IELTS Speaking 2025 Part 2&3: Describe an Interesting Building 🏗

Describe an Interesting Building 🏗

Ideas 💡

• Where it is → A famous landmark, a modern skyscraper, or a unique traditional house
• What it looks like → Unusual design, tall, colorful, historical, futuristic
• What its function is → A museum, a cultural center, a government building, a commercial complex
• Why it is interesting → Unique architecture, rich history, sustainable design, advanced technology

Useful Grammar & Structures 🏗️

✅ Present simple & present perfect (It stands in the heart of the city / It has been a major tourist attraction for decades…)
✅ Comparative structures (It is far more impressive than any other building I have seen…)
✅ Cause-and-effect sentences (Because of its historical significance, many people visit it every year…)

Collocations & Idioms 🌟

1. Architectural masterpiece 🏛 (kiệt tác kiến trúc)
2. Blend of tradition and modernity 🏗 (sự kết hợp giữa truyền thống và hiện đại)
3. Awe-inspiring structure 😲 (công trình khiến người khác trầm trồ)
4. Cutting-edge technology 🚀 (công nghệ tiên tiến)
5. Rich historical significance 📜 (giá trị lịch sử phong phú)

Full Sample Answer (2+ minutes) 🏗

One of the most interesting buildings I have ever seen is the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore. This architectural masterpiece is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, known for its futuristic design and luxurious facilities.

The most striking feature of this building is its SkyPark, which looks like a massive ship sitting on top of three towering skyscrapers. The hotel has a unique shape, almost like a deck of cards standing upright. At the top, there is an infinity pool that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city.

In terms of its function, Marina Bay Sands is not just a hotel—it’s a multi-functional complex that includes a shopping mall, a casino, a convention center, and a museum. Many international events, fashion shows, and exhibitions are held here. The building is also a hub for entertainment, with theaters and art installations.

What I find most fascinating about this structure is its blend of tradition and modernity. While it has an ultra-modern appearance, it also incorporates eco-friendly elements, such as a rainwater collection system and energy-efficient lighting. The design is inspired by feng shui principles, which adds a cultural touch to its futuristic style.

Overall, I think Marina Bay Sands is an awe-inspiring structure that reflects innovation and creativity. If I ever get the chance, I would love to stay there and experience its incredible SkyPark firsthand!

🏛 Part 3: Follow-up Questions & Answers 🏗

1. What types of buildings are popular in your country?

Ideas 💡

✅ Modern skyscrapers → In big cities for business and finance
✅ Traditional houses → Rural areas with wooden structures
✅ Religious buildings → Temples, pagodas, churches

Collocations 🌟

1. Blend of cultural and contemporary elements 🏛 (sự kết hợp giữa văn hóa và hiện đại)
2. Urban expansion 🌆 (sự mở rộng đô thị)
3. Preserve architectural heritage 🏯 (bảo tồn di sản kiến trúc)

Sample Answer 🏗

In my country, we can see a diverse range of buildings, depending on the region. In big cities, modern skyscrapers dominate the skyline, as they serve as office buildings and shopping centers. In contrast, traditional houses made of wood and bamboo are more common in rural areas. Additionally, we have many religious buildings, such as temples and pagodas, which are built with intricate designs and hold deep cultural significance. Overall, the architecture here is a blend of cultural and contemporary elements.

2. Is it worth spending a lot of money on the exterior appearance of a building?

Ideas 💡

✅ Yes, because… It attracts customers, enhances tourism, and increases property value
✅ No, because… Functionality is more important than aesthetics

Collocations 🌟

1. Visually appealing façade 🏢 (mặt tiền hấp dẫn)
2. Boost economic value 💰 (tăng giá trị kinh tế)
3. Aesthetic appeal vs. practicality ⚖️ (vẻ đẹp thẩm mỹ so với tính thực tế)

Sample Answer 🎨

It depends on the purpose of the building. If it’s a hotel, shopping mall, or tourist attraction, then having a visually appealing façade is important because it can boost economic value by attracting more visitors. However, for schools, hospitals, or government offices, I think functionality should take priority over aesthetics. A well-designed building should balance both beauty and practicality.

3. Is it more important for a building to look good on the outside or inside?

Ideas 💡

✅ Outside is more important → First impressions, tourism, architectural beauty
✅ Inside is more important → Comfort, functionality, safety

Collocations 🌟

1. Eye-catching exterior 🏢 (ngoại thất bắt mắt)
2. Well-designed interior layout 🏠 (bố cục nội thất hợp lý)
3. Striking balance between aesthetics and comfort ⚖️ (cân bằng giữa vẻ đẹp và sự thoải mái)

Sample Answer 🏡

In my opinion, both are important, but if I had to choose, I’d say the interior matters more. While an eye-catching exterior might grab attention, it’s the well-designed interior layout that determines how functional and comfortable a building is. However, a truly remarkable building should strike a balance between aesthetics and comfort.

4. Why do people like to visit historical sites?

Ideas 💡

✅ To learn about history → Gain knowledge about past civilizations
✅ To appreciate ancient architecture → Unique designs and craftsmanship
✅ To feel a connection with the past → Experience culture firsthand

Collocations 🌟

1. Step back in time ⏳ (trở về quá khứ)
2. Cultural and historical significance 🏛 (tầm quan trọng về văn hóa và lịch sử)
3. Preserve heritage for future generations 🌍 (bảo tồn di sản cho thế hệ sau)

Sample Answer 📜

Many people visit historical sites because they want to step back in time and experience history firsthand. These places have cultural and historical significance, allowing visitors to learn about past civilizations, traditional customs, and ancient architecture. Additionally, by visiting these sites, people contribute to efforts to preserve heritage for future generations.