Lesson 47 · Speaking
Speaking — Cambridge B1+ / IELTS Part 2 (describing a place)
Your task
Describe a place you have lived in or visited for 90 seconds. Include when it was built or changed, what it is known for, and any redevelopment happening. Use at least 4 passive forms across different tenses.
How to do it
Descriptions of places score higher when learners avoid a flat list of active sentences ('People built it in... They know it for...'). (1) Use the passive to sound natural and native-like: 'it was built', 'it's known for', 'it's being redeveloped'. (2) Vary the tense of the passive to show range — past simple, present simple, present continuous, present perfect. (3) Add an opinion adjective or two from previous lessons for texture. (4) Mention transport/facilities using lesson vocabulary (well-connected, facilities, get around). (5) End with a personal reflection: 'I think it's changed for the better/worse because…'.
Use these phrases
Talk about
- • If you had to describe your neighbourhood in one word, what would it be, and why?
- • What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of renting compared with buying a home?
- • Describe your ideal daily commute — distance, transport, time. How far is it from your reality?
Model answer
I'd like to describe the area where I grew up. It's an old industrial neighbourhood — most of the housing was built in the early twentieth century for factory workers. For a long time it was known for being fairly run-down, with few facilities and not much to do. Over the last ten years, though, it's really changed: two old factories have been converted into flats, a new tram line has been added, and the high street is being completely redeveloped this year. Rent has gone up a lot as a result, which has been difficult for some long-term residents. Personally, I think it's become more lively and well-connected, but I do think about the people who've been priced out along the way.
Pair / class extension: Role-play 'Choosing between two flats'. One partner is a letting agent, the other a prospective tenant. Discuss when each building was built or renovated, what each area is known for, redevelopment plans, rent, and how easy it is to get around. Use at least 5 passive forms.
Giving opinions
Share what you think clearly and naturally.
- On the whole, I think…“On the whole, I think remote work suits me better.”
- In my view, …“In my view, schools should teach financial literacy.”
- If you ask me, …“If you ask me, it's not worth the money.”
- To be honest, …“To be honest, I wasn't a fan of the film.”
- I'd say (that)…“I'd say that's the best one.”
Speak out loud: use three of these phrases in a one-minute answer.
Agreeing & disagreeing
Respond to opinions without sounding aggressive or weak.
- Absolutely / Definitely.“Absolutely — that's exactly what I meant.”
- I see your point, but…“I see your point, but I'd look at it differently.”
- I'm not so sure about that.“I'm not so sure about that — it depends on the price.”
- Yes and no.“Yes and no — partly true, but it's more complicated.”
- I'd have to disagree.“I'd have to disagree there — I had a great experience.”
Speak out loud: use three of these phrases in a one-minute answer.
Asking questions politely
Soften questions for strangers, customer service, formal contexts.
- Could you tell me…?“Could you tell me where platform 4 is?”
- Do you know…?“Do you know what time it closes?”
- Would you mind + -ing?“Would you mind repeating that?”
- I was wondering if…“I was wondering if you had a moment.”
Speak out loud: use three of these phrases in a one-minute answer.
Clarifying & checking
Make sure you've understood — without saying 'What?'.
- Sorry, do you mean…?“Sorry, do you mean Monday next week or this week?”
- Just to check, …“Just to check, that's £40 each, right?”
- So what you're saying is…“So what you're saying is we should leave earlier.”
- Could you say that again?“Could you say that again — I missed the last part.”
Speak out loud: use three of these phrases in a one-minute answer.
Reactions & follow-ups
Keep conversations alive instead of letting them die.
- Oh really? / No way!“A: I quit my job. — B: No way! When?”
- Have you? / Did you? / Are you?“A: I've moved to Lisbon. — B: Have you?! How is it?”
- How come?“How come you decided to do that?”
- What's that like?“What's that like — working remotely full-time?”
- How about you?“I love thrillers. How about you?”
Speak out loud: use three of these phrases in a one-minute answer.
Suggesting & negotiating
Make plans, propose solutions, find middle ground.
- Why don't we…?“Why don't we meet halfway?”
- How about + -ing?“How about going to the Thai place?”
- Shall we…?“Shall we say 7pm then?”
- Would it work if…?“Would it work if we pushed it to Friday?”
- I'm easy / I don't mind.“I'm easy — whatever suits you.”
Speak out loud: use three of these phrases in a one-minute answer.
Storytelling & anecdotes
Hold attention when you tell a story or share news.
- You'll never guess what happened.“You'll never guess what happened on the way here.”
- So basically, …“So basically, we missed the train by 30 seconds.”
- All of a sudden, …“All of a sudden, the lights went out.”
- Long story short, …“Long story short, we ended up driving instead.”
- Anyway, …“Anyway, that's how I met your dad.”
Speak out loud: use three of these phrases in a one-minute answer.
Hedging & diplomacy
Soften strong opinions, disagree politely, sound less abrupt.
- It might be worth + -ing“It might be worth checking the schedule first.”
- I'd probably…“I'd probably go for the smaller one.”
- I'm not entirely sure, but…“I'm not entirely sure, but I think it closes at 6.”
- That's a fair point, although…“That's a fair point, although there's another side to it.”
Speak out loud: use three of these phrases in a one-minute answer.