IELTS Speaking Part 3: Buildings, architecture
4 Part 3 discussion questions on buildings, architecture, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
What kinds of buildings do you find interesting?
I find a wide range of buildings interesting, but I'm particularly drawn to those that combine striking design with a sense of history or purpose. Ancient and historic buildings, such as old castles, mosques and palaces, fascinate me because they carry so much history and craftsmanship, offering a tangible link to the past. At the same time, I'm genuinely impressed by bold, innovative modern architecture — futuristic skyscrapers and uniquely shaped structures that push the boundaries of engineering and design. I also appreciate buildings that blend beauty with sustainability, incorporating green features in creative ways. What makes a building interesting to me is usually a combination of its aesthetic appeal, its cleverness and the story behind it. So both the old and the cutting-edge capture my imagination.
Do you prefer modern or traditional architecture?
Honestly, I appreciate both styles, as each has its own distinct charm, but I have a slight soft spot for traditional architecture. Traditional buildings often have a timeless beauty, rich detail and a sense of history and cultural identity that I find deeply appealing. They tell the story of a place and its people in a way that newer buildings rarely do. That said, modern architecture certainly has its merits — it's often more functional, energy-efficient and innovative, making better use of space and technology. Sleek, contemporary designs can be genuinely stunning too. Ideally, I think a city benefits from a thoughtful mix of both, preserving its heritage while embracing progress. But if forced to choose, the character and craftsmanship of traditional architecture would win me over.
Should cities protect historic buildings?
Yes, I firmly believe cities should make every effort to protect their historic buildings. These structures are an irreplaceable part of a city's heritage and identity, representing its history, culture and architectural achievements. Once they're demolished, they're gone forever, and with them a tangible connection to the past. Preserving historic buildings also has practical benefits, as they often attract tourists, which boosts the local economy considerably. They give a city character and a sense of continuity that soulless modern developments simply can't provide. Of course, there's a balance to be struck, since cities also need to grow and modernise, and maintaining old buildings can be costly. But wherever possible, I think preservation should take priority, perhaps by adapting historic buildings for new uses. Protecting them is really about safeguarding our shared cultural legacy.
How does architecture affect people's mood?
Architecture has a surprisingly powerful effect on people's mood and wellbeing, even if we're not always consciously aware of it. Well-designed spaces that are bright, open and filled with natural light tend to make people feel happy, calm and energised. Access to greenery and pleasant views can significantly reduce stress and lift the spirits. Conversely, cramped, dark or poorly designed buildings can make people feel gloomy, anxious or claustrophobic. The layout of a space also influences how people interact — open, welcoming designs encourage socialising, while isolating layouts can foster loneliness. Even the colours, materials and proportions of a building affect our emotional state. This is precisely why thoughtful architecture is so important in places like hospitals, schools and offices. In short, the spaces we inhabit shape how we feel far more than most people realise.
Reading a model answer is not the same as saying one. The sample above shows what a strong Part 3 answer sounds like. What it cannot tell you is how yours sounds — whether you hesitate, repeat the question back, or run out of things to say at forty seconds.
You can record an answer to this exact question and get it marked on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and pronunciation — the same four criteria the examiner uses.
Common questions
How is Part 3 different from Part 1?
Part 1 is about you; Part 3 is about people in general. The questions move to society, causes and consequences, and the answers are expected to be longer and more developed — an opinion plus a reason plus an example.
What if I have no opinion on the question?
You are not marked on the opinion, so pick one and support it. Saying you have never thought about it and stopping there leaves the examiner nothing to assess.
How long does Part 3 last?
Four to five minutes. The topics develop out of your Part 2 card, so the discussion is usually connected to what you just described.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.