Describe a building you find interesting

In IELTS Speaking Part 2 you get this card, one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak. Below: the notes a strong candidate might make in that minute, a natural Band 7–8 answer, the words that make it work, and the Part 3 discussion the examiner usually moves on to.

The cue card

One-minute notes

Notes in the preparation minute should be keywords, not sentences — one line per bullet, plus the one detail that makes your story yours. Something like:

• the old central library in my city
• centre, next to the main square
• 1930s, stone outside, glass roof inside added later
• still a library + café + exhibitions
• interesting: old and new in one building; I studied there

Band 7–8 sample answer

A building I find really interesting is the central library in my city. It's right in the centre, on one side of the main square, so you can't miss it.

From the outside, it looks quite serious and old-fashioned. It was built in the 1930s from heavy grey stone, with tall columns at the entrance and the city's name carved above the door. For a long time I actually thought it was a government office. But the inside is completely different. About fifteen years ago, it was renovated, and the architects added a huge glass roof over the central courtyard, so the main reading room is full of natural light. The old stone walls are still there, but they're surrounded by modern wooden shelves and furniture.

It's still used as a library, but it's become much more than that. There's a café on the ground floor, an area for children, and rooms where they hold free exhibitions and talks. During exam season, it's almost impossible to find a seat, because students from all over the city go there to study.

I find it interesting partly because it shows how an old building can be given a new life instead of being knocked down. You can see two completely different periods in the same space, and somehow they work together. But it's also personal: I spent most of my last year at school studying there, so for me it's connected with a very particular time in my life.

About 247 words — roughly two minutes at a relaxed pace. Notice what it does: one specific story instead of general statements, every bullet covered, natural spoken linking rather than "firstly… secondly…", and the "why" part of the card answered properly at the end — that is where many candidates run out of things to say. Use it to see the structure; don't memorise it. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and your own story will always sound more fluent.

Useful vocabulary

• you can't miss it — it is very easy to notice
• renovate — to repair and improve an old building
• be given a new life — to be used again in a new way
• knock down — to destroy a building
• striking — very noticeable and attractive
• a landmark — a famous building that helps people recognise a place

Part 3: questions and model answers

After your two minutes, the examiner moves to a discussion linked to the card's topic. These questions are more abstract: give an opinion, a reason and an example, and it's fine to say "it depends" — as long as you explain on what.

Should new buildings match the style of old ones?

Not exactly, but they should respect them. Copying old styles often looks fake. I prefer new buildings that are clearly modern but use similar heights, materials or colours, so they fit into the street rather than shouting for attention.

Who should decide what a city looks like?

Ideally a mix of experts and residents. Architects and planners understand technical issues, but the people who live in a city have to see these buildings every day. Public consultations are useful, as long as they happen early enough to actually change the plans.

Are modern buildings less attractive than old ones?

Some are, especially cheap blocks built quickly and with little thought. But plenty of old buildings were ugly too — we just don't see them anymore, because they were knocked down. The best modern architecture can be just as beautiful, it's just less familiar.

How important is it to preserve historic architecture?

Very important. Historic buildings give a city its identity and tell the story of how people lived. Once they're gone, they can't be replaced. Of course, not every old building is worth saving, so cities need clear criteria for deciding what to protect.

More cue cards about places

• Describe a place where you like to relax
• Describe a city you would like to visit
• Describe a natural place you have visited
• Describe a place in your town or city that has changed
• Describe a café or restaurant you often go to
• Describe a crowded place you have been to

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