Cities

Sources: NgocBach Q1 2022, NgocBach Q1 2024, NgocBach Q2 2022 (May–Sep), NgocBach Q3

Key Ideas (IELTS Simon)

Negatives

Life in cities has its drawbacks.
The cost of living is higher than in rural areas.
Some people do not manage to find work.
Housing is usually much more expensive.
Homelessness and poverty are common in cities.
There is a gap between the rich and poor.
Life in cities can be extremely stressful.
There are problems like traffic congestion and crime.
Cities lack a sense of community.
People do not even know their neighbours.
Cities are sometimes described as “concrete jungles”.
Pedestrian Areas
Pedestrian zones in city centres can improve the local environment.
Banning cars encourages people to walk or cycle.
Many European cities have built bicycle lanes.
Dependence on cars is linked to health problems like obesity.
People who walk or cycle regularly are generally healthier.
Pedestrian areas are safer and more attractive for both residents and tourists.

Part 1 — Questions (4 total)

Crowded place

Source: NgocBach Q1 2024

Is the city where you live crowded?
Is there a crowded place near where you live?
Do you like crowded places?
When was the last time you were in a crowded place?

Part 2 — Cue Cards (6 total)

Cue card 1

Source: NgocBach Q1 2022

Describe a place in the countryside that you visited

You should say: - Where it is - When you visited this place - What you did there - And explain how you feel about this place

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. Is there anything special about the countryside in Vietnam? 2. What do people usually do when going to the countryside? 3. Do you think people will live in the countryside in the future?

Cue card 2

Source: NgocBach Q1 2022

Describe a famous city that you think 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 - What it is - When your family had it - How your family got it - And explain why it is important for your family

Part 3 follow-up questions: 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 in local people? 5. Something important to you that your family has had for a long time.? 6. What things do familes keep for a long time? 7. What’s the difference between things valued by people in the past and today? 8. What kinds of things are kept in museums? 9. What’s the influence of technology on museums?

Cue card 3

Source: NgocBach Q1 2024

Describe a park or a garden in your city

You should say: - When you often go there - Where it is - Who you often go there with - And explain what it is like

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. Do young people like to go to parks? 2. What do old people like to do in parks? 3. What are the benefits of going to the park for young people and old people? 4. Why do some people like planting flowers?

Cue card 4

Source: NgocBach Q1 2024

Describe a beautiful city that you have visited

You should say: - Where the city is - When you went there - Why you went there - And explain why it is beautiful

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. What are the differences between modern towns and modern cities? (size, facilities,…)? 2. Why do some people like to visit historical sites? (hobbies, researching, any obligatory? 3. Do you think old buildings should be broken down, and given place for modern buildings? 4. Does historic preservation contradict economic development? 5. Is it the government’s responsibility to preserve historic cities and historic buildings?

Cue card 5

Source: NgocBach Q2 2022 (May–Sep)

Describe an Interesting neighbor

You should say: - Who he/she is - How you knew him/her - What you do together - And explain why he/she is interesting - How can people improve the relationship with neighbors in a community? - How do children build relationships with others in a community?

Cue card 6

Source: NgocBach Q3

Describe a city that you have visited that left an impression on you/a beautiful city

You should say: - Where the city is - When you went there - What you liked and disliked about the city - And explain why this city left an impression on you

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. Where do most of the people go in your country? 2. What are the differences between travelling to other countries and living there? 3. Do you think we need to respect the region and culture when you go to other countries? 4. What are the effects of globalization? 5. What are the advantages of travelling? 6. What are the advantages and disadvantages brought by travelling to a country? 7. What are the advantages for travelling alone? 8. Will you choose to travel abroad or take a nationwide travel? 9. What are the disadvantages for a nationwide travel? How to solve this problem? 10. Will you choose to have the service of travel agent? 11. Travelling to which countries is cheaper? 12. Will you take a travel to Africa? 13. What advice would you give to the foreigners travelling to your country?

Part 3 — Discussion Questions (34 total)

Is there anything special about the countryside in Vietnam?
What do people usually do when going to the countryside?
Do you think people will live in the countryside in the future?
What advantages can tourism bring to a city?
Why do some young people like to live in cities?
Do most elderly people live in the city or in the countryside?
Do you think well-developed tourism will have negative effects in local people?
Something important to you that your family has had for a long time.?
What things do familes keep for a long time?
What’s the difference between things valued by people in the past and today?
What kinds of things are kept in museums?
What’s the influence of technology on museums?
Do young people like to go to parks?
What do old people like to do in parks?
What are the benefits of going to the park for young people and old people?
Why do some people like planting flowers?
What are the differences between modern towns and modern cities? (size, facilities,…)?
Why do some people like to visit historical sites? (hobbies, researching, any obligatory?
Do you think old buildings should be broken down, and given place for modern buildings?
Does historic preservation contradict economic development?
Is it the government’s responsibility to preserve historic cities and historic buildings?
Where do most of the people go in your country?
What are the differences between travelling to other countries and living there?
Do you think we need to respect the region and culture when you go to other countries?
What are the effects of globalization?
What are the advantages of travelling?
What are the advantages and disadvantages brought by travelling to a country?
What are the advantages for travelling alone?
Will you choose to travel abroad or take a nationwide travel?
What are the disadvantages for a nationwide travel? How to solve this problem?
Will you choose to have the service of travel agent?
Travelling to which countries is cheaper?
Will you take a travel to Africa?
What advice would you give to the foreigners travelling to your country?

Generated Practice Questions

Additional IELTS-style questions for practice (generated from topic themes).

Part 1 (5 questions)

Do you live in a city or in the countryside?
What do you like most about the area where you live?
Would you prefer to live in a bigger or smaller city?
Is your city crowded?
Do you think cities are good places for young people to live?

Part 2 — Cue Cards (1 cards)

Cue card 1

Describe a city you have visited and liked

You should say: - where it is - when you went there - what you did there - and explain why you liked it

Part 3 follow-up questions: 1. Why are more people moving to cities? 2. What are the main problems of living in a large city? 3. Should city centres be closed to traffic? 4. How can governments make cities better places to live?

Part 3 — Discussion (3 questions)

What is the difference between living in a city and living in the countryside?
How can urbanisation be managed sustainably?
Should governments invest more in rural areas?

Sample Answers Band 6.5–7.0

Part 1 — Cities

1. Are you interested in urban life?

Yes, to some extent. I would not say I am an expert, but urban life affects daily life, so I find it worth thinking about. For example, when I read news or talk with friends, this topic often comes up naturally.

2. Is urban life important in your country?

Yes, definitely. In my country, urban life matters because it influences families, young people, and the wider community. It may not be something people discuss every day, but it has a real impact on quality of life.

3. Has urban life changed in recent years?

Yes, quite a lot. Technology, education, and modern lifestyles have changed the way people think about urban life. Older people may have more traditional views, while younger people tend to be more open and practical.

4. Do young people care about urban life?

I think many young people do care, especially when it affects their future directly. However, they may express interest through social media or online discussions rather than traditional conversations.

Part 2 — Cue card sample

A modern city i would like to visit

I would like to talk about a modern city I would like to visit, which is closely connected to urban life.

I first became aware of it a few years ago, and since then it has stayed in my mind because it reflects both the positive and negative sides of modern life.

The positive side is that it shows the value of public transport and green spaces. This is important because people often need practical examples, not just abstract ideas, to understand a topic clearly.

At the same time, it also reminds me of the problem of traffic congestion and high living costs. That makes the topic more complex, because there is rarely a perfect solution.

Overall, I find it meaningful because it helps me think more deeply about society and my own choices. If I had to summarise my feeling, I would say it is both interesting and relevant to everyday life.

Part 3 — Discussion

1. Why is urban life important?

It is important because it affects individuals and society at the same time. For example, public transport and green spaces can improve peoples quality of life, while traffic congestion and high living costs can create long-term problems. That is why this topic deserves more attention from both citizens and governments.

2. What are the advantages related to urban life?

The main advantages are connected to public transport and green spaces. If this area is managed well, people can benefit through better opportunities, more convenience, and a higher standard of living. It can also help communities become more organised and forward-thinking.

3. What are the disadvantages or risks?

The biggest risk is traffic congestion and high living costs. If people ignore this issue, it can lead to social pressure, inequality, or environmental damage depending on the situation. In my view, the negative side should not be exaggerated, but it should be taken seriously.

4. What should governments do about urban life?

Governments should create clear policies, invest in public education, and make sure rules are enforced fairly. For example, they can fund useful programmes and raise public awareness. However, government action alone is not enough; individuals also need to change their habits.

5. Do you think urban life will change in the future?

Yes, I think it will continue to change, mainly because of technology, globalisation, and younger generations. People are becoming more aware of both benefits and risks. In the future, I expect more practical solutions rather than simple arguments for or against it.

6. Do older and younger people think differently about urban life?

Yes, in many cases. Older people may value tradition, stability, and personal experience, while younger people are often influenced by online information and global trends. Neither side is completely right or wrong; the best approach is to combine experience with fresh ideas.