Describe a Modern Building: Speaking Part 2 & 3

This guide helps you describe a modern building in Speaking Part 2 and Part 3. It includes cue card guidance, band 5.0–6.0 and band 7.0+ sample answers, architecture-related vocabulary, grammar structures, and examiner comments to improve fluency, clarity, and coherence.

I. Cue Card – Describe a Modern Building

Cue Card – IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a modern building.

You should say:

• Where it is

• What it is used for

• What it looks like

• And explain why you like or dislike it

To organize your answer clearly, refer to answer speaking part 2 in IELTS.

How to Generate Ideas Quickly

• Location: Where is the building? (city center, near your home, in another country?)

• Function: What is it used for? (offices, a shopping mall, a museum, university…)

• Design: Is it made of glass or steel? Is it tall, unusual, creative, minimalistic?

• Impression: Do you like it for its design, technology, comfort, or symbolic meaning?

Focus on a building you’re familiar with, and you can also structure your ideas using brainstorming diagrams in IELTS speaking.

Brainstorming Table (Optional)

II. Band 5.0–6.0 Sample – Speaking Part 2 & 3

In this section, you'll find a Band 5.0–6.0 sample answer for the topic “Describe a modern building.” The answer is short, simple, and easy to follow — using basic grammar, simple vocabulary, and a clear logical structure.

To improve your performance, learn how to expand answers in IELTS speaking.

1. Speaking Sample Answer – Part 2

Describe a modern building.

You should say:

• Where it is

• What it is used for

• What it looks like

• And explain why you like or dislike it

Sample Answer (Band 5.0–6.0):

One modern building I know is Landmark 81. It is in Ho Chi Minh City, and it is the tallest building in Vietnam right now.

This building is used for many things. It has offices, a hotel, a shopping center, and places to eat. There is also a sky deck where people can see the whole city.

It is very tall and made of glass and steel. At night, it has lights that change colors, so it looks beautiful.

I really like this building because it shows that Vietnam has many new and modern places. I went there once with a friend and we took many pictures.

2. Speaking Sample Answer – Part 3

At the Band 5.0–6.0 level, answers should be short, clear, and stay on topic. Using basic linkers like “because” and “so” helps improve flow.

Question 1: What kinds of buildings are popular in your country now?

In my country, people like tall apartment buildings and shopping malls. Many new buildings are modern with glass and bright lights.

Question 2: Do you prefer old buildings or modern ones?

I like modern buildings because they are clean and comfortable. But old buildings are interesting too because they have history.

Question 3: Are modern buildings better for cities than traditional buildings?

Maybe yes. Modern buildings can save energy and use space better. But I think cities also need old buildings to keep culture.

3. Vocabulary Highlight

At the Band 5.0–6.0 level, it’s important to use clear and common words to describe buildings, places, and your opinions. You don’t need fancy words — simple vocabulary, used correctly, helps you speak clearly and stay focused on the topic.

Vocabulary by Topic

Common Short Phrases

• “It is the tallest building in the country.”

• “It has many floors and restaurants.”

• “The design is very modern and clean.”

• “I visited it with my family/friend.”

• “I like it because it shows development.”

4. Grammar and Structures

At the Band 5.0–6.0 level, candidates should use basic grammar structures clearly and consistently. Most sentences should be in present simple (to describe the building and general facts) and past simple (to describe your visit). While small errors are acceptable, the message must remain clear.

Tense Usage – Present & Past Simple

Basic Sentence Structures

Common Sentence Starters

• It is located in...

• I visited it when...

• It is used for...

• It looks very...

• I like it because...

Frequent Grammar Mistakes at Band 5.0–6.0

III. Band 7.0+ Sample – Speaking Part 2 & 3

At this level, candidates are expected to:

• Speak fluently and at length by improving your fluency and coherence IELTS speaking.

• Use topic-specific and descriptive vocabulary naturally

• Demonstrate a wide range of sentence types with good control

• Reflect on the topic with depth, adding personal opinion and insight

1. Speaking Sample Answer – Part 2

Describe a modern building.

You should say:

• Where it is

• What it is used for

• What it looks like

• And explain why you like or dislike it

Sample Answer (Band 7.0+):

A modern building that really impresses me is the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, also known as Weiwuying, in southern Taiwan. I had the chance to visit it during a short trip last year, and I was blown away by both its design and function.

This building serves as a cultural hub and includes multiple theaters, concert halls, and exhibition spaces. It’s located inside a large park and blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

From the outside, the design feels futuristic. The flowing shapes and open space beneath its roof create a sense of movement and creativity. It's mainly built using glass and steel, but the design avoids the coldness that many modern buildings have.

What I love most is how open and accessible it feels. The structure invites people in — it doesn’t feel closed off or intimidating, unlike some government or financial buildings. Overall, it’s a wonderful example of how architecture can be both artistic and functional.

For a related topic, you can explore describe a place you have visited sample speaking.

2. Speaking Sample Answer – Part 3

At Band 7.0+, your Part 3 responses should reflect the ability to speak about abstract ideas, make comparisons, provide examples, and use a wide range of language clearly and comfortably.

Question 1: Why do some people admire modern buildings while others prefer traditional architecture?

I think it depends on personal taste and cultural background. Some people admire modern buildings because of their innovation, unique shapes, and use of new materials. On the other hand, many people are more emotionally attached to traditional architecture — which often reflects history, craftsmanship, and identity. In a way, both types of design tell stories — just in different languages.

Question 2: How important is it for cities to have modern buildings?

Modern buildings play an important role in shaping the image and function of a city. They often attract investment, tourism, and can improve efficiency — especially when designed with sustainability in mind. That being said, I think it's just as important to strike a balance. Cities should preserve cultural heritage while still creating space for innovation.

Question 3: What are some key features of well-designed modern architecture?

I’d say the most important features include functionality, sustainability, and emotional impact. A good modern building should not only serve its purpose but also consider energy efficiency and user comfort. At the same time, it should inspire — whether through spacious design, natural light, or creative structure. When people feel something as they walk into a building, that’s a sign of successful design.

For more practice, explore answer speaking part 3 in IELTS.

3. Vocabulary Highlight

When speaking about modern buildings and architecture, you can apply similar descriptive ideas in describe a place where you go to relax sample speaking.

Describing Design & Appearance

Functions, Features & Concepts

Opinions & Reflections

4. Grammar and Structures

Band 7.0+ learners are expected to confidently control a wide range of sentence types, verb tenses, and linking structures—all used naturally and with minimal error. Tense Usage – Fluid and Well-Chosen

Complex Sentence Structures

High-Level Linking Devices

IV. Examiner’s Comments – What a Band 7 Answer Sounds Like

To reach Band 7.0 and higher, you should understand the official IELTS speaking band scores.

What Examiners Look For

1. Fluency and Coherence – Do you speak smoothly and logically without overpausing?

2. Lexical Resource – Do you use topic-specific vocabulary accurately and naturally?

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Do you show flexibility with sentence forms and control of errors?

4. Pronunciation – Are you clear, natural, and easy to understand?

High-Level Characteristics – Band 7+ Sample Includes:

• Topic-specific ideas, not generic: “a landmark that represents urban reinvention”

• Developed reasoning: “This design encourages community by offering open public space.”

• Emotional or intellectual reaction: “It actually made me rethink how buildings affect mood.”

• Accurate use of collocations: “environmentally responsible architecture,” “visual identity of the city”

Tips from an Examiner’s Perspective

• Go beyond describing shape or size. Think about what makes the building important, symbolic, or meaningful.

• Use examples or reflections: “It's where many students go to study — not just a design piece, but a living space.”

• Include at least one comparison, one opinion, and one detail at the Band 7.0+ level.

• Stay calm and think in blocks, not sentences: organize by idea → detail → opinion → why it matters.

This article has provided a sample IELTS Speaking Part 2 + 3 on the topic 'Describe a modern building' that has been prepared by the teachers at PREP. If you are having difficulty with the IELTS Speaking, the teachers at Prep will be happy to assist you. Please check out the IELTS preparation course at prepedu.com.