Describe a City You Want to Visit – IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Questions with Sample Answers

The cue card topic, ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’, asks you to talk about a place you have always wanted to see. As you dive into this topic, you have to highlight any exceptional attractions or experiences connected to the place, outline its distinctive traits, and state your motivation for visiting. However, in part 3 of the IELTS Speaking part, you will need to provide your opinion while elaborating your ideas.

Therefore, let us look at the sample answers on the topic about a big city you would like to visit with some related vocabulary that you can use for such IELTS cue card topics like ‘Describe a Place You Would Like to Visit’. By preparing with specific strategies, you will be able to level up your speaking preparation.

How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Questions on ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’?

With the right strategies and steady practice on a regular basis, you are just one step away in achieving your desired IELTS Band Score. As you begin with the preparation for IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Questions on the topic, 'Describe a City You Want to Visit,' you should implement the following key methods and incorporate them in your preparation.  

• Start recording yourself before practice sessions while answering various topics. This method will allow you to play the recording afterward to spot any hesitations, repetitions, or perhaps difficulties in flowing ideas.
• Remember that IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 are very different from each other. While part 2 expects you to speak on your own experience to which you get 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak, part 3 asks you to answer questions that are more abstract and opinion-based.
• Try answering the questions first by recording yourself and then analyze it with the sample answer rather than just looking at the sample immediately. This might make you miss an opportunity to learn the areas which you need to improve on.
• Prepare yourself with the  Latest IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score so that you are aware of the words and phrases which are specific to the topic.
• Try never to speak the same way so as to utilize voice modulation and intonation in your answers which would be quite useful. Variate voice and try not to sound robotic.
• Practice making sentences by indulging yourself with the main topics from IELTS Grammar.

Want to learn how to score a band 9 in the IELTS Speaking Section? Check out the video below!

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question on ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’

Sample Answer 1 for IELTS Speaking Part 2 on ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’

To tell you the truth, I have a gigantic album filled with charts and pictures of the cities and countries I am inclined to visit in the future. However, if you ask me about one city, it would be Kyoto. It is an ancient capital of Japan that features a mixture of a classic city with modern neighbourhoods.

Although there are varying reasons to visit this city, one of them is that its fusion of ancient and state-of-the-art infrastructure is breathtaking. Since it is one of the few cities in Japan that was not tinted during the Second World War, Kyoto managed to retain its heritage and architecture.

This Japanese city is situated on Honshu Island and is regarded as the film and cultural centre of the nation. There are thousands of Buddhist temples, hundreds of shrines, gardens, ancient imperial villas, film studios, and more. One of the stunning things about this city is its extensive range of flora. In addition to this, Kyoto is also an educational hub that boasts an array of higher educational establishments and universities. In the present scenario, there are numerous things one can do and diverse places to visit in Kyoto, including museums, galleries, tourist sites, non-tourist sites, and more.

Sample Answer 2 for IELTS Speaking Part 2 on ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’

I have a list of destinations on my must-visit list around the world. However, if I get the opportunity to choose one city, I would probably pick London, which is one of the most prominent capitals around the globe.

I guess the reason why I desire to visit London has something to do with the fact that ever since I was a kid, I have always been amazed by the gorgeous and unique architecture of London. There are also some interesting facts about London that I want to witness in real life.

One of them is the fact about the Big Ben tower. So far, many people have seen the tall clock tower and thought that it was Big Ben. But in fact, Big Ben is a giant thirteen-ton bell inside the tower that is rung every two hours by a two–hundred–kilogram hammer. The real name of the Bell is the Great Bell of Westminster. Besides Big Ben, lots of tourists also enjoy visiting Buckingham Palace, which is also extremely appealing to me since it is the home to the Queen of England. Watching the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place in front of the Palace’s gate will certainly be exciting. Buckingham Palace is also the second-largest working palace in the world after Brunei’s Istana Nurul Iman. Many other elements are making London so tempting to me and paying this fantastic city a visit in the future. It is one of the items on my wish list.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2 on ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’

• Must-visit

Meaning: worth visiting
Eg: Rome is a must-visit place

• Prominent

Meaning: Famous
Eg: There were several prominent poets in the Court of Akbar.

• Around the globe

Meaning: Around the world
Eg: His job involves travelling around the globe.

• Be Desired to do

Meaning: want to do something very much
Eg: Tom’s grandfather desired to go on a pilgrimage.

• Amaze

Meaning: surprise greatly
Eg: The Odissi dancer amazed the audience.

• Gorgeous

Meaning: Stunning, beautiful
Eg: The night sky was gorgeous

• Witness

Meaning: See in the eyes
Eg: Tom’s grandmother witnessed his reactions to the new medicine

• Hammer

Meaning: tool or device that delivers a blow (a sudden impact) to an object.
Eg: He hit it hard with a hammer

• Extremely

Meaning: very
Eg: The assignment was extremely difficult

• Tempting

Meaning: attractive, appealing
Eg: The chocolate cake looks tempting.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions on ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’

To improve your preparation, examine the IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions related to the cue card Describe a City You Want to Visit and develop your own sample answers. However, remember that you must not answer from your personal experience rather be direct with your opinion and justify the same with relevant reasons. Since you do not get time to prepare, use the structure of giving an opinion and then elaborate the same with a reason while giving answers. Let’s check it out!

• What kind of places do people in your country like to visit?

I believe that people in my country like to visit places, particularly exploring bustling cities with rich history and culture. They find them interesting due to tall buildings and busy streets. One can find a variety of foods while exploring city life and there is always something fun to find, like a secret cafe, a cool art gallery, or a busy market.

• Why have cities increased in size in recent years?

Cities have been getting bigger in size lately for certain reasons. For instance, one main reason is urbanization in which people move from the countryside to cities to find better jobs, improve their living standards, and access different kinds of amenities. Additionally, population growth is also a huge factor to be considered for city expansions.

• What are the challenges created by ever-growing cities?

The fast growth of cities is bringing in some major problems including overcrowding, traffic jams, pollution, and limitations on resources like water and electricity. Moreover, it is also leading to issues with housing shortages and rising prices, making it hard for everyone to find a place to live.

• In what ways do you think cities of the future will be different from cities today?

Cities of the future may be quite different from the current ones because they could be more sustainable, with a clear vision and better ways to deal with waste, mainly. Adding on, technology might play a bigger role, with things like an increased number of self-driving cars, and advanced public transportation systems. There could also be more green spaces and efforts to make cities more livable for everyone, with better access to affordable housing and amenities.

• What problems can people have when they are on their journey to work or school?

While travelling in the cities, people often face issues like heavy traffic congestion, delays in public transport, or bad weather conditions, which can disrupt their journey. Additionally, overcrowding on buses or trains, especially during peak hours, can make the commute uncomfortable. These problems arise because cities often have inadequate transport infrastructure to handle the increasing number of commuters.

• Can travel make a positive difference to a country's economy? How?

Yes, travel can significantly boost a country’s economy. Tourism, for example, generates revenue through spending on hotels, restaurants, transport, and attractions. Business travel facilitates investments and partnerships. In addition, daily commuting supports industries like public transportation, fuel, and vehicle maintenance, contributing to economic growth.

• What do you think people can learn from travelling to other countries?

Travelling to foreign countries allows people to experience new cultures, traditions, and cuisines, which broadens their perspectives and understanding of diversity. They can also learn about historical landmarks, gain language skills, and develop an appreciation for different lifestyles. Furthermore, travel can enhance problem-solving skills as individuals navigate unfamiliar environments.

• What are the most interesting things to do while visiting cities on holiday?

The most exciting things while holidaying in cities are exploring iconic landmarks, visiting museums and art galleries, shopping at local markets, and trying regional cuisines. Participating in cultural festivals or taking guided tours can also be fascinating. Cities often offer vibrant nightlife and entertainment options like theatre shows, concerts, or themed attractions.

• Why can it be expensive to visit cities on holiday?

City holidays can be costly due to high accommodation prices, particularly in popular tourist areas. Transportation within cities, entry fees for attractions, dining at restaurants, and shopping can also add to the expense. Seasonal demand and the overall cost of living in metropolitan areas further increase the prices.

• Do you think it is better to visit cities alone or in a group with friends?

In my opinion, this choice depends on personal preferences. Visiting cities alone offers flexibility and a chance for introspection, allowing people to explore at their own pace. However, travelling with friends can be more enjoyable as it provides shared experiences, reduces costs through splitting expenses, and ensures safety in unfamiliar environments.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 3 on ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’

• Urbanization

Meaning: The process of making an area more urban, typically involving the movement of people from rural areas to cities.

Eg: The rapid urbanization of Shanghai has transformed it from a small fishing village into a bustling metropolis.

• Amenities

Meaning: Convenient features or facilities within a place, such as parks, schools, or shopping centres.

Eg: The neighbourhood boasts a variety of amenities, including a community pool, playgrounds, and walking trails.

• Overcrowding

Meaning: The situation where too many people or things are within a confined space, leading to discomfort or lack of space.

Eg: Overcrowding on public transportation during rush hour is a common problem in many large cities.

• Sustainability

Meaning: The ability to maintain or support something over the long term without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment.

Eg: The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of renewable energy and eco-friendly packaging.

• Vision

Meaning: A clear idea of what one wants to achieve or create in the future.

Eg: The city council has a bold vision for transforming the downtown area into a vibrant cultural hub.

• Affordable

Meaning: Reasonably priced or within one’s financial means.

Eg: The government is working to provide affordable housing options for low-income families in the city.

• Green spaces

Meaning: Areas within a city that are covered with grass, trees, or other vegetation, provide a natural environment for recreation and relaxation.

Eg: Central Park in New York City is one of the largest green spaces in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.

In order to do well on the IELTS Exam, preparing with a variety of topics will help you achieve an 8+ band score and improve your strong performance on the test. This practice ensures that you are comfortable at the exam and increases your chances of obtaining the score you are aiming for. However, do not forget to include goals which you would want to achieve the next time the exam is conducted to evaluate your performance on.

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