Describing crowded places you dislike is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme often appears in Part 1 and Part 2, allowing examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express personal preferences and describe experiences vividly. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and impress the examiner with your speaking skills.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions like:

1. Do you prefer crowded or quiet places?
2. What’s the most crowded place you’ve ever been to?
3. How do you feel when you’re in a crowded place?

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

Examiner: Do you prefer crowded or quiet places?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Well, I generally prefer quiet places. I find it easier to relax and think clearly when there aren’t too many people around. Crowded areas can be quite stressful for me.

Candidate (Band 8-9): To be honest, I have a strong preference for tranquil environments. I find that the hustle and bustle of crowded spaces tends to be overwhelming and can impede my ability to focus or unwind. That being said, I do occasionally enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a busy café or market, but for the most part, I gravitate towards more serene settings where I can gather my thoughts and recharge.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a crowded place you dislike:

Describe a crowded place you dislike visiting
You should say:

• Where this place is
• Why it is crowded
• What you dislike about it
• And explain why you still go there despite not liking it

Crowded train station during rush hour

Describe a food market you visit regularly might be a related topic that could help you prepare for this task. Now, let’s look at sample answers for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:

The crowded place I dislike visiting is the central train station in my city. It’s located in the heart of downtown and is always packed with commuters, especially during rush hours. The main reason for the overcrowding is that it’s the main transportation hub, connecting various parts of the city and suburbs.

What I really don’t like about this place is the constant noise and the feeling of being pushed around. It’s hard to move freely, and there’s always a risk of losing your belongings in the crowd. The air feels stuffy, and it’s often hard to find a place to sit while waiting for your train.

Despite my dislike for the crowded station, I still go there because it’s the most convenient way to travel to work. The trains are faster than buses and much cheaper than taking a taxi every day. So, even though I don’t enjoy the experience, I have to put up with it for practical reasons.

Band 8-9 Answer:

The crowded place I absolutely detest visiting is the central train station in my metropolis. This bustling transportation hub is situated right in the heart of the urban sprawl, serving as a vital artery for the city’s daily commuters. The sheer volume of people passing through is staggering, particularly during the peak hours when the station transforms into a veritable sea of humanity.

The primary reason for this overwhelming congestion is the station’s role as the nexus of our public transport system. It’s where various metro lines, suburban trains, and bus routes converge, making it an unavoidable bottleneck for thousands of travelers.

What I find particularly abhorrent about this place is the cacophony of sounds that assaults your ears – from the incessant announcements blaring over the speakers to the clamor of hurried footsteps and animated conversations. The claustrophobic atmosphere is exacerbated by the constant jostling as people navigate through the crowds. There’s an ever-present sense of urgency that seems to permeate the air, making it impossible to find a moment of peace.

Interior of a crowded train station

Ironically, despite my strong aversion to this chaotic environment, I find myself compelled to frequent this station due to its unparalleled connectivity. It offers the most efficient and cost-effective means of commuting to my workplace. The time-saving aspect of train travel, compared to road transport, is simply too significant to ignore. So, I reluctantly brave the crowds, viewing it as a necessary trade-off for the convenience it provides in my daily life.

Examiner: How do you think the authorities could improve the situation at the train station?

Candidate (Band 6-7): I think they could add more trains during busy times to reduce overcrowding. They could also improve the station layout to make it easier for people to move around.

Candidate (Band 8-9): There are several strategic measures the authorities could implement to alleviate the congestion. Firstly, they could optimize the train schedule, increasing the frequency of services during peak hours to distribute the passenger load more evenly. Additionally, revamping the station’s layout to create wider walkways and more efficient queuing systems could significantly enhance pedestrian flow. Integrating smart technologies, such as real-time crowd monitoring and digital signage for redirecting foot traffic, could also play a crucial role in managing the crowds more effectively.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think overcrowding is a significant problem in most cities today?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I believe overcrowding is a big problem in many cities. It affects public transport, housing, and even job opportunities. Many people move to cities for better jobs, which makes the problem worse.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely, I believe overcrowding has become an increasingly pressing issue in urban centers worldwide. This phenomenon is largely driven by rapid urbanization and the centralization of economic opportunities in cities. The ramifications of overcrowding are far-reaching, impacting various facets of urban life. It puts immense strain on infrastructure, leading to overburdened public transport systems and housing shortages. Moreover, it often results in increased cost of living, environmental degradation, and can even contribute to social tensions. While cities continue to be magnets for opportunity, the challenge lies in sustainable urban planning to accommodate this growth without compromising the quality of life for residents.

City skyline with traffic congestion

Examiner: What are some ways to make crowded places more comfortable for people?

Candidate (Band 6-7): To make crowded places more comfortable, we could improve ventilation systems to keep the air fresh. Adding more seating areas and widening walkways could also help. Using signs to guide people could reduce confusion and make movement easier.

Candidate (Band 8-9): There are several innovative approaches that can be employed to enhance the comfort level in crowded spaces. Firstly, implementing efficient crowd management systems using advanced technologies like AI and big data can help predict and manage foot traffic more effectively. Architectural solutions such as creating micro-spaces within larger areas can provide pockets of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle. Improving ambient conditions through better ventilation, noise reduction techniques, and thoughtful lighting design can significantly reduce sensory overload. Additionally, incorporating biophilic elements like indoor plants or water features can help create a more calming atmosphere. Lastly, educating the public on crowd etiquette and fostering a culture of consideration can go a long way in making crowded spaces more bearable for everyone.

Describe an outdoor market in your city is another topic that might help you practice describing crowded places, albeit from a potentially more positive perspective.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Bustling /ˈbʌs.lɪŋ/ (adj): Full of activity, busy.
   Example: The bustling city center was overwhelming for the small-town visitor.

2. Congestion /kənˈdʒes.tʃən/ (n): The state of being crowded and full of traffic.
   Example: The congestion in the subway made it difficult to move.

3. Claustrophobic /ˌklɔː.strəˈfəʊ.bɪk/ (adj): Uncomfortably crowded or enclosed.
   Example: The packed elevator felt claustrophobic to many passengers.

4. Teeming /ˈtiː.mɪŋ/ (adj): Abundantly filled with people.
   Example: The teeming marketplace was a sensory overload for first-time visitors.

5. Inundated /ˈɪn.ʌn.deɪ.tɪd/ (adj): Overwhelmed by a large number of people or things.
   Example: The popular tourist spot was inundated with visitors during the peak season.

Describe a mountain or hill station you have been to could provide a contrasting example to crowded urban spaces, helping you develop a more diverse vocabulary for describing places.

Tips from an Examiner

To excel in describing crowded places you dislike in the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Use vivid descriptive language to paint a clear picture of the scene.
2. Express your feelings and reactions to the crowded environment using a range of vocabulary.
3. Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your description.
4. Use a variety of sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
5. Practice describing different types of crowded places to expand your vocabulary and ideas.

Remember, the key is to communicate your thoughts clearly and demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary relevant to the topic. By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you can improve your ability to discuss crowded places effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a museum you visited could be an interesting contrast to discussing crowded places you dislike, as museums often offer a more controlled and potentially less crowded environment.