IELTS Speaking 2025 Part 2&3: Describe a famous city that is interesting

Describe a famous city that is interesting

You should say:

• Where it is
• What the city is famous for
• Why it is interesting
• And explain how you feel about it

Follow-up (Part 3):

1. What advantages can tourism bring to a city?
2. Why do some young people like to live in cities?
3. Do most elderly people live in the city or in the countryside?
4. Do you think well-developed tourism will have negative effects on local people?

Part 2: Describe a famous city that is interesting

Suggested ideas for each part

• Where it is: 🌏 Ho Chi Minh City, located in southern Vietnam. It’s the largest and busiest city in the country.
• What the city is famous for:
  • 🏙 Economic hub of Vietnam
  • 🏛 Rich history (Vietnam War, Cu Chi Tunnels)
  • 🍜 Delicious street food (banh mi, pho, com tam)
  • ⛪ Iconic landmarks (Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market)
• Why it is interesting:
  • 🌆 Lively atmosphere with nonstop activities
  • 🏗 Blend of modern skyscrapers and historical sites
  • 🎉 Diverse entertainment (night markets, rooftop bars, coffee culture)
• How you feel about it:
  • 🤩 Excited by its energy
  • 🥰 Appreciate the cultural mix
  • 😵 Sometimes overwhelmed by the traffic

Useful grammar structures

1. Relative clauses: Ho Chi Minh City, which is the largest city in Vietnam, is known for its vibrant lifestyle.
2. Comparisons: It is much busier than other cities in Vietnam.
3. Present perfect: I have visited Ho Chi Minh City several times, and each time, I discover something new.
4. Passive voice: The city is often described as the economic heart of Vietnam.
5. Conditionals: If you love street food, you will be in heaven in Ho Chi Minh City.

Collocations

1. Bustling city 🏙 (thành phố nhộn nhịp)
2. Rich cultural heritage 🎭 (di sản văn hóa phong phú)
3. Mouth-watering street food 🍜 (đồ ăn đường phố hấp dẫn)
4. Tourist attraction 🎟 (địa điểm thu hút khách du lịch)
5. Blend of modernity and tradition 🏗 (sự pha trộn giữa hiện đại và truyền thống)
6. Nonstop energy ⚡ (năng lượng không ngừng nghỉ)
7. Traffic congestion 🚦 (tắc nghẽn giao thông)

Full spoken sample

One fascinating city that comes to mind is Ho Chi Minh City 🏙, which is located in southern Vietnam. It is the country’s largest and most bustling city, known for its rich cultural heritage 🎭 and economic significance.

The city is famous for many things. First and foremost, it is considered Vietnam’s economic hub, with skyscrapers 🏗, shopping malls 🛍, and countless business opportunities. It also has a deep historical background, with landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum 🏛 and Cu Chi Tunnels, which showcase Vietnam’s past. More importantly, the city is a paradise for food lovers 🍜, offering mouth-watering street food like pho, banh mi, and com tam.

What makes Ho Chi Minh City truly interesting is its blend of modernity and tradition. On one side, you see luxurious rooftop bars 🍹 and contemporary shopping malls 🏢, while on the other, you find old French colonial buildings and local markets 🏘. The city’s nonstop energy ⚡ keeps you engaged at all times, whether it’s exploring night markets 🌙, visiting museums 🖼, or simply enjoying a cup of Vietnamese coffee ☕ in a cozy café.

Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with this city. I absolutely love the vibrancy and diversity 🤩, but at times, the traffic congestion 🚦 can be overwhelming. However, despite the chaos, it remains one of the most exciting places to visit in Vietnam.

Part 3: Discussion Questions

1. What advantages can tourism bring to a city?

Ideas

• 📈 Economic growth (creates jobs, increases local business revenue)
• 🌍 Cultural exchange (introduces new perspectives, enhances global awareness)
• 🏗 Infrastructure development (better roads, improved public services)

Grammar structures

• Cause and effect: Tourism leads to economic growth by generating jobs.
• Passive voice: Local businesses are benefited greatly from tourism.
• Conditionals: If tourism is well-managed, it can boost a city’s development significantly.

Collocations

1. Boost the local economy 📈 (tăng trưởng kinh tế địa phương)
2. Create job opportunities 👩‍💼 (tạo cơ hội việc làm)
3. Enhance cultural exchange 🌍 (tăng cường giao lưu văn hóa)
4. Improve public facilities 🏗 (cải thiện cơ sở hạ tầng công cộng)

Sample answer

Tourism can bring several advantages to a city. Firstly, it helps boost the local economy 📈 by attracting visitors who spend money on accommodation 🏨, food 🍽, and transportation 🚗. Additionally, it helps create job opportunities 👩‍💼 for people working in hotels, restaurants, and tour services. Another important benefit is that it encourages cultural exchange 🌍, as tourists and locals interact, sharing knowledge and traditions. Lastly, tourism often leads to improved public services, as authorities invest in better public facilities 🏗 like roads and transportation to accommodate visitors.

2. Why do some young people like to live in cities?

Ideas

• 💼 More job opportunities
• 🎉 Better social life (entertainment, nightlife, networking)
• 🏫 Higher quality education and healthcare

Collocations

1. Vibrant nightlife 🎶 (cuộc sống về đêm sôi động)
2. Career advancement 📊 (phát triển sự nghiệp)
3. Higher standard of living 🏠 (mức sống cao hơn)

Sample answer

Many young people are drawn to cities because they offer better career opportunities 💼. In big cities, there are more chances for career advancement 📊, whether in business, technology, or entertainment. Moreover, cities provide a higher standard of living 🏠, with access to quality education and healthcare 🏥. The social aspect is also important – young people enjoy the vibrant nightlife 🎶 and cultural diversity that urban areas offer.

3. Do most elderly people live in the city or in the countryside?

Ideas

• 👴 Many elderly prefer the countryside (peaceful, fresh air)
• 🏥 Some stay in cities for better healthcare and to live near family

Sample answer

In Vietnam, most elderly people tend to live in the countryside 🏡 because they prefer a peaceful environment 🌳 and a slower pace of life. However, some choose to stay in cities, especially if they need better access to healthcare 🏥 or want to be close to their children.

4. Do you think well-developed tourism will have negative effects on local people?

Ideas

• 📈 Rising cost of living (housing, food prices increase)
• 🌿 Environmental damage (pollution, overcrowding)
• 🎭 Cultural erosion (traditions become commercialized)

Sample answer

While tourism brings many benefits, it can also have negative effects. One major issue is the rising cost of living 📈, as housing and food prices go up in popular tourist areas. Additionally, it can lead to environmental degradation 🌿, with more overcrowded tourist hotspots 🎟. Lastly, mass tourism can cause cultural erosion 🎭, as traditional customs become commercialized to attract visitors.