IELTS Speaking Part 3: Cities
4 Part 3 discussion questions on cities, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
What makes a city a good place to live?
Several factors combine to make a city genuinely liveable. Above all, good job opportunities and a strong economy are essential, as people move to cities primarily to earn a living and build a career. Reliable infrastructure matters enormously too — efficient public transport, good roads, healthcare and schools all contribute to a high quality of life. Safety is another crucial element, since no one wants to live somewhere with high crime rates. Beyond the practical necessities, the best cities also offer plenty of green spaces, cultural attractions and entertainment to keep residents happy and healthy. Affordable housing and clean air are increasingly important considerations as well. Ultimately, a good city strikes a balance between economic opportunity and a comfortable, pleasant living environment.
Do you prefer big cities or small towns?
Personally, at this point in my life I lean towards big cities, though I can appreciate the appeal of both. Big cities offer far greater opportunities in terms of careers, education and entertainment, and I enjoy the vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere and the sheer variety of things to do. There's always something happening and a real sense of energy. That said, big cities also come with significant downsides, such as overcrowding, pollution, noise and a higher cost of living. Small towns, by contrast, offer peace, cleaner air, a stronger sense of community and a slower, less stressful pace. So while I currently prefer the excitement and opportunity of a big city, I could easily see myself favouring a quieter town later in life. It really depends on one's priorities at a given time.
How have cities changed in recent years?
Cities have transformed dramatically over the past couple of decades, driven largely by technology and population growth. The most visible change is that they've become far more crowded and vertical, with skyscrapers and dense housing developments springing up to accommodate ever-growing populations. Technology has reshaped urban life too, from smart traffic systems and cashless payments to the rise of app-based services like ride-hailing and food delivery. Many cities have also made genuine efforts to become greener and more sustainable, adding cycle lanes, parks and public transport to combat pollution. Unfortunately, problems like rising living costs, congestion and inequality have intensified as well. Working patterns have shifted too, especially with the growth of remote work. So modern cities are more connected and dynamic, but also more crowded and expensive than before.
What problems do cities face today?
Modern cities grapple with a whole host of serious problems. Overcrowding is perhaps the most fundamental, as too many people competing for limited space drives up housing costs and puts enormous strain on infrastructure. Traffic congestion and pollution are closely related issues that damage both health and quality of life. Many cities also struggle with a growing gap between rich and poor, leading to inequality, homelessness and social tension. Rising crime rates can be a concern in certain areas too. On top of this, ageing infrastructure and the pressures of climate change, such as flooding and extreme heat, pose mounting challenges. Providing enough affordable housing and public services for everyone is a constant battle. Tackling these interconnected problems requires careful long-term planning and significant investment.
Reading a model answer is not the same as saying one. The sample above shows what a strong Part 3 answer sounds like. What it cannot tell you is how yours sounds — whether you hesitate, repeat the question back, or run out of things to say at forty seconds.
You can record an answer to this exact question and get it marked on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and pronunciation — the same four criteria the examiner uses.
Common questions
How is Part 3 different from Part 1?
Part 1 is about you; Part 3 is about people in general. The questions move to society, causes and consequences, and the answers are expected to be longer and more developed — an opinion plus a reason plus an example.
What if I have no opinion on the question?
You are not marked on the opinion, so pick one and support it. Saying you have never thought about it and stopping there leaves the examiner nothing to assess.
How long does Part 3 last?
Four to five minutes. The topics develop out of your Part 2 card, so the discussion is usually connected to what you just described.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.