Model Answer for IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Topic: Talk about a historical building

Talk about a historical building

You should say:

– Which is the building

– Where it is

– How you know about the building

– Why you think it is important

MODEL ANSWER

I belong to Phagwara, and there are many important buildings in Phagwara. There is an ancient Shiv Temple and Lord Hanuman Temple. Then there is Haveli, which is in the Suburbs of Phagwara.

Here, I would like to talk about a Sikh temple, which is dedicated to the 6th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Ji It is said that after fighting with the Mughals, Guru Hargobindji reached here and rested under a tree. People built a gurdwara there in the memory of his visit.

It is a beautiful building with a huge hall in which the holy book of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib is placed. Hymns and chants can be heard every morning and evening. There is also a holy pond in which there are many fish. I could spot two catfish the last time I went there. People go to pay their obeisance to the almighty. I also go there once or twice a month.

I get great peace when I go there. I love sitting by the pool side and watch the fish while listening to the soothing music coming from inside. It has become a common place for solemnizing Sikh weddings. My cousin’s wedding also took place over there. There is a famous college near the gurdwara. This building is important because of its historical and religious significance.

Part 3 – Follow up Questions

1. What kinds of buildings are popular in India now?

India is a diverse country. All types of buildings are popular in India. It depends on geographical area and also on the density of population. In metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi, there are tall buildings to accommodate more people, but smaller towns and cities have buildings, which spread horizontally and not vertically. In areas with heavy rainfall, there are sloped roofs, whereas in other areas there are flat terraces. So, it is difficult to generalize what types of buildings are popular in India now.

2. Compare old buildings and modern buildings. Which do people prefer to live in?

Old buildings were more spacious, but modern buildings are more compact. Old buildings spread horizontally, but modern buildings spread vertically. Old buildings mostly used locally available materials, but modern buildings use materials from around the world. Old buildings had visible wiring and pipelines, but modern buildings have concealed wiring and water pipes. Today people prefer to live in modern buildings. Modern buildings are more comfortable and easy to manage.

3. How do people in India feel about old buildings?

People have different feelings about old buildings. Some people think that these should be demolished and new ones should be made instead. However, others feel that we should preserve these old buildings

4. Do old people and young people in India have the same attitudes towards old building?

Old people and young people do not have the same attitude towards old buildings. Old people are emotionally attached to old buildings, and so they want to preserve them and restore them. However, young people like the modern buildings instead because they think that old buildings can be hazardous to live in.

5. Is it important to preserve old buildings? (Why?)

Yes, it is important to preserve some old buildings; especially those, which have some historical importance and can attract tourism. However those buildings, which are in a very dilapidated state should be demolished and new ones built instead.

6. What aspect of culture do old buildings reflect?

Old buildings reflect how people lived in the past. Most old houses were very spacious. The bathrooms were in one corner. Most houses had a central courtyard around which there used to be bedrooms.

7. Do you think it’s worth the money to preserve old buildings?

I do not think it is a waste of money to preserve those old buildings, which have some historical significance and can earn revenue in the form of tourist dollar. Some old buildings can be put to good use. For example, the Sainik School of Kapurthala was once the home of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

8. How have buildings changed in the past few years?

Buildings have changed a lot in the past few years. Today we have more high-rise buildings. Materials used in the buildings are also imported from all over the world. Buildings today focus more on utility than beauty. People are using prefabricated materials for doors and windows and so less of wood is used. Today’s buildings are more energy-efficient.

9. Are expensive buildings a waste of money?

It depends. If too much money is spent to improve the facade of the building, then it is a waste of money. But, if money is spent to make the building more energy efficient and utilitarian, then it is certainly not a waste of money.

10. Is it important to design a building

Yes, it is very important to design a building. It would be very unwise to just start constructing without a plan. The lighting, ventilation, security and many other things have to be considered. A well-designed building has proper space management and saves a lot of hassle later on.

11. Can natural calamities affect people living in tall buildings?

Yes, definitely. That is why very tall buildings need highly skilled architects and engineers. Today’s architects can design skyscrapers, which can bear the brunt of the natural calamities.

12. What has been the biggest change in your hometown in the last few years?

The biggest change has been the building of two flyovers, which have greatly improved the traffic.