If you are preparing for your exam, you might be asked to describe a city you have visited that you would recommend ielts speaking cue card, as it is a frequent favorite among examiners. In this guide, we provide a Band 9 model answer, a Band 7 version, and a deep dive into the vocabulary and grammar needed to impress the examiner and secure a high score.

The Cue Card

A city you have visited that you would recommend.
You should say:
• Where the city is and when you visited it
• Who you went there with
• What you did while you were there
And explain why you would recommend this city to others.

Band 9 Sample Answer

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to quite a few places, but if I had to pick one city to recommend, it would hands-down be Kyoto, Japan. I visited this stunning city about three years ago during the autumn season, which, to be honest, is probably the most picturesque time to go. I traveled there with my younger sister; we’re both huge fans of Japanese culture and history, so it was a bit of a bucket-list trip for us. What makes Kyoto so special is its incredible juxtaposition of the ancient and the ultra-modern. While there, we spent our days exploring the endless array of shrines and temples, like the iconic Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, which was just breathtaking reflecting against the water. We also spent hours wandering through the Gion district, hoping to catch a glimpse of a Geisha, and I must say, the atmosphere there is just electric yet somehow serene. One of the highlights was definitely the food; we had some of the most authentic ramen and matcha-flavored everything you could imagine. I remember thinking it was quite similar to the time I had to describe an unusual meal you have had because the flavors were so unique. I’d recommend Kyoto because it’s not just a city; it’s a sensory experience. It’s incredibly clean, the people are exceptionally polite, and the public transport is like clockwork. For anyone who appreciates a place where tradition is preserved with such reverence while still being a functional, modern hub, Kyoto is unbeatable. It offers a sense of peace that you rarely find in a major metropolitan area, and I think everyone should experience that at least once in their lives.

Band 7 Sample Answer

The city I would like to recommend is Barcelona, which is located on the coast of Spain. I went there last summer with a group of my close friends from university. We stayed there for about a week and had a wonderful time. During our stay, we did a lot of sightseeing, especially looking at the famous architecture by Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Família, which was absolutely massive and very detailed. We also spent a lot of time walking down Las Ramblas, which is a very famous street full of shops and street performers. One afternoon, we went to the beach to relax and swim in the Mediterranean Sea. I would recommend Barcelona to others because it has a bit of everything: great weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing history. The food is also a big reason to go; we ate a lot of tapas and seafood which was delicious. It is a very lively city with a great atmosphere, especially at night. Even though it can be quite crowded with tourists, I think the culture and the friendly people make it a place that everyone would enjoy visiting for a holiday.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The speaker uses natural discourse markers and fillers that help the flow of speech without sounding rehearsed. Phrases like “if I had to pick one,” “to be honest,” and “I must say” create a conversational bridge between ideas. The answer is logically organized, moving from the “where and when” to the “why,” ensuring the examiner can follow the narrative easily. The use of cohesive devices like “while there” and “one of the highlights” ensures smooth transitions between different points of the prompt.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary is sophisticated and topic-specific. Instead of just saying “a mix of old and new,” the candidate uses “juxtaposition of the ancient and the ultra-modern.” Other high-level collocations and idioms include “bucket-list trip,” “catch a glimpse,” “sensory experience,” and “preserved with such reverence.” These words demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and naturally within the context of travel and cities.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The answer showcases a variety of complex structures. For instance, the use of the second conditional “if I had to pick one city… it would hands-down be…” shows an ability to discuss hypothetical preferences. The speaker also uses the present perfect “I’ve been fortunate enough,” past continuous “hoping to catch a glimpse,” and relative clauses “which was just breathtaking.” The grammar is error-free, contributing to the overall Band 9 feel.

Pronunciation

While we cannot hear the text, a Band 9 performance would involve natural intonation and word stress. Emphasizing words like “stunning,” “unbeatable,” and “exceptionally” helps convey the speaker’s enthusiasm. The speaker would avoid a monotone delivery, instead using pauses for effect, particularly before revealing the name of the city or describing a specific highlight.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Second Conditional for recommendations: “If you were to visit the city in the spring, you would be able to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.”
• Present Perfect for experience: “I have never seen a city as organized and efficient as Singapore.”
• Past Perfect for background: “By the time we arrived at the museum, I had already read three books about its history.”
• Relative Clauses for detail: “The Gion district, which is famous for its traditional wooden houses, is a must-visit.”
• Passive Voice for descriptions: “The city is known for its incredible street food culture.”
• Comparison and Contrast: “While the city center is incredibly modern, the outskirts remain very traditional.”
• Cleft Sentences for emphasis: “What I found most impressive about the city was the friendliness of the locals.”
• Used to/Would for past habits: “We would often spend our evenings just sitting by the river watching the world go by.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

What factors make a city a good place to live?

In my opinion, the most critical factor is the quality of infrastructure, particularly public transportation and healthcare. A city that is easy to navigate and provides essential services efficiently significantly enhances the residents’ quality of life. Furthermore, economic opportunities are vital; people need access to a diverse job market to thrive. Beyond the practicalities, I think the “soul” of a city—its cultural scene, green spaces, and safety—plays a huge role. If a city lacks parks or a sense of community, it can feel quite isolating, regardless of how modern it is. It’s similar to when people describe a place in nature that you enjoyed visiting; cities also need that breath of fresh air to be truly livable.

How has technology changed the way people experience cities?

Technology has fundamentally transformed the urban experience. In the past, travelers had to rely on physical maps and word-of-mouth recommendations, which often led to getting lost or missing out on hidden gems. Nowadays, with smartphones and GPS, navigating a complex city like London or New York is effortless. Additionally, apps for ride-sharing and food delivery have made city living incredibly convenient. From a social perspective, social media allows us to discover “Instagrammable” spots instantly. However, there’s a downside; people often spend more time looking at their screens than actually soaking in the atmosphere of the city around them, which is a bit of a shame.

Should historical buildings be preserved even if it’s expensive?

I strongly believe they should. Historical buildings are the physical manifestation of a city’s heritage and identity. If we were to tear them all down in favor of glass skyscrapers, every city would eventually look the same, losing its unique character. While the maintenance costs can be astronomical, these structures often drive tourism, which brings in significant revenue for the local economy. Moreover, they serve as educational tools for future generations. Preserving them is a decision that changed your life in terms of how a community values its past. We should find a balance—repurposing old buildings for modern use while keeping their facades intact.

Why do some people prefer living in the countryside over the city?

The primary reason is usually the pace of life. Cities can be incredibly overwhelming with their constant noise, pollution, and the “rat race” mentality. In contrast, the countryside offers tranquility and a closer connection to nature, which many find essential for their mental well-being. There’s also the cost of living factor; generally, you can get a much larger property for a fraction of the price of a tiny city apartment. Some people also prefer the tight-knit community feel of a village where everyone knows their neighbors, as opposed to the anonymity that often comes with living in a sprawling metropolis.

What are the disadvantages of living in a large metropolitan area?

One of the most glaring disadvantages is the high cost of living, especially regarding housing and daily expenses. Many people find themselves working long hours just to afford a basic lifestyle. Then there’s the issue of environmental degradation; air quality in major cities is often poor, and the lack of green space can be detrimental to health. Traffic congestion is another major headache that can lead to significant stress and time wastage. Lastly, the sheer density of people can lead to a sense of overcrowding and a lack of privacy, which can be quite draining for those who value their personal space.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too generic: Avoid saying “The city is good because it has buildings and food.” Be specific about what makes it unique (e.g., “the Gothic architecture” or “the street food stalls”).
• Repeating the same adjectives: Don’t just use “beautiful” or “nice.” Use a variety like “stunning,” “breathtaking,” “charming,” or “magnificent.”
• Forgetting the “recommend” part: The prompt asks you to recommend it. Ensure you explicitly state why someone else should go there, not just why you liked it.
• Focusing only on facts: The examiner wants to hear your personal experience and feelings, not a Wikipedia entry. Use phrases like “I felt,” “I was amazed by,” or “It reminded me of.”
• Over-preparing: If you sound like you are reading a memorized script, your score for Fluency and Pronunciation will drop. Keep it natural.
• Ignoring the bullet points: While you don’t have to follow them in order, you must cover all the information requested to get a high score in Task Response.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Mind Map: Create a mind map for 3 different cities (one historical, one modern, one coastal) so you are ready for any variation of this topic.
• Record and Listen: Record yourself speaking for 2 minutes. Listen back and check if you used a range of grammar and if your transitions were smooth.
• Focus on Adjectives: Practice describing a city using at least five advanced adjectives you haven’t used before.
• Time Yourself: Many students stop after 1 minute. Practice expanding your answer by adding more details about your personal feelings and specific anecdotes.
• Check the IELTS Official Website: Stay updated on the latest assessment criteria to ensure your practice aligns with what examiners are looking for.

Mastering the “describe a city you have visited that you would recommend ielts speaking” cue card is all about blending personal stories with high-level descriptive language. For more in-depth practice and to see more topics, check out our comprehensive Speaking Topics Jan–Apr 2026 list or enroll in our IELTS English Speaking Course to get personalized feedback on your performance. Happy practicing!