Cambridge IELTS 21 · Test 2 · Speaking · Part 1

Cities

Analysis

Fluency & Coherence

Answers are extended with a reason and a small example, rather than a single sentence. The

answers have a clear internal structure: opinion, immediate explanation, and a qualified

reflection.

Takeaway: For Part 1, the formula is brief answer + reason + one small detail — three

sentences is usually enough to sound natural.

Lexical Resource

Natural, varied vocabulary: "sheer variety", "exhilarating", "staggeringly high", "feel

anonymous", "side by side", "part of the scenery". Collocations are native-sounding.

Takeaway: Learn a few strong collocations for describing places (*bustling, sprawling,

atmospheric, a sense of community*).

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Mixed structures: conditionals ("if you thrive on"), cause ("I imagine it's because..."),

and some more complex subordination ("a place where..."). Tense control is accurate.

Takeaway: One or two "it depends" or "if you..." hedges makes answers sound more thoughtful.

Pronunciation

Intentional pace with clear stress on key content words ("staggeringly high", "community",

"atmospheric"). Natural intonation on question forms and opinions.

Takeaway: Stress the content words that carry your main idea — it makes your answer easier

to follow and more confident-sounding.