Describe a big city you would like to visit
Describe a big city you would like to visit.
You should say:
- Which big city you would like to visit?
- How you would travel there?
- What do you do there?
- And explain why you would like to visit this big city.
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
How to plan it in one minute
- Select a city you genuinely have specific, vivid mental images of to ease fluency.
- List three concrete activities to ensure you cover the 'what to do' section thoroughly.
- Use the final bullet point to connect the city's atmosphere to your personal values.
Band 8 model answer
The city that has been at the top of my travel bucket list for years is Tokyo. Ever since I was a teenager, the juxtaposition of hyper-modern technology and tranquil, traditional culture has fascinated me. To get there, I would take a long-haul flight from London, likely landing at Haneda Airport, which is renowned for its efficiency. I am particularly looking forward to navigating the complex underground network, which seems like a fascinating puzzle in itself. Once I arrive, my itinerary would be quite diverse. I would start by exploring the neon-drenched streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya to experience the sheer sensory overload of the city at night. However, I would also carve out time to visit the Meiji Jingu shrine to appreciate the quiet, forested grounds that offer a stark contrast to the urban sprawl. I would definitely spend a few days hunting for authentic ramen in hidden basement izakayas and browsing the quirky boutiques in Harajuku. The reason I am so drawn to Tokyo is that it feels like a city living in the future while simultaneously holding onto its heritage. It is not just about the iconic skyline or the high-speed trains; it is the meticulous attention to detail in everything from the way food is presented to the incredible politeness of the local residents. I find the idea of immersing myself in such a fast-paced, yet orderly environment incredibly stimulating, and I am certain it would be a profound cultural experience that stays with me for a long time.
253 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.
Vocabulary from the answer
- juxtaposition
- placing two contrasting things together for comparison
- long-haul
- a journey covering a very long distance
- neon-drenched
- saturated with bright, colourful electric light signs
- sensory overload
- when your senses are overwhelmed by stimulation
- urban sprawl
- the uncontrolled expansion of a city area
- izakaya
- a Japanese bar serving small plates of food
- meticulous
- showing great attention to detail and precision
- stimulating
- encouraging new ideas or high energy levels
Part 3 questions that follow this card
- What are the most interesting things to do while visiting cities on holiday?
- Why can it be expensive to visit cities on holiday?
- Do you think it is better to visit cities alone or in a group with friends?
- Why have cities increased in size in recent years?
- What are the challenges created by ever-growing cities?
- In what ways do you think cities of the future will be different to cities today?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.
Say it out loud and get a band
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Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a big city you would like to visit."?
Select a city you genuinely have specific, vivid mental images of to ease fluency.
How long should my answer be?
Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
Can I use this model answer in the exam?
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.