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✦ IELTS Topic: Cities & Towns – Buildings Vocabulary (10 Phrases)

Modern skyscrapers
e.g., The city skyline is full of modern skyscrapers and glass towers.
Historic landmarks
e.g., The town is famous for its historic landmarks, like the old cathedral.
Residential area
e.g., I live in a quiet residential area about 20 minutes from the city centre.
Bustling city centre
e.g., The bustling city centre is always crowded with people, shops, and traffic.
Urban sprawl
e.g., The city’s urban sprawl has led to long commutes and less green space.
Suburban neighbourhood
e.g., Many families prefer living in a suburban neighbourhood with good schools.
Mixed-use development
e.g., This area has a mixed-use development of shops, offices, and apartments.
Public transport hub
e.g., The train station is a major public transport hub for the entire region.
Cultural buildings
e.g., The city invests in cultural buildings like museums, theatres, and libraries.
Green urban spaces
e.g., Green urban spaces like parks and gardens are important for city life.

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Cities & Buildings

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Do you live in a city or a town?
What kind of buildings are common where you live?
Do you prefer modern or traditional architecture?
Are there many public buildings near your home?
What changes have you seen in your city’s buildings?

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a building or place in your city or town that you like.
You should say:

what it is
what it looks like
what it’s used for
and explain why you like it.

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. I live in a city with lots of modern skyscrapers and residential areas.
2. We have a mix of historic landmarks and newly built apartment blocks.
3. I prefer traditional design, but mixed-use developments are practical.
4. Yes, there are schools, libraries, and even a public transport hub nearby.
5. The city has expanded rapidly, and urban sprawl has become a challenge.

Part 2 Sample Answer

One building I really like in my city is the Central Library. It’s one of the most impressive cultural buildings we have and is located right in the bustling city centre.

The design is a mix of old and new—part of the building is historic, while another part is a sleek, modern extension. It’s surrounded by green urban spaces, where people sit and read or enjoy the fresh air.

It’s also near a public transport hub, so it’s easy to get to. I go there often to study or just to relax. I love that it combines education, community, and culture all in one place.

✦ Comprehension Test: Cities & Buildings

1. "The city skyline is full of modern skyscrapers and glass towers."
Q: What kind of buildings shape the skyline?

2. "The town is famous for its historic landmarks, like the old cathedral."
Q: What attracts people to the town?

3. "I live in a quiet residential area about 20 minutes from the city centre."
Q: Where does the speaker live?

4. "The bustling city centre is always crowded with people, shops, and traffic."
Q: What is the city centre like?

5. "The city’s urban sprawl has led to long commutes and less green space."
Q: What is a problem caused by urban sprawl?

6. "Many families prefer living in a suburban neighbourhood with good schools."
Q: Why do families like suburban neighbourhoods?

7. "This area has a mixed-use development of shops, offices, and apartments."
Q: What kind of development is in the area?

8. "The train station is a major public transport hub for the entire region."
Q: What is the train station’s role?

9. "The city invests in cultural buildings like museums, theatres, and libraries."
Q: What kind of buildings does the city support?

10. "Green urban spaces like parks and gardens are important for city life."
Q: Why are green spaces valuable in cities?

✦ Answer Key

Tall, modern buildings made of glass.
Old and important places/buildings.
In a calm neighbourhood outside the centre.
Busy, active, and full of people.
Longer travel and fewer natural areas.
Peaceful and good for raising children.
A mix of housing, offices, and shopping.
It connects people to transport services.
Places for art, culture, and learning.
They improve quality of life and nature in the city.