Describe a City You Want to Visit – IELTS Cue Card

‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’ cue card question on the IELTS Speaking exam asks you to talk about a place you have always wanted to see. To talk on 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.

Here, you will find sample answers for the IELTS cue card topic, ‘Describe a City You Want to Visit’ as well as the part 3 questions related to the topic prepared by IELTS band 9 trainers. Therefore, without wasting much of your precious preparation time, 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’.

Describe a City You Want to Visit IELTS Speaking Part 2

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will have exactly one minute to prepare and respond to a specific topic like 'Describe a City You Want to Visit'. Look over the sample answers to get an idea on how to answer similar topics on the location/place cue card.

Describe a City You Want to Visit – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• Where is it?

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 one city, it would be Kyoto. It is an ancient capital of Japan that features a mixture of a classic city with modern neighbourhoods.

• Why do you want to visit it?

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.

• What do you know about this city?

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.

Describe a City You Want to Visit – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• Where is it?

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.

• Why do you want to visit it?

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.

• What do you know about this city?

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.

Describe a City You Want to Visit IELTS Cue Card – Vocabulary

Here are some IELTS Vocabulary to use while answering the Describe a City You Want to Visit cue card with examples:

• 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.

Describe a City You Want to Visit – IELTS Speaking Part 3 Follow-Up Questions

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.

• What kind of places do you like to visit?

I personally like to visit places, particularly exploring bustling cities with rich history and culture! I find them interesting due to their 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.

City & Travel

• What problems can people have when they are on their journey, for example, to work or school? Why is this?

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.

• Why do people need to travel in the city every day?

Most people travel within cities daily for essential activities like work, education, shopping, or attending appointments. Many jobs and schools are located in central areas or away from residential zones, requiring daily commutes. Moreover, urban areas often centralize services and facilities, making travel necessary for various tasks.

• 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.

Holidaying in cities

• 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.

Describe a City You Want to Visit IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Vocabulary

Use the following IELTS Speaking vocabulary to boost your IELTS band score when answering the follow-up questions on 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.

Tips to Crack Describe a City You Want to Visit IELTS Cue Card

Let us check out some quick tips to answer the given IELTS cue card on describing a city you would like to visit in the future.

• Understand the task: Make sure you grasp what you’re supposed to do. Carefully read the topic provided on the Cue Card and pay attention to any specific instructions.
• Plan your response: Take a moment to prepare what you want to say before you begin speaking. Consider your ideas and how you want to express them.
• Use the prompts: The prompts given on the Cue Card can help you organize your response. Make sure to incorporate them into your answer to structure it effectively.
• Speak clearly and confidently: Communicate with clarity and assurance, maintaining a natural speaking pace. Take your time to respond, but ensure a steady tone in your speech.
• Use Examples: Including examples can make your answers more engaging and help you to develop them a bit more.

We highly believe that the given IELTS cue card topic – describe a city you want to visit in the future with the expert-crafted sample answers would have been of much help. Practice more of the latest IELTS speaking part 2 topics to grab a band 9 in your IELTS Speaking test!

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Also Check:

• City Life: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Answer
• Describe a City or a Town – IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Big City You Would Like to Visit - IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Part of a City or a Town You Enjoy Spending Time In- IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Town or City Where you Would Like to Live in the Future- IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Course that You Want to Learn – IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Character from a Movie/TV Program/Story – IELTS Cue Card
• 50 Recent IELTS Speaking Topics Part 2 & 3 with Model Answers
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