IELTS Blog Series – Part 9
Urbanisation is one of the most frequently tested themes in IELTS exams today, especially in Thailand in 2025. Candidates preparing for the test often discover that questions about city life, population growth, and urban planning are central to Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening tasks. In this blog, we’ll explore how IELTS Urbanisation and Cities appears across different sections of the test, what Thai students say about these topics, and how you can prepare effectively.
Writing Task 2
In 2025, several IELTS Writing Task 2 papers in Thailand featured questions directly connected to city life. For example:
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“Urbanisation in developing countries causes more problems than benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
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“Governments should invest more in regional towns rather than expanding big cities. Discuss.”
Students preparing for these essays quickly learn that they must balance arguments, present clear examples, and demonstrate advanced vocabulary. Terms such as urban sprawl, public amenities, affordable housing, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth have become essential.
One student in Hua Hin explained:
“When I saw the question on cities, I was glad I had practised essays on urbanisation. I could use phrases like ‘population density’ and ‘quality of life’ to impress the examiner.”
To see useful strategies for structuring advantage–disadvantage essays, check out this resource from the British Council: Advantages and disadvantages of city life.
Speaking Parts 2 and 3
In the Speaking test, IELTS Urbanisation and Cities often appears in Part 2 cue cards. Candidates may be asked to describe:
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A city they would like to live in.
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A problem their city faces (for example, traffic congestion).
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Improvements they would suggest for their hometown.
In Part 3, examiners may broaden the discussion:
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“Do you think people are happier in cities or in the countryside?”
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“What challenges do large cities face in terms of housing and transport?”
Thai students often comment that these questions are easier if they practise with real-life examples. One Bangkok candidate said:
“I used examples about the BTS Skytrain and air pollution in Bangkok. The examiner smiled because my answers were specific and realistic.”
Listening and Reading
Audio recordings may include city-related topics like transport announcements, urban planning meetings, or news reports on housing. Reading passages often focus on global urbanisation trends, new eco-city projects, or research into the challenges of population growth.
A recent Reading passage used in Thailand described the growth of so-called “smart cities.” Students who had prepared with city-related vocabulary found this section much easier.
Vocabulary Focus
To succeed with IELTS Urbanisation and Cities, students should master vocabulary that goes beyond the basics. Important words and collocations include:
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urban migration
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residential area
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public transportation system
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environmental sustainability
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quality of life indicators
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megacities
One Phuket student preparing for the October test explained:
“I kept a vocabulary notebook. When I practised Writing Task 2, I always included at least three strong city-related terms. That gave me confidence.”
What Students Say
Thai candidates in 2025 frequently share that urbanisation topics feel “real” because they live in fast-changing towns and cities. Hua Hin students talk about tourism growth, while Chiang Mai students focus on environmental pressures. Bangkok candidates often highlight public transport, skyscrapers, and city lifestyles.
Overall, students agree that IELTS Urbanisation and Cities is not only an exam topic but also something they experience every day. This makes preparation more engaging and authentic.
How to Prepare
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Study sample essays – Analyse model answers that cover urbanisation issues.
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Read widely – Articles on city planning and urban life are excellent Reading practice.
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Practise speaking with real examples – Use your city or hometown to develop personal, detailed answers.
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Join a structured course – A guided IELTS programme ensures you cover all likely themes.
At ILC Hua Hin, our students preparing for the October holiday course will practise urbanisation essays, city-life speaking tasks, and listening passages about transport and development. This is a core theme in our IELTS Exam Mastery Course: https://ilc.training/ielts-exam-mastery-tips-strategies/
For a full overview of what we offer, download our latest IELTS brochure: https://bit.ly/47O5t6u.
Final Thought
Urbanisation is reshaping Thailand’s cities – and IELTS exams in 2025 reflect that reality. By preparing for topics on IELTS Urbanisation and Cities, you’ll not only be ready for your test but also more confident discussing real-world issues that affect millions of people.
Holiday IELTS Course starts 13 October 2025
Register now on LINE: @ilchuahin
IELTS Exam Mastery Course: https://ilc.training/ielts-exam-mastery-tips-strategies/
Download Brochure: https://bit.ly/47O5t6u
British Council – Advantages and Disadvantages of City Life: https://www.britishcouncil.or.th/english/tips/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-city-life
