As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with the speaking section, particularly when asked to describe a famous building in their country. This topic is a common one in IELTS speaking tests and is likely to remain popular in future exams. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through how to excel in this task, providing sample answers for different band scores and offering valuable tips to boost your performance.
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking you to describe a famous building. They want to assess your ability to:
- Speak fluently and coherently about a familiar topic
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to architecture and culture
- Employ complex grammatical structures
- Organize your thoughts logically
- Provide relevant details and examples
Now, let’s break down the speaking test and explore how to tackle this topic in each part.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about buildings and architecture. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you have a favorite building in your hometown?
- What type of architecture do you prefer?
- Are there any famous historical buildings in your country?
- How has architecture in your country changed over the years?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have a favorite building in your hometown?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. My favorite building in my hometown is the Opera House. It’s a magnificent structure that stands out in our cityscape. What I find particularly appealing about it is its unique blend of modern and traditional architectural elements. The curved roof resembles traditional Vietnamese nón lá (conical hats), while the glass facades give it a contemporary feel. It’s not just visually striking, but it also serves as a cultural hub, hosting numerous performances and events throughout the year.”
This answer demonstrates good vocabulary usage, clear organization, and personal engagement with the topic.
Vietnam Opera House
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card for our theme:
Describe a famous building in your country that you admire.
You should say:
- What the building is
- Where it is located
- What it looks like
- And explain why you admire this building
Let’s look at sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about the Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a skyscraper located in the heart of the city’s business district. The building is very tall, with 68 floors, and it has a unique design that makes it stand out from other buildings in the area.
What’s special about this tower is its helipad, which looks like a curved leaf sticking out from the side of the building. This feature makes the tower easily recognizable in the city’s skyline. The building is mostly made of glass, which reflects the sunlight and makes it shine during the day.
I admire this building because it represents the modern development of Vietnam. It shows how far our country has come in terms of architecture and economic growth. The tower has become a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City and attracts many tourists who want to see the city from its observation deck. It makes me feel proud of my country’s progress.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to describe the Bitexco Financial Tower, an iconic landmark that has come to epitomize the rapid modernization of Ho Chi Minh City. This avant-garde skyscraper is strategically situated in the bustling heart of District 1, the city’s primary business hub.
The tower’s design is truly captivating. Standing at a towering 262 meters with 68 floors, it’s currently the third tallest building in the city. What sets it apart is its distinctive silhouette, characterized by a cantilevered helipad that juts out from the 52nd floor. This unique feature, resembling an elongated lotus petal, pays homage to Vietnam’s national flower while simultaneously showcasing the country’s technological prowess.
The building’s façade is a seamless blend of glass and steel, creating a sleek, futuristic appearance that gleams impressively under the tropical sun. At night, the tower transforms into a beacon of light, with its illuminated exterior contributing to the city’s dazzling nocturnal skyline.
I deeply admire this building for several reasons. Firstly, it symbolizes Vietnam’s economic resurgence and aspirations for the future. Its bold design challenges conventional architecture, demonstrating our country’s willingness to embrace innovation. Moreover, the tower has become a source of national pride, attracting both local and international visitors to its observation deck, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the evolving cityscape.
In essence, the Bitexco Financial Tower is not merely a building, but a testament to Vietnam’s journey from its historical roots to its ambitious future, encapsulating the spirit of progress that defines modern Ho Chi Minh City.”
Follow-up Questions:
After your long turn, the examiner might ask you some follow-up questions. Here are a few possibilities with sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think this building has impacted the local community?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“The Bitexco Financial Tower has had a significant impact on the local community. Firstly, it has boosted tourism, attracting visitors who want to experience the observation deck’s stunning views. This increased foot traffic has benefited nearby businesses, especially restaurants and shops. Additionally, the tower has created job opportunities, not just in the offices it houses, but also in maintenance and security roles. Perhaps most importantly, it has instilled a sense of pride in local residents, serving as a symbol of the city’s progress and ambition.”
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for cities to have iconic buildings? Why or why not?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that iconic buildings play a crucial role in shaping a city’s identity and fostering civic pride. These architectural marvels serve as visual anchors, giving cities a distinctive character that sets them apart on the global stage. They often become symbols of a city’s aspirations and achievements, much like how the Eiffel Tower represents Paris or the Sydney Opera House embodies Sydney.
Moreover, iconic buildings can catalyze urban development and economic growth. They tend to attract investment, boost tourism, and create jobs, thus contributing significantly to the local economy. Take the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, for instance, which transformed a post-industrial city into a thriving cultural hub.
However, it’s paramount that these buildings are thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the existing urban fabric and reflect the city’s cultural heritage. When done right, iconic buildings can elevate the overall architectural landscape, inspiring innovation and pushing the boundaries of design.
In essence, while not every building needs to be iconic, having a few standout structures can greatly enhance a city’s appeal, both to its residents and to the wider world.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this final section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Examiner: How has modern architecture influenced the cultural identity of cities?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Modern architecture has had a profound impact on the cultural identity of cities. In many cases, it has transformed skylines and created new landmarks that become synonymous with the city itself. For example, the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has become an iconic symbol of the city-state’s modernity and economic success.
However, this influence isn’t always positive. In some instances, modern architecture has been criticized for erasing local character and making cities look too similar. There’s often a tension between preserving historical architecture and embracing modern designs.
I think the key is to find a balance. Cities that manage to integrate modern architecture while preserving their historical heritage often develop a unique and attractive identity. This can be seen in cities like London, where ultra-modern buildings like The Shard coexist with historical landmarks like the Tower of London.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The influence of modern architecture on the cultural identity of cities is a multifaceted and often contentious issue. On one hand, innovative architectural designs have the power to redefine a city’s image and propel it into the global spotlight. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is a prime example of how a single building can transform a city’s cultural landscape and economic fortunes, giving rise to what’s known as the ‘Bilbao Effect’.
Conversely, the proliferation of modern architecture, particularly in rapidly developing cities, can lead to a homogenization of urban environments. The ubiquitous glass-and-steel skyscrapers that dominate many city skylines have been criticized for creating a sense of ‘placelessness’, where cities lose their unique character and historical context.
However, I believe the most successful cities are those that manage to strike a delicate balance between modernity and tradition. Take Tokyo, for instance. It seamlessly blends futuristic architecture like the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower with traditional structures such as the Sensō-ji Temple. This juxtaposition creates a rich, layered urban fabric that reflects both the city’s history and its forward-looking aspirations.
Moreover, there’s a growing trend towards contextualism in modern architecture, where new buildings are designed to respect and respond to their surroundings. This approach can result in a harmonious evolution of a city’s cultural identity, rather than a radical rupture with the past.
In essence, while modern architecture has undoubtedly altered the cultural identities of cities, its impact is neither inherently positive nor negative. The key lies in thoughtful integration, where modern designs enhance rather than overshadow a city’s existing cultural narrative.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To boost your score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to describing buildings:
Architectural marvel (noun phrase) – /ˌɑːrkɪˈtektʃərəl ˈmɑːrvəl/ – A building that is considered exceptionally impressive or ingenious in its design.
Example: “The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is widely regarded as an architectural marvel.”Iconic landmark (noun phrase) – /aɪˈkɒnɪk ˈlændmɑːrk/ – A famous or important building that is easily recognized.
Example: “The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark of Paris.”To epitomize (verb) – /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/ – To be a perfect example of something.
Example: “The Burj Khalifa epitomizes Dubai’s ambition and technological prowess.”Avant-garde (adjective) – /ˌævɒ̃ˈɡɑːrd/ – New and experimental ideas in art, architecture, or literature.
Example: “The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku is known for its avant-garde design.”Seamless blend (noun phrase) – /ˈsiːmləs blend/ – A perfect combination of different elements.
Example: “The building offers a seamless blend of traditional and modern architectural styles.”To harmonize with (verb phrase) – /ˈhɑːmənaɪz wɪð/ – To fit well with something else.
Example: “The new city hall was designed to harmonize with the surrounding historical buildings.”
Examiner’s Advice
As an IELTS examiner, here are my top tips for excelling in the Speaking test:
- Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS topics and practice speaking about them.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to architecture and city planning.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and conditional statements in your responses.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and provide reasons for your opinions.
- Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is interested in your language skills, not your expertise in architecture.
By following these guidelines and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about famous buildings in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak fluently, use a wide range of vocabulary, and express your ideas clearly and coherently. Good luck!
For more practice on describing cultural elements in your country, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a place in your country that holds cultural significance. This will help you expand your vocabulary and ideas related to cultural landmarks and their importance.