IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a big city you would like to visit

Describe a big city you would like to visit.

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Select a city you genuinely have specific, vivid mental images of to ease fluency.
  2. List three concrete activities to ensure you cover the 'what to do' section thoroughly.
  3. 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

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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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.

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