Part 1 · Band 4

Is that a big city or a small place?

Illustrative target band for this model answer · 90 words

AI-completed learning example

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 population of immigrants from other backgrounds. Um, what is the difference from other countries, while there are three main areas, um, and a small centre where people do their shopping. So it is not a big city, but it has the basic things people need. I like that I can get to the shops without travelling very far.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer identifies a small place, but several phrases in the preserved prefix are difficult to interpret. “This is to read this situation” does not communicate a clear feature. Keep the size statement and one understandable detail about shops. Plan a simple answer rather than adding fragments that cannot be connected. This is a text-only planning guide, not an assessment of a recording. Record the answer in one comfortable speaking turn, listen for whether the central point is clear, then repeat it without a memorised opening.

Lexical Resource

The actual wording “a number of these, um, this level of amenities” shows where expression can become more precise. The meaning is broadly accessible, but this phrase can be simplified to “some everyday facilities”. Keep the personal information and use everyday spoken language. Compare the two versions aloud and choose the one that communicates the same point with fewer unnecessary words.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The phrase “in a diverse population of immigrants” is the main sentence-level focus in this transcript. Remove the preposition when describing a population the town has. Use “a diverse population of immigrants” as a controlled alternative, then read the whole sentence to check that its subject, verb and time reference remain consistent. This estimate concerns the written transcript; it cannot establish accuracy in spontaneous speech.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation cannot be scored without an audio recording; this is a practice guide. Use the words “It” and “supermarkets” from the improved answer for a stress check with a dictionary recording. Mark thought groups around the main point and its explanation. Record both versions, compare the stressed words and check that final consonants remain audible without exaggerating them.

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

  • Start with the direct answer, then add one reason or concrete personal detail.
  • Practise the two quoted phrasing changes inside their complete sentences.
  • Record a natural version and check that the explanation follows the main point without repeating 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

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 hometown is, uh, developed. It's a popular destination, opened up throughout all the cities in my country. The domestic tourist destinations and immigrants from other p...