IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a city that you think is very interesting/famous.

Describe a city that you think is very interesting/famous. You should say: - where it is - how you know about this city - what it is famous for - and explain why you think it is interesting

Part 2 model answer

A city I find incredibly interesting is Istanbul in Turkey. I've never actually been there, but it's at the top of my travel wish list.

I first became interested in Istanbul a few years ago, when my family and I watched a Turkish historical drama series that was dubbed in Bangla. Those shows are really popular in Bangladesh. After that, I started watching travel vlogs and documentaries about the city on YouTube, and the more I learned, the more fascinated I became.

Istanbul is famous for many things. One of the most unique facts is that it's located on two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by a narrow strait called the Bosphorus. People can literally travel between continents by ferry in just a few minutes. The city is also famous for its stunning historical buildings, like the Hagia Sophia, which has been a church, a mosque, and a museum at different points in history, and the Blue Mosque, with its beautiful domes and minarets. Then there's the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. And of course, the food is legendary, especially kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea.

I think it's so interesting because it's like a living museum, where you can see the influence of different empires, like the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans, all in one place. It's also a perfect mix of old and new, with ancient mosques standing right next to modern cafés and shopping centres. As someone from a Muslim-majority country, I also feel a cultural connection to it. One day, I really hope to take a ferry across the Bosphorus and see it all with my own eyes.

Part 3 discussion

What makes a city famous?

A city can become famous for its history, landmarks, culture, or natural beauty. Some cities are known for their economic importance, like New York or Dubai, while others are famous for food, art, or sports. Films and TV shows also make cities famous worldwide. In addition, major events like the Olympics can put a city on the global map.

Do famous cities have any disadvantages?

Yes, they often do. Famous cities tend to be overcrowded with tourists, which can make life difficult for locals. Prices for housing, food, and transport usually go up as well. Too much tourism can also damage historical sites and the environment. Some residents even feel their city has lost its original character.

How do films and TV shows influence people's interest in places?

They have a huge influence. When people see beautiful places in films or dramas, they often want to visit them in real life. For example, Turkish dramas have made Turkey very popular among Bangladeshi viewers, and Korean dramas have done the same for South Korea. This is sometimes called "film tourism", and it can greatly boost a country's tourism industry.

Is it important to preserve the history of a city?

Yes, very important. A city's history gives it its unique identity and tells the story of the people who lived there. Historical buildings and traditions also attract tourists and create income. If we destroy them for modern development, future generations will lose an important connection to their past.

Would you prefer to visit a modern city or a historical city?

Personally, I'd prefer a historical city, because I enjoy learning about the past and seeing old architecture. Historical cities feel more unique and have more character. Modern cities are exciting too, with their skyscrapers and technology, but many of them look quite similar. Ideally, a city that combines both, like Istanbul, would be perfect.