IELTS Speaking Topic Describe a recent development (Urban Development)

Trong phần thi IELTS Speaking, nhóm chủ đề về nơi chốn (Places) và sự thay đổi (Changes) luôn là những “khách quen”. Đặc biệt, đề bài: “Describe a recent development in the area where you live” (Mô tả một sự phát triển/thay đổi gần đây ở khu vực bạn sống) đang xuất hiện ngày càng nhiều.

Đề bài này không chỉ yêu cầu bạn miêu tả một công trình, mà còn đòi hỏi khả năng so sánh quá khứ – hiện tại và đánh giá tác động của nó đến cộng đồng. Hôm nay, cô Kiều Trang sẽ chia sẻ bộ từ vựng “chất” và bài mẫu Band 8.0 để giúp các bạn chinh phục chủ đề này nhé!

Cô Nguyễn Thị Kiều Trang – Giáo viên 8.0 IELTS tại ECE

Từ vựng & Cấu trúc “ăn điểm” chủ đề Urban Development

Để nói về sự phát triển đô thị, chúng ta cần những từ vựng mang tính chuyên môn hơn là những từ miêu tả đơn thuần.

1. Từ vựng chủ điểm (Topic Vocabulary)

Nhóm danh từ chỉ sự thay đổi & Công trình:

• Recent development: Sự phát triển/thay đổi gần đây.
• Urban transformation / Urban renewal: Sự thay đổi bộ mặt đô thị / Tái thiết đô thị.
• Infrastructure upgrade: Nâng cấp cơ sở hạ tầng (đường xá, cầu cống…).
• Residential complex / Housing project: Khu dân cư / Dự án nhà ở.
• Recreational facilities: Các cơ sở vui chơi giải trí.
• Commercial hub / Shopping complex: Khu trung tâm thương mại.
• Green spaces / Public parks: Không gian xanh / Công viên công cộng.
• Construction boom: Sự bùng nổ xây dựng.

Nhóm từ chỉ tác động (Impacts):

• Revitalize the neighborhood: Hồi sinh/làm sống lại khu vực sinh sống.
• Improve quality of life: Cải thiện chất lượng cuộc sống.
• Reduce traffic congestion: Giảm thiểu kẹt xe.
• Environmentally friendly / Sustainable development: Phát triển bền vững/thân thiện môi trường.
• Noise & air pollution: Ô nhiễm tiếng ồn & không khí.
• Cost of living skyrockets: Chi phí sinh hoạt tăng vọt.

1. Cấu trúc câu ghi điểm (Useful Structures)

Sử dụng các cấu trúc dẫn dắt dưới đây giúp bài nói của bạn mạch lạc và tự nhiên hơn:

• So sánh thời gian (Comparing time):
  • In the past… but now…
  • Compared to a few years ago…
• Miêu tả tác động (Describing impacts):
  • This development has brought a lot of benefits such as…
  • However, it also causes several drawbacks including…
• Đánh giá cá nhân (Personal opinion):
  • Personally, I think this is a step forward because…
  • To some extent, I agree that…
• Mở đầu tự nhiên (Natural starters):
  • Well, one major change in my neighborhood recently is…
  • Speaking of recent developments, the first thing that comes to my mind is…

Bài mẫu IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic Describe a recent development

Đề bài: Describe a recent development in the area where you live. You should say:

• what the development is
• where it is
• when it happened
• and explain how it has affected the area.

Bài mẫu tham khảo (Sample Answer):

I’d like to talk about a recent development in my neighbourhood, which is the construction of a new public park combined with a small community sports complex. This project is located right in the centre of the residential area where I live, on a piece of land that used to be an abandoned construction site.

The development started about a year ago and was completed just a few months back. At first, many local residents were quite sceptical because the construction caused a lot of noise and traffic disruption. However, once the project was finished, it completely transformed the area. The park now features green walking paths, children’s playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment, and even a small football pitch that is open to the public.

In terms of its impact, I would say the development has brought about mostly positive changes. Firstly, it has significantly improved the quality of life for local residents. People now have a safe and convenient place to exercise, relax, or spend time with their families, instead of having to travel far to find recreational facilities. Secondly, the park has helped strengthen the sense of community, as neighbours often meet and interact during evening walks or weekend activities.

Overall, although the construction phase was somewhat inconvenient, this recent development has made the neighbourhood more liveable and visually appealing, and I believe it will continue to benefit the area in the long run.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Urban Development & Community

Ở Part 3, giám khảo sẽ hỏi sâu hơn về quy hoạch đô thị và tác động xã hội. Dưới đây là cách trả lời mẫu của cô Kiều Trang:

1. How does urban development affect people’s lives?

Urban development can have a profound impact on people’s daily lives, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, well-planned development can improve living standards by providing better infrastructure, public services, and job opportunities. For example, new roads, parks, or public transport systems can make commuting more convenient and reduce stress. However, rapid or poorly managed urban development may lead to problems such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and rising living costs, which can place pressure on local residents, especially those with lower incomes.

2. Why do governments invest heavily in urban development projects?

Governments invest heavily in urban development mainly to support economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life. Modern infrastructure attracts businesses, tourists, and investors, which can create employment and increase tax revenue. In addition, urban development projects are often designed to address long-term social issues, such as housing shortages or environmental sustainability. By upgrading cities, governments aim to make urban areas more competitive, liveable, and resilient in the future.

3. What are the disadvantages of rapid urban development?

One major disadvantage of rapid urban development is the strain it places on existing infrastructure and public services. When cities expand too quickly, facilities such as hospitals, schools, and transport systems may not keep pace with population growth. Another drawback is the loss of green spaces, which can negatively affect both the environment and residents’ mental health. Furthermore, rapid development can widen social inequality, as property prices often rise, making housing unaffordable for many people.

4. How can urban development influence community relationships?

Urban development can significantly influence how people interact within a community. On the one hand, developments like public parks, community centres, or pedestrian-friendly streets can encourage social interaction and strengthen neighbourhood bonds. On the other hand, large-scale projects may disrupt established communities, forcing residents to relocate and weakening social ties. Therefore, whether urban development benefits community relationships largely depends on how carefully it is planned and implemented.

5. Do you think preserving old buildings is important when cities develop?

Yes, I believe preserving old buildings is extremely important during urban development. Historic buildings reflect a city’s cultural identity and help maintain a sense of continuity between the past and the present. While modern architecture is necessary, replacing all old structures with new ones can make cities feel impersonal. A balanced approach, where historical buildings are preserved and integrated into modern urban planning, can create cities that are both functional and culturally meaningful.

6. How can cities develop in a more sustainable way in the future?

Cities can develop more sustainably by prioritising long-term environmental and social impacts over short-term economic gains. This includes investing in public transport, renewable energy, and green spaces to reduce pollution and improve living conditions. In addition, governments should involve local communities in planning decisions to ensure developments meet residents’ real needs. By adopting sustainable urban planning strategies, cities can grow while remaining healthy and liveable for future generations.

Lời khuyên từ cô Kiều Trang

Chủ đề “Urban Development” đòi hỏi bạn phải có tư duy hai chiều (critical thinking). Khi trả lời Part 3, đừng chỉ nói về mặt tốt (nhà cao tầng, đường đẹp) mà hãy đề cập cả những mặt trái (ô nhiễm, giá nhà tăng). Việc sử dụng linh hoạt các từ vựng như “sustainable development” hay “infrastructure upgrade” sẽ giúp bạn ghi điểm mạnh mẽ về Lexical Resource. Chúc các bạn ôn tập hiệu quả cùng ECE!

Đoàn Nương

Tôi là Đoàn Nương - Giám đốc trung tâm ngoại ngữ ECE. Tôi hiện đang là giảng viên của khoa ngôn ngữ các nước nói tiếng Anh - Trường Đại Học Quốc Gia Hà Nội. Tôi đã có 19 năm kinh nghiệm giảng dạy IELTS và 15 năm là giảng viên Đại Học. Tôi mong muốn đưa ECE trở thành trung tâm ngoại ngữ cho tất cả mọi người, mang tới cho học viên môi trường học tập tiếng Anh chuyên nghiệp và hiệu quả.