Describe a Modern Building – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

In today's world, architecture is not just about building structures, it is also a reflection of technological advancement, sustainability, and modern aesthetics. So, when answering the IELTS cue card, Describe a Modern Building, it is important to focus on all these factors and use relevant IELTS vocabulary for their features.

In this blog, we have provided 3 sample answers, each of which are well-structured. We have also included useful vocabulary and phrases that can help you perform well in the IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a Street that You Like to Visit IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question & Sample Answers

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, you might be asked to describe a modern building you find fascinating. This is a great opportunity to showcase your vocabulary related to architecture, design, and personal opinion.

You can talk about any modern building - soaring skyscrapers, eco-friendly green buildings, or futuristic museums. Now, let’s look at the three sample answers one by one.

Describe a Modern Building  – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• Where it is?

Modern architecture is a construction style that prioritizes utility and a streamlined appearance above adornment. Sharp, crisp lines are common in this design. The modern building comes in a variety of styles across the world. However, today I’d like to discuss a well-known modern Indian structure, the Lotus Temple.

• What does it look like?

The Lotus Temple, also known as the Baha’i House of Worship, is not only an icon of modern Indian architecture but also one of the most visited religious establishments in the world. The Temple, which is situated on a 9.7-hectare plot near Nehru Place in South Delhi, is a place of worship open to people of all races, faiths, and castes.

• What it is used for?

This House of Worship is shaped like a lotus flower, considered sacred by most Indians. It is intended to express the Baha’i Faith’s simplicity, clarity, and freshness and serve as a symbol of humanity’s faith and harmony. The structure comprises three levels of nine petals each, each erupting from a pedestal that raises the edifice above the plain. The first two layers bend inward to encompass the inner dome, while the third layer curls outward to create canopies over the nine openings. The center chamber is 34 meters in diameter and stands 33.6 meters above the podium.

• And explain why you like/dislike it.

The whole superstructure of the Lotus temple is designed to function as a series of skylights with glass at the apex of the inner petals, beneath the outer petals, and on the exterior side of the entry petals, which is why I enjoy this architectural design. Moreover, light filters into the center hall the same way as it does through a lotus flower, making it spectacular and eye-catching.

Describe a Modern Building  – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• Where it is?
• What does it look like?

I think the Musee Du Louvre, better known as the Louvre Museum, located in Paris, France is a great example of a modern building. It looks like a glass pyramid with intricate structures of geometrical lines running across all directions of the pyramid. It also sports an inverted glass pyramid that acts as a skylight, extending deep into the ground. The Louvre is a massive museum housing hundreds of beautiful artifacts and paintings from the Renaissance, making it a collection of timeless beauty. In fact, the Louvre houses The Mona Lisa, one of the most expensive paintings in history, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci.

• What it is used for?
• And explain why you like/dislike it.

The Louvre was initially built as a fortress during the reign of Louis XIV but was later renovated in the 19th Century under France’s most reputed architects. I love the Louvre because it’s such a juxtaposition, a timeless classic that blends with modern architecture. It’s the largest museum in the world, and it would take over 100 days to see all the art displayed in the Louvre. It was only opened to the public in 1793, and the well-known glass pyramid was unveiled in 1993. What’s interesting about the Louvre is its rich history that contributes to the uniqueness and peculiarity of the museum. 

Describe a Modern Building  – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

• Where it is?

One of the most fascinating modern buildings I’ve ever seen is the Museum of the Future, located in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Nestled along the Sheikh Zayed Road, it’s impossible to miss due to its futuristic and unique architectural design that instantly grabs attention.

• What does it look like?

The structure itself is different from other traditional buildings. It is shaped like a massive silver torus, resembling a hollowed-out oval or an eye. The entire surface is covered with Arabic calligraphy, which is not just decorative. It is actually quotes from Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasizing knowledge, innovation, and vision. During the day, the shiny stainless-steel exterior reflects the sunlight, and at night, the building glows with elegant illumination, making it a visual spectacle 24/7.

• What it is used for?

The Museum of the Future is not just about looks. It is a functioning space for innovation, research, and exhibitions. It houses interactive installations, immersive environments, and showcases the latest advancements in AI, space exploration, bioengineering, and sustainability. It is a place where visitors can experience what life might look like 50 years from now. Each floor is like entering a different future scenario, which makes the museum highly educational and incredibly engaging.

• And explain why you like/dislike it.

What I personally admire about the Museum of the Future is that it is not just a display of cutting-edge technology, but a philosophical space that invites us to question our relationship with technology, society, and nature. It encourages us to think about solutions to global challenges and promotes creativity and curiosity among visitors of all ages. The building also reflects sustainability in its construction, using renewable energy and smart building technologies. To me, this building is a masterpiece of modern design. Whether you're interested in science, art, or simply architecture, the Museum of the Future is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Related Cue Cards

Let's explore some recent topics from the list of IELTS cue cards for topic – location/place, which are similar to ‘Describe a Modern Building’.

• Describe a Naturally Beautiful Place IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Relative’s House you Have Visited- IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Place you Often Go- IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Place that your Parents Took You To - IELTS Cue Card 

Vocabulary for Describe a Street that You Like to Visit IELTS Cue Card

Check out the latest IELTS speaking vocabulary to boost your score from the sample answers above to improve your score. Also, you can use this vocabulary in your ‘Describe a Modern Building’ answer.

To sum up, describing a modern building is an excellent way to express your appreciation for design, innovation, and urban culture during the IELTS Speaking test. When answering such location cue cards, try to focus on visual details, the purpose of the building, and your personal feelings about it. With regular practice of the IELTS Speaking practice tests, you will be able to deliver thoughtful and fluent responses on any architecture-related topic.

Useful Links:

• IELTS Speaking Lessons
• How to Organize Your Responses on the IELTS Speaking Exam?
• What is the Correct Tone in IELTS Speaking Test? 
• How to Express Your Mixed Feelings in IELTS Writing & Speaking?
• Useful Phrasal Verbs for IELTS Speaking (with Meaning & Examples)
• How to Agree and Disagree in IELTS Speaking?