As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve noticed that questions about describing places in one’s country that have undergone changes are increasingly common. This topic allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing urban development, cultural shifts, and personal experiences. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and aim for those high band scores.
Urban transformation in India
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask some general questions about your hometown or familiar places. Here are some possible questions:
- Where do you currently live?
- How long have you been living there?
- Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
- What are some of the most significant changes you’ve noticed?
Let’s look at a sample answer for question 3:
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Yes, my hometown has undergone substantial transformation in recent years. The most striking change has been the rapid urbanization, with numerous high-rise buildings sprouting up where there were once only small houses and vacant lots. Additionally, the infrastructure has seen significant improvements, including wider roads and a new metro system, which has dramatically altered the city’s landscape and the way people commute.”
Key features of this high-scoring response:
- Use of sophisticated vocabulary: “undergone substantial transformation”, “striking change”
- Specific examples: high-rise buildings, infrastructure improvements
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization of ideas
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a place in your country that has changed over the years.
You should say:
- Where this place is
- What it was like in the past
- What changes have occurred
- And explain how you feel about these changes
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my hometown, Mumbai, which has changed a lot over the years. Mumbai is located on the west coast of India and is the country’s financial capital.
In the past, Mumbai was known for its textile mills and dock areas. The city had a more laid-back atmosphere, with people commuting mainly by local trains and buses. The skyline was dominated by low-rise buildings, and there were many open spaces and parks.
However, over the last few decades, Mumbai has transformed dramatically. The old textile mills have been replaced by modern office complexes and shopping malls. The city’s skyline now boasts impressive skyscrapers, including some of the tallest buildings in India. Transportation has improved significantly with the introduction of a metro system and new highways.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about these changes. On one hand, I appreciate the improved infrastructure and economic opportunities that have come with development. On the other hand, I sometimes miss the charm of the old Mumbai, with its unique character and slower pace of life. Overall, though, I believe the changes have been largely positive for the city and its residents.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss the remarkable transformation of my hometown, Mumbai, which has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis over the past few decades. Situated on India’s western coast, Mumbai has long been the nation’s financial powerhouse and a melting pot of cultures.
In its earlier avatar, Mumbai was renowned for its thriving textile industry, with countless mills dotting the landscape. The city exuded a more relaxed ambiance, characterized by its colonial architecture, bustling dock areas, and a transportation network dominated by its iconic local trains and double-decker buses. The skyline was relatively modest, punctuated by low-rise structures and interspersed with verdant spaces.
However, the city has since undergone a seismic shift in its urban fabric. The once-ubiquitous textile mills have given way to sleek office complexes and state-of-the-art shopping destinations. Mumbai’s skyline has been completely reimagined, now boasting awe-inspiring skyscrapers that stand as testaments to its economic prowess. The transportation infrastructure has been revolutionized with the introduction of a comprehensive metro system and expansive highway networks, significantly alleviating the city’s notorious traffic woes.
Reflecting on these changes evokes a sense of ambivalence in me. While I wholeheartedly embrace the enhanced quality of life and myriad opportunities that have emerged from this development, there’s a part of me that yearns for the nostalgic charm of old Mumbai. The city’s unique character and unhurried pace of yesteryears sometimes feel overshadowed by the relentless march of progress. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the overall impact of these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, propelling Mumbai into the league of global cities and opening up unprecedented avenues for its diverse populace.”
Key features of the Band 8-9 response:
- Rich vocabulary: “remarkable transformation”, “dramatic metamorphosis”, “seismic shift”
- Varied sentence structures, including complex sentences
- Detailed examples and descriptions
- Clear organization with smooth transitions between ideas
- Balanced perspective on the changes
Additional questions the examiner might ask:
- Do you think the changes have been mostly positive or negative?
- How have these changes affected the local community?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:
“In my opinion, the changes have been predominantly positive, albeit with some noteworthy drawbacks. The economic growth and infrastructural developments have undeniably enhanced the quality of life for many residents, creating a plethora of job opportunities and improving access to modern amenities. However, this progress has come at the cost of some cultural heritage and has exacerbated certain social issues, such as income inequality and overcrowding. On balance, though, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, as the city has become more globally competitive and offers a higher standard of living for a significant portion of its population.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:
- How do you think urban development affects people’s lifestyles?
- What are some challenges cities face when undergoing rapid changes?
- Do you think it’s important to preserve historical areas in cities? Why or why not?
Let’s look at a sample answer for question 2:
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Cities face several challenges when they change quickly. One big problem is housing. As more people move to cities for work, there’s not enough affordable housing. This can lead to overcrowding and the growth of slums. Another issue is infrastructure. Cities need to improve roads, public transport, and utilities to keep up with growth, which can be expensive and disruptive. There’s also the challenge of preserving culture and historical sites while modernizing. Finally, rapid urban growth can cause environmental problems like pollution and loss of green spaces.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Rapid urban transformation presents a multifaceted set of challenges for cities. Perhaps the most pressing issue is the strain on housing and infrastructure. The influx of people seeking economic opportunities often outpaces the city’s ability to provide adequate, affordable housing, leading to overcrowding, informal settlements, and skyrocketing property prices. This, in turn, can exacerbate social inequalities and alter the social fabric of communities.
Another significant challenge lies in upgrading and expanding infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population. This includes not only transportation networks but also utilities, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. The financial burden of these improvements can be substantial, often requiring creative funding solutions and public-private partnerships.
Moreover, rapid development often comes at the expense of a city’s cultural heritage and historical identity. Striking a balance between modernization and preservation is a delicate task that requires careful urban planning and community engagement.
Lastly, the environmental impact of rapid urbanization cannot be overlooked. Issues such as air and water pollution, waste management, and the loss of green spaces pose significant threats to public health and quality of life. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach to urban development that prioritizes sustainability and long-term resilience.”
Key features of the Band 8-9 response:
- In-depth analysis of multiple challenges
- Use of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases
- Complex sentence structures
- Logical flow of ideas with clear connections between points
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced words and phrases:
Urbanization /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (noun): The process of making an area more urban.
Example: “The rapid urbanization of our city has led to significant changes in lifestyle.”Gentrification /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ (noun): The process of renovating and improving a district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.
Example: “The gentrification of the old town has brought both benefits and challenges to long-time residents.”Metamorphosis /ˌmetəˈmɔːfəsɪs/ (noun): A complete change of form, structure, or substance.
Example: “The city has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis over the past decade.”Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example: “Improving the city’s infrastructure has been a key factor in its development.”To revitalize /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ (verb): To imbue with new life and vitality.
Example: “The government’s efforts to revitalize the downtown area have been largely successful.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing places that have changed:
- Prepare a range of examples: Have several places in mind that you can discuss in detail.
- Practice describing changes: Use before-and-after comparisons to highlight transformations.
- Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use sophisticated words related to urban development and change.
- Express opinions confidently: Don’t just describe changes; explain your thoughts and feelings about them.
- Use a variety of tenses: Since you’re discussing changes over time, practice using past, present, and present perfect tenses accurately.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your language skills.
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on describing a famous cultural festival in your country and describing a place in your country where you feel most relaxed. These resources will help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various aspects of your country confidently.