How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describe a Place in Your Town That Should Be Improved

IELTS Mentor

4 months ago

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about places in your hometown or local area. One common topic is describing a place that needs improvement. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task, focusing on the prompt “Describe a place in your town that you think should be improved.”

Improving a local park

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into specific examples, it’s essential to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to describe a place that needs improvement. They want to assess your ability to:

Describe a location clearly and in detail
Explain why the place needs improvement
Suggest possible improvements
Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar
Speak fluently and coherently

Now, let’s break down the task into different parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you general questions about your hometown or local area. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

What’s your hometown like?
Are there any famous landmarks in your town?
How has your town changed in recent years?

Let’s focus on the third question as it relates more closely to our main topic.

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“My town has changed quite a bit in recent years. We’ve seen new shopping centers and housing developments pop up. The population has grown, and there’s more traffic now. Some old buildings have been replaced with modern ones.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Over the past decade, my town has undergone significant transformation. We’ve witnessed the emergence of state-of-the-art shopping complexes and residential areas. The population has burgeoned, leading to increased traffic congestion. Many historical buildings have been supplanted by contemporary structures, which has sparked debates about preserving our architectural heritage.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe a place in your town that you think should be improved.
You should say:

Where this place is
What it is like now
Why it needs to be improved
What improvements you would suggest

And explain why these improvements would be beneficial.

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about our local park, which is located in the center of town. It’s a large green space with some old playground equipment and a few benches. The park has been neglected for years, and it’s in poor condition now. The grass is overgrown, the playground is rusty and unsafe, and there’s often litter scattered around.

I think it needs to be improved because it’s the only big park in our town, and it could be a great place for families and young people to spend time outdoors. Right now, not many people use it because it’s not very appealing or safe.

If I could suggest improvements, I would start by cleaning up the park and maintaining the grass regularly. We should replace the old playground equipment with new, safe structures for children. Adding more benches, picnic areas, and maybe a small café would make it more inviting. It would also be nice to have a jogging track around the park.

These improvements would be beneficial because they would create a safe and enjoyable space for everyone in the community. It would encourage people to spend more time outdoors, which is good for health and well-being. The park could become a place for community events and help bring people together.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to draw your attention to our central park, which is strategically situated in the heart of our town. This expansive green space, once a vibrant hub of community activity, now stands as a poignant reminder of neglect. The park boasts a sizable area, but its current state is far from idyllic. The playground equipment, vestiges of a bygone era, stands rusted and precarious. The once-manicured lawns have succumbed to overgrowth, and litter mars the landscape, detracting from the park’s natural beauty.

The imperative for improvement stems from the park’s pivotal role in our town’s social fabric. As the sole large-scale green space within our urban environment, it holds immense potential as a catalyst for community engagement and well-being. However, its current dilapidated state has rendered it underutilized and even perceived as unsafe, deterring visitors and squandering its potential.

If tasked with spearheading improvements, I would advocate for a comprehensive revitalization plan. This would encompass regular maintenance to ensure the grounds remain immaculate. The antiquated playground equipment should be supplanted with state-of-the-art, safe structures that cater to children of various ages. To enhance the park’s appeal, we could introduce more seating areas, designated picnic spots, and perhaps a quaint café to serve as a gathering point. A well-designed jogging track circumnavigating the park would cater to fitness enthusiasts.

The benefits of such improvements would be manifold. Primarily, it would transform the park into a safe haven for recreation and relaxation, accessible to all members of our community. This rejuvenated space would encourage outdoor activities, promoting physical health and mental well-being. Moreover, it could serve as a venue for community events, fostering social connections and strengthening the communal bonds that are so vital to a thriving town. In essence, these enhancements would elevate the park from a neglected space to a cornerstone of our town’s social infrastructure.”

Follow-up questions:

How much would these improvements cost?
Who should be responsible for maintaining public spaces like parks?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The cost of these improvements would likely be substantial, potentially running into several million dollars depending on the scope and quality of the renovations. However, it’s crucial to view this as an investment in the community’s future rather than just an expense. The long-term benefits in terms of public health, social cohesion, and even potential economic boost to nearby businesses could far outweigh the initial costs.

Regarding responsibility for maintenance, I believe it should be a collaborative effort. While the local government should bear the primary responsibility for funding and overseeing maintenance, community involvement is equally crucial. This could take the form of volunteer clean-up days, local businesses sponsoring certain areas or events, and residents actively participating in the park’s upkeep. This shared responsibility model not only helps distribute the workload but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members, ensuring the park remains well-maintained for years to come.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Why do you think some public spaces in cities are neglected?
How can governments encourage citizens to take better care of public areas?
What role do you think technology can play in improving public spaces?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think technology can play a big role in improving public spaces. For example, we could use apps to report problems like broken equipment or litter. Smart lighting systems could make parks safer at night and save energy. We could also use technology to make parks more interactive, like having QR codes that give information about plants or history.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with and maintain public spaces. Firstly, the implementation of smart city technologies could significantly enhance the efficiency of maintenance. For instance, IoT sensors could monitor various aspects of a park, from soil moisture levels to the fill status of trash bins, allowing for targeted and timely interventions.

Secondly, technology can foster community engagement. Mobile applications could serve as platforms for citizens to report issues, suggest improvements, or even volunteer for maintenance activities. This real-time feedback loop between users and city administrators could lead to more responsive and user-centric public spaces.

Moreover, augmented reality (AR) technologies could transform static parks into interactive learning environments. Visitors could use their smartphones to access information about local flora and fauna, historical facts, or even participate in AR-powered educational games, thereby enriching the park experience.

Lastly, technology could play a crucial role in enhancing safety and accessibility. Smart lighting systems that respond to movement can improve security while conserving energy. GPS-enabled navigation apps could help people with disabilities navigate the space more easily.

However, it’s important to strike a balance. While technology can undoubtedly enhance public spaces, we must ensure that it complements rather than detracts from the natural environment and the fundamental purpose of these spaces as areas for relaxation, community interaction, and connection with nature.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help you express your ideas more effectively:

Revitalize /riːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ (verb): To give new life or vigor to something.
Example: “The city plans to revitalize the old industrial area by turning it into a cultural district.”
Dilapidated /dɪˈlæpɪdeɪtɪd/ (adjective): In a state of disrepair or ruin due to age or neglect.
Example: “The dilapidated buildings in the town center were in urgent need of renovation.”
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example: “Improving the town’s infrastructure would attract more businesses and residents.”
Amenities /əˈmenətiz/ (noun): A desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place.
Example: “The park lacks basic amenities such as clean restrooms and drinking fountains.”
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level; avoidance of the depletion of natural resources.
Example: “Any improvements to the park should prioritize sustainability to ensure long-term benefits.”
Enhance /ɪnˈhɑːns/ (verb): To intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of something.
Example: “Adding more green spaces would enhance the overall quality of life in our town.”
Implement /ˈɪmplɪment/ (verb): To put a plan, decision, or agreement into effect.
Example: “The local council plans to implement the park improvement project over the next two years.”
Accessibility /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
Example: “Improving accessibility in the park would make it more inclusive for people with disabilities.”

Examiner’s Advice

As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to improve your performance in the Speaking test:

Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day to speaking English, even if it’s just talking to yourself about your daily activities.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to urban development, community spaces, and environmental issues.
Use complex structures: Incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentences in your responses. Use linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts, provide examples, and discuss implications.
Stay informed: Keep up with current events and issues related to urban planning and community development. This will help you form opinions and provide thoughtful responses.
Record yourself: Practice answering sample questions and record your responses. Listen back to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, fluency, and content.
Seek feedback: If possible, practice with a native English speaker or a qualified teacher who can provide constructive feedback.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect grammar or extensive vocabulary. It’s about communicating your ideas clearly, confidently, and effectively. Good luck with your preparation!

For more practice on describing places, you might find it helpful to read about describing a place in your country that tourists love to visit or describing a place that has changed significantly over the years. These topics can provide additional context and vocabulary for discussing urban development and community spaces.