Talk about a historical building.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What building was it & where?
How do you know about it?
Why is it important?

37 unique answers with expert feedback

What other historical buildings in India do you admire?

Apart from the Taj Mahal, I admire the Red Fort in Delhi and Hampi's ruins. The Red Fort showcases Mughal architecture, while Hampi reflects the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. Each building has its own unique history and architectural style, making them significant in India's cultural heritage.

How do you think historical buildings impact tourism?

Historical buildings like the Taj Mahal significantly boost tourism by attracting visitors from around the world. They provide insights into a country's history and culture, creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism-related activities, such as guided tours and hospitality services.

What measures should be taken to preserve historical buildings?

To preserve historical buildings, it's essential to implement strict conservation laws, provide adequate funding for maintenance, and raise public awareness about their importance. Engaging local communities in preservation efforts can also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards these cultural treasures.

Band 7

00:00

The historical building I would love to talk about is Red Fort in Delhi. The massive imposing structure has been around for centuries and every time you visit it feels like stepping back. The sheer grandeur of the Red Fort hits you as you enter. You can't help but be amazed by its massive walls and the intricate architecture. The awe washes over you, knowing you are walking through history and then as you explore further you start to imagine what life was like during the Mughal era, with all the bustling markets and royal courts. One of my highlights is definitely the Diwane Aam or the Hall of Public Audience. Standing in that majestic hall, where emperors once held court, you can almost hear the echoes of the past. Then there's the stunning Diwani Khas, the Hall of Private Audience, with its beautiful marble pavilions and intricate carvings. And of course, you can't miss the iconic Lahori Gate, with its towering arcs and imposing presence. So, in conclusion, I would like to say visiting the Red Fort is not just a sightseeing experience, it's a journey through time. It's a chance to connect with India's rich history. It's a chance to connect with India's rich history and heritage and marvel at the architectural wonders of our ancestors. So, if you have

Follow up questions

What other historical buildings in India would you recommend visiting?

Apart from the Red Fort, I would recommend visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is a symbol of love and architectural brilliance. Another great site is the Qutub Minar in Delhi, known for its stunning height and intricate carvings. Each of these buildings tells a unique story of India's rich history.

How do you think historical buildings impact local culture?

Historical buildings like the Red Fort play a crucial role in preserving local culture and heritage. They attract tourists, which boosts the economy, and serve as educational sites where people can learn about history. They also foster a sense of pride and identity among locals, connecting them to their past.

What challenges do historical buildings face today?

Historical buildings face several challenges, including environmental degradation, pollution, and the threat of urban development. Preservation efforts can be costly and require significant resources. Additionally, there is a need for public awareness and education to ensure these sites are respected and maintained for future generations.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

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.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

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.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

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.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

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.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

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.

Historical buildings like Charminar play a crucial role in tourism by attracting visitors interested in history and culture. They provide insights into the past, promote local traditions, and contribute to the economy through tourism-related activities, enhancing the overall experience for travelers.

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Cue 1:What building was it & where?

Begin by naming the historical building and its location.
Provide a brief description of the building's architecture or features.

Example

The building I want to talk about is the Red Fort, located in Delhi. It is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture, with its massive red sandstone walls and intricate carvings.

Cue 2:How do you know about it?

Share your personal experience of visiting the building or learning about it.
Mention any specific events or stories that made it memorable for you.

Example

I first learned about the Red Fort during my school history classes. Later, I visited it with my family during a trip to Delhi. I was fascinated by the stories of the Mughal emperors and the vibrant history associated with the fort.

Cue 3:Why is it important?

Discuss the historical significance of the building.
Explain its cultural importance and any recognition it has received.

Example

The Red Fort is important because it symbolizes India's rich history and heritage. It was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Conclusion

Summarize your thoughts on the building's impact on you personally.
Reflect on its significance in the broader context of Indian history.

Example

In conclusion, the Red Fort is not just a historical building; it represents the glory of India's past. Visiting it left a lasting impression on me, and it deepened my appreciation for our cultural heritage.

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