This IELTS question targets your ability to discuss a pressing global issue: urban sustainability. It requires you to demonstrate:

• Vocabulary: Knowledge of environmental issues, city planning, and solutions.
• Grammar: Using complex sentence structures and a range of grammatical tenses to express your ideas clearly.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Organizing your response logically with clear linking words and phrases.

Breaking Down the Key Concepts

Let’s analyze the key terms:

• “How”: This indicates the examiner is looking for solutions and practical methods.
• “We”: This implies a collective responsibility – individuals, governments, and organizations.
• “Cities”: The focus is on urban areas and their unique challenges.
• “More Sustainable”: This points to the need for cities to meet present needs without compromising future generations.

Generating Ideas and Examples

Here are some ideas for making cities more sustainable:

1. Sustainable Transportation:

• Example: “Investing in public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging stations can significantly reduce a city’s carbon footprint. For instance, Copenhagen’s extensive cycling network has made it a model for sustainable urban mobility.”

2. Green Spaces and Urban Planning:

• Example: “Incorporating more green spaces, such as parks and rooftop gardens, not only enhances a city’s aesthetics but also mitigates the urban heat island effect. Singapore, known for its ‘City in a Garden’ initiative, exemplifies this approach.”

3. Renewable Energy Sources:

• Example: “Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial. Many cities are now adopting rooftop solar panel programs, making them less reliant on traditional power grids.”

4. Waste Management and Recycling:

• Example: “Implementing effective waste management systems, including comprehensive recycling programs and composting initiatives, can drastically reduce landfill waste and promote a circular economy.”

5. Sustainable Building Practices:

• Example: “Promoting green building designs that incorporate energy-efficient materials and technologies is essential. Cities can incentivize developers to construct buildings with LEED certification, ensuring lower environmental impact.”

6. Water Conservation Measures:

• Example: “Addressing water scarcity through rainwater harvesting systems, water-efficient appliances, and public awareness campaigns is crucial for urban sustainability.”

7. Community Engagement and Education:

• Example: “Raising public awareness about sustainable living practices through educational programs and community initiatives can empower citizens to contribute to a greener city.”

Sustainable City Skyline

Applying the Ideas in IELTS Speaking

Part 1:

• Examiner: “How important is it for cities to become more sustainable?”
• You: “It’s absolutely vital. Cities consume vast resources and contribute significantly to pollution. We need to prioritize green spaces, cleaner transportation, and responsible waste management.”

Part 2:

• Describe a city you think is making good progress towards sustainability.
• You: “I’d say Curitiba in Brazil is a great example. They’ve implemented a highly efficient bus rapid transit system, have extensive green areas, and have strong recycling programs. It’s inspiring.”

Part 3:

• Examiner: “What are the biggest challenges in making cities more sustainable?”
• You: “Funding can be a major obstacle. Implementing green technologies and infrastructure requires significant investment. Also, changing people’s habits and getting everyone on board with sustainable practices takes time and effort.”

Common Errors to Avoid

• Lack of Specificity: Don’t just use general terms like “pollution” or “environment.” Be precise with vocabulary – “air quality,” “renewable energy,” “carbon emissions.”
• Weak Examples: Support your points with concrete examples. Instead of saying “public transport is good,” say “London’s congestion charge has effectively reduced traffic.”
• Ignoring the “How”: Remember to focus on the solutions and actions that can be taken.

Practice Makes Perfect

• Brainstorm: Make a list of sustainability challenges and solutions related to cities.
• Vocabulary Building: Learn topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., “urban sprawl,” “green infrastructure”).
• Record Yourself: Practice answering IELTS Speaking questions on this topic and analyze your performance.

Remember, demonstrating a good command of language and a clear understanding of the issues will help you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS exam.