✦ IELTS Topic: Cities & Towns – Roads, Streets & Bridges (10 Useful Phrases)

1. Tree-lined avenues
   e.g., The tree-lined avenues in the old part of town are lovely to walk along.

2. Busy intersection
   e.g., This busy intersection causes traffic jams during rush hour.

3. Pedestrian-friendly streets
   e.g., The city has invested in pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes.

4. Narrow alleyways
   e.g., The old town is full of narrow alleyways and cobbled paths.

5. Multi-lane highway
   e.g., We took the multi-lane highway to reach the city in under an hour.

6. Suspension bridge
   e.g., The suspension bridge connects the two districts across the river.

7. Roundabout
   e.g., There’s a large roundabout near the shopping centre that keeps traffic flowing.

8. Underground tunnel
   e.g., The new underground tunnel has reduced congestion in the city centre.

9. Footbridge
   e.g., A small footbridge crosses the canal and leads to the park.

10. Grid system of streets
    e.g., The city was planned with a grid system of streets, making it easy to navigate.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Roads & Infrastructure

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Are the roads in your city well-maintained?

2. Do you prefer walking or driving in your town?

3. Are there any famous streets or bridges in your area?

4. What are the traffic conditions like during the week?

5. How has transportation changed in your city over time?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a road, street, or bridge you know well.
You should say:

• where it is

• what it looks like

• how it is used
  and explain why it is important or memorable.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, especially in the centre. There are pedestrian-friendly streets and clear signs.
2. I prefer walking, especially down the tree-lined avenues near my house.
3. We have an iconic suspension bridge that tourists always photograph.
4. Traffic can be heavy at busy intersections, especially at rush hour.
5. The city has built new multi-lane highways and an underground tunnel to reduce congestion.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

One bridge I know well is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s a famous suspension bridge painted bright red, stretching across the bay.

I visited it last summer, and we walked across using the pedestrian-friendly walkway. It offers amazing views of the city and ocean.

The road over the bridge is wide, almost like a multi-lane highway, and handles thousands of cars each day. It’s an important link for commuters and tourists.

What makes it memorable is not just the engineering, but the feeling of standing on a bridge that’s recognised all over the world.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Roads, Streets & Bridges

1. "The tree-lined avenues in the old part of town are lovely to walk along."
Q: What makes the avenues attractive?

2. "This busy intersection causes traffic jams during rush hour."
Q: When does the intersection become a problem?

3. "The city has invested in pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes."
Q: What changes has the city made?

4. "The old town is full of narrow alleyways and cobbled paths."
Q: What kind of paths are in the old town?

5. "We took the multi-lane highway to reach the city in under an hour."
Q: What helped them travel quickly?

6. "The suspension bridge connects the two districts across the river."
Q: What does the bridge do?

7. "There’s a large roundabout near the shopping centre that keeps traffic flowing."
Q: Why is the roundabout useful?

8. "The new underground tunnel has reduced congestion in the city centre."
Q: What effect has the tunnel had?

9. "A small footbridge crosses the canal and leads to the park."
Q: What is the function of the footbridge?

10. "The city was planned with a grid system of streets, making it easy to navigate."
Q: What makes the city easy to get around?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Trees make the street shaded and beautiful.

2. During peak traffic times.

3. Better for walkers and cyclists.

4. Small, narrow walking paths.

5. A wide road with many lanes.

6. Links areas across water.

7. Helps prevent traffic build-up.

8. Less traffic in the central area.

9. Allows people to walk over water.

10. Straight, organised street layout.

 

🌅 The Wind in the Willows – Chapter 6: A New Toad

Toad Hall was peaceful again.

The mess was gone, the windows were clean, and the dining room was full of food and laughter. Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad sat together, happy and safe.

“I was such a fool,” Toad said quietly.

The others looked at him in surprise.

“I was rude. I was proud. I didn’t listen. But you never gave up on me.”

Mole smiled. “That’s what friends do.”

Rat added, “And now you can start again.”

Badger nodded. “You’re ready to be a wiser Toad.”

Toad blinked. “I’ll try.”

🎉 The next day, Toad threw a party—but not a wild one. He invited the townspeople, the river animals, and even the rabbits from the fields.

Everyone came.

Toad stood up and gave a short speech.

“I want to say sorry for my past behavior,” he began. “I’ve learned a lot. And I’m truly grateful for your friendship.”

The animals clapped.

That night, Rat and Mole looked at the stars.

“Toad really has changed,” Mole whispered.

“Yes,” Rat replied. “It took a lot—but he’s better now.”

Badger came over. “The riverbank is peaceful again. And our friend Toad is home. That’s all I ever wanted.”

💫 As summer warmed the woods and river, the animals lived simply and happily.

They told stories, shared meals, and went boating. Toad still loved excitement—but now, he also loved peace.

He didn’t crash cars anymore.

He didn’t show off (as much).

He was still Toad—but a new, better version.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Fool	Someone who acts silly or without thinking
Proud	Feeling too important about oneself
Grateful	Thankful
Behavior	The way someone acts
Peaceful	Quiet and calm

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. How does Toad feel at the beginning of this chapter?

2. What does he say to his friends?

3. What kind of party does he throw?

4. What does Toad say during his speech?

5. How do Mole, Rat, and Badger feel about Toad now?

6. What is life like at the riverbank by the end?

7. What has changed about Toad?

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✅ Answers

1. He feels sorry and reflective.

2. He admits his mistakes and thanks them.

3. A kind and friendly party for everyone.

4. He says sorry and thanks his friends.

5. They are proud and happy.

6. Peaceful, warm, and full of friendship.

7. He is kinder, more thoughtful, and less proud

 

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

1. Modern skyscrapers
   e.g., The city skyline is full of modern skyscrapers and glass towers.

2. Historic landmarks
   e.g., The town is famous for its historic landmarks, like the old cathedral.

3. Residential area
   e.g., I live in a quiet residential area about 20 minutes from the city centre.

4. Bustling city centre
   e.g., The bustling city centre is always crowded with people, shops, and traffic.

5. Urban sprawl
   e.g., The city’s urban sprawl has led to long commutes and less green space.

6. Suburban neighbourhood
   e.g., Many families prefer living in a suburban neighbourhood with good schools.

7. Mixed-use development
   e.g., This area has a mixed-use development of shops, offices, and apartments.

8. Public transport hub
   e.g., The train station is a major public transport hub for the entire region.

9. Cultural buildings
   e.g., The city invests in cultural buildings like museums, theatres, and libraries.

10. Green urban spaces
    e.g., Green urban spaces like parks and gardens are important for city life.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Cities & Buildings

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you live in a city or a town?

2. What kind of buildings are common where you live?

3. Do you prefer modern or traditional architecture?

4. Are there many public buildings near your home?

5. What changes have you seen in your city’s buildings?

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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.

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✦ 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.

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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.

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✦ 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?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Tall, modern buildings made of glass.

2. Old and important places/buildings.

3. In a calm neighbourhood outside the centre.

4. Busy, active, and full of people.

5. Longer travel and fewer natural areas.

6. Peaceful and good for raising children.

7. A mix of housing, offices, and shopping.

8. It connects people to transport services.

9. Places for art, culture, and learning.

10. They improve quality of life and nature in the city.