Useful phrases (with explanations + examples) that you can use in many IELTS Speaking answers:

Talking about differences
“The biggest distinction lies in …”
→ Use this to introduce the main difference.
Example: The biggest distinction lies in how people spend their free time nowadays compared to the past.
“Another clear difference is that …”
→ Helps extend your answer.
Example: Another clear difference is that modern education relies heavily on technology, while traditional education focused more on books.

Talking about modern things
“It prioritises practicality and efficiency.”
→ Useful when describing technology, buildings, or systems.
Example: Modern transport prioritises practicality and efficiency, so people can travel faster and more comfortably.
“It often incorporates sustainable features such as …”
→ Good for environment/technology topics.
Example: Modern cars often incorporate sustainable features such as electric engines and energy-saving systems.
“It tends to look very similar around the world.”
→ Great for globalization/modern lifestyle topics.
Example: Fast-food restaurants tend to look very similar around the world, regardless of the country.

Talking about traditional things
“They are deeply rooted in cultural identity.”
→ Strong phrase for traditions, customs, festivals, or architecture.
Example: Traditional festivals are deeply rooted in cultural identity and passed down from generation to generation.
“They showcase intricate craftsmanship.”
→ Use for arts, buildings, or handmade products.
Example: Handmade pottery showcases intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.
“They reflect the local culture and climate.”
→ Very natural when describing buildings, food, or clothing.
Example: Traditional clothing reflects the local culture and climate of each region.
“They create a strong sense of heritage and community.”
→ Perfect when describing traditions, old towns, or family life.
Example: Traditional markets create a strong sense of heritage and community among local people.

Traditional / Historical Buildings

• Majestic → grand, impressive, powerful
  Example: The cathedral looked majestic, towering above the old town.
• Ornate → highly decorated with details
  Example: The palace doors were ornate, covered with carvings and gold.
• Picturesque → beautiful like in a painting
  Example: The old village is full of picturesque cottages and stone bridges.
• Timeless → never goes out of style, always beautiful
  Example: The ancient pagoda has a timeless charm.
• Heritage-rich → full of cultural or historical value
  Example: Hoi An is a heritage-rich town that attracts many tourists.

Modern / Contemporary Buildings

• Innovative → using new ideas, creative
  Example: The museum has an innovative design that combines glass and steel.
• Minimalist → simple, clean, with few decorations
  Example: The office building has a minimalist style, focusing on functionality.
• Futuristic → looks like it belongs to the future
  Example: Dubai is famous for its futuristic skyscrapers.
• Eco-friendly / Sustainable → designed to save energy and protect the environment
  Example: Many new houses are eco-friendly, with solar panels and natural ventilation.
• Sophisticated → elegant, advanced, well-designed
  Example: The airport has a sophisticated layout with modern facilities.

General Descriptions (both modern & traditional)

• Spacious → large and open inside
  Example: The living room is very spacious, with high ceilings.
• Compact → small but efficiently designed
  Example: Many city apartments are compact but convenient.
• Striking → very noticeable and attractive
  Example: The skyscraper has a striking shape that stands out in the skyline.
• Functional → practical and useful
  Example: The building is not beautiful, but it’s very functional.
• Iconic → famous and easily recognizable
  Example: The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark in Paris.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases for Modern vs Traditional Buildings

1. Materials & Construction

• Basic (Band 6–7): wood, stone, glass, steel, cement, brick

• Advanced (Band 8–9):

  • timber beams (wooden supports)

  • hand-carved stone

  • ornate details (decorations)

  • stained-glass windows

  • intricate craftsmanship

  • state-of-the-art materials (latest technology)

  • eco-friendly construction

👉 Example:

• Band 6–7: “Traditional houses are made of wood and stone.”

• Band 8–9: “Traditional houses often feature timber beams and hand-carved stone, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of local builders.”

2. Design & Appearance

• Basic (Band 6–7): big, small, tall, beautiful, simple, modern, traditional

• Advanced (Band 8–9):

  • ornamental patterns

  • arched roofs / domes / pillars

  • fusion of styles (mixing old & new)

  • minimalist design

  • functional layout

  • futuristic look

  • visually striking façade

  • blend of aesthetics and practicality

👉 Example:

• Band 6–7: “Modern buildings are tall and made of glass.”

• Band 8–9: “Modern architecture is characterized by minimalist designs, sleek glass façades, and functional layouts.”

3. Purpose & Function

• Basic (Band 6–7): for living, working, praying, tourism

• Advanced (Band 8–9):

  • cultural landmark

  • religious sanctuary

  • residential complex

  • commercial hub

  • public gathering space

  • symbol of national identity

  • tourist magnet

👉 Example:

• Band 6–7: “People go there to pray or visit.”

• Band 8–9: “The building functions as both a religious sanctuary and a cultural landmark, attracting thousands of visitors annually.”

4. Comparison Phrases

• Basic (Band 6–7): different from, similar to, more beautiful, bigger, taller

• Advanced (Band 8–9):

  • in stark contrast to

  • while traditional buildings emphasize …, modern ones prioritize …

  • the distinction lies in …

  • a blend of old-world charm and modern efficiency

  • strikingly different in terms of scale and purpose

👉 Example:

• Band 6–7: “Traditional buildings are different from modern ones.”

• Band 8–9: “Traditional buildings emphasize heritage and artistry, in stark contrast to modern buildings, which prioritize efficiency and sustainability.”

5. Future Trends

• Basic (Band 6–7): taller, more modern, solar panels, technology

• Advanced (Band 8–9):

  • eco-friendly architecture

  • smart homes / intelligent buildings

  • green roofs / vertical gardens

  • 3D-printed housing

  • sustainable urban planning

  • carbon-neutral design

👉 Example:

• Band 6–7: “Buildings in the future will be taller and use solar panels.”

• Band 8–9: “Future architecture is likely to focus on carbon-neutral designs, green roofs, and intelligent buildings that integrate technology with sustainability.”

Power Connectors (for fluency)

Instead of always saying and, but, so, you can say:

• In contrast…

• On the other hand…

• What makes it remarkable is…

• This highlights the fact that…

• Not only … but also …

• A prime example of this is…