In IELTS Speaking, candidates often encounter tasks that require them to describe places. One common topic is “Describe a place that has changed significantly over the years.” This article will provide you with valuable insights, sample answers, and tips to help you ace this topic in your IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test
Understanding the Topic
This topic is frequently featured in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows examiners to assess your ability to describe changes, compare past and present, and express personal opinions about transformations in a specific location.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to places and changes. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you like living in a place that changes quickly?
- How has your hometown changed in recent years?
- What changes would you like to see in your area?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:
Examiner: How has your hometown changed in recent years?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“My hometown has undergone significant transformations in the past decade. The most noticeable change has been the rapid urbanization. Where there were once small shops and local markets, we now have modern shopping complexes and international chain stores. Additionally, the infrastructure has improved dramatically, with new roads and a more efficient public transportation system. However, this development has come at a cost, as some of the traditional charm and green spaces have been lost in the process.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a place that has changed significantly over the years
You should say:
- Where this place is
- What it was like in the past
- What it is like now
- And explain how you feel about these changes
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about my grandparents’ neighborhood in the outskirts of Shanghai, which has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades.
This area, located about 30 kilometers from the city center, used to be a quaint rural community when I was a child. The landscape was dominated by small farmhouses, vast rice paddies, and winding dirt roads. It was a place where everyone knew each other, and the pace of life was slow and peaceful.
However, the rapid expansion of Shanghai has dramatically altered this once-tranquil setting. Today, it’s barely recognizable. The farmlands have been replaced by towering apartment complexes and sleek office buildings. The dirt roads have given way to wide, well-paved streets bustling with traffic. Modern amenities like shopping malls, cinemas, and even a subway station have sprung up, making it a self-contained urban area.
My feelings about these changes are mixed. On one hand, I appreciate the improved living standards and convenience that development has brought. The area now offers better job opportunities, healthcare, and education facilities. On the other hand, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the lost rural charm and close-knit community spirit. The air quality has also deteriorated due to increased traffic and construction.
Overall, while I understand that change is inevitable and often necessary for progress, I hope that future development can strike a better balance between modernization and preserving local character.”
Key phrases for high band scores: undergone a remarkable transformation, quaint rural community, rapid expansion, towering apartment complexes, sleek office buildings, self-contained urban area, improved living standards, sense of nostalgia, balance between modernization and preserving local character.
Follow-up Questions
- Do you think the changes have been mostly positive or negative?
- How have these changes affected the local community?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While the changes have brought numerous benefits, such as improved infrastructure and economic opportunities, they’ve also led to some negative consequences. The loss of agricultural land and traditional way of life has been particularly impactful. Many long-time residents have had to adapt to an urban lifestyle, which can be challenging, especially for the older generation. However, the younger population generally embraces the changes, appreciating the new job prospects and modern amenities. It’s a complex situation with both advantages and drawbacks, and I believe the key lies in sustainable development that respects the area’s heritage while moving forward.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for cities to preserve their historical areas?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe it’s crucial for cities to preserve their historical areas. These places are not just buildings or structures; they represent the cultural heritage and identity of a city. They provide a tangible link to the past, allowing current and future generations to understand and appreciate their history. Moreover, historical areas often have unique architectural styles that add character and charm to a city, making it more attractive to tourists and potentially boosting the local economy.
However, I understand that preservation can be challenging, especially in rapidly developing cities where there’s pressure to modernize and expand. It requires a delicate balance between progress and conservation. Cities need to find ways to integrate historical areas into modern urban planning, perhaps by repurposing old buildings for contemporary use while maintaining their original facades. This approach can help create a city that respects its past while embracing the future.”
Examiner: How can governments ensure that urban development doesn’t negatively impact the environment?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Governments have a critical role in ensuring that urban development is environmentally sustainable. There are several strategies they can employ:
Firstly, they can implement and enforce strict environmental regulations. This could include setting limits on carbon emissions, mandating the use of eco-friendly materials in construction, and requiring environmental impact assessments for new projects.
Secondly, governments can incentivize green practices. This might involve offering tax breaks or grants to companies that use renewable energy or adopt sustainable building practices. They could also promote public transportation and cycling infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Another crucial aspect is urban planning. Governments should prioritize the creation of green spaces within cities, which not only provide recreational areas but also help mitigate air pollution and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Furthermore, investing in research and development of sustainable technologies can drive innovation in areas like waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency.
Lastly, public education and awareness campaigns can help foster a culture of environmental responsibility among citizens.
By adopting a holistic approach that combines regulation, incentives, smart planning, and public engagement, governments can guide urban development in a direction that balances progress with environmental protection.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Urbanization /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (noun): The process of making an area more urban.
Example: “The rapid urbanization of the countryside has led to significant changes in lifestyle.”Gentrification /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ (noun): The process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.
Example: “The gentrification of the old town has made it unaffordable for many long-time residents.”Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example: “The government has invested heavily in improving the city’s infrastructure.”Sustainable development /səˈsteɪnəbəl dɪˈveləpmənt/ (noun phrase): Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Example: “The city council is committed to sustainable development in all its urban planning projects.”Cultural heritage /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (noun phrase): The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations.
Example: “Preserving our cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining our identity in a rapidly changing world.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in this topic:
- Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of the place before and after the changes.
- Structure your answer: Clearly address all parts of the question in a logical order.
- Express personal opinions: Share your thoughts on the changes and their impact.
- Use a range of tenses: Demonstrate your ability to use past, present, and perfect tenses accurately.
- Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with describing various types of places and changes.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and accurate use of language are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
For more practice on describing places, you might find these related topics helpful:
- Describe a place that you would recommend to a friend
- Describe a place in your country that has a rich cultural heritage
By mastering these skills and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about places and changes in your IELTS Speaking test.