IELTS Speaking – Part 3 Questions - Band (6-7) vs Band (8-9)

IELTS Speaking – Part 3 Question

Q: What are the main differences between modern and traditional buildings?

✅ Band 6–7 (Simple)

“Traditional buildings are usually made with wood, stone, or other natural materials. They often look more beautiful because of the designs. Modern buildings are bigger, taller, and made of glass or steel. They are more comfortable but sometimes don’t have much culture.”

🌟 Band 8–9 (Upgraded with Advanced Vocabulary)

“Traditional buildings typically emphasize heritage and craftsmanship, often featuring timber beams, hand-carved stone, and ornamental patterns. They serve as cultural landmarks and carry a sense of identity and history. In stark contrast, modern architecture prioritizes efficiency, sustainability, and functionality, relying on state-of-the-art materials like glass and steel. While traditional designs highlight aesthetic value and symbolic meaning, modern buildings focus more on comfort, practicality, and eco-friendly technology.”

👉 Notice how:

Band 6–7 → wood, stone, glass, steel, more beautiful, taller, comfortable
Band 8–9 → timber beams, ornamental patterns, cultural landmarks, efficiency, sustainability, eco-friendly technology

That’s exactly what examiners want at Band 8–9: specific vocabulary + deeper ideas + clear contrast.

📝 Task for You

Here’s a Band 6–7 style answer:

Q: Should governments spend money on preserving traditional buildings?

Answer (Band 6–7):
“Yes, I think governments should spend money on traditional buildings because they are old and beautiful. They show history and culture. If we don’t take care of them, they will be destroyed and people in the future will not see them.”

🔑 Your Task

👉 Upgrade this answer into a Band 8–9 version using the advanced vocabulary & phrases we studied, such as:

cultural landmark, heritage, identity, craftsmanship, symbolic meaning, in stark contrast, eco-friendly, sustainability, preservation, national pride, tourist attraction, sense of belonging.

💡 Tip: Try to make your answer 2–3 sentences longer than the simple one.

🏛️ IELTS Speaking Part 3 Practice

Q: Should governments spend money on preserving traditional buildings?

📝 Guided Upgrade (Fill-in-the-gaps)

👉 Try to complete this answer using advanced vocabulary:

“Yes, I strongly believe governments should allocate funds to preserve traditional buildings because they are not only ________ (heritage / cultural landmarks / symbols of identity) but also represent the ________ (craftsmanship / artistry / symbolic meaning) of the past.

If neglected, many of these structures could disappear, and future generations would lose a ________ (sense of belonging / connection to their roots / valuable part of history).

Moreover, traditional architecture often becomes a ________ (tourist attraction / source of national pride / cultural hub), which can boost the local economy.

Therefore, investing in their preservation is not just about maintaining old structures but about protecting a nation’s ________ (heritage / identity / cultural continuity).”

✨ Your task: Fill in the blanks with the right advanced words or phrases.

🌟 Band 8–9 Answer

“Yes, I strongly believe governments should allocate funds to preserve traditional buildings because they are not only cultural landmarks and symbols of identity but also represent the intricate craftsmanship and artistry of the past.

If neglected, many of these structures could disappear, and future generations would lose a valuable part of their history and a sense of belonging.

Moreover, traditional architecture often becomes a major tourist attraction and a source of national pride, which can significantly boost the local economy.

Therefore, investing in their preservation is not just about maintaining old structures but about protecting a nation’s heritage and cultural continuity.”

👉 This version is richer in vocabulary, more developed, and examiner-friendly compared to the Band 6–7 version.

🏛️ IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Sample Comparison

Q: Should governments spend money on preserving traditional buildings?

Band 6–7 (Simple)	Band 8–9 (Advanced)
Yes, I think governments should spend money on traditional buildings because they are old and beautiful.	Yes, I strongly believe governments should allocate funds to preserve traditional buildings because they are not only cultural landmarks and symbols of identity but also represent the intricate craftsmanship and artistry of the past.
They show history and culture.	These buildings serve as tangible links to history, allowing people to stay connected with their heritage and traditions.
If we don’t take care of them, they will be destroyed and people in the future will not see them.	If neglected, many of these structures could disappear, and future generations would lose a valuable part of their history and a sense of belonging.
—	Moreover, traditional architecture often becomes a major tourist attraction and a source of national pride, which can significantly boost the local economy.
—	Therefore, investing in their preservation is not just about maintaining old structures but about protecting a nation’s heritage and cultural continuity.

✨ What makes Band 8–9 stronger?

Uses advanced vocabulary (allocate funds, cultural landmarks, intricate craftsmanship, tangible links, national pride).
Adds depth & development (extra ideas like tourism, economy, continuity).
Connects sentences smoothly with linkers (moreover, therefore, not only … but also).