Topic 35: Talk about a modern public building that you have visited.
BAND 8.0+
PART 2
Alice (English US)
George (English US)
What is this place, and when was it built?
What is it used for?
How is the building unique?
What is your overall opinion about it, and why?
ANSWER
I am currently living and working in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, one of the major urban centers in Vietnam. Therefore, it is not surprising to have numerous public buildings for people to visit, entertain, or study. However, after going through this topic, the Landmark 81 building comes to mind.
This is a skyscraper located in Binh Thanh district, which is in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It is currently the highest building in Southeast Asia, with 81 floors.
I got to know this building when it was built in 2015. I read a lot of news about this building because it is considered the symbol of VN, and it’s definitely a must-go destination in HCM city.
It is very easy to get to the building by taxi, bus, or motorbike. I usually take a taxi to get there because it’s convenient. The first time I went to that building, I was taken aback and fascinated by it.
I was really impressed by the design of this tower. It also possesses an eye-catching architectural design, which is likely to draw anyone’s attention.
The original design of this tower is inspired by bamboo trees, which symbolize the Vietnamese people’s solidarity and strength.
There are lively bars and restaurants on the 77th floor, which has a magnificent view and gives us a chance to admire the stunning view of the city. As there are no walls, you can enjoy the city in any direction. I would highly recommend anyone who visits this tower to go there and give it a try.
Moreover, many financial institutions, like banks and auditing firms, have headquarters here inside this building as well.
In addition to that, Binh Thanh is also a tourist attraction. So, this building is often frequented by many locals and tourists from around the world.
In fact, I often go there on weekends, as it’s the best time for me to experience the vibrant atmosphere. I can see myself blending in with the hectic stream of people.
The landmark 81 building is one of my favorite buildings. Because, as I mentioned, it’s an iconic building in Vietnam. It is an entertainment center with many 5-star hotels, restaurants, a high-end shopping center, lively bars, and a Vincom Center.
This is definitely a great place for people to get away from stress and let off steam.
So all in all, I always have an absolute blast every time I come there.”
PART 3
Alice (English US)
George (English US)
- What types of buildings are there in your city?
Well, when it comes to my city, Ho Chi Minh City, the first thing that comes to people’s minds will be a developing metropolis with a mixture of historical and modern buildings. The historical buildings consist of many temples, pagodas, and monuments. Meanwhile, the modern ones include many high-rise apartments, commercial complexes, office blocks,
- What types of buildings are there in your living area?
Based on my observation, residential buildings are divided into the following types:
individual houses or private dwellings, lodging or rooming houses, dormitories, apartments, hotels, commercial complexes, and office blocks
- In what type of building do most people in your hometown live?
My hometown is Dong Thap Province. Stilt houses can be seen in many places in Vietnam, but the best examples are those found in the Mekong Delta provinces.
Built to accommodate the annual Mekong River floods, stilt houses were traditionally made of wood but are now increasingly built of corrugated iron.
During the dry season, it’s easy to see bamboo stilts. Bamboo stilts can be up to 6 meters tall. Remarkably sturdy and flexible, they can withstand the swiftest current. They usually comprise one or two spacious rooms and open out onto the deck. At low tide, the house is accessed via a ladder from the floor to the bank, while at high tide, boats sail right up to the door.
On the other hand, floating houses are quite common.
- What is the oldest building in HCM?
Tan Xa Palace, Thuong Xa Tax, is over two centuries old and considered the oldest building in Saigon.
- How important is it for a city to have iconic buildings?
Iconic or signature buildings have an important role as magnets; they can attract investments and tourists. Such structures reflect their city’s identity and represent our understanding and thinking about these cities.
- Are there any old buildings you want to see in the future? Why?
Let me see, I was once a huge fan of Chinese movies, and in those films, there were these stunning palaces with authentic Chinese backgrounds, so being able to see these palaces for the first time with my very own eyes is on my to-do list in the next few years.
- Should buildings be attractive to look at? Why or why not?
It depends on the building’s purpose. If a building is simply serving a purpose, like a meeting or storage, then it doesn’t need to be that pretty.
But if the architect has been asked to make a statement or to add value to an area by designing a pretty building, then it absolutely makes sense to build an attractive building.
- What is the difference between the old facilities and the new facilities?
From my perspective, parks and libraries were famous facilities where people used to spend their free time. On the other hand, nowadays people use new facilities like gyms and leisure places that are based on technology.
- What are the facilities that young people and older adults like in your country?
In my opinion, older adults like to spend time in the library and parks with their friends, while young people want to use the gym, leisure centers, shopping malls, etc.
- What is the difference between facilities in the countryside and those in cities?
Education and health facilities are available in both places, but entertainment facilities and shopping malls are mostly available in cities.
- Which is more important: preserving old buildings or building new ones?
I think both are equally important. We have to continuously renew our construction methodologies and ensure that we are on par with other developed nations. Old buildings must be preserved as well. But there must be a valid reason for preserving them. Also, there should be sufficient funds to maintain the building.
- Why is it important to preserve the old buildings?Old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural history of a city, helping to give people a sense of place and connection to the past. Historic buildings often represent something famous or important to people who live in a city or those visiting.
It’s very crucial and practical that we preserve them to pass on knowledge to the next generation.
VOCAB
- A skyscraper
- Nghĩa: tòa nhà chọc trời
- Phiên âm: /ˈskaɪˌskreɪpər/
- Ví dụ: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
- The symbol -n
- Nghĩa: biểu tượng của
- Phiên âm: /ðə ˈsɪmbəl ɒv/
- The Statue of Liberty is often considered a symbol of freedom and democracy.
- A must-go destination
- Nghĩa: điểm đến không thể bỏ qua
- Phiên âm: /ə mʌst ɡəʊ ˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃən/
- Paris is a must-go destination for art lovers due to its world-renowned museums.
- Be taken aback – idiom.
- Nghĩa: bị ngạc nhiên, bị sốc
- Phiên âm: /biː ˈteɪkən əˈbæk/
- I was taken aback by the stunning beauty of the sunset over the ocean.
- Fascinated -adj
- Nghĩa: mê hoặc, quyến rũ
- Phiên âm: /ˈfæsɪˌneɪtɪd/
- She was fascinated by the intricate details of the ancient artwork.
- Draw SB’s attention.
- Nghĩa: thu hút sự chú ý của ai đó
- Phiên âm: /drɔː sʌmbədiz əˈtɛnʃən/
- The colorful display in the shop window drew my attention as I walked by.
- Solidarity -n
- Nghĩa: đoàn kết, tình đồng lòng
- Phiên âm: /ˌsɒlɪˈdærɪti/
- The community showed solidarity by coming together to support those affected by the natural disaster.
- Give it a try—idiom
- Nghĩa: thử xem sao, hãy thử
- Phiên âm: /ɡɪv ɪt ə traɪ/
- I’ve never tried surfing before, but I think I’ll give it a try this weekend.
- A tourist attraction
- Nghĩa: điểm thu hút du khách
- Phiên âm: /ə ˈtʊərɪst əˈtrækʃən/
- The Great Wall of China is a famous tourist attraction known for its historical significance.
- The vibrant atmosphere
- Nghĩa: không khí sôi động, náo nhiệt
- Phiên âm: /ðə ˈvaɪbrənt ˈæt.məs.fɪər/
- The city’s night market offers a vibrant atmosphere with lively music and bustling crowds.
- A high-end shopping center
- Nghĩa: trung tâm mua sắm cao cấp
- Phiên âm: /ə haɪ ɛnd ˈʃɒpɪŋ ˈsɛntər/
- The luxury brand stores in the high-end shopping center cater to affluent shoppers.
- Have a blast!
- Nghĩa: vui chơi rất thoải mái, vui vẻ
- Phiên âm: /hæv ə blæst/
- We had a blast at the theme park, riding all the thrilling roller coasters.
- Monument -n
- Nghĩa: tượng đài
- Phiên âm: /ˈmɒnjʊmənt/
- The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is a famous monument dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln.
- Lodging -n
- Nghĩa: chỗ ở, nơi lưu trú
- Phiên âm: /ˈlɒdʒɪŋ/
- The resort offers comfortable lodging options, including cozy cabins and luxurious villas.
- Stilt houses
- Nghĩa: nhà sàn
- Phiên âm: /stɪlt ˈhaʊzɪz/
- The indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest live in stilt houses to protect themselves from flooding.
- Floating houses
- Nghĩa: nhà nổi
- Phiên âm: /ˈfloʊtɪŋ ˈhaʊzɪz/
- Ví dụ: In certain regions of Southeast Asia, floating houses are common due to the presence of rivers and waterways.
- be on par with
- Nghĩa: ngang hàng với, tương đương với
- Phiên âm: /iː ɒn pɑːr wɪð/
- The technology company’s latest smartphone is on par with its competitors in terms of performance and features.
- Pass on knowledge to
- Nghĩa: truyền đạt kiến thức cho
- Phiên âm: /pæs ɒn ˈnɒlɪdʒ tuː/
- Experienced teachers pass on their knowledge to the next generation of educators.
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Topic 34 – Talk about an object that reflects your traditions
Composed by Ms.Ngọc IELTS
