Describe an interesting building: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • Where the building is
  • What kind of building it is
  • What it looks like
  • And explain why you find it interesting

Band 6-7

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So this interesting building I recall is in Muscat, a city in Oman. So it's the Grand Mosque, a mosque that was built I guess, I am not sure, some in the 60s mostly probably and the dome of the mosque is made out of gold. So what interests me about this mosque is its interiors, its architecture, its design, its vibe that it gives. It's really very peaceful and many people all over the world are attracted to this place. They come for vacations here and when they come down, when they fly down to Muscat, they make it sure that they make it a point to come and have a look at it, they visit it. It is a really beautiful place and the mosque, like since it's a mosque, it's a religious and a holy place so everyone wears fully covered clothes and they enter and they get to see the architecture inside, the design, everything inside, how clean, how peaceful it is. So that really is a building that I would say is an interesting building.

Follow up questions


What architectural features make the Grand Mosque unique?
The Grand Mosque features stunning Islamic architecture, including intricate mosaics, large chandeliers, and a massive prayer hall. Its golden dome is particularly striking, and the use of high-quality materials adds to its grandeur. The design reflects traditional Islamic styles while incorporating modern elements.

How does the atmosphere of the Grand Mosque differ from other buildings?
The atmosphere of the Grand Mosque is serene and tranquil, which is quite different from many other buildings. As a religious site, it encourages reflection and peace. Visitors often feel a sense of calmness and spirituality, which is enhanced by the beautiful surroundings and the respectful behavior of those present.

Why do you think people are drawn to visit the Grand Mosque?
People are drawn to the Grand Mosque for its architectural beauty, cultural significance, and the peaceful experience it offers. Many travelers seek to learn about different cultures and religions, and visiting such a prominent mosque allows them to appreciate Islamic art and architecture while also experiencing a place of worship.

Band 6-7

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00:00

I want to tell about the traditional building of India called as Taj Mahal which is made up of a special stone known as Sangam river stone. They are so precious stones which will bright in the sun rays during the day time. The Taj Mahal building is situated in Delhi which is capital of India and Taj Mahal building looks like a traditional castle made up by Shahjahan king for his wife. He gave the Taj Mahal building as a gift to his wife for Mumtaz. The wife name is Mumtaz and the building has so much interesting facts that we don't

Follow up questions


What other famous buildings in India do you find interesting?
Apart from the Taj Mahal, I find the Red Fort in Delhi and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur very interesting. The Red Fort is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, while the Hawa Mahal is famous for its unique façade and the way it allows cool air to flow through its many windows.

How does the architecture of the Taj Mahal reflect Indian culture?
The architecture of the Taj Mahal reflects Indian culture through its intricate designs, use of symmetry, and incorporation of Persian and Mughal styles. The use of white marble and precious stones symbolizes purity and love, which are central themes in Indian culture, especially in the context of the love story behind the Taj Mahal.

What impact does the Taj Mahal have on tourism in India?
The Taj Mahal has a significant impact on tourism in India, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its beauty and historical significance draw tourists from all over the globe, contributing to the local economy and promoting cultural exchange.

Band 6-7

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00:00

One building I want to talk about is Burj Khalifa which is in Dubai, it is known as the tallest building in the world and it is also known for its modern and unique design. I find this building very fascinating because of the tallness and I find it very impressive especially when when it's lit up the view looks beautiful at night and there we can also go up and the view is incredibly great from above and one interesting fact is I can by looking at the building we can say how far the technology has gone and the construction industry has gone.

Follow up questions


What other buildings do you find interesting and why?
I find the Sydney Opera House interesting due to its unique sail-like design and cultural significance. It's an architectural marvel that represents Australia and hosts various performances, making it a vibrant part of the city's identity.

How do you think architecture influences culture?
Architecture plays a significant role in shaping culture as it reflects the values, history, and identity of a society. Iconic buildings can become symbols of a city or country, influencing tourism, community pride, and even social interactions.

What are some challenges in building skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa?
Building skyscrapers involves challenges such as engineering complexities, safety concerns, and environmental impact. Factors like wind resistance, foundation stability, and the use of sustainable materials are crucial to ensure the building's longevity and safety.

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Band 6-7

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00:00

An interesting building which I know is Burj Khalifa, it's located in Dubai and it's the most attractive and influential tourist destination in the modern world and no one can beat the market of that as per the modern world and it's so luxurious inside also though it's an interesting building and I found, I usually found that on social media and all. I have not visited it yet but in future I will like to visit that place and yeah, as it's the tallest on the world and as per Dubai it's also the luxurious one so yeah, that's why I found it interesting and one of my friends are there so I would like to go there and click some pictures over there, that's all.

Follow up questions


What features of Burj Khalifa do you find most appealing?
I find the architectural design and the height of Burj Khalifa most appealing. The way it stands out in the Dubai skyline is fascinating. Additionally, the luxurious interiors and the observation decks that offer stunning views of the city are also very attractive.

How do you think visiting iconic buildings like Burj Khalifa impacts tourism?
Visiting iconic buildings like Burj Khalifa significantly boosts tourism by attracting visitors from around the world. These landmarks create a unique experience and often become a symbol of the city, encouraging people to explore more about the culture and history of the place.

Are there any other buildings you find interesting? Why?
Yes, I find the Sydney Opera House interesting due to its unique design and cultural significance. Its sail-like structure is iconic, and it hosts various performances, making it a vibrant part of Sydney's cultural scene. I would love to visit it someday as well.

Band 6-7

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00:00

An interesting building that I have visited would be Mysore Palace. Mysore Palace is situated in Mysore which is also my hometown and I have had the chance to visit Mysore Palace multiple times throughout my life. And the reason I find this interesting, first of all is because it's white, it's huge. I mean the area it's built on is so vast and you need so much time to cover every part of the building. The most fascinating thing about the Mysore Palace would be the paintings, the architecture and the minute details when we look around. You have so many paintings, so much history hidden behind just those paintings and architectures. So I often find it really amusing how humans like us can build this beautiful place and the most important and amazing part of Mysore Palace would be the fact that they light up almost every weekend and especially during Dasara festival in Mysore which is like a huge festival in Mysore where you have the whole palace lit up and people all over the world come here just to look at the palace lit up.

Follow up questions


What other historical buildings have you visited?
I have visited several historical buildings, including the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Red Fort in Delhi. Each of these places has its own unique architecture and history, which makes them fascinating to explore. I enjoy learning about the stories behind these structures.

How does Mysore Palace compare to other buildings you've seen?
Mysore Palace stands out due to its intricate architecture and rich history. While other buildings like the Taj Mahal are also impressive, Mysore Palace has a unique charm with its detailed paintings and the vibrant atmosphere during festivals, making it a special place for me.

What do you think makes a building interesting?
I believe a building becomes interesting due to its architectural style, historical significance, and the stories it tells. The details in design, the materials used, and the cultural context all contribute to its appeal. A building that resonates with people's emotions is particularly captivating.
Show all 6 answers

Cue 1:Where the building is

  • Begin by mentioning the city or area where the building is located.
  • Provide some context about the surroundings or significance of the location.

Example

The building I want to describe is the Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, India. It is situated in a beautiful garden area, surrounded by lush greenery, which adds to its serene atmosphere.


Cue 2:What kind of building it is

  • Clearly state the type of building, such as a temple, museum, or skyscraper.
  • Mention any specific purpose or function the building serves.

Example

The Lotus Temple is a Bahá'í House of Worship. It is a place where people of all religions can come together to pray and meditate, promoting unity and peace.


Cue 3:What it looks like

  • Describe the architectural style and unique features of the building.
  • Use vivid language to paint a picture of its appearance.

Example

The temple is shaped like a lotus flower, with 27 petals made of white marble. Its stunning design is complemented by reflecting pools and beautiful gardens, making it a visual delight.


Cue 4:And explain why you find it interesting

  • Share your personal feelings or experiences related to the building.
  • Discuss any historical or cultural significance that adds to its interest.

Example

I find the Lotus Temple interesting because it symbolizes peace and harmony among different religions. Every time I visit, I feel a sense of tranquility, and it reminds me of the importance of unity in diversity.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, the Lotus Temple is not just an architectural marvel but also a place that embodies the spirit of inclusiveness. Its beauty and significance make it a must-visit landmark in India.


    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: Vague Descriptions

    Using vague language can make your answer unclear. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the building's features or significance.

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    Tip

    Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to paint a clear picture of the building in your response.


    2: Ignoring the Cues

    Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may cause you to miss important aspects that the examiner is looking for.

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    Tip

    Make sure to cover each cue in your response, ensuring a well-rounded description of the building.


    Lack of Personal Connection

    Not explaining why you find the building interesting can make your answer less engaging. Personal connections add depth to your response.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Share a personal story or feeling related to the building to make your answer more relatable and interesting.


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    When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

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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.

    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 6-7

    One building I want to talk about is Burj Khalifa which is in Dubai, it is known as the tallest building in the world and it is also known for its modern and unique design. I find this building very fascinating because of the tallness and I find it very impressive especially when when it's lit up the view looks beautiful at night and there we can also go up and the view is incredibly great from above and one interesting fact is I can by looking at the building we can say how far the technology has gone and the construction industry has gone.

    Band 6-7

    I want to tell about the traditional building of India called as Taj Mahal which is made up of a special stone known as Sangam river stone. They are so precious stones which will bright in the sun rays during the day time. The Taj Mahal building is situated in Delhi which is capital of India and Taj Mahal building looks like a traditional castle made up by Shahjahan king for his wife. He gave the Taj Mahal building as a gift to his wife for Mumtaz. The wife name is Mumtaz and the building has so much interesting facts that we don't

    Band 6-7

    So this interesting building I recall is in Muscat, a city in Oman. So it's the Grand Mosque, a mosque that was built I guess, I am not sure, some in the 60s mostly probably and the dome of the mosque is made out of gold. So what interests me about this mosque is its interiors, its architecture, its design, its vibe that it gives. It's really very peaceful and many people all over the world are attracted to this place. They come for vacations here and when they come down, when they fly down to Muscat, they make it sure that they make it a point to come and have a look at it, they visit it. It is a really beautiful place and the mosque, like since it's a mosque, it's a religious and a holy place so everyone wears fully covered clothes and they enter and they get to see the architecture inside, the design, everything inside, how clean, how peaceful it is. So that really is a building that I would say is an interesting building.

    Band 6-7

    An interesting building which I know is Burj Khalifa, it's located in Dubai and it's the most attractive and influential tourist destination in the modern world and no one can beat the market of that as per the modern world and it's so luxurious inside also though it's an interesting building and I found, I usually found that on social media and all. I have not visited it yet but in future I will like to visit that place and yeah, as it's the tallest on the world and as per Dubai it's also the luxurious one so yeah, that's why I found it interesting and one of my friends are there so I would like to go there and click some pictures over there, that's all.

    Band 6-7

    An interesting building that I have visited would be Mysore Palace. Mysore Palace is situated in Mysore which is also my hometown and I have had the chance to visit Mysore Palace multiple times throughout my life. And the reason I find this interesting, first of all is because it's white, it's huge. I mean the area it's built on is so vast and you need so much time to cover every part of the building. The most fascinating thing about the Mysore Palace would be the paintings, the architecture and the minute details when we look around. You have so many paintings, so much history hidden behind just those paintings and architectures. So I often find it really amusing how humans like us can build this beautiful place and the most important and amazing part of Mysore Palace would be the fact that they light up almost every weekend and especially during Dasara festival in Mysore which is like a huge festival in Mysore where you have the whole palace lit up and people all over the world come here just to look at the palace lit up.

    Band 6

    However, talking about interesting building, I would like to refer to one of the most historic and beautiful buildings I have ever seen is the one which is five minutes away from my home. It is a beautiful church that was built by our most loved Reverend Father Romeo because that building is structured, designed and everything was done by Father Romeo himself because he was an engineer and since it's a church, it has been a beautiful structure that I have ever seen because of the interior designs, the statues, the fans, the lights, the benches, the outer designs and to specify there is also a bell tower beside it which was built so beautifully that you can even hear the bell rings up to the whole place where we stay. And yes, if you see that building took about almost of five to six years to build but it got inaugurated when I was in 10th so you can imagine how long did it actually take to build the building and that building was built on all the funds raised by the local people itself in and that place where Father actually mentioned, if you are interested to give any certain type of amount as a donation, you can always come forward and give. This place is located in Karnataka in Udupi, specifically to mention it's in Perampalli and there are so many people from out who come to visit to pray in this church and it is said that this church also has some historically miraculous things that has happened because since this one of the sister who came and told that she had a very like leg pain and all and guess what, she actually healed from it because of praying in that church. There are too many churches in this whole world which shows miracles but one of them can surely be this.
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