Describe a tall building or structure you have seen

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 455 with Model Answer:

Describe a tall building or structure you have seen.

You should say:

• what it is
• where it is located
• when you saw it

and explain what purpose this building or structure serves.

[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.]

---

[Objective: The objective of this sample answer is to give you an idea so that you know how to answer if you get this or a similar topic in your exam. We expect that you'll be able to generate your own idea and talk about it after you read the sample answer.]

 

Model Answer 1:

The Empire State Building in New York City is the tallest building that I have seen so far. It was once the tallest building in the world, but now this title belongs to Burj Khalifa in Abu Dhabi. The Empire State Building's magnificent and prominent presence amazed me to a great extent. When I first laid my eyes on this majestic structure, I could not believe what I was seeing. It looked like a vertical city to me. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to let me talk about this gigantic and artistic structure of wonder and architectural feat.

The Empire State Building is a 102-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States. It was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and built from 1930 to 1931 in the USA. 

I saw this impressive building approximately four years ago when I went to New York City to participate in a training programme. The training was arranged by our office, and interestingly, it was held on the 68th floor of this massive building. As I later learned, this building is 1472 feet high and has one hundred and two floors. It remained the tallest building in the world for nearly four decades, so it has to be super tall!

The Empire State Building's Art Deco architecture, remarkable height, and observation decks have made it a popular attraction. Around four million tourists from around the world annually visit the building's observatories. The Empire State Building is an American cultural icon. It is said that the Empire State Building is a city within a city. It provides every kind of service to its around 20 thousand tenants. The building has restaurants, banks, theatres, shops, and many other facilities for people. Once you are inside it, you'll find every amenities and product you can think of.

Model Answer 2:
One of the tall buildings that left a lasting impression on me is the Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This iconic skyscraper is renowned for its impressive height and architectural grandeur. For this topic, I would like to describe this marvellous structure that stands tall.

The Burj Khalifa stands as the tallest building in the world now, soaring to a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet). It is situated in the heart of downtown Dubai, surrounded by a vibrant cityscape. The structure dominates the skyline and can be seen from miles away, serving as a symbol of modern engineering and innovation.

I had the opportunity to witness the magnificence of the Burj Khalifa during a trip to Dubai a few years ago. As I approached the city, its towering presence became more apparent, and I was filled with anticipation to see it up close.

The Burj Khalifa serves multiple purposes, primarily as a mixed-use development. It houses luxurious residential apartments, prestigious corporate offices, and a world-class hotel. Additionally, it features observation decks, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a popular tourist attraction.

The building also serves as a focal point for Dubai's ambition to become a global hub of commerce, tourism, and culture. It showcases the city's determination to push boundaries and reach unprecedented heights, both figuratively and literally. The Burj Khalifa's architectural brilliance and its presence on the global stage have made it a symbol of prestige, luxury, and progress.

Moreover, the observation decks on the upper floors offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. From that vantage point, one can marvel at the impressive skyline, the vast desert, and the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf.