Question 1

Describe a crowded place you went to.

Accepted Answer

The most crowded place I’ve ever visited was the Beijing Road Spring Festival Flower Market in Guangzhou, which I went to last Lunar New Year’s Eve. I was backpacking around Guangdong at the time, and I tagged along with my local cousin, who’d been raving about this iconic annual tradition for ages. She insisted it was a non-negotiable cultural experience: locals flock there to buy fresh plum blossoms, kumquat saplings and handwritten couplets to usher in good fortune for the coming year, and I was curious to see what all the hype was about. When we arrived, the pedestrian street was packed wall-to-wall with people; we could barely move an inch without bumping into someone carrying potted plants or munching on sugar-fried chestnuts. We had to shuffle through the throng for nearly 20 minutes just to reach a popular couplet stall. At first I was slightly overwhelmed, even irritable, from the constant jostling and noisy chatter. But gradually, the infectious festive vibe won me over—everyone was grinning, bargaining lightheartedly, and the air smelled like osmanthus candy and fresh blooms. By the end, I found the bustling chaos genuinely heartwarming, a tangible display of collective joy for the new year.

packed wall-to-wall /pækt wɔːl tu wɔːl/：挤得水泄不通的

infectious /ɪnˈfekʃəs/：有感染力的

usher in /ˈʌʃə(r) ɪn/：迎来（好运、新事物）

jostling /ˈdʒɒslɪŋ/：推挤，冲撞

tangible /ˈtændʒəbl/：切实的，有形的

shuffle /ˈʃʌfl/：拖着脚挤着走

iconic /aɪˈkɒnɪk/：标志性的

throng /θrɒŋ/：一大群人，人流

Question 2

Which cities are crowded in your country?

Accepted Answer

In my country, cities like Beijing and Shanghai are incredibly crowded. They're major economic hubs, so people from all over flock there for work and better opportunities. The streets are always bustling, especially during rush hours when public transport is packed. Housing can be an issue too, with lots of people cramming into tiny spaces. While these cities are vibrant and exciting, sometimes the sheer number of people can feel a bit overwhelming, making daily life quite hectic at times.

Question 3

Will there be more or less green space in cities in the future?

Accepted Answer

I honestly think there will be less green space in cities in the future. As urban areas keep expanding, more land gets used for housing, offices, and infrastructure. While people do care about the environment, economic growth often takes priority. On top of that, governments sometimes struggle to enforce strict regulations on preserving these spaces. Without significant changes in planning and policy, it's hard to imagine cities making room for more parks or green zones as populations grow.

Question 4

Will people use bikes more or less in cities in the future?

Accepted Answer

I believe people will use bikes less in cities in the future. As urban areas grow, many cities focus on expanding public transportation systems, like subways and buses, which are often faster and more convenient. Plus, with advancements in technology, electric scooters and cars are becoming more popular, offering comfort and speed. Additionally, some cities may remain too crowded or unsafe for biking, discouraging people from using them. While bikes are eco-friendly, they might not always be the most practical choice for modern urban life.

Question 5

Why do people go to crowded places?

Accepted Answer

One big reason people go to crowded places is the lively atmosphere. Spaces buzzing with energy can be exciting and make people feel part of something bigger, like concerts or festivals. Others go because it's where popular events or attractions happen, which they don't want to miss. Also, crowded places often offer more choices, like in markets or shopping malls. Lastly, some just enjoy being around others—it creates a sense of togetherness, which can be comforting or even inspiring.

Question 6

Do you think there are some people who enjoy crowded places?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, I don't think many people truly enjoy crowded places. Sure, some might tolerate it for concerts or festivals, but most of the time, it's just stressful. The noise, the lack of personal space, and the constant bumping into others can be overwhelming. Even extroverts need a break from all that chaos eventually. I believe people generally prefer quieter, more comfortable environments where they can actually relax and connect with others without distractions. Crowds might be exciting briefly, but they're rarely enjoyable for long.

Question 7

Do you think it is a good trend to have more big cities?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, I don't think having more big cities is a good trend. Overcrowding becomes a serious issue, leading to higher living costs and more pressure on public services. Plus, urban expansion usually comes at the cost of the environment, destroying natural habitats. Life in big cities can also be incredibly stressful, with people facing constant noise, pollution, and a lack of personal space. Instead, I believe we should focus on developing smaller towns and making them more attractive places to live.

Describe A crowded place you went to

Describe a crowded place you went to.

Part 3 Discussion