IELTS Speaking Part 3: Buildings and City Life IELTS Speaking Part 3 Practice High-Frequency Topic 19: Buildings and City Life 1. Reading and Vocabulary Expansion A common sight in modern cities and towns is the presence of many tall buildings. Because of the lack of space , owners build vertically to accommodate more offices and residences . To ensure the buildings are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing , engineers use a combination of concrete , glass, and steel . Big glass windows allow people within to have a better view of the outside world , and such a building often looks better than one that is predominantly concrete. Many people in the city choose to live in such buildings as they are often near the shopping and business districts . The proximity to such makes everyday life more convenient , saving much travel time—especially since many modern cities are plagued with horrendous traffic . These buildings also offer a lot of amenities , such as 24/7 security and recreational facilities , that residents and their visitors can enjoy. However, there are also drawbacks to living in a tall building. Since elevators are limited, there is often a long queue during rush hour as people are heading or returning from school and work . Another issue is when there is a power outage , people would need to take the stairs. Furthermore, the limited living space is a concern for people who have small kids or pets, as there is no place for them to run around. And in emergencies, it can be difficult to reach safety if you live on the top floors . Despite the challenges of living in a tall ...