Cue Card

Describe a tall building in your city that you like or dislike

You should say:

• Where it is
• What it is used for
• What it looks like
• And explain why you like or dislike it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are the disadvantages of living in a tall building?
2. Do you think there will be more tall buildings in the future?
3. Why aren’t there many tall buildings in the countryside?
4. Why do some people like to live in tall buildings nowadays?

Sample Cue Card Answer

The skyscraper that dominates the city's skyline is the one that never fails to catch my eye. The 101-story, 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is a marvel of engineering and design. Its sleek, modern design is a testament to human ingenuity, and its sheer scale is awe-inspiring. I love how the building's exterior is covered in a lattice-like pattern of steel and glass, giving it a sense of depth and texture that's hard to find in other skyscrapers.

What I love most about this building is the way it seems to change color depending on the time of day and the weather. In the morning, it's a gleaming silver, while at sunset it takes on a warm, golden hue. And at night, it's a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights that seem to dance across its facade. It's a constant reminder of the city's energy and dynamism, and it never fails to leave me breathless.

Of course, not everyone shares my admiration for this building. Some people find it too sterile, too corporate, or too flashy. They see it as a symbol of the city's excesses, a monument to greed and materialism. And I get that. But for me, the One World Trade Center is more than just a building – it's a symbol of hope and resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest times, we can come together to create something truly remarkable.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

catch my eye

to attract someone's attention

The bright colors of the painting caught my eye.

The sound of the music caught my ear.

a testament to

a sign or proof of something

The new stadium is a testament to the city's commitment to sports.

Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

a sense of depth and texture

a feeling of complexity and detail

The painting has a sense of depth and texture that draws you in.

The novel has a sense of depth and texture that makes it hard to put down.

a constant reminder

something that always reminds you of something else

The photo on my desk is a constant reminder of my family.

The smell of freshly baked cookies is a constant reminder of my childhood.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are the disadvantages of living in a tall building? One of the major downsides of living in a tall building is the sense of disconnection from the community. When you're living high up, it can be easy to feel isolated from the people around you, and it's not as simple as just popping downstairs to chat with your neighbors. Plus, with so many people living in close proximity, it can be noisy and chaotic, especially if you're a light sleeper. I think that's why some people might prefer to live in a smaller building or a house, where they can have a bit more control over their environment and feel more connected to the people around them.

Do you think there will be more tall buildings in the future? I think it's likely that we'll see even more tall buildings in the future, especially in cities where space is limited. As the global population continues to grow, we're going to need to find ways to accommodate more people in smaller areas, and building upwards is one way to do that. Plus, with advances in technology and engineering, it's becoming more feasible to build taller and more sustainable buildings that are not only functional but also environmentally friendly. For example, some of the newest skyscrapers are designed with green spaces and solar panels, which can help reduce their carbon footprint.

Why aren’t there many tall buildings in the countryside? I think there are a few reasons why you don't typically see many tall buildings in the countryside. One reason is that there's often more space available, so there's less of a need to build upwards. In cities, land is scarce and expensive, so building tall is a way to maximize space. In rural areas, you can spread out more and build lower-rise buildings that blend in with the surroundings. Additionally, tall buildings can be a bit of an eyesore in natural landscapes, so it's often a deliberate choice to keep buildings lower and more in harmony with the environment.

Why do some people like to live in tall buildings nowadays? I think one reason people are drawn to living in tall buildings is the sense of luxury and prestige that comes with it. Let's face it, living in a high-rise building can be a status symbol, especially if it's a sleek and modern building with great amenities. But beyond that, I think people also appreciate the convenience and accessibility that comes with living in a tall building. Many high-rise buildings are located in the heart of the city, so you're close to public transportation, restaurants, and shops. Plus, you often have access to great amenities like a gym, pool, or rooftop garden, which can make city living feel more enjoyable and relaxing.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

pop downstairs

to go down to a lower floor, especially in a building where you live

It can be easy to feel isolated from the people around you, and it's not as simple as just popping downstairs to chat with your neighbors.

in close proximity

near or next to something or someone

Plus, with so many people living in close proximity, it can be noisy and chaotic, especially if you're a light sleeper.

accommodate

to provide something that someone needs or wants

As the global population continues to grow, we're going to need to find ways to accommodate more people in smaller areas, and building upwards is one way to do that.

carbon footprint

the amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, produced by a particular activity or person

For example, some of the newest skyscrapers are designed with green spaces and solar panels, which can help reduce their carbon footprint.

blend in

to become part of something and not stand out

In rural areas, you can spread out more and build lower-rise buildings that blend in with the surroundings.

eyesore

something that is unpleasant to look at

Tall buildings can be a bit of an eyesore in natural landscapes, so it's often a deliberate choice to keep buildings lower and more in harmony with the environment.

status symbol

something that shows a person's wealth or importance

Let's face it, living in a high-rise building can be a status symbol, especially if it's a sleek and modern building with great amenities.

accessibility

the state of being able to be reached or used

But beyond that, I think people also appreciate the convenience and accessibility that comes with it.