As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who underestimate the power of vocabulary in achieving a high score, particularly in the Speaking section. A topic that often arises, and one that offers a rich opportunity to showcase vocabulary related to architecture and history, is the design and resilience of pagodas. This article will explore why understanding the phrase “why pagodas don’t fall down” can be beneficial to your IELTS journey, particularly in enhancing your lexical resource band score.

The Significance of “Why Pagodas Don’t Fall Down” in IELTS

While you won’t encounter this phrase as an essay title or a direct question, understanding the principles behind it equips you with a set of vocabulary related to:

• Architecture: Terms like “eaves,” “beams,” “columns,” “foundation,” and “load-bearing walls” become essential when describing a pagoda’s structure.
• Materials: Discussing the use of “wood,” “stone,” “brick,” and “tile” in pagoda construction showcases your knowledge of building materials.
• History and Culture: Understanding the cultural and religious significance of pagodas in countries like China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Korea adds depth to your responses.

By mastering this vocabulary, you demonstrate to the examiner your ability to articulate complex ideas effectively, a key factor in achieving a higher band score in the Lexical Resource criterion.

Applying Architectural Vocabulary in the IELTS Speaking Test

Let’s examine how you can seamlessly integrate this vocabulary into your IELTS Speaking test:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

• Examiner: “Tell me about a famous building in your country.”
• You: “Well, in my country, we have numerous stunning pagodas. These structures are characterized by their tiered roofs with elegantly upturned eaves, supported by intricate wooden beams and columns. They’re not just visually impressive but also incredibly resilient, having withstood centuries of earthquakes and storms.”

Part 2: Individual Long Turn

• Cue Card: “Describe an ancient structure that you find fascinating.”
• You: “I’d like to talk about the ancient pagodas of Bagan in Myanmar. These majestic structures, built from brick and stone, are a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the past. The builders cleverly utilized interlocking systems of beams and brackets, effectively distributing the weight of the structure and allowing it to sway slightly during earthquakes, preventing collapse.”

Bagan Pagodas

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

• Examiner: “Do you think it’s important to preserve historical buildings?”
• You: “Absolutely. These structures offer invaluable insights into our past, showcasing the evolution of architectural techniques and cultural beliefs. For instance, the elaborate carvings and sculptures adorning many pagodas provide a glimpse into the religious practices and artistic traditions of bygone eras.”

Example from a Recent IELTS Speaking Test

In a recent exam, the Part 2 cue card asked students to describe a place of historical significance. One high-scoring candidate spoke about the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam. He used vocabulary like:

• Courtyard: To describe the open spaces within the temple complex.
• Pavilions: To refer to the individual buildings dedicated to Confucian scholars.
• Stelae: He explained that these stone tablets, erected on the backs of tortoises, recorded the names of successful scholars, highlighting the temple’s role in education.

This candidate effectively demonstrated his range of vocabulary and impressed the examiner with his knowledge of architectural terms.

Tips to Enhance Your Architectural Vocabulary

• Read Widely: Explore articles and books about architecture, focusing on descriptions of famous buildings.
• Create Flashcards: Jot down new architectural terms, their definitions, and example sentences.
• Watch Documentaries: Programs about ancient civilizations and their architecture can be incredibly insightful.
• Practice Speaking: Use the new vocabulary regularly when discussing buildings and structures.

Conclusion

Don’t underestimate the power of a rich vocabulary in your IELTS Speaking test. By understanding the principles behind “why pagodas don’t fall down,” and familiarizing yourself with relevant architectural terms, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the examiner and boost your overall band score. Remember, consistent effort and strategic vocabulary building are key to achieving success in your IELTS journey.