Sample answer
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.
Part 1 · Band 7
Is that a big city or a small place?
Source-reported band score · 27 words
Answer analysis
Fluency & Coherence
The answer follows a clear sequence: it first classifies the place as “a relatively small city,” then adds information about its phases and capacity. That gives a direct response, though the two “I think” openings make the delivery feel repetitive on the page. For practice, speak for 20 seconds: give the classification, add one supporting detail, then finish with the population figure in a connected sentence.
Lexical Resource
“Relatively small city” is a useful, appropriately qualified description, and “accommodate” communicates capacity. The range is limited, however, and “five or six phases” is unclear without knowing what “phases” refers to; it may not express the intended feature of a city. Next, decide precisely what that word means in your answer and use a specific term only if it matches your meaning.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
The answer uses complete clauses, including “I think it is a relatively small city,” and the figures are integrated understandably. The phrase “a place to accommodate about 100,000 people” is less natural for describing capacity, and repeating “I think” adds little. Practise joining the ideas with a clear relative or coordinated structure, such as describing the city and then stating how many people it can accommodate.
Pronunciation
A pronunciation score cannot be estimated from text, and this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “relatively small city” and “100,000 people,” grouping each as one thought unit. Record yourself saying the full answer, then check whether the number is easy to understand and whether you pause between the description and the supporting details.
A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.
- Replace the repeated opening “I think” with a direct phrase such as “I’d say” or “It’s.”
- Clarify what “five or six phases” means; use a more specific word only if it accurately describes the place.
- Practise connecting the description and capacity in one fluent response, keeping “about 100,000 people” as the final supporting detail.
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
- Answer directly by describing the place as relatively small.
- Add a contrast showing that its size does not diminish its importance.
- Give Itchan Kala as a concrete example of its architecture.
- 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.
Compare answers on this topic
Band 9
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.
Band 8
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 architectu...
Band 7
It is a town with a population of about 2 million. It is on the national highway.
Band 6
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 c...
Band 5
Honestly, my hometown is in the middle of this difference. Also, there is more comfort. It has gorgeous places too.
Band 4
Well, my city is actually a small place. There are a number of these, um, this level of amenities. This is to read this situation, supermarkets, um, and also in a diverse popula...