Part 1 · Band 6

Is that a big city or a small place?

Illustrative target band for this model answer · 110 words

AI-completed learning example

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 a busy, urban feel. At the same time, I feel comfortable living here because people are friendly and it has the services I need. So, although it is a large city, it still feels welcoming to me.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer develops in a sensible sequence: it names Toshkent and its location, gives the 20-year connection, describes the buildings and people, then expresses affection and identifies it as a big city. The added explanation links the city’s size to its tall buildings. To make the response more focused, avoid repeating ideas about services and warmth. Practise a 45-second version: state the size first, then add one feature and one personal reason.

Lexical Resource

“High-rise buildings” and “affectionate and sociable” are relevant descriptive phrases, and “basic as well as advanced necessities” attempts to express a range of services. However, “complete in providing” is an unnatural collocation, and “necessities” is less idiomatic for city facilities than “services” or “amenities.” Next, practise complete collocations such as “offers a range of amenities,” and choose one precise description instead of overlapping adjectives.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses several clear sentence forms, including the present perfect in “I have lived here for 20 years” and a contrast with “although it is a large city.” Most relationships between ideas are understandable. The main refinement is sentence control: “Its features include high-rise buildings, and the people…” combines two different points, while “including me” attaches awkwardly. Practise separating the city’s features from your description of its residents.

Pronunciation

This is a text-only assessment, so pronunciation cannot be judged, and this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise “Toshkent,” “high-rise buildings,” and “affectionate and sociable”: give the main stress to HIGH in “high-rise,” and to FEC in “affectionate,” while keeping each phrase together as one thought group. Record a reading, check that each phrase is easy to distinguish, then record it again with clearer word stress.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • Answer the size question in your first sentence, then support it with one feature already mentioned, such as the high-rise buildings.
  • Replace “complete in providing” with a natural service collocation such as “offers a range of amenities.”
  • Keep the personal connection, but make it concise: link your 20 years in Toshkent to one clear reason you adore it.

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.

Practise your answer →

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

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.

Band 6

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.

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...