Monologue on Architectural Development in the City of Birmingham - IELTS Listening Sample Answer

IELTS Listening section examines how well a candidate can understand 4 different audio and answer questions based on that. This IELTS topic - A monologue on architectural development in the city of Birmingham is IELTS listening section two. Candidates need to answer the following IELTS listening question types:

• Table completion
• Diagram completion

Audio Transcript:

You will now hear a guide talking about an architectural development in the city of Birmingham. First, you have some time to look at questions 11 to 15.

Pause the recording for 30 seconds.

Now listen carefully and answer questions 11 to 15.

Good morning, Ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for joining me on our monthly excursion to visit new architectural and city planning developments in our city of Birmingham. Today, as you can see, we're here at the development site of the Cube and its construction is well underway. Indeed the year ahead will be an exciting year for Birmingham development company and its construction arm, build ability, as the construction of the Cube, the most spectacular building in Birmingham continues at speed. This new building valued at over a hundred million pounds has been designed by the internationally renowned architects. Maike, their design team led by Ken shuttleworth has created a 17-story Cube aimed at providing a spectacular contrast to the increasing number of towers appearing on the Birmingham city scape. The complex 142 week building program that will transform the Birmingham skyline upon its completion, is currently over halfway through its development. The building will continue to rise over the coming year with each floor taking two to three weeks to complete. As you can see to your right, the first shipment of the special gold anodized cladding that will adorn the Cube has now arrived on site and from February the glistening golden exterior will begin to be installed, bringing the unique building to life. Late summer, we will see the topping out of the concrete frame of the Cube’s structure with the intricate metallic framework screen beginning to take shape in the early autumn.

Before you hear the rest of the talk, you have some time to look at questions 16 to 20.
Pause the recording for 30 seconds.
Now listen and answer questions 16 to 20.

What has been accomplished to date in the city's regeneration has been nothing short of amazing. Yet, we hope to set a new benchmark for developments in Birmingham. The Cube will bring forward a new standard of architecture and a building which will not only be Birmingham's most striking waterside location, but also one which is identifiable around the world. The Cube breaks all the boundaries of what has been achieved in Birmingham, so far. The finished Cube will be a mixed use building. It will house the city's first rooftop restaurant with panoramic views whilst a boutique hotel and residential apartments below will feature internal views over the twisting atrium. Further down high specification grade A office space is planned with more exclusive retail and waterside restaurants at the base. The mailbox has already raised the bar, in the quality and caliber of our architecture and the retail offerings, worldwide brand names and stylish restaurants have given Birmingham a contemporary profile rivaling the capitals of Europe. From the outset the Cube’s design team sought to create a new landmark building for Birmingham which fits into its context and which draws people in. Lined with coloured glass and with an exterior cladding shimmering metal fretwork, the Cube has visible links to Birmingham's Heritage in Engineering and jewelry manufacture. It was essential that the building created a strong visual presence, immediately identifiable as a gateway to the canal and city center area to the north. Our city is a city of the future and as a futuristic building with phenomenal foresight in style and design, the Cube is indicative of our plans in how we see Birmingham developing. The Cube will help to elevate us onto a global stage. Now, let's go and have a look at the progress of the entrance gateway.

Section 2
Questions 11-20
Q.11-15

Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Question 11:

Answer: 142 weeks

Explanation: The length of the project of the Cube is 142 weeks and is presently halfway done.

Also check:

Question 12:

Answer: 2-3 weeks

Explanation: The building - Cube will rise to continue and each floor will take 2 to 3 weeks to complete.

Question 13:

Answer: February

Explanation: The ‘special gold anodized cladding; that will design the building will be installed from February.

Question 14:

Answer: summer

Explanation: During the late summer, the people will see the topping out of the concrete frame of the Cube’s structure.

Question 15:

Answer: early autumn

Explanation: The installation of the fretwork screen will be coming together in early autumn.

Q.16-20

Label the floor plan below.

Write the correct letter A – G next to the questions below.

Question 16- restaurant with a view

Answer: C

Explanation: The Cube will house the city’s first rooftop restaurant with panoramic views.

Question 17- hotel

Answer: E

Explanation: The Cube will also house boutique hotels and apartments just below the restaurant.

Question 18- office space

Answer: F

Explanation: An office space will be installed with exclusive retail and waterside restaurants.

Question 19- exclusive shops

Answer: B

Explanation: Exclusive shops will be housed just below the office space in the Cube building.

Question 20- Waterside restaurant

Answer: A

Explanation: Waterside restaurants will be located at the end of the Cube building.