Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Famous Architect in Your Country

Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to tackle questions about famous figures in your country? One common topic that may arise is describing a renowned architect. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you aim for a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Understanding the Topic

Questions about famous architects are part of the broader category of “describing people” in IELTS Speaking. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to talk about individuals, their achievements, and their impact on society. It’s a popular subject that often appears in IELTS Speaking tests, especially in Part 2 and Part 3.

Famous Vietnamese Architect

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter general questions about architecture or famous people. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: “Are you interested in architecture?”

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I find architecture fascinating. I’m particularly intrigued by how buildings can reflect a society’s culture and history. In Vietnam, we have a rich architectural heritage that blends traditional and modern styles, which I find really captivating.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe A Famous Architect In Your Country
You should say:

• Who this architect is
• What they are famous for
• What buildings they have designed
• And explain why you think they are important

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d like to talk about Vo Trong Nghia, a renowned Vietnamese architect who has gained international recognition for his innovative and sustainable designs.

Vo Trong Nghia is famous for his eco-friendly approach to architecture. He integrates traditional Vietnamese elements with modern sustainable practices, creating buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious.

One of his most notable projects is the Farming Kindergarten in Dong Nai province. This innovative building features a green roof that serves as a vegetable garden and playground for children. Another remarkable design is the House for Trees in Ho Chi Minh City, which incorporates large trees within the structure, blurring the line between nature and architecture.

I believe Vo Trong Nghia is important because he’s pioneering a new approach to architecture in Vietnam. His work demonstrates that it’s possible to create beautiful, functional buildings that also respect the environment. He’s inspiring a new generation of architects to think about sustainability and showcasing Vietnamese talent on the global stage.

His architecture reflects our cultural values of living in harmony with nature while also addressing modern urban challenges. Through his work, Vo Trong Nghia is not just designing buildings; he’s shaping the future of Vietnamese cities and contributing to global discussions on sustainable urban development.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss Vo Trong Nghia, an eminent Vietnamese architect who has garnered international acclaim for his groundbreaking and sustainable designs.

Vo Trong Nghia has distinguished himself through his innovative fusion of traditional Vietnamese architectural elements with cutting-edge sustainable practices. His work is characterized by a harmonious blend of aesthetics and environmental consciousness, setting new standards in eco-friendly architecture.

Among his most celebrated works is the Farming Kindergarten in Dong Nai province. This revolutionary design features an undulating green roof that doubles as a vegetable garden and playground, exemplifying his philosophy of integrating nature into urban spaces. Another standout project is the House for Trees in Ho Chi Minh City, which ingeniously incorporates large trees within the building structure, effectively blurring the boundaries between natural and built environments.

I consider Vo Trong Nghia’s work to be of paramount importance as he’s spearheading a paradigm shift in Vietnamese architecture. His projects serve as tangible proof that it’s feasible to create structures that are not only aesthetically striking and functionally efficient but also environmentally responsible. By doing so, he’s inspiring a new wave of architects to prioritize sustainability in their designs and elevating the profile of Vietnamese architecture on the global stage.

His architectural philosophy resonates deeply with our cultural ethos of living in harmony with nature while simultaneously addressing the complexities of modern urban living. Through his visionary approach, Vo Trong Nghia is not merely designing buildings; he’s actively shaping the future landscape of Vietnamese cities and contributing significantly to global dialogues on sustainable urban development.”

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has Vo Trong Nghia’s work influenced other architects in Vietnam?
2. What challenges do you think architects face when trying to create sustainable buildings in urban areas?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: “How do you think architecture influences a country’s culture?”

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Architecture plays a significant role in shaping a country’s culture. It reflects the values, beliefs, and way of life of a society. For example, in Vietnam, our traditional architecture, with its curved roofs and open spaces, showcases our connection to nature and our communal lifestyle. Modern architecture in our cities now blends these traditional elements with contemporary designs, representing our progress while still honoring our heritage.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Architecture profoundly influences and is influenced by a country’s culture in a symbiotic relationship. It serves as a tangible manifestation of a society’s values, beliefs, and lifestyle, while simultaneously shaping the way people interact with their environment. In Vietnam, our traditional architecture, characterized by curved roofs, open courtyard designs, and the use of natural materials, eloquently expresses our deep-rooted connection to nature and our emphasis on communal living. As our society evolves, we’re witnessing a fascinating synthesis of these traditional architectural elements with modern, innovative designs in our urban centers. This architectural evolution mirrors our cultural journey, preserving our rich heritage while embracing progress and global influences. It’s a dynamic process that not only reflects our cultural identity but also actively shapes it for future generations.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Renowned (adjective) /rɪˈnaʊnd/ – famous and respected
   Example: “Vo Trong Nghia is a renowned architect known for his sustainable designs.”

2. Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
   Example: “His innovative approach to architecture combines traditional elements with modern techniques.”

3. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level; environmentally friendly
   Example: “The architect focuses on creating sustainable buildings that minimize environmental impact.”

4. Integrate (verb) /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – combine one thing with another so that they become a whole
   Example: “He integrates green spaces into his building designs to promote a healthier environment.”

5. Pioneering (adjective) /ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ/ – introducing new and better methods or ideas for the first time
   Example: “Vo Trong Nghia’s pioneering work in sustainable architecture has inspired many young designers.”

Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner

1. Prepare a range of vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with architecture-related terms and phrases to express your ideas more precisely.

2. Practice describing buildings: Regularly describe buildings you see, focusing on their design, purpose, and impact on the surrounding area.

3. Stay informed: Keep up with current trends in architecture, especially in your country, to provide relevant examples during your exam.

4. Develop your opinions: Think critically about how architecture affects society and be ready to express these thoughts coherently.

5. Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing the topic, but also about expressing your ideas clearly and confidently. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will help you achieve a higher band score.

For more tips on describing places and their significance, you might find these articles helpful:

• Describe a place in your country that you would like to visit again
• Describe a place in your country known for its rich history

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss famous architects and their work in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your exam preparation!