Band 9 Sample for IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Topic: Public Place Which Needs Improvements

Describe a public place that you think need improvements.

You should say

–          What the place is

–          When you go there

–          What you like and dislike about this public place

MODEL ANSWERS 

(What the place is)

The place is a traditional public park, which has now passed the age of one hundred. The park
is located in the city centre and also in the vicinity of my neighborhood. Originally, it was
established to hold big public events, but as time has gone by, simple pastimes such as a
Sunday walk in the park have fallen by the wayside because of the pressures of modern
living. Nowadays, it’s used mainly by local residents, who frequently wander around the park
to relax and take gentle exercise.

(When you go there)

Having a nine-to-five job, I’m actually quite busy all day long. Usually, I try to make the
most of my spare time to have a stroll there with my sister at night, especially at the
weekends. The atmosphere in the park is really relaxing, with people of different ages talking
and playing together after a hard working day.

(What you like and dislike about this public place)

The thing that I enjoy most about this park is that it gives me a sense of tranquility, so that I
can unwind without being disturbed. Besides, it is a good chance to get into shape by
jogging, or just to sit by the lake talking with friends, which can really bring people closer
together. However, as it was constructed a century ago, some things in the park require
attention on safety grounds, so the park is really in need of some restoration projects by
the local authorities. Repairs to the bridge that crosses the lake, and renovations to conserve
historic buildings like the glass pavilions are essential.

Vocabulary for IELTS 

Traditional vs Modern

1.       to fall by the wayside

Meaning: if something falls by the wayside, it is no longer done or used

Example: An increasing reliance on modem technology has resulted in some traditional skills

falling by the wayside.

2.        restoration projects

Meaning: the work of repairing and cleaning old buildings, paintings etc, so that they are
returned to their original condition

Example: In order to conserve historic buildings, it is necessary for governments to provide
funds for restoration projects.

3.         to conserve historic buildings

Meaning: to protect important old buildings and prevent them from being damaged or
destroyed

Example: It is important to conserve historic buildings, because they give a strong sense of
identity to a place.

1.        to take gentle exercise

Meaning: to do exercise which is not physically tiring or demanding

Example: Even the elderly can keep fit by taking gentle exercise, like jogging or a walk in
the park.

2.         to get into shape

Meaning: to become fit

Example: If people have a sedentary lifestyle, they must do regular exercise in order to get
into shape.

3.       on safety grounds

Meaning: for reasons of safety

Example: Boxing is a very dangerous sport and it should be banned on safety grounds.

Business and Money

1. to make the most of something

Meaning: to make something appear as good as possible; to exploit something; to get as
much out of something as is possible.

Example: They designed the advertisements to make the most of the product’s features.

Other vocab:

1. in the vicinity of [expression]

Meaning: in an area around a particular place

Example: Crowds gathered in the vicinity of Trafalgar Square at New Year.

2.         tranquility [noun]

Meaning: the state of being quiet and peaceful
Example: The mountain offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

3.         (to) unwind [verb]

Meaning: to stop worrying or thinking about problems and start to relax

Example: Music helps me unwind after a busy day.

4.         renovation [noun]

Meaning: the act or process of repairing and painting an old building, piece of furniture, etc.
so that it is in good condition again
Example: There will be extensive renovations to the old hospital.

5.         pavilion [noun]

Meaning: a beautiful building, used for shelter, concerts, events or for plants
Example: There is a violin concert at the pavilion in the park this evening.

6.         (to) have a stroll [expression]

Meaning: to walk somewhere in a slow relaxed way
Example: She often has a stroll in the park with her husband.