Unlocking Your IELTS Speaking Potential: Mastering “Describe a City You Would Like to Visit Again”

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to travel and places, making “describe a city you would like to visit again” a common and important theme. This question allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response. Let’s explore how to excel in answering this question across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask some general questions about cities and travel. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy traveling to different cities?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find exploring new cities incredibly enriching. Each place has its unique culture, architecture, and atmosphere, which broadens my horizons and gives me fresh perspectives. It’s always exciting to immerse myself in different urban environments and experience the local way of life.”

2. What’s your favorite city that you’ve visited so far?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d have to say Rome has left the most lasting impression on me. The city is like an open-air museum, with its ancient ruins seamlessly integrated into modern life. The juxtaposition of historical landmarks like the Colosseum alongside bustling cafes and vibrant neighborhoods is simply breathtaking. Plus, the food scene there is unparalleled – I still dream about the authentic pasta and gelato I had!”

IELTS Speaking: Describing Rome as a favorite city

3. What do you think makes a city worth visiting again?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“In my opinion, a city worth revisiting should offer a perfect blend of familiarity and novelty. It should have iconic landmarks that you’d love to see again, but also hidden gems that you might have missed on your first visit. A rich cultural scene with ever-changing exhibitions, performances, or festivals is also crucial. Lastly, the city should have a welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals that make you feel at home, even as a tourist.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:

Describe a city you would like to visit again

You should say:
- Where this city is located
- When you visited it
- What you did there
- And explain why you would like to visit it again

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d love to revisit New York City, the bustling metropolis located on the east coast of the United States. I had the chance to visit the Big Apple about three years ago during the fall season, and it was an unforgettable experience.

During my stay, I immersed myself in the city’s vibrant culture. I explored iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, which offered breathtaking views of the city skyline. I also spent hours wandering through the diverse neighborhoods, from the artistic enclaves of Greenwich Village to the trendy boutiques in SoHo. One of the highlights was catching a Broadway show – the energy and talent on display were simply mind-blowing.

I’m eager to visit New York again for several reasons. Firstly, despite spending a week there, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. There are so many world-class museums, like the MoMA and the Met, that I didn’t have time to fully appreciate. Secondly, New York is a city that’s constantly evolving, with new restaurants, exhibitions, and cultural events popping up all the time. I’m curious to see how it’s changed since my last visit.

Moreover, I found the city’s energy to be incredibly invigorating. The fast-paced lifestyle, the diversity of the people, and the feeling that anything is possible there left a lasting impression on me. I’d love to recapture that sense of excitement and possibility.

Lastly, as someone who’s passionate about describe a public park where you like to spend time, I’d like to explore more of New York’s green spaces, especially Central Park, which I only briefly visited last time. I’ve heard that each season brings a different charm to the park, and I’d love to experience it in various times of the year.

In conclusion, New York City’s unparalleled mix of culture, energy, and constant reinvention makes it a place I’m eager to rediscover. I believe each visit would bring new experiences and insights, making it a city I could return to again and again.”

New York City skyline with Central Park

Follow-up questions:

1. Is there any particular season you’d prefer for your next visit to New York?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d be keen to experience New York during the winter months. I’ve heard that the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with ice skating in Central Park and festive decorations lighting up the streets. The prospect of seeing the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square is also quite appealing. Plus, I imagine the city’s world-class museums and cozy cafes would provide perfect refuges from the cold.”

2. How do you think your experience might differ on a second visit?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe a second visit would allow for a more nuanced appreciation of the city. With the pressure of seeing all the major tourist attractions out of the way, I could focus on delving deeper into New York’s diverse neighborhoods and subcultures. I’d likely seek out more off-the-beaten-path experiences, perhaps exploring the emerging art scene in Brooklyn or discovering hidden speakeasies. Moreover, having some familiarity with the city’s layout and transport system would enable me to navigate more confidently and spontaneously, potentially leading to serendipitous discoveries.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

1. How do you think tourism affects cities?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on cities. On the positive side, it can be a significant economic driver, creating jobs and bringing in revenue that can be used to improve infrastructure and public services. It can also promote cultural exchange and foster international understanding.

However, overtourism is becoming a pressing issue in many popular destinations. It can lead to the displacement of local residents due to rising property prices, the erosion of local culture as cities cater more to tourists than residents, and environmental degradation from increased foot traffic and pollution.

Striking a balance is crucial. Cities need to implement sustainable tourism practices that maximize the benefits while mitigating the negative impacts. This might involve measures like limiting the number of visitors to certain attractions, promoting off-season travel, or encouraging tourists to explore less-visited areas of the city.”

2. Do you think cities in the future will be different from cities today?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe future cities will likely be quite different from those we see today, primarily driven by technological advancements and the need for sustainability. We’re already seeing the emergence of ‘smart cities‘ that use data and technology to improve efficiency and quality of life. This trend will probably accelerate, with AI and IoT playing bigger roles in managing traffic, energy use, and public services.

Environmentally, cities may become more green and sustainable. We might see more vertical gardens, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly public transportation. The concept of ‘15-minute cities‘, where all daily necessities are within a short walk or bike ride, could become more common.

However, these changes might also bring challenges. There could be issues of digital privacy and the digital divide between those who can access these technologies and those who can’t. Additionally, as remote work becomes more prevalent, we might see changes in urban planning and housing design to accommodate this shift.

Overall, while the core function of cities as centers of human interaction and commerce will likely remain, the way they operate and what they look like could be quite different in the future.”

Futuristic sustainable city concept

3. How important is it for a city to preserve its historical buildings?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Preserving historical buildings is, in my opinion, paramount for maintaining a city’s identity and cultural heritage. These structures serve as tangible links to the past, offering insights into a city’s evolution and the lives of previous generations. They contribute to the unique character and aesthetic appeal of a city, often becoming iconic landmarks that attract tourists and instill a sense of pride in local residents.

Moreover, historical buildings often embody traditional architectural techniques and craftsmanship that are increasingly rare in modern construction. Preserving them helps keep these skills alive and provides valuable learning opportunities for contemporary architects and builders.

From an environmental perspective, restoration and adaptive reuse of old buildings can be more sustainable than demolition and new construction, aligning with the growing emphasis on describe a law that you think is necessary for environmental protection.

However, it’s important to strike a balance between preservation and progress. Cities need to evolve to meet changing needs and accommodate growth. The key lies in thoughtful urban planning that integrates historical elements with modern development, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. This approach can result in vibrant, layered cityscapes that honor the past while embracing the future.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance when describing a city you’d like to visit again, consider using these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Metropolis (noun) /məˈtrɒpəlɪs/ – a very large and busy city
   Example: “New York is often referred to as the quintessential metropolis.”

2. Immerse oneself (phrasal verb) /ɪˈmɜːs/ – to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
   Example: “I love to immerse myself in the local culture when visiting a new city.”

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 skyscrapers makes Rome uniquely fascinating.”

4. Vibrant (adjective) /ˈvaɪbrənt/ – full of energy and life
   Example: “Tokyo’s vibrant street life is one of its main attractions.”

5. Iconic (adjective) /aɪˈkɒnɪk/ – very famous or popular, especially being considered to represent particular opinions or a particular time
   Example: “The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.”

6. Serendipitous (adjective) /ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs/ – occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way
   Example: “Some of my best travel experiences have been serendipitous encounters with locals.”

7. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
   Example: “A second visit allows for a more nuanced appreciation of a city’s culture.”

8. Off-the-beaten-path (phrase) – in or into an isolated, unexplored, or little-known place
   Example: “I prefer to explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods to get a true feel for a city.”

By incorporating these words and phrases into your responses, you can demonstrate a rich vocabulary and nuanced understanding of the topic, which are key factors in achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a city you’d like to visit again, consider the following tips:

1. Structure your answer: Use the cue card points as a guide, but don’t simply list them. Create a coherent narrative that flows naturally from one point to the next.

2. Use specific examples: Don’t just say you enjoyed the food; mention a specific dish or restaurant. This adds authenticity to your response.

3. Show enthusiasm: Your tone and choice of words should convey genuine interest in the topic. This enhances the overall impact of your answer.

4. Practice, but don’t memorize: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing entire answers. The examiner can tell, and it can negatively impact your score.

5. Extend your answers: In Part 3, don’t just give short responses. Develop your ideas with explanations, examples, or personal experiences.

6. Use a range of grammatical structures: Mix simple and complex sentences. Use conditional tenses when discussing hypothetical situations about future visits.

7. Demonstrate critical thinking: Especially in Part 3, show that you can analyze topics from different angles. Discuss both advantages and disadvantages where appropriate.

8. Stay relevant: While it’s good to elaborate, make sure your extended answers still relate to the question asked.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and confidently. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you achieve this goal.