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Topics like city, travel, and places appear very frequently in IELTS Speaking. One common prompt many test-takers encounter is Describe a beautiful city. At first glance, this seems like an easy topic, as everyone can talk about a city they’ve visited or wish to visit. However, precisely because it’s so familiar, many answers end up sounding similar, often revolving around ideas like “beautiful city,” “delicious food,” or “many famous attractions.”

To impress the examiner, you don’t need to talk about a truly extraordinary city. What’s important is knowing how to describe the scenery, atmosphere, people, and your own feelings using diverse language, while also incorporating personal observations or thoughts. In this article, Ms. Nguyễn Hà Anh – an 8.0 IELTS instructor at ECE – will introduce useful vocabulary, recommended structures, and sample answers for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

High-Scoring Vocabulary & Structures for the Beautiful City Topic

Instead of using common vocabulary, elevate your speaking with the following academic collocations:

Descriptive Vocabulary & Collocations

Category	English Collocation	Meaning
Urban Landscape	A vibrant city / A bustling metropolis	A vibrant city / A bustling metropolis
	A picturesque destination	A picturesque destination
	Breathtaking scenery	Breathtaking scenery
	Charming architecture / Iconic landmarks	Charming architecture / Iconic landmarks
	Well-preserved historical buildings	Well-preserved historical buildings
	A harmonious blend of tradition and modernity	A harmonious blend of tradition and modernity
Living Environment	A high standard of living	A high standard of living
	A pedestrian-friendly city	A pedestrian-friendly city
	Efficient public transport	Efficient public transport
	A lively atmosphere	A lively atmosphere
	A strong sense of community	A strong sense of community
Experiences	Immerse myself in the local culture	Immerse myself in the local culture
	Explore hidden gems	Explore hidden gems
	Sample local cuisine	Sample local cuisine
	Leave a lasting impression on someone	Leave a lasting impression on someone

Natural Sentence Structures (Useful Structures)

These structures help make your answers more coherent and demonstrate your ability to develop ideas, rather than simply listing information:

One city that has always stood out to me is… (One city that has always stood out to me is…)
What impressed me the most was… (What impressed me the most was…)
One of the things that makes this city unique is… (One of the things that makes this city unique is…)
It is often regarded as one of the most… (It is often regarded as one of the most…)
What makes this city truly memorable is not only… but also… (What makes this city truly memorable is not only… but also…)

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Answers: City and Travel Topic

Question 1: Do you like living in cities?

Sample: Yes, I do. Although city life can sometimes be hectic, I enjoy the convenience it offers. Large cities usually provide better educational opportunities, healthcare services and entertainment facilities. I also appreciate the diversity of people and cultures, which makes everyday life much more interesting.

Question 2: Is there a beautiful city in your country that you would recommend to visitors?

Sample: Definitely. I would highly recommend Da Nang. In my opinion, it strikes an excellent balance between urban development and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy modern infrastructure while still being surrounded by beaches, mountains and green spaces.

Question 3: Do you prefer visiting cities or the countryside?

Sample: I enjoy both for different reasons. Cities are exciting because there is always something new to explore, whether it is museums, restaurants or cultural attractions. However, when I need a break from my routine, I prefer visiting the countryside to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and slower pace of life.

Question 4: What do you usually do when visiting a new city?

Sample: I usually spend the first day walking around the city centre to get a feel for the local atmosphere. I enjoy visiting historical sites, sampling local cuisine and talking to local people whenever possible. I think these experiences help me understand a place much better than simply taking photographs at famous tourist attractions.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample Answer

Prompt: Describe a beautiful city

You should say:

Where the city is
When you visited it
What you did there
And explain why you think it is beautiful.

Sample Answer:

One of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited is Kyoto in Japan. I had the opportunity to travel there during the spring several years ago, and it remains one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken.

What immediately caught my attention was the city’s remarkable ability to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing modern development. Unlike many large cities that are dominated by skyscrapers, Kyoto has managed to maintain its traditional temples, wooden houses and peaceful gardens. Walking through its historic streets felt almost like stepping back in time.

During my stay, I visited several famous temples, explored local markets and spent an afternoon wandering through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. One of my favourite experiences was simply strolling along quiet streets lined with cherry blossom trees. The scenery was incredibly picturesque, and the atmosphere was calm despite the large number of tourists.

Apart from its natural beauty, I was deeply impressed by how clean and well-organised the city was. Public transportation was efficient, local residents were polite and respectful, and everything seemed to function smoothly. These small details made the overall travel experience much more enjoyable.

Looking back, what made Kyoto truly unforgettable was not only its breathtaking scenery but also the unique atmosphere it offered. It is a city where history, culture and modern life coexist in perfect harmony. If I ever have the opportunity, I would certainly love to visit it again and explore even more of what it has to offer.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample Answers: Urbanisation & Sustainable Tourism Topic

Question 1: Why are some cities more attractive to tourists than others?

Sample: I think successful tourist destinations usually offer a combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern facilities. Tourists are not only looking for iconic landmarks but also memorable experiences, such as trying local cuisine, interacting with residents and learning about local traditions. In addition, factors such as safety, cleanliness and efficient transportation play an important role in shaping visitors’ overall impressions. Even the most beautiful city may struggle to attract tourists if these basic aspects are neglected.

Question 2: What problems can rapid urbanisation cause?

Sample

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