IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a building you find interesting

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a building you find interesting" is a Part 2 cue card in the IELTS Speaking test. You get one minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes. This guide breaks down how to structure your long turn around all four bullet points, the topic vocabulary to reach for, and the Part 3 questions likely to follow.

The cue card

Describe a building you find interesting.

You should say:

what and where it is
what it looks like
what it is used for
and explain why you find it interesting

How to structure your long turn

Spend roughly 20–30 seconds on each prompt. Take the bullets in order — they build a natural narrative — and save the most time for the final 'explain' point.

1
what and where it is
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
what it looks like
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
3
what it is used for
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain why you find it interesting
This is the most important bullet — give reasons and a personal example, and spend the most time here.

Timing & delivery

Part 2 is the long turn: you get 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1–2 minutes.
Use the preparation minute to jot keywords against each bullet, not full sentences.
Cover all four bullet points, spending the most time on the final 'and explain…' prompt.
It's fine to invent details — you're scored on how you speak, not whether the story is true.

Useful vocabulary for this topic

Natural, Band 7+ language for talking about cities and urban life.

the hustle and bustle: the busy, noisy activity of a place; “I love the hustle and bustle of a big city.”
urban sprawl: the uncontrolled outward spread of a city; “Urban sprawl is slowly swallowing up the farmland around us.”
a concrete jungle: an unpleasantly crowded, built-up urban area; “The city centre has become a bit of a concrete jungle.”
public amenities: shared facilities like parks and libraries; “My neighbourhood has excellent public amenities.”
the cost of living: how much everyday necessities cost; “The cost of living in the capital is really high.”

Rounding-off questions

After your long turn, the examiner may ask a short question or two before moving on to Part 3.

What makes a building attractive?
Do you prefer modern or older buildings?

Part 3 questions on cities and urban life

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion of the wider topic. Expect abstract, opinion-based questions such as these.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?
How have cities in your country changed over the last few decades?
Do you think city life is becoming more stressful?
Why do some people prefer the countryside to the city?

See all Part 3 questions on cities and urban life

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe a building you find interesting" cue card?

You should speak for one to two minutes without interruption. The examiner gives you one minute beforehand to make notes, then times the long turn and stops you at two minutes.

Can I make up my answer to this cue card?

Yes. IELTS examiners score how you speak — your fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation — not whether your story is true. Inventing realistic details is completely acceptable and often easier than recalling a real event.

What Part 3 questions follow the "Describe a building you find interesting" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on cities and urban life. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "What are the main advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?"

What if I run out of things to say before two minutes?

Lean on the final 'and explain…' bullet. Adding reasons, feelings and a specific example naturally extends your answer, and it's the part that most improves your score.

Next step

Practise "Describe a building you find interesting" with an AI examiner

Rehearse this cue card under real exam timing with SpeakMetry's AI examiner, then get an instant band score and feedback on your long turn.

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