IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a new development in the area where you live

Describe a new development in the area where you live (e.g shopping mall, park, etc.)

You should say:

What the development is

When/where you noticed it

How long it took to complete it

And explain how you feel about it

 

SUGGESTED IDEAS

What the development is:

• A new shopping mall
• A new residential area
• A new park or green space
• A new transportation system (e.g. subway, light rail)
• A new office building or business complex
• A new community center or library

When/where you noticed it:

• I first noticed it a few weeks ago on my way to work
• It’s been under construction for several months and is hard to miss
• I heard about it from a friend who lives nearby
• I stumbled upon it while exploring the area

How long it took to complete it:

• It took several years to complete
• It was built relatively quickly, in just a few months
• It’s still under construction and won’t be completed for another year or so
• I’m not sure how long it took, but it seems to be finished now

And explain how you feel about it:

• I’m excited about the new development because it will bring more jobs and opportunities to the area
• I’m concerned about the new development because it might cause traffic congestion and other problems
• I’m happy about the new development because it provides a new space for recreation and leisure activities
• I’m ambivalent about the new development because it doesn’t seem to have a big impact on the area
• I’m disappointed in the new development because it seems to be taking away from the character and charm of the area

 

USEFUL PHRASES

What the development is:

• “There’s a new [insert development] that’s recently been completed near where I live.”
• “I’ve noticed that there’s been a lot of construction going on in my neighborhood lately, and it turns out they’re building a new [insert development].”

When/where you noticed it:

• “I was walking/driving/biking to [insert location] and I saw it for the first time.”
• “I heard about it from [insert person] who lives in the area and they told me all about it.”

How long it took to complete it:

• “It’s been under construction for [insert time period] and it finally opened up last month.”
• “They started building it earlier this year and it’s almost finished now.”

And explain how you feel about it:

• “I’m really excited about this development because it will bring more opportunities and growth to our area.”
• “I’m not sure how I feel about it yet because I’m worried about how it will impact traffic and congestion.”
• “I’m so happy about this new development because it provides a much-needed space for [insert activity].”
• “I don’t really care about the new development because it doesn’t seem like a big deal to me.”
• “I’m pretty disappointed in the new development because it doesn’t seem to fit in with the character of our neighborhood.”

 

SUGGESTED ANSWER

There’s a new shopping mall that has recently been completed near where I live. I first noticed it a few weeks ago on my way to work. The construction had been going on for quite some time, and it’s hard to miss the impressive structure that now stands in the area.

The shopping mall took several years to complete. I remember seeing the initial groundwork being laid a few years ago, and it gradually took shape over time. It’s amazing to see how much progress has been made since the early stages of construction.

I’m quite excited about this new development because it will bring more jobs and opportunities to the area. It’s expected to house various retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. This will not only provide a convenient shopping experience for the local residents but also create employment opportunities, which is always a positive impact on the community.

Moreover, the shopping mall is likely to attract visitors from nearby towns and cities, potentially boosting the local economy. It could become a vibrant hub where people can socialize, shop, and spend their leisure time.

However, I do have some concerns about the new development as well. I worry about the potential increase in traffic congestion in the area, especially during peak hours. The surrounding roads might need to be upgraded to accommodate the anticipated rise in vehicles. Additionally, I hope that the developers have considered sustainability and environmental factors while constructing the mall, such as energy-efficient systems and waste management practices.

Overall, I believe the new shopping mall will bring significant changes to the area. While I’m excited about the job opportunities and economic growth it may bring, I’m also mindful of the potential challenges that need to be addressed. It will be interesting to see how the community adapts to this new development and how it contributes to the overall development of the region.