Describe an unusual but interesting building
Describe an unusual but interesting building
You should say:
- Where the building is
- What it looks like
- What it is used for
- And explain why you think it is unusual but interesting
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
How to plan it in one minute
- Choose a building with a strong visual identity to make descriptive language easier to use.
- Use the first minute to note down adjectives describing the shape, colour, and atmosphere.
- Follow the bullet points as a chronological narrative to keep your speech flow logical.
Band 8 model answer
I’d like to talk about the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, which is a truly striking piece of architecture. It’s located in the southern part of the city, nestled within beautifully manicured gardens. What makes it so visually arresting is its shape; it consists of twenty-seven enormous, free-standing marble petals arranged in clusters to mimic a blossoming lotus flower. The structure doesn’t have any straight lines, which gives it an incredibly organic, fluid appearance against the Delhi skyline. The building functions as a Baháʼí House of Worship, a space open to people of all religions to pray or meditate in silence. I find it fascinating because, while it looks like a futuristic sculpture, it was actually constructed back in the eighties using precise mathematical principles to achieve that curvature. It’s unusual because most religious buildings rely on traditional ornamentation, whereas this is completely minimalist, relying solely on light and form to create a sense of serenity. Stepping inside is quite surreal; the acoustics are engineered so that even with hundreds of visitors, the atmosphere remains hushed and contemplative. It’s a masterful blend of modern engineering and spiritual symbolism that manages to feel both ancient and ahead of its time. The way the sunlight filters through the top of the petals creates a soft, ethereal glow that changes throughout the day, making the interior feel like a living, breathing space. It’s a remarkable example of how architecture can transcend its physical function to provide a genuine sense of peace in a hectic, bustling metropolis.
253 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.
Vocabulary from the answer
- striking
- attracting attention by being unusual or very impressive
- manicured
- neatly and carefully maintained or trimmed garden area
- arresting
- striking or dramatic enough to attract full attention
- ornamentation
- details or features added to make something attractive
- minimalist
- characterised by simplicity and a lack of decoration
- surreal
- having the disorienting quality of a strange dream
- ethereal
- extremely delicate and light in a heavenly way
- transcend
- to go beyond the range or physical limits
Part 3 questions that follow this card
- What role does society play in shaping our attitudes towards this?
- Has the way people view this changed over the years?
- How do you think it will develop in the future?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks?
- Do you think the government should be involved in regulating this area?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.
Say it out loud and get a band
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Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe an unusual but interesting building"?
Choose a building with a strong visual identity to make descriptive language easier to use.
How long should my answer be?
Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
Can I use this model answer in the exam?
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.