IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a city you enjoyed visiting.

Describe a city you enjoyed visiting. You should say: - where it is - when you went there - what you did there - and explain why you enjoyed visiting this city

Part 2 model answer

A city I really enjoyed visiting is Chattogram, which is the second-largest city in Bangladesh and the country's main port city. I went there about a year ago with my cousin, who was attending a friend's wedding, and we stayed for four days.

What surprised me first was how different it felt from Dhaka. Chattogram is surrounded by hills on one side and the sea on the other, so the scenery is much more varied. Even within the city, there are lots of hilly roads and green areas.

We did quite a lot during our stay. On the first evening, we went to Patenga Beach, where we watched huge cargo ships waiting to enter the port while the sun set over the Bay of Bengal. It was a stunning sight. The next day, we visited Foy's Lake, which is a beautiful lake surrounded by hills, and we took a short boat ride there. We also went to the War Cemetery, which was very peaceful and quite moving. And of course, we couldn't leave without trying the famous Chattogram "mezban" beef. Luckily, we got to eat it at the wedding, and honestly, it was one of the best dishes I've ever had.

I enjoyed visiting this city because it offered a perfect mix of nature, history, and food. The people were also really friendly and welcoming, even though I had a hard time understanding the local dialect, which is quite different from standard Bangla. The traffic was much lighter than in Dhaka too, so moving around was easier. I'd definitely love to go back and explore more, especially the nearby hill areas.

Part 3 discussion

What makes a city attractive to tourists?

Tourists are usually attracted by famous landmarks, natural beauty, and historical sites. Good food and a unique local culture also play a big role. Convenient transport, safety, and affordable accommodation make a city much more appealing. Friendly local people can also leave a lasting positive impression on visitors.

What are the advantages of living in a port city?

Port cities usually have strong economies, because trade and shipping create lots of job opportunities. They also tend to be more diverse, as people from different places come there for work. In many cases, they have beautiful coastlines and beaches. However, they can also face problems like pollution and the risk of cyclones.

Why do some cities grow faster than others?

Cities that offer more jobs, better education, and good infrastructure attract more people, so they grow faster. Location also matters a lot, for example cities near ports or capital cities usually develop quickly. Government investment and industrial development play a big role too. Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, most development has been concentrated in Dhaka.

Should old parts of cities be preserved?

Yes, I strongly believe they should. Old areas carry the history and identity of a city, and once they're destroyed, they can't be replaced. They also attract tourists, which helps the local economy. However, preservation should be balanced with improving living conditions for the people who live there.

What problems do big cities face today?

Big cities face many problems, such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and air and noise pollution. Housing has also become very expensive, so many people live in poor conditions. In addition, water shortages and waterlogging during the rainy season are common in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. These issues make daily life quite stressful for residents.