IELTS Speaking Practice: Sustainable Urban Development

I live in a city — a fairly large one. I enjoy the convenience of having everything nearby, but sometimes I miss the peace and quiet of rural areas where my grandparents live.

Useful language:the convenience ofpeace and quiet

Mainly the opportunities. There are good universities, lots of jobs and an endless choice of cafés, museums and events. I also like the diversity — you meet people from all over the country and abroad.

Useful language:an endless choice ofdiversity

Yes, luckily there’s a small park about five minutes from my flat. It has a pond and plenty of trees, so it’s a nice escape from the traffic. In summer it gets quite crowded at weekends.

Useful language:a nice escape fromcrowded

Almost every day, because I go for a walk or a run in the park near my home. Once a month or so I also visit a bigger park on the edge of the city with hiking trails.

Useful language:go for a runon the edge of the city

Slowly, yes. There are more cycle lanes than a few years ago, and the city has introduced electric buses. But traffic and air pollution are still serious problems, so there’s a long way to go.

Useful language:cycle lanesa long way to go

We have buses, a metro system and trams in the city centre. The metro is the fastest option, although it’s very crowded during rush hour. Recently a bike-sharing scheme was introduced as well.

Useful language:rush houra bike-sharing scheme

Yes, the main train station was renovated last year and it’s much more accessible now, with lifts and clear signs. Several roads have also been repaired, which was badly needed.

Useful language:renovatedaccessiblebadly needed

Very important. More than half of the world’s population lives in cities, so the way cities use energy, water and transport has a huge impact on the environment. Sustainable cities are also healthier and more pleasant to live in.

Useful language:more than half ofpleasant to live in

I’d like to talk about the bike-sharing scheme in my city, which I think is one of the best things the local government has done in recent years.

It was introduced about three years ago, mainly to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the city centre, which had become a real problem. There are now docking stations every few hundred metres, and you can unlock a bike with a phone app and leave it at any other station. Last year they also added electric bikes, which makes cycling up the hills much easier.

The benefits for the city have been quite noticeable. Fewer short journeys are made by car, so the centre feels less congested, and the city has built new protected cycle lanes to make cycling safer. For residents, it’s cheap and flexible — many people combine it with the metro, cycling the last kilometre to work. It’s also good for people’s health, because it builds exercise into their daily routine without them really noticing.

I admire the project for a few reasons. First, it was well planned: the stations are in sensible places and the bikes are well maintained. Second, it has genuinely changed people’s habits, including mine — I used to take the bus everywhere, and now I cycle most days. And finally, I think it shows that sustainable solutions don’t have to be complicated or expensive. A simple idea, done properly, can make a city cleaner, healthier and more pleasant for everyone.

Useful language:traffic congestiondocking stationsprotected cycle lanesthe last kilometrebuilds exercise intodone properly

The main challenges are cost, existing infrastructure and public resistance. Many cities were designed around cars, and changing that requires huge investment in public transport and housing. Rapid population growth makes it harder still, especially in developing countries. And some residents resist changes like car-free zones or higher parking fees, so political will is essential.

Useful language:designed around carsrapid population growthcar-free zonespolitical will

Balancing economic growth with environmental protection is challenging but crucial. Cities could incentivise green businesses, implement stricter environmental regulations and invest in sustainable infrastructure. Building compact, mixed-use neighbourhoods also helps, because people can live, work and shop without long car journeys. In the long run, a cleaner, more liveable city attracts investment rather than discouraging it.

Useful language:incentivise green businessesmixed-use neighbourhoodsliveablein the long run

Yes, a major role. Smart traffic systems can reduce congestion, sensors can detect water leaks, and data can show where energy is being wasted in buildings. Electric vehicles and renewable energy are also transforming transport and power. That said, technology is only effective when combined with good planning and changes in how people live.

Useful language:smart traffic systemswater leaksonly effective when

I’d argue sustainability shouldn’t compete with other issues — it should be part of how all of them are solved. For example, energy-efficient social housing tackles both the housing crisis and emissions. However, urgent problems like homelessness or crime can’t wait, so governments need to choose solutions that address immediate needs and long-term sustainability at the same time.

Useful language:compete withenergy-efficient social housingcan’t waitat the same time

It can go either way. Green improvements like new parks or tram lines often raise property prices, which can push poorer residents out of their neighbourhoods — a process known as green gentrification. On the other hand, cheaper public transport, cleaner air and energy-efficient housing benefit low-income families most. So planners need to make sure sustainable projects include affordable housing.

Useful language:go either waygreen gentrificationlow-income familiesaffordable housing

Citizens play a crucial role, both in their daily choices and in decision-making. They can use public transport, reduce waste and save energy at home. But they can also take part in consultations, support community gardens and put pressure on local politicians. Many successful projects start with residents who are willing to organise.

Useful language:take part in consultationsput pressure onorganise

Climate change will force planners to focus on resilience as well as reducing emissions. Cities will need better flood defences, drainage systems and more green spaces to absorb heavy rain. Heatwaves will make trees, shade and cool building materials essential. Some coastal cities may even have to restrict building in areas at risk of rising sea levels.

Useful language:resilienceflood defencesabsorb heavy rainat risk of