How to Describe an interesting building • Answer Template
Content
When you're asked to describe an interesting building in an English speaking test, it's important to choose the right words and use them correctly. This can be a difficult task, but with a little practice, you can do it successfully.
Here are some tips on describing an interesting building in English and some examples of how to use different adjectives to make your description more interesting.
Follow these tips and you'll be ready to describe any interesting building perfectly!
You could talk about:
- a historical building,
- a new building,
- the tallest building in your country,
- a building you have visited,
- a building you have seen on TV or the internet,
- or a building you would like to visit.
YOU can decide why it is interesting!
What kind of building is it? Is it...
- a skyscraper (very, very tall)
- a historical building (very old)
- a modern building (very new)
- a public building (museum, church, government building, etc.)
- or maybe a commercial building (hotel, office block, shopping mall, etc.) or a private building (home, mansion, residence)?
Why is it interesting?
- is it very old and important (historical significance)?
- is the architecture (design) outstanding / modern / award winning?
- is its function very creative / innovative?
- is it simply very different from other buildings in your country?
- is it a famous building; the tallest, the biggest, etc.
Try to think of 2 or 3 interesting things about the building and focus on constructing your answer around those points.
This example IELTS speaking Part 2 cue card is about an interesting building.
You should say:
- where the building is
- the kind of building it is
- why you think it is interesting
The "Four-Pillar" Answer Template
To keep things flowing and not repeat yourself, go with this structure to fill the 2 minutes.
1. The Set-Up (The "What's Where" Bit)
First, nail down a clear opening that establishes what you're talking about.
- Location: We're talking about a place that's smack in the middle of [City], or maybe it's tucked away in a quiet back street or perched on the waterfront.
- Type of place: Is it a swanky modern skyscraper, a historic landmark, or some old industrial building that's been repurposed?
- What it's like on the outside: Use a word that really packs a punch to describe it - "stunning", "low-key", "super modern" or "well-worn" for example.
2. The Facade (The "Look" That Grabs You)
Now it's time to talk about the building's outside - its "bones" as it were.
- What it's made of: Is it all glass from floor to ceiling, solid concrete, or good old-fashioned red brick?
- The style: Is it sleek and minimalist, or gothic and all dark and foreboding?
- Any standout features: Is that the facade that really stands out, or the way it looks when you look at it against the skyline? Maybe there's some ornate carving or other little details that catch the eye.
3. Inside & What It's Used For (The "Function" of the space)
Next up, shift from the outside to what happens when you step inside.
- The atmosphere in here: Is it airy and open-plan, or small and intimate?
- What it's used for: Is it a hub for business, a place of worship, or just a bunch of people living in apartments?
- Any "green" features: Does it have solar panels, a vertical garden or anything else that's "eco-friendly"?
4. The "Hook" That Grabs You (The "Why" You Find It Interesting)
And this is where the magic happens, at least from a scoring point of view. This is the bit where you tell the examiner why this building is interesting to you - what makes it stand out.
- Any history behind it: Did something famous happen here that you can mention?
- How it contrasts with its surroundings: Does it stand out because it's so different from all the other buildings in the area?
- Your own personal connection: Why is this building interesting to you, personally? (e.g. "It reminds me of...")
Quick-Reference Vocabulary Table
If you want to score well on your Lexical Resource, use these key words to give your answers some extra punch.
| Aspect | Word You Can Use | Example of How To Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | aesthetic appeal, iconic silhouette | "The building's got a truly iconic silhouette that grabs the eye." |
| Structure | imposing, state-of-the-art, ornate | "It's a state-of-the-art facility with a glass facade that really makes a statement." |
| Age | ancient, contemporary, well-preserved | "This colonial building is a well-preserved example of architecture from another era." |
| Feeling | evocative, breathtaking, out of place | "The interior is breathtaking because of the big high ceilings and all the natural light." |
Tip for Candidates
When you practice, don't just memorize the words. Practice the transitions. Use phrases like "Moving on to the interior..." or "What makes it particularly fascinating is..." to improve your Coherence and Cohesion score.Sample Answers
When I was on vacation last summer I saw a lot of interesting places, but one that sticks in my mind is a tower, well actually some people called it a fort – it was constructed a long time ago, in the 17th century.
It was used to guard the shore against invasions from enemies and for that reason it had a semicircular gun platform, or an artillery battery, which was able to defend against attacks from the sea.
The design of the building in architectural terms is quite simple; it’s a four-walled structure with a pentagonal turret (or tower) at each corner. The entrance to the tower is via a drawbridge – just like you see in old castles, and there is a moat all around the structure, although now it’s a ditch without any water.
It’s been used for various purposes over the centuries, obviously for defense, also as a prison, and more recently it housed a restaurant as well as a pizzeria although when I visited it the building was closed and apparently now it isn’t actually used for anything – it’s just a historical site.
But we were lucky enough to see a special event there – a historical re-enactment of one of the important events that happened during an invasion – this was part of a celebration of the building’s 400th year.
The interesting thing is – it’s not a famous building like the Eiffel Tower or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, it wasn’t built by a well-known architect or anyone famous, but it’s size and appearance in contrast to the area around it is incredible.
And its commanding views of the sea are quite impressive, not to mention the fact that it’s more than 400 hundred years old and it’s still standing there – very imposing.
When we were standing inside we could almost ‘feel’ the history in its walls and you could easily imagine how things were at the time it was built – it has such a presence.
That’s why I think it’s an interesting building – because of how it made me feel.
How to Describe a building which you find interesting
Sample AnswerI'm always fascinated by the Monadnock Building in Chicago. It's an iconic building that stands out among the skyscrapers of downtown, with its solid masonry construction and imposing height. Designed by two renowned architects – John Root and Daniel Burnham – it was completed in 1895 and has been a symbol of strength and stability ever since.
The Monadnock is designed in the style of the Chicago School, a type of architecture developed during the late 19th century that emphasized verticality and structural expressionism. With no steel skeleton to support it, this impressive structure reaches sixteen stories high, making it one of the tallest buildings constructed entirely out of brick, stone or terra cotta at that time. Its unique form features two separate towers that range in height from seven to sixteen stories.
The Monadnock is recognized for its distinct terra cotta detailing, which provides it with a unique beauty and aesthetic charm. Its impressive size and solid construction has made the building a lasting landmark of Chicago’s history. Today, the Monadnock continues to serve as an important part of the city’s skyline, standing majestically as both a symbol of strength and stability.
While some may take its presence for granted, many still appreciate the grandeur of the Monadnock Building, even after more than 125 years. It stands tall as a testament to Chicago's enduring spirit and commitment to progress and innovation. What once was a symbol of the city's past is now a beacon of its future. The Monadnock Building continues to be an integral part of Chicago's skyline and culture, inspiring generations for years to come.
No matter how many times you visit, the sheer presence of the Monadnock Building never fails to evoke awe and admiration. Its sheer size is impressive enough but it also houses countless stories and memories that have been passed down through time, making it one of the most beloved buildings in Chicago’s history.
From its distinctive details to its grandiose scale, there’s no denying that this architectural icon will always be seen as a treasured piece in Chicago's skyline.
An interesting building in your hometown
Sample AnswerIn my hometown of Port Stanley, there is a beautiful old building that has been around for almost two centuries. The building is called the London-Derby Block and it stands proudly in the heart of the downtown core.
It's an architectural gem with its large stone walls, a grand entranceway, and intricate detailing on all four sides of the structure.
The building was built many years ago, in 1841, by a wealthy merchant who wanted to leave his mark on the city. He hired master craftsmen from Europe to make sure that each detail was perfect and nothing short of magnificent. Inside, you will find rooms with high ceilings, marble floors, and ornately carved wooden doors.
Today, this iconic structure is home to various shops including a specialty toy store, a book shop, and a jewelry store. The building also houses offices on the upper floors and is equipped with an elevator to take you up to the higher levels.
No matter when or why you visit the London-Derby Block, it will always be sure to capture your attention and bring a smile to your face. It's not just another building — it's part of London's history and heritage that should be cherished by all who lay eyes on it. Just one look at this beautiful structure is enough to immerse yourself in its grandeur.
The story of the London-Derby Block is one that has been told for generations, and everyone should experience its beauty firsthand. Whether you plan to explore the ground-floor shops or venture up to the top floors of offices, there's something there for everyone.
If you ever get the chance to visit - do come and have a look for yourself! You won't regret it!
How would you answer this IELTS speaking test cue card question about an interesting building?
Good luck with your IELTS!