Describe a change that you would like to see in the area where you live
Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.
Practice it like the exam
Describe a change that you would like to see in the area where you live.
You should say:
- what the change is
- who could make it happen
- what difficulties it might cause
and explain how it would improve life in your area.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
275 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
One change I'd like to see in my neighbourhood is the creation of a proper public park. At the moment we have a small empty area between some apartment blocks, which is just a patch of dusty ground with a few broken benches, and I think it could be transformed into something wonderful.
What I imagine is a green space with trees, flower beds, walking paths, a playground for children and a few places to sit and relax. It might also have a small outdoor fitness area for adults, and a space for the elderly to play chess in the shade. The local authorities would have to be involved, as they own the land and would have to provide funding and permission. But I think the residents could help too, for example by planting trees or taking responsibility for keeping it clean.
Of course, there could be difficulties. The project would cost money, and the council may say it has other priorities. Some people might object because they'd prefer the space to be used for car parking, which is a real problem in our area. During construction, there'd be noise and dust, too.
However, I'm convinced it would improve the quality of life in many ways. Our district is crowded, with very little greenery, and children currently play in car parks and on pavements, which isn't safe. A park would give them a place to run around, offer a quiet area for older people, and reduce the heat in summer. It would also create a feeling of community, because neighbours would meet there. I've been talking to others in my building about writing a petition.
What to notice
- It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
- Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
- The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.
We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.
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Useful vocabulary
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| public amenities | facilities provided for the community |
| green space | areas of grass, trees or parks in a town |
| traffic congestion | too many vehicles on the road |
| the local authorities | the officials who run a town or district |
| pedestrian-friendly | designed to be safe and pleasant for walkers |
| improve the quality of life | make living conditions better |
Plan it in one minute
Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.
Who or what you could talk about
- A new park or playground
- Better public transport or cycle lanes
- A community centre or library
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhat the change is
- 25 swho could make it happen
- 25 swhat difficulties it might cause
- 45 sand explain how it would improve life in your area.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Local development. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- What is the biggest problem facing cities in your country?
- Should local people be consulted before big changes are made to their area?
- How can cities become more pleasant to live in?
- Is it better to preserve old buildings or replace them with new ones?
- What can ordinary citizens do to improve their neighbourhoods?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Plans and wishes
- Describe a foreign country where you would like to work or live for a while
- Describe a goal that you would like to achieve in the next five years
- Describe a gift that you are planning to give to someone
- Describe an ambition that you had when you were a child and that you still have
- Describe how you would like to spend a perfect free weekend in the future
- Describe a foreign language (other than English) that you would like to learn
Part 1 topics on the same subject
Frequently asked questions
How do I talk about future plans in an IELTS cue card?
Say what you would like to do, why, and how you would go about it. Mix future forms: "I'm planning to", "I'd love to", "if I had the chance, I would". A plan you really have gives you more to say than an invented one.
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