Part 1 · · 16 samples

Is that a big city or a small place?

Practise this question →

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Contrast Hiva’s relatively small size with its historical importance.
  • Use Itchan Kala as the specific example of the city’s ancient architecture.
  • Explain that cultural heritage and monuments attract tourists.

Suggested structure

  1. Answer directly by describing the place as relatively small.
  2. Add a contrast showing that its size does not diminish its importance.
  3. Give Itchan Kala as a concrete example of its architecture.
  4. Finish with the reason tourists visit.
Useful vocabulary & examples
historically significant
important because of its history

Hiva is a historically significant city in Uzbekistan.

well-preserved
kept in good condition over time

Visitors come to see Hiva’s well-preserved ancient architecture.

cultural heritage
the traditions, places and history passed down through a community

Tourists explore Hiva’s rich cultural heritage.

attract tourists
draw visitors to a place

Its monuments attract tourists throughout the year.

Sample answers

Band 8 sample

51 words · Source-reported band

Well, to be honest, Hiva is smaller compared to other cities, but it is a historically significant city in Uzbekistan. It is well known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, especially the Itchan Kala. Despite its size, Hiva attracts many tourists who come to explore its rich cultural heritage and stunning monuments.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 5 sample

20 words · Source-reported band

Honestly, my hometown is in the middle of this difference. Also, there is more comfort. It has gorgeous places too.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 8 sample

41 words · Source-reported band

Well, this is indeed a large city rather than a small town. This place is situated in the southern region of the country. However, it is a crowded city, especially in the city center due to population density and job opportunities.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 9 sample

27 words · Source-reported band

Well, this is indeed a large city rather than a small place. With a population of approximately a million residents, the urban area is buzzing with activity.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 7 sample

27 words · Source-reported band

I think it is a relatively small city, and it contains five or six phases. I think it is a place to accommodate about 100,000 people.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 5 sample

54 words · Source-reported band

Definitely, it's a small place, but there are many types of historical sites. There are many shops, and the garden is nice. There are big forests, but there are not many amenities. This place is not good for living because the conditions of hospitals, schools, etc., are not good. So, it's a small place.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 8 sample

27 words · Source-reported band

Well, this is indeed a large city rather than a small town, with a population of approximately 1 million residents. The urban area is buzzing with activity.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 7 sample

17 words · Source-reported band

It is a town with a population of about 2 million. It is on the national highway.

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

110 words · Illustrative target band

My hometown is called Toshkent and is located in the eastern part of Uzbekistan. I have lived here for 20 years. Its features include high-rise buildings, and the people of my city are affectionate and sociable, including me. My city is complete in providing all basic as well as advanced necessities. I adore my hometown; it is definitely a big city rather than a small place, mainly because the tall buildings give it …

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 7 sample

46 words · Source-reported band

In my opinion, my hometown is actually small compared to big cities like Ho Chi Minh City. So whenever I go out on the street, I feel like the traffic is not so heavy on the roads. The motorcycles are crowded in a very small space.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 6 sample

27 words · Source-reported band

In fact, Samarkand is considered the third largest city in Uzbekistan. Samarkand is known for its rich history and cultural significance, making it a popular tourist destination.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 6 sample

46 words · Source-reported band

My hometown is considered a small city, charming and historic, located in the central region of the country. It's not a bustling metropolis, but offers a relaxed and quaint atmosphere. It's smaller in size, but has both strong local communities and a strong sense of tradition.

Read full answer & analysis →