroughly researching the city’s layout and main attractions to make the most of my visit. I’d book accommodations well in advance, preferably in the historic center to fully immerse myself in the Venetian atmosphere. Learning a few basic Italian phrases would be essential to connect with locals and show respect for the culture. I’d also look into purchasing a Venezia Unica City Pass to save on transportation and entry fees to major sites. Lastly, I’d pack appropriate attire, including comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing for visiting churches, to ensure I’m prepared for all aspects of the Venetian experience.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to cities and urban planning. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think cities will change in the future?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe cities of the future will undergo significant transformations to address current challenges and embrace technological advancements. We’re likely to see a greater emphasis on sustainability, with more green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and improved public transportation systems to reduce carbon emissions.

Smart city technologies will probably become more prevalent, with sensors and data analytics being used to optimize everything from traffic flow to waste management. This could lead to more efficient urban living and improved quality of life for residents.

Additionally, I think there will be a shift towards more mixed-use developments, combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to create more vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. This could help foster stronger communities and reduce the need for long commutes.

However, cities will also need to grapple with challenges like overpopulation and inequality. Ensuring affordable housing and equitable access to services and opportunities will be crucial for creating inclusive urban environments in the future.”

This answer demonstrates critical thinking, uses a range of complex structures, and incorporates topic-specific vocabulary effectively.

Futuristic sustainable city concept

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Architectural marvel (noun) – /ˌɑːkɪˈtektʃərəl ˈmɑːvəl/ – An impressively designed building or structure.
   Example: “The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is widely regarded as an architectural marvel.”

2. Cultural heritage (noun) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a society.
   Example: “Kyoto’s temples and gardens are an important part of Japan’s cultural heritage.”

3. Vibrant (adjective) – /ˈvaɪbrənt/ – Full of energy, brightness, and life.
   Example: “New York City is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse neighborhoods.”

4. Immerse oneself (phrasal verb) – /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ – To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
   Example: “When visiting Rome, I love to immerse myself in the local cuisine and history.”

5. Sustainable development (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Economic and social growth that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
   Example: “Many modern cities are focusing on sustainable development to combat climate change.”

Describe a famous mountain you want to visit someday to further enhance your speaking skills on related topics.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a beautiful city:

1. Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions related to cities and travel.

2. Practice storytelling: Work on structuring your responses coherently, using linking words to connect ideas smoothly.

3. Expand your knowledge: Read about various cities worldwide to have a diverse pool of examples to draw from during the test.

4. Use specific examples: When describing a city, mention particular landmarks, cultural aspects, or personal anecdotes to make your answer more engaging and authentic.

5. Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the topic through your tone and choice of words to make your response more compelling.

6. Address all parts of the question: Especially in Part 2, ensure you cover all points mentioned in the cue card.

7. Develop your ideas: In Part 3, aim to provide thoughtful, extended responses that showcase your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to cities and urban development.

By following these tips and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about describing beautiful cities in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak confidently and fluently while demonstrating a rich vocabulary and the ability to express complex ideas clearly.

IELTS Speaking test preparation

Describe a building you visited that left a strong impression can provide additional insights into effectively describing architectural features and personal experiences, which can be valuable when discussing cities you want to visit.