Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a building (or a structure) you saw that impressed you - Cue Card # 195
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a building (or a structure) you saw that impressed you.
You should say:
- where it is/was
- what is looks like
- when you saw it
and explain why this building or structure impressed you.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
I have had the opportunity to witness several impressive buildings in different cities in my country, and sometimes even visit them, and they look so impressive and unique that it has become very difficult to choose one over the others, as far as their looks and architectural designs are concerned. However, there is one building which looks way more impressive to me than other buildings, and I would like to provide some information on it here.
It is located in the capital city of my country, which is popularly known as the largest shopping mall in South Asia. I am talking about “Jamuna Future Park”. This building is so huge, with a gross leasable area of 1,614,586 square feet, that even though the construction of this building started in 2002, it was actually completed in the year of 2013.
Anyway, I have seen it many times, and when I saw it for the first time about a few years ago, all I could see was a gigantic building, standing tall with its 7 floors. The building also had a tower-like entrance, which was made of large tower constructions and a beautiful looking glass. I am not a building expert, but when I went inside the building, I saw that all kinds of best quality building materials like silicone, aluminium and expensive glass were used to construct it. In addition to that, I could also see that the surface of each floor of the building was glazing exquisitely with all kinds of beautiful-looking tiles and marble stones. Finally, the lighting scheme inside that building was so beautiful and matched so perfectly with the decoration inside that I felt like I was actually spending my time in a "dreamland".
The building impressed me because it was a “mini modern city” by itself with its own power plant, indoor transportation facilities, facilities for live entertainment, theme park, gymnasium, swimming pool, health club, food court, world-class movie theatre and Wi-Fi internet system. Besides, the interior of the building was so spacious that one could literally get lost in it while looking at its elegant interior and decoration. All in all, it was a building worth visiting.
Sample Answer 2:
The Central Bank building in our capital city thoroughly impressed me when I saw it for the first time. I was only 12 when I first witnessed this building, and I still remember that I was quite astonished by its sheer size and marvellous architecture. It was a building like nothing other, and it was a wonder to my young mind. I'd like to thank you for this great topic, and describe this astonishing building here.
Ten to fifteen-story buildings are quite common in our city, but the 150-story Central Bank building is something that stands atop every other construction in the city. Not only is it higher than other buildings in the surrounding area, but it also possesses a unique architectural design that demands a second look and marvel by pedestrians, even though they have crossed this building many times! Sometimes I feel like it emerged directly from a futuristic Sci-Fi story.
From a distance, it will only give you the impression of a futuristic megastructure, but if you observe the building closely, you will perceive its real beauty - as if every inch of it has been drawn or designed before the construction. This building is a fine piece of architecture that prominently announces its presence. When I looked up while standing close to it, I got the impression that it was endless and had made its way to the sky. The long round clock in front of this building ticks loudly twice a day - at exactly 12:00 and 24:00, to let the city dwellers know its presence.
I love it for its massive size and unparalleled beauty, and who wouldn't! I still am a fan of this building as I was when I was just 12. Its mega size, stunning beauty, and futuristic design make me wonder at the sheer magnitude of human imagination and creativity. This is a building that will keep me amazed and wonder - I guess.
Sample Answer 3:
The Great Wall of China is one of the most interesting structures in human history, which keeps me wondering at the human endowment to build mega structures. When I first visited this structure, I was quite taken aback by the massive length and intricate design of this edifice. I saw it several times on TV, but viewing it with my own eyes was a totally different experience - something that is hard to express in words. In my opinion, this is the most interesting construction that I have ever seen.
The Great Wall of China is one of the seven wonders of the world and indeed a magnificent construction that reminds us of a glorious time in history. It is more than 21 kilometres in length and is a series of fortifications made of bricks, tamped earth, stones, wood, and other materials. Several walls were built as early as the 7th century, and the majority of the existing walls were constructed during the Ming Dynasty. Protecting the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe and watching the enemy movements were the main reasons this Great Wall was constructed.
Soldiers used to keep walking on the Great Wall and could easily warn others about approaching enemies. This vast wall runs across China like a large dragon and stands as the protector of the country.
There is a common misconception that this is the only man-made construction that can be seen from the moon. Though this is an exaggerated statement, it clearly states the sheer size of this construction. Millions of tourists each year come to visit this wonderful construction, and this has become one of the most significant tourist attractions in China. In a way, the Great Wall has become a symbol of China's pride and a prominent example of its past glory and strength. So I can only be proud of this structure, which still amazes me whenever I see or think about it.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a building or structure that impressed you. To make your answer great, you should provide details about the location, appearance, and the moment you first encountered it. Also, explain why it impressed you and what made it stand out. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response:
1. The Eiffel Tower, Paris:
I first saw the Eiffel Tower when I visited Paris a few years ago. This iconic iron lattice tower is 330 meters tall and stands majestically in the heart of the city. I saw it in the evening when it was beautifully lit up, and the view from the top was breathtaking. What impressed me the most was its sheer size and elegance, as well as the fact that it was built in the 19th century, yet still stands as a symbol of modernity and innovation.
2. The Colosseum, Rome:
The Colosseum is a stunning ancient amphitheatre I visited during a trip to Rome. This massive stone structure, with its grand arches and intricate design, dates back to the Roman Empire. I saw it in the early morning, when the light cast a golden hue over its ruins. What impressed me about the Colosseum was its history and the sheer scale of the construction. Despite being centuries old, it stands as a testament to Roman engineering and the culture of that time.
3. The Sydney Opera House, Australia:
I saw the Sydney Opera House during a visit to Australia. The building's unique design, with its white, sail-like roofs, makes it look like a set of large, curved sails on the harbour. I visited it at sunset, and the reflection of the structure in the water made it even more beautiful. What impressed me the most was its innovative architecture and how it seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings of Sydney’s harbour.
4. The Taj Mahal, India:
I first saw the Taj Mahal during a trip to India, and I was struck by its sheer beauty. The white marble mausoleum, surrounded by lush gardens and reflecting pools, is a symbol of love. I visited it during the morning hours when the sun’s light made the marble shimmer. What impressed me was not just the architecture but the story behind it—the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
5. The Great Wall of China, China:
When I visited China, I had the chance to see the Great Wall. The wall stretches over 13,000 miles, winding through mountains and valleys. I saw it during a trip to the Mutianyu section, which is known for its well-preserved state. The sheer length and the historical significance of the wall left me in awe. The Great Wall’s design, along with the incredible effort it took to build it over centuries, is truly impressive.
6. The Burj Khalifa, Dubai:
I saw the Burj Khalifa during a trip to Dubai. Standing at a staggering 828 meters, it is the tallest building in the world. I saw it at night, and the building lit up with a beautiful light display. What impressed me the most was its modern, sleek design and the fact that it holds so many world records. The view from the observation deck was breathtaking, and I was fascinated by how the building seemed to touch the sky.
7. The Palace of Versailles, France:
I had the opportunity to visit the Palace of Versailles on a trip to France. The palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with its grand halls, intricate gardens, and gold-leafed details. I saw it during the spring when the gardens were in full bloom. What impressed me about Versailles was not just the opulence and grandeur of the palace but also the history it holds as the seat of the French monarchy before the Revolution.
8. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt:
I first saw the Pyramids of Giza during a trip to Egypt. The massive limestone structures are over 4,000 years old and still stand as some of the most impressive architectural feats in history. I visited them early in the morning when the sun was just rising, casting a warm glow over the pyramids. What impressed me the most was their sheer size and the mystery surrounding how they were built with such precision in ancient times.
9. The Sagrada Família, Barcelona:
The Sagrada Família is a magnificent basilica in Barcelona that I saw during a recent visit. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, the church features a combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with intricate facades and stunning interiors. I visited the basilica in the afternoon, when sunlight streamed through the colourful stained-glass windows. What impressed me about the Sagrada Família was its unique design and the fact that it’s still under construction after more than a century.
10. The Alhambra, Spain:
I saw the Alhambra during a trip to Spain, and I was immediately captivated by its beauty. The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex in Granada, Spain, known for its intricate Islamic architecture and stunning gardens. I visited it in the evening when the sun set behind the mountains, casting a golden hue over the palace. What impressed me the most was the blend of architecture, nature, and history, making it a truly breathtaking place to visit.
11. The Golden Gate Bridge, USA:
One structure that impressed me was the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I first saw it during a road trip along the West Coast. The bridge’s vibrant orange colour stood out against the blue sky and water. I visited it in the morning when the fog was lifting, giving the scene a surreal quality. What impressed me was not only the engineering marvel of the bridge but also its iconic status as a symbol of San Francisco.
12. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy:
I first saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa during a vacation in Italy. The tower, which is famous for its tilt, stands in a beautiful square surrounded by other historic buildings. I visited it on a sunny afternoon, and the sight of the leaning tower was both amusing and impressive. What impressed me about the Leaning Tower was its iconic status and the architectural feat of keeping it standing despite its tilt.
13. The Acropolis, Athens:
I had the opportunity to visit the Acropolis in Athens, which houses the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Acropolis offers stunning views of the city, and I saw it during a clear summer day. What impressed me most about the Acropolis was its historical significance and how it represents the cradle of Western civilisation and democracy.
14. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia:
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is another impressive structure that I saw during a visit to Australia. The bridge’s large, arching design is one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. I visited it on a bright sunny day, and the view of the harbour and the surrounding areas from the top of the bridge was amazing. What impressed me was the engineering and the stunning view it offers, as well as its significance to the city’s history and culture.
15. The Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar:
I first saw the Shwedagon Pagoda during a trip to Myanmar. This golden pagoda, covered in gold leaf, is one of the most sacred sites in Myanmar and is beautifully lit up at night. I visited it during the evening when the pagoda glowed under the lights, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. What impressed me was not just the size and grandeur of the pagoda, but also its cultural and religious importance to the people of Myanmar.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an impressive building or structure, using vivid and architectural vocabulary can effectively convey its appearance, scale, and the impact it had on you. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the reasons for its grandeur and your personal reaction, making your response both descriptive and engaging. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Architectural: – Relating to the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.
Example: It's an architectural marvel, blending traditional and modern elements seamlessly.
Imposing: – Grand and impressive in appearance.
Example: The skyscraper was incredibly imposing, dominating the city skyline.
Symmetrical: – Made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis; exhibiting symmetry.
Example: Its perfectly symmetrical facade was particularly striking to me.
Breathtaking facade: – An astonishingly beautiful or impressive front face of a building.
Example: The building boasted a truly breathtaking facade, adorned with intricate carvings.
Soaring height: – Extremely tall; reaching a great elevation.
Example: Its soaring height made it visible from miles away.
Intricate design: – A very detailed and complex pattern or arrangement.
Example: I was mesmerised by the intricate design of the domes and arches.
Stood out amidst: – Was very noticeable among other things or buildings.
Example: It truly stood out amidst the more modern structures surrounding it.
A testament to human ingenuity: – A clear indication of human cleverness and originality.
Example: The sheer scale of the bridge is a testament to human ingenuity.
Evokes a sense of awe: – Calls forth a feeling of reverential respect mixed with wonder.
Example: Its grandeur still evokes a sense of awe whenever I think of it.
Blends seamlessly with: – Integrates perfectly and harmoniously with its surroundings.
Example: Despite its size, the structure blends seamlessly with the natural landscape.
An engineering marvel: – An astonishing achievement in the field of engineering.
Example: From an engineering perspective, it's an absolute marvel.
Captivated my attention: – Strongly attracted and held my interest.
Example: Every detail of the structure captivated my attention for hours.
Reflected cultural heritage: – Showed characteristics of the historical traditions and customs of a particular group of people.
Example: The building beautifully reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Similar Cue Card Topics
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a building (or a structure) you saw that impressed you", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an interesting building or structure you know about.
2) Describe an interesting historic place you have been to.
3) Describe a place you would recommend a foreigner visit in your country.
4) Describe a historical building in your hometown or city.
5) Describe a famous building or landmark in your town/city.
6) Describe a beautiful house you have been to.
7) Describe a house or apartment in which someone you know lives.
8) Describe a famous building or architectural design in your country.
9) Describe a historical place you have been to.
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