Discuss a magnificent urban area | IELTS Speaking Part 2+3

Within the realm of addressing the aforementioned topic, Mr. Phước Đức and Mr. Viết Dũng will guide you in answering the topic “Discuss a beautiful city” in IELTS Speaking Part 2. Refer to samples, vocabulary, and several scoring expressions in the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 2: Describe a beautiful city

Describe a beautiful city

You should say:

Location of the city
How you first learned about this city
What architectural marvels the city boasts
What makes it renowned
And elucidate why you deem this city as beautiful

Below is an exemplar for the topic “Describe a beautiful city“.

1. Model Essay (Sample 1) for Topic: Describe a beautiful city

2. Lexicon (Vocabulary)

• Vibrant (adj): sôi động
• Metropolis (n): đô thị
• Adorn (v) somebody/something with something: trang trí ai đó/cái gì với cái gì 
• Panoply (n): một loạt
• Enchanting (adj): thu hút, gây mê hoặc
• Cityscape (n): cảnh quan thành phố 
• Accentuate (v): làm nổi bật 
• Bustling (adj): nhộn nhịp, tấp nập 
• Exquisite (adj): extremely beautiful 
• Complex (n): khu phức hợp 
• Boast (v): to have something that is impressive
• Ornate (adj): công phu, cầu kỳ
• Architectural wonder/marvel: kỳ quan kiến trúc
• Celebrated (adj): famous for having good qualities
• Savory (adj): tasty 
• Fascinate (v): thu hút, hấp dẫn (ai đó)
• Modernity (n): sự hiện đại 
• Hospitality (n): lòng mến khách 
• Vivacity (n): sự sống động 

3. Model Essay (Sample 2) for Topic: Describe a beautiful city

4. Lexicon (Vocabulary)

• spectacular: hùng vĩ
• majestic: vĩ đại
• lush: tươi tốt
• reinvigorating: tiếp thêm sinh lực
• scrumptious: hảo hạng
• renowned: nổi tiếng

Part 3

1. What are the distinctions between contemporary towns and contemporary cities?

Sample 1: Regarding the disparities between contemporary towns and cities, a pivotal factor lies in their size and population. Cities generally exhibit greater dimensions and population density compared to towns. Moreover, cities are characterized by more sophisticated infrastructure, diverse economic activities, and a broader array of

facilities and services in contrast to towns. Furthermore, urban life often unfolds at a swifter pace, whereas towns may offer a more serene and relaxed environment.

• Infrastructure (n): cơ sở hạ tầng
• Amenities (n): những tiện nghi và tiện ích
• Tranquil (adj): im ắng và yên bình
• Laid-back (adj): thư giãn, thoải mái

Sample 2: There are several aspects to consider.

Firstly, cities generally cover a larger area, resulting in higher population density, encompassing diverse age groups, cultures, and languages. Conversely, towns are typically less densely populated and exhibit lower diversity in terms of ethnicity, traditions, etc.

Secondly, cities are usually highly urbanized with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, while towns may retain natural elements such as fields or hills despite modernization.

Thirdly, cities often boast a larger economy and thus offer more job opportunities. While towns also offer employment, it is not comparable to the scale found in cities.

• urbanized: đô thị hoá
• natural features: đặc điểm tự nhiên
• employment: chỗ làm

2. What motivates people to visit historical sites?

Exemplar 1: Individuals are attracted to historical sites for a variety of reasons. Primarily, visiting historical sites allows people to connect with the past and gain insights into various cultural customs, traditions, and historical events. It offers a tangible link to history, fostering a sense of appreciation and understanding. Moreover, historical sites often possess architectural beauty and provide a unique ambiance that captures visitors, making the experience both educational and engaging.

• Draw (v) somebody to something: thu hút ai đó tới cái gì
• Gain insights into: đạt được những hiểu biết hoặc những cái nhìn sâu sắc về
• Cultural practices: những thực hành văn hóa
• Tangible (adj): rõ ràng, có thể cảm nhận được
• Foster (v): nuôi dưỡng
• Captivate (v): thu hút, hấp dẫn ai đó (= fascinate)
• Compelling (adj): very attractive and interesting (= fascinating = captivating)

Exemplar 2: Personally, I believe it stems from a sense of obligation and reverence for their culture and history. Some historical sites mark the locations of significant battles where ancestors defended against invaders and secured independence. Many people visit these sites to honor our forefathers and express gratitude for their sacrifices. It also serves as a means to contribute to the preservation of these sites and landmarks. Increased tourism helps generate funds for maintaining historical landmarks.

• sense of duty: ý thức trách nhiệm
• independence: Sự độc lập
• pay tribute to: Vinh danh

3. How can individuals conserve historic cities and buildings?

Exemplar 1: Preserving historic cities and buildings necessitates a collective endeavor. Firstly, stringent conservation laws and regulations must prevent unauthorized modifications or demolitions. Secondly, financial incentives such as tax incentives or grants can encourage property owners to invest in renovation and upkeep. Additionally, public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of these sites, fostering a sense of responsibility within the community.

• Collective (adj): chung, tập thể
• Unauthorized alterations or demolitions: những sự chỉnh sửa hoặc phá dỡ trái phép
• Financial incentives: những ưu đãi về tài chính
• Tax breaks: những khoản khấu trừ thuế
• Tax grants: những khoản trợ cấp thuế
• Restoration and maintenance: sự phục hồi và bảo trì
• Public awareness-raising campaigns: những chiến dịch nâng cao ý thức cộng đồng

Exemplar 2: Firstly, by showing respect as visitors. Many historical landmarks have been victims of vandalism, such as people writing on historical artifacts or littering. Respectful visitors should condemn such actions and impose strict fines. Another approach is through financial contributions to preserve these sites. The donation doesn’t have to be substantial; it only needs to be heartfelt, as any amount of money aids in maintaining these sites.

• vandalism: sự phá hoại
• contribution: sự đóng góp

4. Is it the government’s duty to conserve historic cities and buildings?

Exemplar 1: Although individuals and private organizations play a role, the primary responsibility for conserving historic cities and buildings rests with the government. Governments can implement and enforce preservation laws, allocate funding for restoration projects, and establish agencies dedicated to protecting cultural heritage. They act as guardians, ensuring these sites are preserved for future generations to cherish.

• Fall on (phrasal verb): (khi nói về trách nhiệm) thuộc về
• Enact (v): thông qua (một đạo luật)
• Enforce (v): đảm bảo rằng mọi người chấp hành một đạo luật hoặc quy tắc, thực thi
• Allocate funds: cấp vốn
• Cultural heritage: di sản văn hóa
• Custodian (n): người trông nom

Exemplar 2: Absolutely, without question. Maintaining historical sites can be expensive. Besides financial resources, it requires expertise to preserve the historical charm of buildings while ensuring their structural integrity, a task that only the government can undertake. However, the responsibility should not solely rest on the government. The public should also contribute.

• without a shadow of a doubt: không một chút nghi ngờ
• a costly endeavor: một nỗ lực tốn kém
• undertake: đảm nhận

5. Does preserving historical sites conflict with economic development?

Exemplar 1: Preserving historical sites does not necessarily conflict with economic development; in fact, they can support each other. Protecting historical sites can attract tourism, leading to economic benefits for local communities. Adaptive reuse of historic buildings for commercial purposes, such as restaurants or boutique stores, can contribute to economic revitalization while preserving a place's cultural and architectural heritage.

• Complement (v): bổ sung, bù đắp
• Adaptive (adj): có khả năng thay đổi khi cần thiết, mang tính thích ứng
• Boutique shop: một cửa hàng nhỏ chuyên bán quần áo, trang sức hoặc những món quà đắt tiền
• Economic revitalization: sự hồi sinh về kinh tế

Sample 2: Not necessarily. Historical monuments and landmarks can act as tourist attractions that draw visitors, which benefits local businesses. For example, Dien Bien Phu fortress in Vietnam attracts thousands of tourists annually, interested in witnessing where the French were defeated by a small yet resilient Southeast Asian country. The tourism development around this landmark also supports local restaurants and hotels, contributing to the local economy and providing stable employment opportunities for residents.

• Historical monuments: Di tích lịch sử
• landmarks: các địa danh
• local establishments: cơ sở địa phương
• livelihood: kế sinh nhai

6. What do you anticipate will occur to historic places or buildings in the future? Why?

Sample 1: The future of historic places and buildings hinges on societies' commitment to their preservation. With growing awareness of the significance of cultural heritage, there is optimism for ongoing efforts in restoration and conservation. Nevertheless, urbanization and development pressures may present challenges. Embracing sustainable development practices and achieving a balance between modernization and preservation will be crucial in ensuring that historic places endure for future generations.

• Fate (n): vận mệnh
• Pose challenges: đưa ra những thách thức
• Sustainable (adj): bền vững, không gây hại môi trường
• Endure (v): tiếp tục tồn tại (continue to exist for a long time)

Sample 2: In my view, they will continue to withstand the passage of time and serve as poignant reminders of the past. The government has successfully preserved them thus far, and I believe this commitment will persist in the future, given their profound historical and cultural significance.

• stand the test of time: đứng trước thử thách của thời gian