IELTS Speaking Part 2, 3 sample: Describe a modern building

Describe a modern building is an IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic under the Places category. This task requires the test taker to describe a modern building, which can be considered a relatively easy topic. The teachers at PREP have also prepared a very detailed sample response, complete with valuable ideas and high-scoring vocabulary. Additionally, you can apply this Speaking sample to answer prompts like Describe a famous building or Describe a building.

I. Sample IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a modern building

1. Cue card: Describe a modern building

2. Part 2 outline: Describe a modern building

2.1. Sample idea

• The Describe a modern building task requires test takers to provide information about: 

  • Where it is located

  • What it looks like

  • What it is used for

  • Why you like or dislike the building

• The “Describe a modern building” prompt falls under the broader topic of Places. To effectively address this task, the best approach is to closely follow the cues provided in the prompt and offer the clearest possible information, avoiding generalities.

• For the first question - where it is located - this is generally quite easy to answer, as we all have impressions of certain buildings. All you need to do is choose a specific building that you feel confident discussing in terms of its architecture, function, and benefits.

• Next, you'll need to go into more detail for the second question - what it looks like. In this part, you'll inform the listener about the shape and design of the building - what it looks like, what shape it resembles, and what distinctive features it has, elaborating on this point.

• Building on this, you can then answer the third question - what it is used for. Here, you will describe the functions that the building serves.

• Finally, you need to provide a reason - why you like or dislike the building - to fully address the Describe a modern building prompt. In this part, you'll incorporate your personal experiences to explain your preference, clarifying the feelings and impressions the building evokes.

2.1. One-minute note-taking

3. Sample Speaking: Describe a modern building

Below is a sample IELTS Speaking Part 2 response on the topic of Describing a modern building, developed in detail according to the outline provided earlier. Feel free to reference this sample to effectively practice IELTS Speaking at home.

Since you’ve asked me about a modern building, I’d love to share with you about one of the most symbolic towers in Vietnam, Lotte Tower. 

As far as I am concerned, this construction is by far the second highest tower in Hanoi, with 65 floors in total. What sets it apart from the others is probably its one-of-a-kind design. Inspired by Vietnamese traditional costume,  Lotte Tower has a shape that pretty much resembles the curves of ao dai, which makes it unmistakable in a city full of skyscrapers like Hanoi.

Situated in the central business district of Hanoi, this is such a perfect location for numerous services. In fact, Lotte has been utilized for a wide range of purposes. A lot of big corporations, especially multinational companies have located their headquarters and representative offices there, so you can easily notice a stream of businessmen and businesswomen moving around Lotte on a daily basis.

Moreover, there is also a shopping mall that displays high–quality merchandise from countless nationally and internationally renowned brands. I must say that, whenever I come across the area, any product for sale here is such a feast for the eyes. Besides, this building is definitely a place for entertainment. Most notably, there is an observation deck located on the 65th floor. It provides us with a panoramic view of the city with a stunning skyline, helping us capture all the beauties of Hanoi into our eyesight.

I could give you, like, tons of reasons why I adore this magnificent building. To begin with, it is such a convenient location for me to shop on weekends. As it is just about one kilometer away from my house, I can get there in a few minutes, and then go on a shopping spree. This is also my favorite spot to escape from daily struggles.

Whenever I feel drained, I feel like riding the elevator to the observation deck to enjoy stunning, unrestricted views of the capital, which would make me feel mentally better. To conclude, Lotte Tower will always hold a special place in my heart, thanks to the benefits it brings to me.

Having a strong vocabulary is crucial for success in IELTS Speaking Part 2. This section requires you to speak at length about a given topic, so having a diverse range of words at your disposal is essential. The examiner will be assessing your lexical resource - your ability to use a wide vocabulary, including less common and idiomatic terms. Focusing on expanding your vocabulary, especially topic-specific words and collocations, will allow you to describe things in more detail, use more precise language, and demonstrate your command of the English language. Ultimately, a rich vocabulary can help you achieve a higher band score in this challenging part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Below are some high-scoring vocabulary words used in the sample IELTS Speaking Part 2 response on the topic of Describing a modern building:

• Symbolic (adj.) - Representing something in a symbolic way

• As far as I am concerned (phrase) - In my opinion, according to my knowledge

• Set somebody/something apart (phrase) - Make someone or something stand out more than others

• One-of-a-kind (adj.) - Unique, the only one of its kind

• Unmistakable (adj.) - Clearly identifiable, not to be confused with anything else

• On a daily basis (phrase) - Daily, regularly

• A feast for the eyes (phrase) - Very visually appealing, satisfying to look at

• Panoramic (adj.) - Providing a comprehensive or complete view

• Go on a shopping spree (phrase) - Engage in extensive, unrestrained shopping

II. Sample IELTS Speaking Part 3: Buildings

1. What is the most important for a public building: design, location, or facilities?

Location is probably the most crucial for a public building. In this day and age, it is obvious that advancements in architectural design and facilities have made the construction of buildings easier than ever. In fact, we can see buildings with state-of-the-art design and facilities everywhere we go.

From the already renowned towers, to the newly constructed buildings, the contractor can easily make a change, or renovation to these two factors, as long as they have enough money to implement the process. Therefore, it is the location that matters. With a perfect location, a public building can appeal to a lot of audience with the minimum effort and is likely to provide a lot more services than the others. 

• In this day and age (phrase) - In the current period, nowadays

• State-of-the-art (adj.) - Cutting-edge, featuring the latest technology or design

• Renowned (adj.) - Famous, well-known

• It is....that matters (phrase) - It is that is important/significant

• Appeal to (phrase) - Attract, be appealing to

2. Do you think the appearance of a building is important?

Well yes, I do think that the appearance of a building plays a major role, especially in the popularity of a building. Nowadays, visitors are more drawn to constructions that have an eye-catching design, assuming that these places provide great services and have a lot to offer for projects related to visuals.

Take Landmark 81 as a prime example. With a unique shape that resembles the national flower of Vietnam, the lotus, this skyscraper has already become a symbolic image of Ho Chi Minh city, which can easily be noticed from afar, and attracted a lot of people to use their services, for example, leasing and renting.  

• Drawn to (phrase) - Attracted to, fascinated by

• Have a lot to offer (phrase) - Provide many appealing features or qualities

• A symbolic image (phrase) - An image that represents something in a symbolic way

• From afar (phrase) - From a distance, from far away

3. How have buildings changed in the past few years?

For the past few years, there has been a change in the use of construction techniques. Aside from buildings with a conventional design, it is quite obvious that more uniquely shaped constructions have been erected. With a variety of shapes and sizes, these structures have become more noticeable than ever before.

Moreover, thanks to technological advances, buildings are now well equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as smart face recognition or energy efficient lighting systems, making it more convenient for people working and living there. 

• Erect (v.) - To build, construct

• Cutting-edge technology (phrase) - Advanced, state-of-the-art technology

• Smart face recognition (phrase) - Intelligent, sophisticated facial recognition technology

III. Conclusion

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.