As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve encountered this question, or a variation of it, countless times. While seemingly simple, “Which city have you been to recently?” holds the potential to unveil your fluency, vocabulary range, and ability to structure a captivating response. Let’s delve into how you can tackle this question effectively and impress your examiner.
Understanding the Question’s Purpose
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. This seemingly casual question isn’t just about listing cities; it’s about demonstrating:
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you answer spontaneously and develop your ideas in a logical flow?
- Lexical Resource: Do you possess a wide range of vocabulary to describe places, experiences, and reasons for travel?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Can you use a variety of grammatical structures correctly?
Crafting Your Response
1. Choose Wisely
While you can talk about any city, opt for one that allows you to showcase your language skills. A recent trip provides a sense of immediacy and allows you to use present perfect tense naturally.
2. Structure is Key
- Start Strong: Briefly introduce the city and your reason for visiting. For example:
“I recently had the opportunity to visit Kyoto while I was in Japan for a conference.” - Paint a Picture: Use descriptive language to bring the city alive. Talk about:
- Sights and Sounds: “The city was a mesmerizing blend of ancient temples and bustling modern districts.”
- Experiences: “I particularly enjoyed wandering through the serene bamboo forest and trying authentic matcha tea.”
- Feelings: “The whole experience felt incredibly immersive and culturally enriching.”
- Connect to the Question: Briefly relate your experience back to the question. For instance:
“It was definitely one of the most memorable city visits I’ve had recently.”
3. Vocabulary Enhancement
Avoid generic terms like “good” or “nice.” Instead, consider:
- Adjectives: bustling, historic, serene, vibrant, charming, picturesque
- Verbs: explored, wandered, discovered, sampled, immersed myself in
- Idioms: (if appropriate) “a feast for the eyes,” “steeped in history”
Example Response
“Speaking of recent travels, I had the pleasure of visiting Hoi An in Vietnam a few months ago. I’d always been fascinated by its history as a trading port, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. The city’s ancient architecture, particularly the Japanese Covered Bridge, was truly captivating. I also loved exploring the vibrant night market, with its colorful lanterns and delicious street food. It was a fascinating blend of cultural influences, and I came away with a newfound appreciation for Vietnamese history and traditions. It was undoubtedly a highlight of my year.”
Tips for Success
- Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse speaking about different cities using the structure and vocabulary tips mentioned.
- Think on Your Feet: Don’t memorize answers. Instead, practice adapting your knowledge to different question forms.
- Be Enthusiastic: Your passion for travel will shine through in your language and tone.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is a conversation, not an interrogation. Relax, be yourself, and let your personality and experiences enhance your responses. Good luck!