✦ IELTS Topic: Buildings & Architecture – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Architectural masterpiece
   e.g., The Sydney Opera House is considered an architectural masterpiece.

2. Cutting-edge design
   e.g., The building’s cutting-edge design makes it stand out in the skyline.

3. Blend of old and new
   e.g., This city offers a fascinating blend of old and new architecture.

4. High-rise buildings
   e.g., The area is full of high-rise buildings and business towers.

5. Traditional craftsmanship
   e.g., The wooden temple shows incredible traditional craftsmanship.

6. Functional but unattractive
   e.g., Many post-war buildings are functional but unattractive.

7. Heritage site
   e.g., The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beauty.

8. Sustainable architecture
   e.g., Sustainable architecture uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

9. Visually striking
   e.g., The museum is visually striking with its unusual shape and colours.

10. Urban development
    e.g., Rapid urban development has transformed the city in just a few years.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Buildings & Architecture

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. What kind of buildings do you like?

2. Are there any famous buildings in your city?

3. Do you prefer old or modern architecture?

4. Would you like to design your own home one day?

5. Do you think buildings affect people’s moods?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a building you admire.
You should say:

• what the building is

• where it is located

• what it looks like
  and explain why you like it.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. I’m really drawn to cutting-edge design—buildings that are creative and futuristic.
2. Yes, we have a cathedral that’s a famous heritage site and a major tourist attraction.
3. I love a blend of old and new—it gives a city personality and depth.
4. Definitely. I’d love to design a home using sustainable architecture—eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
5. Yes, buildings can inspire or depress people. A visually striking design can really lift your mood.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

A building I really admire is the Louvre Museum in Paris. It’s famous not only for the artwork inside but also for its beautiful structure.

The museum combines classical architecture with the modern glass pyramid at the entrance, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The pyramid is especially visually striking, especially when lit up at night.

I admire this building because it respects history while embracing cutting-edge design. It’s also a symbol of urban development done right—it draws millions of visitors but still respects the original atmosphere of the area.

To me, the Louvre is more than just a museum; it’s a true architectural masterpiece.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Buildings & Architecture

1. "The Sydney Opera House is considered an architectural masterpiece."
Q: How does the speaker feel about the Sydney Opera House?

2. "The building’s cutting-edge design makes it stand out in the skyline."
Q: What kind of design does the building have?

3. "This city offers a fascinating blend of old and new architecture."
Q: What kind of architecture can be found in the city?

4. "The area is full of high-rise buildings and business towers."
Q: What does the speaker say about the area?

5. "The wooden temple shows incredible traditional craftsmanship."
Q: What is special about the wooden temple?

6. "Many post-war buildings are functional but unattractive."
Q: How are the post-war buildings described?

7. "The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beauty."
Q: What is the significance of the palace?

8. "Sustainable architecture uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems."
Q: What is special about sustainable architecture?

9. "The museum is visually striking with its unusual shape and colours."
Q: How is the museum described?

10. "Rapid urban development has transformed the city in just a few years."
Q: What has changed the city recently?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It’s very impressive and iconic.

2. Innovative and modern.

3. A mix of historical and modern styles.

4. It’s urban, vertical, and full of tall buildings.

5. Its traditional building skills and detail.

6. Useful, but not attractive.

7. It is protected and historically important.

8. It’s environmentally friendly and efficient.

9. Eye-catching and visually creative.

10. New buildings and growth have changed it quickly.

 

🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 11: Magic in the Garden

Colin visited the garden every day now.

At first, Mary and Dickon helped him walk. But soon, he could take many steps on his own. His back was straighter, and his legs felt stronger.

“I think I’m going to grow tall like other boys,” he said one morning. “And I don’t feel afraid anymore.”

In the garden, everything was growing. Pink and red roses climbed the walls. Bees buzzed from flower to flower. Butterflies danced in the sunlight.

Dickon said, “This garden has real magic in it. It’s not just the flowers—it’s how it makes you feel.”

“I believe that too,” Colin said. “I believe we’re part of the magic.”

They made a small circle of stones near a tree.

“This will be our special place,” Colin said. “We can sit here and feel the magic.”

They called it the Magic Circle.

Colin sat inside the circle with his eyes closed.

“I’m getting stronger,” he whispered. “I’m going to live forever.”

Mary and Dickon didn’t laugh. They believed it too.

Sometimes, they brought books and read under the trees. Other times, they played games and ran through the flowers. Colin even learned to skip and laugh like other children.

But they kept the garden a secret.

No one in the house knew.

The servants were surprised to see Colin look so well. They told each other in whispers, “He’s changing… He’s not the same boy.”

Mr. Craven, Colin’s father, was away in Europe. He had not seen his son in months.

One night, as Colin looked at the stars, he said, “When my father comes home, I’ll walk up to him. I won’t be weak. I’ll surprise him.”

Mary nodded. “He’ll be so proud.”

In the garden, everything was possible.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Straight	Not bent or curved
Buzzed	Made a low humming sound, like bees do
Butterflies danced	A way of describing butterflies flying lightly
Circle of stones	Stones placed in a round shape
Servants	People who work in someone’s house
Whispers	Speaking very softly or quietly

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What changes do we see in Colin at the start of the chapter?

2. What new place do the children make in the garden?

3. What do they call this circle of stones?

4. Why do Colin, Mary, and Dickon believe in magic?

5. How do the servants react to Colin’s changes?

6. Where is Mr. Craven?

7. What does Colin plan to do when his father returns?

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✅ Answers

1. He walks more, feels stronger, and is happier.

2. A circle of stones near a tree.

3. The Magic Circle.

4. Because the garden makes them feel happy, healthy, and hopeful.

5. They are surprised and whisper about how much he has changed.

6. He is away in Europe.

7. He wants to walk up to him and surprise him with his strength

 

✦ IELTS Topic: The Arts – 10 Useful Phrases

1. A work of art
   e.g., That painting is a true work of art—so detailed and emotional.

2. Art gallery
   e.g., We spent the afternoon at a local art gallery admiring modern pieces.

3. Cultural enrichment
   e.g., Visiting museums offers great cultural enrichment for students.

4. Creativity and imagination
   e.g., The arts encourage creativity and imagination in young people.

5. The performing arts
   e.g., She’s studying the performing arts, including dance and theatre.

6. Artistic expression
   e.g., Graffiti is often seen as a powerful form of artistic expression.

7. A thought-provoking piece
   e.g., The sculpture was a thought-provoking piece about climate change.

8. To appreciate art
   e.g., It takes time and learning to truly appreciate art.

9. Art in public spaces
   e.g., I love seeing art in public spaces—it makes cities more inspiring.

10. A form of therapy
    e.g., For many people, painting or music is a form of therapy.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – The Arts

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you enjoy any form of art?

2. Are the arts important in your culture?

3. What kind of art do you like best?

4. Have you ever visited a museum or art gallery?

5. Do you think children should learn art in school?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a piece of art (painting, film, play, etc.) that made an impression on you.
You should say:

• what it was

• where you saw it

• what it showed or expressed
  and explain how it made you feel.

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✦ Sample Answers Using The Arts Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I love visiting museums and occasionally sketching—it's a great outlet for artistic expression.
2. Definitely. Traditional dance, storytelling, and visual arts are a big part of our heritage and offer cultural enrichment.
3. I prefer painting, especially portraits—they require a lot of creativity and imagination.
4. Yes, I recently went to a modern art gallery in the city—it was inspiring.
5. Of course. The arts help children express themselves and even act as a form of therapy.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

One piece of art that left a lasting impression on me was a sculpture I saw at an exhibition in London. It was a thought-provoking piece about climate change, showing a polar bear made entirely from recycled plastic.

I saw it in a public garden as part of an art in public spaces program. It was not only visually striking, but also emotionally moving—it really made me think.

What I loved most was how it used artistic expression to communicate a global issue. It didn’t use words, but it made a powerful statement.

It reminded me that a good work of art isn’t just beautiful—it can also challenge how we think and feel.

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✦ Comprehension Test: The Arts Phrases

1. "That painting is a true work of art—so detailed and emotional."
Q: What does the speaker think of the painting?

2. "We spent the afternoon at a local art gallery admiring modern pieces."
Q: Where did they go and what did they do?

3. "Visiting museums offers great cultural enrichment for students."
Q: How can students benefit from museums?

4. "The arts encourage creativity and imagination in young people."
Q: What do the arts develop in young people?

5. "She’s studying the performing arts, including dance and theatre."
Q: What is she learning about?

6. "Graffiti is often seen as a powerful form of artistic expression."
Q: How is graffiti viewed by some people?

7. "The sculpture was a thought-provoking piece about climate change."
Q: What effect did the sculpture have?

8. "It takes time and learning to truly appreciate art."
Q: What is needed to understand art better?

9. "I love seeing art in public spaces—it makes cities more inspiring."
Q: Why does the speaker enjoy public art?

10. "For many people, painting or music is a form of therapy."
Q: What role does art play in people’s lives?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It’s beautiful, impressive, and emotional.

2. They visited an art gallery and looked at artwork.

3. By learning about culture and gaining new perspectives.

4. Creativity and imagination.

5. Dance, theatre, and other live performance skills.

6. As a meaningful and expressive art form.

7. It made the viewer think deeply.

8. Time and understanding.

9. It adds inspiration and beauty to everyday places.

10. It helps people relax, heal, or express themselves emotionally.