Before you start — what this text type needs
Each task has two subjects: one in the reading and a different one in the listening. Describe both, then say which you prefer and why. Use relative clauses (who / which / that) and include specific sensory or visual details.
Describe the two cities, then say which you would rather visit
Descriptive · integratedThis is an integrated writing task. Read, listen and take notes first — then plan and write.
Read Take notes as you read.
ReadingTokyo: A City of Contrasts
Tokyo is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. With a population of over thirteen million people, it is one of the largest cities on the planet, yet it is remarkably clean, safe, and well-organised. The city is famous for its striking contrasts — ancient temples and shrines stand quietly beside towering glass skyscrapers, and traditional tea ceremonies take place just streets away from futuristic technology showrooms. Tokyo’s public transport system is legendary: the metro network is one of the most punctual in the world, with trains arriving every two to three minutes. The city also has an outstanding food scene. From simple street stalls selling ramen and takoyaki to Michelin-starred restaurants, Tokyo has more starred restaurants than any other city on the planet. In addition, it has one of the lowest crime rates of any major city in the world. In conclusion, Tokyo manages to combine the energy of a global metropolis with the calm, order, and beauty of a deeply rooted cultural tradition.
Listen Twice — take notes as you go.
ListeningBarcelona: A City That Surprised Me
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Play it twice. Take notes as you listen.
Take notes One box for each source.
Special or unique features of the city
Look, feel, and atmosphere of the city
Food, transport, and daily life
Plan and write
The reading describes Tokyo and the listening describes Barcelona. Describe both cities using your notes, then say which one you would rather visit and why. Write a paragraph of at least 130 words.
One paragraph · three parts · minimum 130 words.
My plan Notes first — then write.
My paragraph
Nothing is saved automatically. Copy or save your paragraph before you close this tab — only your own writing is saved, not the exercises.
Describe the two food traditions, then say which appeals to you more
Descriptive · integratedThis is an integrated writing task. Read, listen and take notes first — then plan and write.
Read Take notes as you read.
ReadingThe Story of Street Food
Street food is one of the most exciting and democratic forms of eating in the world. Found in almost every culture, street food refers to ready-to-eat food sold by vendors in public spaces such as markets, pavements, and squares. Unlike restaurant food, street food is typically affordable, fast, and deeply rooted in local culinary traditions. Some of the world’s most loved dishes began as street food. In Mexico, tacos were originally sold by vendors on the streets of Mexico City. In Thailand, pad thai was promoted as a national street food in the twentieth century as a way of building national identity. In Turkey, simit — the circular sesame-covered bread — has been sold by vendors in Istanbul for centuries and remains one of the most iconic everyday foods in the country. Street food also plays an important social role: stalls and markets are places where people from all walks of life come together to eat, talk, and enjoy their community. In conclusion, street food is more than a quick and cheap meal — it is a living connection to culture, history, and community.
Listen Twice — take notes as you go.
ListeningDiscovering Italian Cuisine
Audio file not found — check that the audio folder sits next to this page.
Play it twice. Take notes as you listen.
Take notes One box for each source.
What makes this food or cuisine special
Specific examples, origins, and cultural details
Social and cultural meaning for communities
Plan and write
The reading describes street food and the listening describes Italian cuisine. Describe both traditions using your notes, then say which appeals to you more and why. Write a paragraph of at least 130 words.
One paragraph · three parts · minimum 130 words.
My plan Notes first — then write.
My paragraph
Nothing is saved automatically. Copy or save your paragraph before you close this tab — only your own writing is saved, not the exercises.