Describe a tall building you like or dislike: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it is used for
Where it is
What it looks like

4 unique answers with expert feedback

What other famous buildings have you visited?

I have visited several famous buildings, including the Colosseum in Rome and the Statue of Liberty in New York. Each has its own unique history and architectural style, which I find fascinating. The experience of seeing these landmarks in person is always memorable.

How do you think tall buildings impact a city's culture?

Tall buildings often become symbols of a city's identity and can influence its culture. They attract tourists, create jobs, and can even inspire local art and architecture. However, they can also lead to issues like overcrowding and changes in community dynamics.

Would you like to live in a tall building? Why or why not?

I think living in a tall building could be exciting due to the views and amenities. However, I also value space and a sense of community, which can sometimes be lacking in high-rise living. It would depend on the location and the building's environment.

Band 6

00:00

I'd like to describe a tall building that I like the most. It is Burj Khalifa. It's situated in UAE, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and it's a tallest building in the world. To be honest, it's a very beautifully created building and it contains lots of rooms and lots of business centers and high facilities in that building available. Also, I visited Dubai during my vacation. It's about 4-5 years ago. It is a very beautiful creature and it is the best and the most fascinating building I've ever seen in my life.

Follow up questions

What features of Burj Khalifa do you find most impressive?

I find the design and height of Burj Khalifa to be incredibly impressive. The way it stands out in the Dubai skyline is breathtaking. Additionally, the observation decks offer stunning views of the city, and the architectural details are remarkable, showcasing modern engineering at its finest.

How does Burj Khalifa compare to other tall buildings you've seen?

Burj Khalifa is unique because of its height and design. While I've seen other tall buildings, none have the same level of elegance and innovation. For example, the Empire State Building has historical significance, but Burj Khalifa represents modern architecture and technology, making it stand out.

Would you recommend visiting Burj Khalifa to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend visiting Burj Khalifa because it offers an unforgettable experience. The views from the top are spectacular, and the building itself is a marvel of modern architecture. It's a must-see for anyone visiting Dubai, as it represents the city's ambition and creativity.

Band 6

00:00

Recently I visited Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. There I noticed one tall building which I really liked. It got my attention because it was helical in shape, similar as how our DNA looks like. Also it was coloured dark blue and during the night view it was actually looking like DNA. As being a science student, for me it was very fascinating to look at a building like this. It was situated in the financial district of Riyadh. It is used as a hotel where they have a restaurant. I have visited the restaurant. I really like the ambience of that hotel. Also it has a huge parking.

Follow up questions

What features do you think make a building attractive?

I believe features like unique architectural design, color, and functionality make a building attractive. For instance, the helical shape and dark blue color of the building in Riyadh caught my attention. Additionally, the ambiance and purpose of the building, like being a hotel with a restaurant, enhance its appeal.

How do tall buildings impact city life?

Tall buildings can significantly impact city life by providing more space for businesses, hotels, and residences. They can also change the skyline and create a sense of identity for the city. However, they may also lead to overcrowding and strain on infrastructure, which is something cities need to manage.

Do you think tall buildings are environmentally friendly?

Tall buildings can be both beneficial and harmful to the environment. On one hand, they can reduce urban sprawl by accommodating more people in a smaller footprint. On the other hand, they may require more resources and energy to construct and maintain. Sustainable design practices can help mitigate negative impacts.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travelers

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Describe an unusual but interesting building you would like to visit

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Describe a tourist attraction that very few people visit but you think is interesting

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Describe A Long Car Journey You Went On

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Describe a place you went to and an outdoor activity you did there

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Describe A Place Where You Are Able To Relax

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Describe a garden you remember visiting.

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Describe a popular place for sports (e.g. a stadium) that you've been to

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Talk about a trip where you encountered danger.

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Describe A Noisy Place You Have Been To

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Describe a place where you have taken photos more than once

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Describe a historical building you have been to

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Describe A Place In Your Country That You Think Is Interesting

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Describe a crowded place you went to.

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Describe a road trip you would like to go on.

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Describe A Special Hotel You Stayed In

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Describe An Unusual Holiday You Had

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Describe a journey that didn't go as planned.

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Describe a place you have been to where things are expensive

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Describe an interesting building

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Describe a place in your country you would like to recommend to visitors

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Describe A Hotel You Have Stayed In

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Describe A Place You Visited On Vacation

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Describe A Historical Period

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Band 6

00:00

So, today my topic is describing a building that I like or dislike, so firstly I would like to describe about the like factors about the building, so I will, the building which I like the most is the Qutub Minar, so it is also a basic, it is also a historical monument or the tallest building in the Delhi and the thing which I like the most about this place is that there are lots of cafes situated there that make vibe so vibrant and fabulous, one more thing I like, also like is that the light show is also there on the daily basis at the evening time, so that is also a good factor and that make this particular thing is more vibrant and elegant, so if I talk about the disliking factors, the building which I do not like, so the building which I do not like is the industries that because they are the, I do not like them, basically no one can like the industries, hence they are not good for health and for the peoples who are living nearby, so it is situated in the my nearby area, my nearby area is industrial area, so I do not like them because a lot of people have breathing difficulties because of them, because it is the cause of water pollution, air pollution, so many of peoples are getting health issues because of this particular thing, so I do not like the industries of like, many of people just buy a land area and just

Follow up questions

What other historical buildings do you admire?

I admire several historical buildings, but one that stands out is the Taj Mahal. Its stunning architecture and the story behind its construction are fascinating. I also appreciate the cultural significance it holds for India and how it attracts visitors from all over the world.

How do tall buildings impact the environment?

Tall buildings can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. While they can save space and reduce urban sprawl, they can also contribute to issues like wind tunnels and heat islands. It's essential to design them sustainably to minimize their ecological footprint.

What measures can be taken to improve air quality in industrial areas?

To improve air quality in industrial areas, stricter regulations on emissions should be enforced. Additionally, promoting green technologies, increasing green spaces, and encouraging industries to adopt cleaner production methods can significantly help reduce pollution and improve public health.

Show all 4 answers

Cue 1:What it is used for

Begin by stating the primary function of the building, such as residential, commercial, or mixed-use.
Mention any specific activities or services that take place within the building.

Example

The tall building I want to talk about is the Lodha World One in Mumbai. It is primarily a residential skyscraper, housing luxury apartments. Besides being a home for many affluent families, it also has amenities like a gym, swimming pool, and even a sky lounge for social gatherings.

Cue 2:Where it is

Describe the location of the building, including the city and any notable landmarks nearby.
You can also mention how accessible the building is in terms of public transport or major roads.

Example

Lodha World One is located in the heart of Lower Parel, a bustling area in Mumbai. It stands tall among other skyscrapers and is easily accessible via the Western Express Highway. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to shopping malls, making it a prime location.

Cue 3:What it looks like

Provide a visual description of the building, focusing on its height, architecture, and any unique features.
You can also mention how the building fits into the skyline of the city.

Example

The building is an architectural marvel, soaring to a height of 117 stories, making it one of the tallest residential buildings in India. Its sleek glass façade reflects the sunlight beautifully, and the design incorporates modern aesthetics with a touch of elegance. It stands out in the Mumbai skyline, symbolizing luxury and modern living.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, I admire the Lodha World One not just for its height but for what it represents in terms of modern living in Mumbai. It combines luxury with convenience, making it a remarkable addition to the city's landscape.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid vague descriptions that do not provide specific information about the building. This can make your answer less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific details about the building's purpose, location, and appearance to create a vivid picture for the examiner.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Neglecting to address the provided cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score for coherence and relevance.

Tip

Make sure to systematically cover each cue: its use, location, and appearance to ensure a well-rounded response.

Overly Complex Language

Using overly complex vocabulary or sentence structures can confuse the listener and detract from your message.

Tip

Use clear and simple language to express your thoughts. Focus on clarity rather than trying to impress with difficult words.

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I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

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The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

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Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

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It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.