Cue Card

Describe a new public building you would like to visit

You should say:

• Where it is
• What it is like
• What you know about it
• And explain why you would like to visit it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Which is more important: preserving old buildings or building new ones?
2. What kinds of public buildings do people like to visit in your country?
3. What is most important for a public building: design, location, or facilities?
4. Do you think the appearance of a building is important?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Imagine walking into a building that's part library, part art gallery, and part indoor forest. The walls are lined with towering bookshelves that stretch up to the ceiling, but instead of just books, they're filled with plants, trees, and even a few surprise water features. The air is crisp and clean, and the natural light pouring in through the skylights makes you feel like you're outside, even when you're not. This is the kind of building I'd love to visit - a place where nature and knowledge come together in perfect harmony.

As you wander through the space, you stumble upon cozy reading nooks tucked away in the branches of giant trees, or hidden behind waterfalls. The sound of gentle streams and chirping birds fills the air, making you feel like you're in a serene forest glade, not in the middle of a bustling city. And yet, you're surrounded by the musty smell of old books and the hum of quiet conversation - the perfect blend of peaceful and stimulating.

The building is called the 'Eco-Library', and it's designed to be a hub for learning, creativity, and community. There are workshops and classes on everything from sustainable living to urban agriculture, and the building itself is a living, breathing example of what's possible when we combine technology and nature. I'd love to spend a day exploring the Eco-Library, attending a workshop on vertical farming, and then curling up with a good book in one of those cozy reading nooks. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and connect with the world around us.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

part library, part art gallery, and part indoor forest

a building that combines multiple functions or features in a unique way

The new museum is part science center, part aquarium, and part theme park.

The community center is part gym, part cafe, and part art studio.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Which is more important: preserving old buildings or building new ones? I think preserving old buildings is more important, because they hold a lot of historical significance and cultural value. When we preserve old buildings, we're not just saving a structure, we're saving a piece of our past. We're saving the stories and memories that are attached to that building, and we're allowing future generations to experience and learn from them. For example, if we were to tear down a historic landmark like the Statue of Liberty, we'd be losing a symbol of freedom and democracy that's recognized around the world. It's not just a building, it's a representation of our values and ideals. By preserving it, we're preserving our identity and our heritage.

What kinds of public buildings do people like to visit in your country? In the United States, people love to visit iconic buildings like museums, especially ones that are dedicated to art, history, or science. For instance, the Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. are always packed with visitors from all over the world. People are drawn to these buildings because they offer a unique experience that combines education and entertainment. They can see famous works of art, learn about historical events, or explore interactive exhibits that make complex concepts fun and accessible. Plus, many of these buildings are themselves works of art, with stunning architecture and beautiful designs that are worth admiring.

What is most important for a public building: design, location, or facilities? While all three factors are important, I think location is the most crucial aspect of a public building. A building can have a stunning design and top-notch facilities, but if it's located in a hard-to-reach area or in a neighborhood that's not safe or welcoming, people won't want to visit. On the other hand, a building with a great location can make up for some design or facility flaws. For example, a museum located in a bustling downtown area with plenty of public transportation options is more likely to attract visitors than one that's tucked away in a remote suburb. Plus, a good location can also enhance the overall experience of visiting the building, by providing access to other amenities like restaurants, shops, or parks.

Do you think the appearance of a building is important? Absolutely, the appearance of a building can make a huge difference in how people perceive it and how they feel when they're inside. A building's design can convey a sense of grandeur, or intimacy, or playfulness, depending on the style and materials used. For instance, a building with a sleek, modern design can make visitors feel like they're in a cutting-edge space, while a building with a more rustic or historic design can create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Moreover, a building's appearance can also affect how people interact with it – a building with a bold, eye-catching design can become a landmark and a symbol of the city, while a building that blends into the background can be easily overlooked.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

hold a lot of historical significance

to be very important or meaningful in terms of history

The ancient temple holds a lot of historical significance for our culture.

piece of our past

a part of our history or heritage

The old photograph is a piece of our past that we should treasure.

representation of our values and ideals

something that symbolizes or represents our principles or beliefs

The national flag is a representation of our values and ideals as a nation.

unique experience

an experience that is special or one-of-a-kind

The art museum offers a unique experience that combines art and technology.

stunning architecture

extremely impressive or beautiful building design

The new skyscraper has stunning architecture that attracts tourists from all over.

bustling downtown area

a busy and lively city center

The bustling downtown area is perfect for shopping and dining.

convey a sense of grandeur

to give an impression of importance or majesty

The grand staircase conveys a sense of grandeur and luxury.