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IELTS Speaking Sample Test: Topic 26 - Urbanization and City Life

Posted on 03-10-2024 by theylem | 31 views

Part 1 (Introduction)

1. Do you live in a city or a town?
"I live in a city, and it’s quite a bustling place with a lot of energy and activities. There are plenty of shopping centers, parks, and restaurants around, which makes it convenient to access different services."

2. What do you like about living in a city?
"I like the convenience that city life offers. Everything is within reach, from grocery stores to entertainment venues, and public transport makes it easy to get around. I also enjoy the diverse culture and the variety of people you meet in a city."

3. Are there any disadvantages to living in a city?
"Yes, there are some disadvantages. For example, cities tend to be noisy and crowded, and traffic can be a major issue, especially during rush hours. Additionally, the cost of living in a city is generally higher than in smaller towns or rural areas."

4. How has your city changed over time?
"My city has undergone a lot of development over the years. There have been improvements in infrastructure, such as new roads and public transport systems, as well as the construction of new buildings and commercial centers. However, these changes have also led to more traffic and higher housing costs."

5. Would you prefer to live in a city or the countryside?
"I enjoy living in a city because of the convenience and opportunities it offers, but sometimes I think about living in the countryside for the peace and tranquility. Ideally, I would like to experience both at different stages of my life."


Part 2 (Long Turn)

Describe a city you would like to visit in the future. You should say:

  • What city it is
  • Why you want to visit it
  • What you would do there And explain why this city is special to you.

Response:

"A city I would love to visit in the future is Tokyo. I've always been fascinated by its mix of traditional culture and modern lifestyle. From the beautiful temples to the neon-lit streets of Shibuya, Tokyo has so much to offer.

I want to visit Tokyo to experience the local culture, try authentic Japanese food, and explore areas like Harajuku and Akihabara, which are known for their fashion and technology scenes. I would also like to see Mount Fuji from a distance and maybe take a day trip to nearby cities like Kyoto.

What makes Tokyo special to me is how it seamlessly blends the old and new. It’s a city that stays connected to its traditions while being at the forefront of technology and modern living. It represents a lifestyle that I find intriguing and would love to experience firsthand."


Part 3 (Discussion)

1. How does urbanization affect people's lives?
"Urbanization has both positive and negative effects on people's lives. On the positive side, it brings economic growth, better job opportunities, and improved access to services like healthcare and education. However, it also leads to challenges such as overcrowding, increased pollution, and a higher cost of living, which can affect people's quality of life."

2. Do you think it’s better to live in a big city or a small town?
"It depends on what someone values more. A big city provides more job opportunities, cultural events, and conveniences, which makes it suitable for those who enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle. On the other hand, a small town offers a quieter and slower pace of life, with more green spaces and a stronger sense of community, which some people may prefer."

3. How can city planners make cities more livable?
"City planners can make cities more livable by focusing on sustainable development. This means creating more green spaces, improving public transport to reduce traffic, and designing pedestrian-friendly areas. It’s also important to provide affordable housing options and ensure that public services like healthcare and education are easily accessible to all residents."


Key Vocabulary and Pronunciation

Vocabulary Pronunciation (IPA) Meaning Example Sentence
Urbanization /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ The process of making an area more urban "Urbanization has led to rapid growth in city populations."
Bustling /ˈbʌslɪŋ/ Full of activity and noise; lively "The market is bustling with people every morning."
Overcrowding /ˌoʊvərˈkraʊdɪŋ/ Excessive population in a given area, leading to limited space "Overcrowding in the city makes commuting difficult."
Pedestrian-friendly /pəˈdɛstriən ˈfrɛndli/ Designed to be safe and convenient for people walking "The new park is pedestrian-friendly, with wide walking paths."
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ The basic physical systems and structures, such as transportation, water supply, and power grids, needed for a city "Good infrastructure is key to a well-functioning city."
Cost of living /kɒst əv ˈlɪvɪŋ/ The amount of money needed to sustain a certain standard of living "The cost of living in a city is higher than in rural areas."
Green spaces /ɡriːn speɪsɪz/ Areas in a city that are reserved for nature, such as parks and gardens "Green spaces are essential for a healthy urban environment."
Sustainable development /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈvɛləpmənt/ Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources "Sustainable development is vital for preserving our environment."
Fast-paced lifestyle /fæst peɪst ˈlaɪfstaɪl/ A lifestyle characterized by rapid activity and little time to relax "Living in a big city often means adapting to a fast-paced lifestyle."
Tranquility /træŋˈkwɪlɪti/ The quality of being calm, peaceful, and quiet "Many people move to the countryside for the tranquility it offers."
Commercial center /kəˈmɜːrʃəl ˈsɛntər/ A place where businesses, shops, and offices are concentrated "The commercial center of the city is always busy during the day."
Public services /ˈpʌblɪk ˈsɜːrvɪsɪz/ Services provided by the government for the benefit of citizens "Access to quality healthcare is an essential public service."
Rush hour /rʌʃ ˈaʊər/ The time of day when traffic is at its heaviest, usually in the morning and evening "Commuting during rush hour can be quite stressful."
Cultural events /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪˈvɛnts/ Activities related to the culture of a place, such as festivals, concerts, and exhibitions "Big cities offer a variety of cultural events throughout the year."
Mix of traditional and modern /mɪks əv trəˈdɪʃənəl ənd ˈmɑːdərn/ The combination of old customs and new advancements "Tokyo is a city that has a mix of traditional and modern elements."
Housing costs /ˈhaʊzɪŋ kɒsts/ The expenses related to renting or buying a place to live "Housing costs in the city center are often very high."
Opportunities /ˌɒpərˈtjuːnɪtiz/ Chances for progress, success, or advancement "Living in a city provides more opportunities for career growth."
Convenience /kənˈviːniəns/ The state of being easy and suitable for use or access "The convenience of living close to work is a major advantage of city life."
Forefront /ˈfɔːrfrʌnt/ The leading or most important position or place "Tokyo is at the forefront of technology and innovation."
Seamlessly /ˈsiːmlɪsli/ Smoothly and continuously, without noticeable gaps or interruptions "The old and new parts of the city blend seamlessly."