Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Famous Monument You Visited

The topic of describing a famous monument is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to describe places, express personal experiences, and discuss cultural and historical significance.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about monuments and famous places. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy visiting monuments?
2. What’s the most famous monument in your country?
3. Have you ever visited any monuments in other countries?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Q: Have you ever visited any monuments in other countries?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have. Last year, I visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was quite impressive to see it up close. The structure is much larger than I expected, and the view from the top was breathtaking. I really enjoyed the experience.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was visiting the Taj Mahal in India. The intricacy of the marble inlays and the symmetry of the architecture were truly awe-inspiring. What struck me most was how the monument seemed to change color throughout the day, from a soft pink at dawn to a brilliant white under the midday sun. It was a profound reminder of the incredible achievements in human craftsmanship and artistry.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a famous monument:

Describe a famous monument you visited

You should say:
- What the monument was
- Where it was located
- When you visited it
- And explain why you found it interesting

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my visit to the Statue of Liberty in New York City. I went there last summer during a family vacation to the United States. The statue is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

The Statue of Liberty is a huge copper statue of a woman holding a torch. It was really impressive to see it up close. We took a ferry to the island, and as we got closer, I was amazed by how big it actually is.

I found it interesting because of its historical significance. I learned that it was a gift from France to America and that it has been welcoming immigrants to the USA for over a century. The view from the crown was also spectacular – we could see the whole of Manhattan.

Overall, visiting the Statue of Liberty was a great experience. It made me appreciate the symbol of freedom it represents and the history behind it.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to share my experience of visiting the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This architectural marvel is situated in Siem Reap province, and I had the privilege of exploring it during a backpacking expedition through Southeast Asia last year.

Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument, a vast complex of temples that stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. As I approached the main temple at dawn, I was struck by the sheer scale and intricate details of the structure. The way the rising sun gradually illuminated the iconic towers created a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

What I found particularly fascinating about Angkor Wat was its perfect blend of religious symbolism and artistic mastery. The bas-reliefs that adorn the walls tell epic stories from Hindu mythology, carved with such precision and attention to detail that they seem to come alive before your eyes.

The monument’s architectural ingenuity was evident in its perfect symmetry and the sophisticated water management system that has helped preserve it for centuries. Climbing to the upper levels of the central tower was a spiritual experience in itself, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and evoking a sense of the site’s historical significance.

Visiting Angkor Wat was not just a touristic endeavor but a profound journey through time and culture. It left me with a deep appreciation for the artistic and engineering prowess of ancient civilizations and a renewed sense of wonder at humanity’s capacity for creating beauty that endures through the ages.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How did you prepare for your visit to the monument?
2. What was the most surprising thing you learned during your visit?

Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
“To prepare for my visit, I did some research online about Angkor Wat’s history and layout. I also made sure to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as I knew we’d be doing a lot of walking in the heat.”

Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“My preparation for visiting Angkor Wat was quite comprehensive. I delved into scholarly articles about Khmer architecture and brushed up on Hindu mythology to better understand the symbolism in the temple carvings. I also consulted with seasoned travelers and local guides to plan the most optimal route through the complex, ensuring I could fully appreciate the site’s astronomical alignments at specific times of day. Additionally, I invested in a high-quality camera to capture the intricate details of the bas-reliefs and practiced my photography skills to do justice to the monument’s grandeur.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to monuments and cultural heritage. Here are some potential questions:

1. Why do you think people are fascinated by ancient monuments?
2. How can governments better protect historical sites?
3. Do you think virtual reality tours of monuments can replace physical visits?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Q: Why do you think people are fascinated by ancient monuments?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people are fascinated by ancient monuments for several reasons. Firstly, they’re often very impressive in terms of size and architecture. Monuments like the pyramids in Egypt are amazing to see because they’re so big and were built without modern technology.

Secondly, ancient monuments tell us about history. They give us a glimpse into how people lived in the past and what was important to them. This helps us understand our own culture and history better.

Lastly, I think there’s a sense of mystery around ancient monuments. Many of them have stories and legends associated with them, which makes them even more interesting to visit and learn about.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The fascination with ancient monuments, I believe, stems from a complex interplay of factors that resonate deeply with our human nature and collective consciousness.

Primarily, these structures serve as tangible links to our past, bridging the temporal gap between ancient civilizations and our modern world. They stand as testament to human ingenuity, creativity, and the enduring quest for meaning and legacy. The sheer feat of engineering and architectural brilliance displayed in structures like Machu Picchu or the Great Wall of China evokes a sense of awe and admiration for our ancestors’ capabilities.

Moreover, ancient monuments often embody the spiritual and cultural ethos of bygone eras. They offer invaluable insights into the beliefs, values, and social structures of past societies, thereby enriching our understanding of human cultural evolution. This anthropological aspect appeals to our innate curiosity about our origins and the diverse ways humans have expressed their existence through the ages.

There’s also an element of mystery and romanticism associated with these sites. The enigmatic nature of structures like Stonehenge or the Easter Island statues fuels imagination and speculation, inviting us to ponder the unknown and challenge our perceptions of history and human capability.

Lastly, in our rapidly changing world, these enduring monuments provide a sense of permanence and continuity. They serve as anchors of identity for many cultures and remind us of our shared human heritage, transcending national and cultural boundaries. This universality perhaps explains why people from all walks of life are drawn to these silent yet eloquent witnesses of time.”

Fascination with ancient monuments

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Architectural marvel /ˌɑːrkɪˈtektʃərəl ˈmɑːrvəl/ (noun phrase): A building or structure that is exceptionally beautiful or impressive.
   Example: The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as an architectural marvel of the Mughal era.

2. Awe-inspiring /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Causing feelings of awe or admiration.
   Example: The Grand Canyon’s vast expanse is truly awe-inspiring.

3. Cultural significance /ˈkʌltʃərəl sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/ (noun phrase): The importance of something in terms of culture and traditions.
   Example: The Great Wall of China holds immense cultural significance for the Chinese people.

4. Intricate details /ˈɪntrɪkət ˈdiːteɪlz/ (noun phrase): Complicated or elaborate features or designs.
   Example: The intricate details of the Sistine Chapel ceiling never fail to amaze visitors.

5. Testament to /ˈtestəmənt tuː/ (phrase): Evidence or proof of something.
   Example: The Colosseum stands as a testament to the engineering skills of ancient Romans.

Describe a time when you visited a famous monument can be a challenging task, but with practice and the right vocabulary, you can excel in this type of question.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous monument:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate descriptive adjectives and specific architectural terms to add depth to your description.

2. Provide detailed examples: Don’t just state facts; elaborate on your personal experience and observations.

3. Show enthusiasm: Your tone and expression should convey genuine interest in the topic.

4. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all aspects mentioned in the cue card.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.

Remember, the key to success is regular practice. Try describing different monuments you’ve visited or read about, focusing on describing a famous landmark in your city or country. This will help you build a repertoire of relevant vocabulary and ideas.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about famous monuments in your IELTS Speaking test. Whether you’re asked to describe a famous place in your country you want to revisit or describe a historical building you have visited, you’ll have the tools to provide a comprehensive and engaging response.

IELTS Speaking test preparation

Remember, the goal is not just to describe the monument, but to describe a famous landmark you have visited in a way that showcases your language skills and ability to express complex ideas clearly and coherently. With these strategies and examples in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in your IELTS Speaking test.