IELTS Speaking · Part 3
Cities and urban life: IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
Cities and urban life is a common IELTS Speaking Part 3 discussion theme. After the Part 2 long turn, the examiner explores broader, abstract questions on the topic. This guide groups real practice questions from concrete to abstract, explains how to tackle each question type, and gives the vocabulary and linking language to answer with depth.
Discussion questions
The examiner usually opens the discussion with: "Why do so many people choose to live in cities?", then works up from concrete to abstract.
Warm-up (concrete)
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?
Evaluation
Development (societal)
How have cities in your country changed over the last few decades?
ComparisonDo you think city life is becoming more stressful?
OpinionWhy do some people prefer the countryside to the city?
Cause & effectWhat could make cities better places to live?
Opinion
Depth (abstract & hypothetical)
How do you think cities will change as their populations grow?
SpeculationIf most people moved out of cities, what would happen to them?
HypothesisIs it possible to design a city that keeps everyone happy?
Evaluation
Useful vocabulary for this theme
Band 7+ language for discussing cities and urban life.
- the hustle and bustle
- the busy, noisy activity of a place
- “I love the hustle and bustle of a big city.”
- urban sprawl
- the uncontrolled outward spread of a city
- “Urban sprawl is slowly swallowing up the farmland around us.”
- a concrete jungle
- an unpleasantly crowded, built-up urban area
- “The city centre has become a bit of a concrete jungle.”
- public amenities
- shared facilities like parks and libraries
- “My neighbourhood has excellent public amenities.”
- the cost of living
- how much everyday necessities cost
- “The cost of living in the capital is really high.”