IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a city that you have been to and would like to visit again.

Describe a city that you have been to and would like to visit again. You should say: - what the city is - when you went there - what you did there - and explain why you would like to visit it again

Part 2 model answer

A city I'd love to visit again is Rajshahi, which is in the northwest of Bangladesh, right on the bank of the Padma River. I went there last summer with my family to visit one of my aunts who lives there.

The first thing that struck me as soon as I arrived was how clean and green the city was. Compared to Dhaka, the roads were wide, there was hardly any traffic, and the air felt so much fresher. I later found out that Rajshahi has actually been recognised for having some of the cleanest air in the country, which didn't surprise me at all.

We stayed there for about five days, and we did quite a lot. Every evening, we went to the riverbank of the Padma, where lots of local people gather to enjoy the cool breeze and watch the sunset. There were small boats you could hire for a short ride, which was really relaxing. We also visited the Varendra Research Museum, which has a fascinating collection of ancient sculptures and artefacts. And since it was mango season, my aunt took us to a mango orchard, where we picked and ate fresh mangoes straight from the trees. Honestly, they were the sweetest mangoes I've ever tasted.

The main reason I want to go back is the peaceful lifestyle. People there seemed less stressed and much friendlier than in big cities. Also, I didn't get enough time to explore everything, like the nearby historical sites in Puthia. So next time, I'd like to stay longer, maybe during the winter, and explore the city more slowly.

Part 3 discussion

Why do people like to visit other cities?

People visit other cities to experience something different from their daily lives, like new food, culture, and scenery. Some travel for work or to visit relatives. Many people also enjoy sightseeing and learning about the history of different places.

What makes a city a good place to live?

A good city should have clean air, good public transport, and enough green spaces. Access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities is also essential. And of course, safety and friendly people make a city much more livable.

What are the disadvantages of living in big cities?

Big cities are often overcrowded, polluted, and very expensive. In Dhaka, for instance, traffic jams waste hours of people's time every day. Life in big cities is also fast-paced and stressful, and people sometimes feel lonely despite being surrounded by millions of others.

Should people visit famous places or less-known places when travelling?

Famous places are popular for a reason, as they usually have great attractions and facilities. But they're often crowded and expensive. Less-known places can offer a more authentic and peaceful experience. I think a good trip should include a mix of both.

How can tourism benefit a city?

Tourism brings money into the local economy, because visitors spend on hotels, food, transport, and souvenirs. It also creates jobs for local people. On top of that, it encourages the government to improve infrastructure and preserve historical sites.