Discussing urban life – Sample IELTS Speaking parts 1, 2, 3

1. Vocabulary for discussing urban life

2. IELTS Speaking part 1: Discussing urban life

Join us to listen to Mytour's Part 1 podcast sample.

2.1. Do you enjoy the city you currently reside in?

Yes, I actually enjoy residing in Ho Chi Minh place, the place where I was born and raised. In the past, it has existed for more than 300 years. This city continues to attract more and more citizens, including both tourists and immigrants, despite having a population of more or less than 10 million, daily traffic congestion, and a moderate quantity of pollution.

• Immigrants (n): người nhập cư
• Moderate (adj): vừa phải

(Yes, I truly enjoy living in Ho Chi Minh City, where I was born and raised. It has existed for over 300 years. The city continues to attract more and more residents, including tourists and immigrants, despite its population nearing 10 million, daily traffic congestion, and moderate levels of pollution.)

2.2. Do you prefer urban or rural living?

Despite having a tranquil atmosphere that may help to calm an agitated mind, the countryside is, in all honesty, only a good destination for the wealthy or the elderly. Because I grew up in a thriving city with plenty of employment opportunities and access to modern comforts, I can safely say that I am a city boy.

• Tranquil (adj): yên tĩnh
• Agitated (adj): bị kích động
• Thriving (adj): thịnh vượng

(While there is a serene atmosphere that can soothe any troubled mind, honestly speaking, the countryside is only a desirable destination for the wealthy or elderly. Having grown up in a prosperous city with ample job opportunities and access to modern conveniences, I can confidently say that I am a city boy.)

2.3. Is growing up in the city beneficial for young people?

Young people frequently see my hometown, which is among the most populated and developed in the country, as a promising area with better educational and employment opportunities. Big cities are great places for young people to study and get jobs, but in my opinion they are congested and have horrifying levels of pollution. So, I think, it’s basically like two sides of a coin.

• Promising (adj): đầy hứa hẹn
• Congested (adj): tắc nghẽn

(Dịch: Thường thì những người trẻ coi quê hương tôi, một trong những nơi đông dân và phát triển nhất cả nước, là một khu vực hứa hẹn với cơ hội học tập và việc làm tốt hơn. Các thành phố lớn là nơi lý tưởng để thanh niên học tập và tìm kiếm việc làm, nhưng theo tôi, chúng quá tắc nghẽn và ô nhiễm quá mức. Vì vậy, tôi nghĩ rằng đây là hai mặt của cùng một vấn đề.)

2.4. What types of cities do you prefer?

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, where I was raised, is a city that blends both contemporary and traditional customs. In terms of history, this city is much older than 300 years. The city still boasts many historical landmarks, such as Bn Thành Market or the Saigon Botanical Garden, despite the fact that it has undergone various modifications and now includes a neighborhood with skyscrapers and a more modern aspect.

• Boast (v): có
• Undergo (v): trải qua

(Dịch: Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, nơi tôi sinh ra và lớn lên, là một thành phố kết hợp giữa phong tục hiện đại và truyền thống. Với hơn 300 năm lịch sử, thành phố vẫn tự hào với nhiều địa danh lịch sử như Chợ Bến Thành và Vườn Bách Thảo Sài Gòn, mặc dù hiện nay nó đã trải qua nhiều sự thay đổi và bao gồm cả khu phố với các tòa nhà cao tầng và các tiện ích hiện đại.)

2.5. Do you prefer living in a city or just visiting as a tourist?

I am more acclimated to its fast-paced style of life because I was raised in a crowded city named Ho Chi Minh City. I would rather live in a city than travel, for this reason. But as I age, I’m starting to think about retiring to the country because of the comfort and peace it provides, not to mention the reasonable cost of living.

• Acclimated (adj): thích nghi
• Fast-paced style: nhịp sống hối hả

(Dịch: Tôi thích sự sống động và nhịp sống của thành phố hơn vì tôi đã trưởng thành ở Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, một thành phố đông đúc. Tôi thà sống ở thành phố hơn là đi du lịch, vì điều này. Tuy nhiên, khi già đi, tôi bắt đầu nghĩ đến việc nghỉ dưỡng ở nông thôn vì sự thoải mái và yên bình mà nơi đó mang lại, cùng với chi phí sinh hoạt hợp lý.)

3.1. IELTS Speaking part 2: Discuss city life

3.1. Topic

To begin your speech, you should directly introduce the city or town you are talking about. Focus on a brief introduction of 1-2 sentences, covering basic information such as the city's name, location, and its distinctive features.

Next, you need to describe the city from an overview to details. In terms of overview, you can describe the general beauty of the city and how it makes you feel, for example, whether it's a modern beauty or a romantic one. In terms of details, you can explore the city's physical infrastructure aspects.

Finally, you explain why tourists like to visit that city for the conclusion part.

3.2. Example 1: Danang

Listen to Mytour's Part 2 podcast sample here:

Now, let me briefly introduce the city where I was born and raised.

Da Nang, situated on Vietnam’s central coast, ranks among the top three cities in the country.

When you come, you’ll be amazed by the warm folks and breathtaking scenery. My city benefits from nature, as is generally known. Visitors have a wide range of things to see and do thanks to our long, fine-sand beach in the east and the verdant mountains that encircle the city in the west. Additionally, I believe the meal will never fail to satisfy them. Visitors can experience a range of specialties, such as fresh spring rolls with salad, Quang noodles, and Hue noodle soup.

Tourists visiting my city can choose to explore it by public bus or rent a motorbike to visit other attractions such as the Hai Van Pass, considered by Da Nang residents as one of the world's natural wonders.

Since real estate is currently very affordable, settling down in my city is a great choice. In addition, living expenses are much lower here than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Not to mention that the residents are friendly, encouraging, and always willing to help the visitors.

Thank you, that concludes my discussion about my hometown.

3.2.1. Translation

Now, please allow me to give a brief description of the city where I was born and raised.

Da Nang is situated on Vietnam's central coast, ranking as one of the top three cities in Vietnam.

Upon arrival, visitors will be amazed by the warm people and magnificent scenery. My city benefits greatly from nature, as many know. Tourists have plenty to explore and experience thanks to the long stretch of smooth sandy beaches to the east and lush green mountains surrounding the city to the west. Moreover, I believe the cuisine here will never disappoint. Visitors can indulge in various specialties such as fresh spring rolls, Quang noodles, and Hue-style vermicelli.

Tourists visiting my city can choose to explore it by public bus or rent a motorbike to visit other destinations, such as the Hai Van Pass, which Da Nang residents consider one of the world's seven natural wonders.

Due to the current affordable real estate prices, settling in my city is a great choice. Additionally, the cost of living here is much lower compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Not to mention, the locals are very friendly, dynamic, and always ready to help tourists.

Thank you, that's all I have to say about my homeland.

3.2.2. Key Vocabulary

• Warm folks (n): người dân thân thiện
• Breathtaking scenery (n): khung cảnh ngoạn mục
• Fine-sand beach (n): bãi biển cát mịn
• Verdant (adj): xanh tươi
• Real estate (n): bất động sản

3.3. Example 2: Hanoi

Please listen to Mytour's Part 2 podcast sample.

I was born and raised in Hanoi. Hanoi features numerous unique sceneries and age-old beauty. It would be impossible to talk about Hanoi without mentioning beautiful places like One Pillar Pagoda, Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum, Turtle Tower – Hoan Kiem Lake, and West Lake. Everyone is welcome to stop by and admire the surroundings.

Hanoi people are friendly and welcoming. They are always prepared to assist. In Hanoi, girls are often nice and respectable. The Hanoi man does his job honestly and diligently. Hanoians have an upright demeanor, are soft-spoken, and you’ll remember them long after you first meet them.

Hanoi is undoubtedly known for its traffic jams. As more and more people from across the country have come here, the population has been rising. During rush hour, traveling might be extremely difficult. But many foreign tourists relish and experience Hanoi’s traffic congestion.

My birthplace, Hanoi, has always brought me joy. I hope to contribute more to the city's growth and prosperity in the future.

3.3.1. Translation

I was born and raised in Hanoi. Hanoi boasts many unique landscapes and timeless beauty. It's impossible to talk about Hanoi without mentioning landmarks like One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Turtle Tower - Hoan Kiem Lake, and West Lake. Visitors are warmly welcomed to stop and admire the surroundings.

Hanoians are friendly and hospitable. They are always ready to assist. Women in Hanoi are typically well-behaved and respected. Hanoian men are honest and diligent in their work. People from Hanoi are straightforward, speak gently, and you will remember them long after the first meeting.

Hanoi is notorious for its traffic congestion. With an increasing number of people coming here from all over the country, the population is rising. During rush hours, getting around can be extremely challenging. However, many foreign tourists find Hanoi's traffic congestion intriguing and enjoy experiencing it.

My homeland, Hanoi, always brings me happiness. I hope to contribute more to the city's development and Hanoi's prosperity in the future.

3.3.2. Key Vocabulary

• One Pillar Pagoda (n): Chùa Một Cột
• Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum (n): Lăng Bác
• Turtle Tower (n): Tháp Rùa
• Diligently (adv): siêng năng
• Demeanor (n): thái độ
• Soft-spoken (adj): ăn nói nhẹ nhàng
• Relish (v): thích thú

4. IELTS Speaking part 3: Discuss urban life

Please listen to Mytour's Part 3 podcast.

4.1. What are the advantages of living in a large city?

I believe that having convenient access to larger shopping malls in the city center comes with living in a city or large town. If you want to live a more peaceful life, you can choose to live in the suburbs to avoid the congested traffic.

• Suburbs (n): vùng ngoại ô

4.2. In your view, are city centers typically attractive locations?

While some city centers have a range of attractions that attract tourists, on occasion they become overwhelmed by office buildings and multi-story parking lots. People frequently have to reside in inadequate, cramped housing.

• Overwhelmed (adj): choáng ngợp
• Inadequate (adj): thiếu thốn
• Cramped (adj): chật chội

4.3. What are some of the challenges that cities and towns face?

Traffic congestion is, in my opinion, the main problem. A large number of neighborhood center stores have closed as a result of the construction of out-of-town supermarkets and retail parks.

• Out-of-town supermarkets and retail parks (n): các siêu thị và khu bán lẻ ngoài thành phố

4.4. Some cities attract millions of visitors. What challenges can arise from this?

Well, from my perspective, developing tourism in some cities has advantages. Locals have more employment opportunities, and some households see a significant boost in income because the breadwinners are employed in the hospitalization sector. However, there are some warning issues brought on by mass tourism. When tourists gather in one city, it is likely that this city may lose its unique identity.

Use Sapa as an illustration. Children used to enthusiastically accept candies from tourists as charming gifts in return for their hospitality. Nowadays, it seems as though Sapa’s kids “force” tourists to give them candy or else they’ll start to cry. The original meaning of Sapa villagers’ friendliness and warmth has been diminished by the change in mindset.

• Breadwinners (n): những người trụ cột
• Hospitalization (n): bệnh viện
• Diminish (v): giảm bớt

(Translation: Yes, in my opinion, tourism development in some cities has advantages. Local residents have more job opportunities, and some families have significantly increased income because key family members work in hospital areas. However, there are some warning signs due to mass tourism. When tourists concentrate in one city, this city may lose its unique identity.

Taking Sapa as an example. Children often enthusiastically receive candy from tourists as charming gifts to reciprocate their hospitality. Nowadays, it seems that children in Sapa are 'forcing' tourists for candies, or else they will cry. The original meaning of the warmth and friendliness of the people in Sapa has been diminished due to changes in mindset.)

4.5. What are the reasons for urban migration? 

Well, I believe that people are beginning to move to the city because it is a clearly booming center for commerce and industry, where people can have a better chance of finding a job that pays well.

Additionally, because of technology and cutting-edge structures and amenities, city life is engaging and interesting in its own right. I believe that’s the reason why cities have evolved into such a melting pot.

Moreover, thanks to technology, advanced infrastructure, and modern amenities, city life has become attractive and exciting in its true sense. I believe that is why cities develop into places that converge so many things.

4.6. What impacts does this have on the environment and wildlife?

This would, in my opinion, have a negative impact on the ecology and wildlife in a number of ways. The area grows more densely inhabited as more people move to cities, leading to a number of issues like pollution and vandalism. Additionally, more people implies more vehicles in the city, which will probably result in a rise in pollution, which will be detrimental to the health of the populace.

• Densely (adv): một cách dày đặc
• Vandalism (n): sự phá hoại
• Implies (v): ngụ ý
• Detrimental (adj): có hại
• Populace (n): người dân