City Life Topic
Part 1 Questions
Short, personal questions. Answer directly, then add one extra sentence to extend your answer naturally.
1. Do you live in a city or a small town?
"I currently live in a fairly large city, though I grew up in a much smaller town a few hours away."
2. What do you like about living in a city?
"I love the convenience, honestly. Everything I need, from work to entertainment, is close by and easily accessible."
3. Are there any disadvantages to city life?
"Definitely - the cost of living is quite high, and it can feel crowded and noisy, especially during rush hour."
4. Would you prefer to live in the countryside?
"Not permanently, though I do enjoy visiting occasionally for the peace and quiet, and I could see myself settling somewhere quieter eventually."
5. Has your city changed much in recent years?
"Yes, quite significantly. Several new residential towers and a modern shopping district have been built in just the past few years."
6. Do you think cities are getting more crowded?
"Yes, definitely, especially in major economic hubs where more and more people are moving for work opportunities."
Part 2 Cue Card
You get 1 minute to prepare, then speak for up to 2 minutes.
Describe a city you would like to visit
You should say:
- Which city it is
- Where it is
- What you know about it
- And explain why you would like to visit it
Full model answer
I'd like to talk about Kyoto, a city in Japan that I have wanted to visit for quite a long time now.
It's located in the Kansai region of Japan, not too far from Osaka, and it served as the country's capital for over a thousand years before that role moved to Tokyo. From what I understand, it managed to avoid much of the bombing during the Second World War, which means it still has an enormous number of well-preserved historic temples, shrines and traditional wooden buildings that give it a genuinely unique character compared to most modern cities.
What I know about it comes mostly from documentaries and photos friends have shared after visiting themselves. I understand it has thousands of temples and shrines, including some famous ones with entire hillsides covered in bright orange gates, and entire neighbourhoods where traditional geisha culture is still actively preserved.
The main reason I would love to visit is really the contrast it seems to offer between deep tradition and modern convenience. Unlike many historic cities that feel almost like museums, Kyoto still seems to function as a genuinely living city, with locals going about daily life alongside centuries-old architecture and customs. I'm also someone who really appreciates traditional gardens and quiet, contemplative spaces, and from everything I've seen, Kyoto seems to offer exactly that in a way few other cities can match.
Honestly, it's been on my travel list for years now, and I keep telling myself I'll finally make the trip, so hopefully sometime in the next year or two I'll actually get around to it.
Part 3 Discussion
Deeper, more abstract questions. Give your opinion and explain your reasoning with an example.
1. Why are more people moving to cities around the world?
Job opportunities are probably the main driving factor, since cities tend to concentrate industries, businesses and higher salaries in a way rural areas simply cannot match. Access to better education, healthcare and general amenities also plays a significant role in this ongoing shift.
2. What are the main challenges that come with rapid urbanization?
Housing affordability is often one of the biggest issues, as demand quickly outpaces supply in growing cities, pushing prices up considerably. Rapid urbanization also puts significant strain on infrastructure, public services and the environment if it is not carefully planned and managed.
3. How can cities be designed to improve quality of life?
Prioritising accessible green spaces, efficient public transport, and mixed-use neighbourhoods where people can live, work and access amenities all within walking distance tends to significantly improve overall quality of life. Reducing dependency on cars in favour of pedestrian and cyclist-friendly design also makes a considerable difference.
4. Do you think small towns will disappear as cities continue to grow?
I do not think they will disappear entirely, though many will likely continue to shrink as younger generations move to cities for opportunities. That said, some small towns are managing to reinvent themselves through tourism or remote work, so their long-term future probably depends heavily on how well they adapt.
5. What role does green space play in a city's design?
Green spaces play a genuinely important role, both for physical and mental wellbeing, offering residents a place to relax, exercise and escape the density of urban life. They also provide real environmental benefits, like improved air quality and reduced urban heat, which matter increasingly as cities continue to grow.
6. How does city life differ between developed and developing countries?
Cities in developed countries generally have more established infrastructure, stricter regulation, and greater access to services, whereas rapidly growing cities in developing countries often struggle with informal housing and infrastructure that has not kept pace with population growth. That said, many developing-world cities are also seeing incredibly fast innovation and economic dynamism as a result of that same rapid change.
Useful vocabulary for this topic
Ready to practice "City Life" out loud?
Book a free trial and get live feedback on your fluency, grammar, and pronunciation from a real tutor.