Describing a crowded place you dislike visiting is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal preferences, use descriptive language, and discuss social issues. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Describe a food market you visit regularly can be a related topic that may help you practice describing crowded places. However, in this article, we’ll focus on places you dislike visiting due to overcrowding.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about crowded places. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you often visit crowded places?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Not really. I try to avoid crowded places whenever possible because I find them quite stressful. However, sometimes it’s unavoidable, especially when I need to use public transport during rush hour or go shopping on weekends.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“To be honest, I make a concerted effort to steer clear of crowded places as much as I can. The hustle and bustle tend to overwhelm me, and I find it rather draining. That being said, there are occasions when it’s simply unavoidable, such as during my daily commute on public transport or when I need to run errands in the city center on a busy weekend.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
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 have to visit this place despite disliking it
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 serves as the main transportation hub for commuters and travelers. The station is always packed with people, especially during rush hours in the morning and evening.
What I dislike most about this place is the constant noise and the feeling of being pushed around. It’s hard to move freely or find a quiet spot to wait for your train. The crowds make me feel anxious and stressed.
Despite my dislike, I have to visit this place regularly because it’s the most convenient way to travel to and from work. The train is faster and more reliable than other forms of transport, so I don’t really have a choice if I want to get to work on time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The crowded place I absolutely detest visiting is the central train station in my city. It’s strategically located in the heart of the metropolitan area, serving as the primary transportation nexus for both daily commuters and long-distance travelers. The station is perpetually teeming with people, particularly during the peak hours of the morning and evening rush.
What I find most abhorrent about this place is the cacophony of sounds and the claustrophobic feeling of being constantly jostled by the crowds. It’s virtually impossible to navigate through the sea of people or find a modicum of tranquility while waiting for your train. The sheer volume of people makes me feel incredibly anxious and overwhelmed.
Despite my strong aversion to this place, I’m compelled to visit it on a regular basis as it’s the most efficient means of commuting to and from my workplace. The train service, despite the crowded conditions, is significantly faster and more reliable than other modes of transport. Consequently, I find myself with little choice but to endure the crowds if I want to maintain punctuality at work and optimize my daily schedule.”
Follow-up questions:
- How do you cope with the stress of being in such a crowded place?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I try to distract myself by listening to music or podcasts. I also try to arrive early to avoid the worst of the rush.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“To mitigate the stress, I’ve developed a few coping mechanisms. I immerse myself in audiobooks or calming music to create a mental barrier against the chaos. Additionally, I make a conscious effort to arrive ahead of schedule, allowing me to secure a more comfortable position and avoid the peak of the rush.”
- Do you think there are any benefits to experiencing crowded places occasionally?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I suppose there can be some benefits. It can help you learn to be patient and tolerant of others. It might also make you appreciate quiet places more.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Indeed, I believe there are potential advantages to occasionally immersing oneself in crowded environments. Such experiences can foster patience and enhance one’s ability to navigate social situations. Moreover, they can heighten our appreciation for tranquil spaces and solitude. Crowded places also offer unique opportunities for people-watching and observing diverse human interactions, which can be intellectually stimulating and broaden our perspectives.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some example questions with suggested answers:
Question: Why do you think some people enjoy crowded places while others avoid them?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it depends on personality. Some people are more outgoing and energetic, so they enjoy the excitement of crowds. Others are more introverted and prefer quieter environments. Also, some people might feel safer in crowds, while others feel anxious.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The preference for or aversion to crowded places is intrinsically linked to individual personality traits and psychological factors. Extroverted individuals often thrive in bustling environments, drawing energy from the collective excitement and social interactions that crowds provide. Conversely, introverted personalities tend to find such situations overwhelming and energy-depleting, preferring more serene settings for relaxation and reflection.
Furthermore, one’s comfort level in crowds can be influenced by past experiences and cultural background. Some individuals may associate crowds with a sense of safety and community, particularly if they’ve grown up in densely populated areas. Others might harbor anxieties about crowded spaces due to negative experiences or a general predisposition towards claustrophobia or social anxiety.
It’s also worth noting that the context of the crowded place plays a significant role. For instance, the euphoric atmosphere of a music concert might be enjoyable even for those who typically avoid crowds, while a packed subway during rush hour might be universally stress-inducing.”
Question: How do you think cities can better manage crowded public spaces?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Cities can improve crowded spaces by better planning and design. They could create more open spaces, widen sidewalks, and improve public transport. They could also use technology to manage crowds, like apps that show how busy places are in real-time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Effective management of crowded public spaces in urban areas requires a multifaceted approach that combines urban planning, technology, and behavioral science.
Firstly, cities should prioritize intelligent urban design that anticipates and accommodates high foot traffic. This could involve widening pedestrian thoroughfares, creating more open spaces and plazas, and strategically placing amenities to disperse crowds. Implementing green spaces within dense urban areas can also provide respite from crowding and improve overall quality of life.
Secondly, leveraging smart city technologies can significantly enhance crowd management. Real-time monitoring systems and predictive analytics can help authorities anticipate crowd surges and respond proactively. Mobile applications that provide live updates on crowd density in various locations can empower citizens to make informed decisions about their movements.
Moreover, cities should focus on optimizing public transportation systems to alleviate congestion in popular areas. This could involve increasing the frequency of services during peak hours, introducing express routes, and incentivizing the use of alternative transportation modes like cycling or carpooling.
Lastly, public education campaigns can play a crucial role in fostering a culture of considerate behavior in crowded spaces. By promoting awareness of crowd etiquette and the collective benefits of courteous conduct, cities can encourage more harmonious coexistence in densely populated areas.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and phrases into your responses. Here are some examples:
-
Teeming with people (phrasal verb) – /tiːmɪŋ wɪð ˈpiːpl/: Very crowded or full of people.
Example: “The shopping mall was teeming with people during the holiday sales.” -
Claustrophobic (adjective) – /ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbɪk/: Uncomfortably crowded or enclosed.
Example: “The packed elevator felt claustrophobic, making me wish I had taken the stairs.” -
Hustle and bustle (idiom) – /ˈhʌsl ənd ˈbʌsl/: Busy and noisy activity.
Example: “Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, I managed to find a quiet café to work in.” -
Overwhelming (adjective) – /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ/: Very strong or powerful in effect.
Example: “The overwhelming noise and movement of the crowd made it difficult to concentrate.” -
To steer clear of (idiom) – /tə stɪə klɪə əv/: To avoid something or someone.
Example: “I usually steer clear of the city center on weekends due to the large crowds.”
Describe an outdoor market in your city can be another interesting topic to practice describing crowded places, albeit with a potentially more positive perspective.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing crowded places you dislike:
- Practice describing various crowded settings, focusing on sensory details and personal reactions.
- Develop a range of vocabulary related to crowds, urban environments, and emotions.
- Prepare to discuss both personal experiences and broader societal implications of crowded spaces.
- Work on expressing your opinions clearly and supporting them with relevant examples.
- Practice speaking fluently about this topic for 2-3 minutes without repetition or hesitation.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
Describe a mountain or hill station you have been to could serve as an excellent contrasting topic to practice, offering a peaceful alternative to crowded urban spaces.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss crowded places you dislike visiting in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your chances of achieving a high band score.