Speaking Part 2: Describe an old building
Here’s a speaking part 2 task and my sample answer.
Describe an old building that you have visited. You should mention:
- the location of the building
- the purpose/function of the building
- the time of your visit
and give your opinion about it.
I’m going to describe a very famous building in New York: the Empire State Building. Even though many people may not consider it as an old building, the Empire State Building was constructed in 1931, so it cannot be regarded as new. It’s situated on Manhattan island and it stands out as the most distinctive and recognizable building when you look at New York’s skyline.
As far as I know, the Empire State Building is primarily used as an office building. However, visitors have the opportunity to go up to the top floor, which is the 102nd floor, where there is an observation deck. Additionally, there is a 360-degree observation area on the 86th floor. Surprisingly, the building generates more income from the sale of tickets to the observation floors than from office rentals.
I had the chance to visit the Empire State Building in 2016 when I went to New York to stay with a friend who was working there. He was residing in New Jersey, which is on the other side of the Hudson River from Manhattan. I vividly remember being amazed by the famous view of the city and its legendary skyscraper as we crossed the river on a ferry. I walked to the building from the ferry stop and joined other tourists in the queue to go up to the top.
In my opinion, the Empire State Building remains one of the most awe-inspiring skyscrapers in the world. It possesses an iconic structure and it’s astonishing to think that it was constructed around 90 years ago. The highlight of the building is the viewing deck on the top floor, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Undoubtedly, it is the best vantage point in New York. I highly recommend anyone who visits the city to go there and experience the mesmerizing view.
Study task: Make a list of the best words and phrases that I used in my description.
- Famous building
- Can be classed as
- Located on Manhattan island
- Distinctive and recognizable building
- Observation deck on the top floor
- 360-degree observation area
- Makes more money from
- Marvelling at the famous view
- Crossed the river on a ferry
- Joined the other tourists
- One of the most impressive skyscrapers
- Iconic structure
- Spectacular views of the city
- Best vantage point
- Mesmerizing view
