IELTS Speaking, parties 2 et 3 : Describe a tall building you like or dislike

Yes, in the bigger cities there are quite a few tall buildings. The capital and other big towns have office towers and some residential high-rises. In smaller towns you won't see many; they usually have low-rise housing. The tall ones are mostly in business areas near trains and tram stops.

There are definitely clusters of tall buildings, but they're concentrated in major urban centres rather than spread evenly across the country. Cities with financial districts and major transport hubs tend to have office skyscrapers and newer residential towers, whereas historic towns preserve low-rise streets. Planning restrictions and land prices also shape where high-rises appear — it makes economic sense to build up close to good transport links.

Tall buildings differ in style and use. Some are modern glass towers used by banks and companies. Others are older concrete apartment blocks. They also differ in height and how fancy the inside is.

The differences are quite marked: some are sleek, glass-clad office towers with high-tech facilities, while others are residential high-rises designed for density and affordability. You also get mixed-use developments combining shops, homes and offices, and heritage areas where any tall structure must respect the skyline. Materials, sustainability features and intended occupants all affect the design.

Places are laid out differently because of history and how people live there. Some towns grew slowly so they are compact. Newer areas are planned with roads and parks. Climate and geography also matter.

Different places are designed according to a mix of factors: historical development, local climate, the economy and transport infrastructure. For instance, coastal towns might have promenades and low buildings to protect views, while industrial zones are laid out for vehicle access and storage. Planning policy and community priorities also influence the final shape.

Living in tall buildings has advantages. You often get good views and they are close to shops and transport. Many have security and shared facilities like gyms. They can save land in crowded cities.

There are several benefits to living in tall blocks: they maximise limited urban land, often provide excellent views and sunlight, and usually sit close to public transport and amenities. Many modern towers include concierge services, communal gyms and green roofs which foster a sense of community. They can also be more energy-efficient per occupant than spread-out housing.

Some people like to remodel themselves because it's cheaper. They enjoy DIY and making their home look the way they want. It can be relaxing and you learn skills.

Many people choose to redecorate or remodel themselves for several reasons: to save money, to personalise a space, or simply because DIY has become a popular hobby. Social media and online tutorials make projects seem achievable, and some enjoy the creative control and satisfaction of doing it themselves. It can also be a way to reuse materials and be more sustainable.

Most people like modern and simple interior styles. Neutral colours, clean lines and practical furniture are popular. Some people prefer traditional looks, but modern minimalism is common.

Contemporary tastes often lean towards clean, functional styles such as Scandinavian minimalism or modern contemporary design — light colours, natural materials and uncluttered spaces. However, there's also interest in mixing styles: industrial elements, vintage pieces and biophilic touches like lots of plants. Trends are influenced by magazines and platforms like Instagram, so people often aim for spaces that look both comfortable and photogenic.