Track 22

Track 22

Sample answers:

Candidate: A place that I enjoy visiting is Graz. Irs the second-largest city in Austria, with a population of around 300,000. It lies in the south-east of the country, in the state of Styria, which is a green, lush part of Austria.

There is lots to do in Graz. It has several universities, so first and foremost it’s a fantastic place to be a student. Irs buzzing, with a good nightlife, good restaurants and a lively cultural life. In fact, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Europe’s capital of culture a few years back.

If you climb up to the hill overlooking the old town, you have an amazing view of the city. What strikes me most when I go up there is all the traditional, pale buildings with their red roofs, and then right in the middle of it all, a remarkable piece of contemporary architecture, the museum of modern art. It looks like a huge sea cucumber, completely out of keeping with all the architecture around it, but of course totally in keeping with what it houses - modern art.

I always think how brave it was of the Austrians to put it there, in the heart of the city, and how unlikely it was that that sort of thing would ever be allowed where I live! I really admire them for it and I think the building has its own kind of beauty.

The last time I went to Graz, they were having a wine festival. People were tasting all kinds of wines from stalls on the street, very informally and chatting with friends while they drank. It was wonderful. How has it changed since I first visited it? Well, I would say it has undoubtedly become more trendy. Like I say, they have built a stunning new museum. They have also built an island in the river, which is actually a floating platform holding a cafe and a playground.

To go with the sea-cucumber theme, this one is shaped like a seashell. I would say the local inhabitants have become more overtly proud of their city, too. It has received quite a bit of recognition in recent times. which has really placed Graz well and truly on the cultural map; something the inhabitants are always happy to talk to you about. In fact, that is something else I enjoy about going there: the local people are invariably friendly and helpful.

Examiner: When did you last go to Graz?

Candidate: I last went there the year before last. I wish I could go more often. but unfortunately, work commitments mean I can·t.