IELTS Speaking part 2: Describe a latest development in your area

Topic cue card:

Describe a latest development in your area.

• What it is
• Where it is
• How it is useful for people.

Answer:

I would like to talk about the recent reconstruction of the public space in District 1, Ho Chi Minh city. It is one of the latest infrastructure development in the area.

As you may know, Ho Chi Minh city used to be called Saigon, after the name of the river it was built on. When French people built this city in the 19th century, there was a large park on the bank of the river, from which people can enjoy the nice view of the river and the monuments and special structures of the city like the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Opera House. In fact, all important roads of downtown Saigon spanned out to all directions from this riverside park and the central square, somewhat similar to the Tuileries Garden in Paris. This place used to be the favorite public space for people in the city and tourists coming to Saigon. An enjoyable boat tour along the river would be essential for those who visited Saigon because it was the best way to enjoy the featured buildings of the city.

However, after the Vietnam War, when Saigon was returned to the Vietnamese Government and changed its name to Ho Chi Minh city, the initial spatial design of the city was totally destroyed, and the riverside park shared the same fate with many other structures built in the colonial period. Over the last few decades, countless new buildings, low or high, large or small, have risen along the banks of the river, and some were even built in the middle of the park, and they obstructed the view from the river bank. It was a loss to the city, and many people, especially older ones who had witnessed the beauty of the city in the old time, often feel pity about it.

Fortunately, the Government of Ho Chi Minh started a plan to reconstruct the park a few years ago. The ugly buildings were removed, and the riverside park was given a new life with beautiful trees, flowers and statues. A large road was turned into a pedestrian street and outdoor exhibition space where many large events and festivals take place. One of the highlights must be the flower festival taking place every Lunar new year. During the one-month festival, millions of colorful flowers are displayed in this large public space, creating a spectacular view and attracting a large number of visitors, both domestic and international.

I think the reconstruction of the riverside park and the central square near the Saigon River is a great development in the city. It helps to change the whole face of the area, and improves the quality of life for people living here.

Comment:

This answer can be modified to be suitable for many similar topics, for example:

Describe a public park you used to go as a child.

1. Who did you with?
2. What did you do there?
3. Why you like it

or

Describe an interesting place in your country which is not touristic.

• Where?
• What is it?
• Why it is not popular?
• Why is it interesting for you?