The topic of describing an indoor place where you feel at ease is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to describe personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about indoor spaces and relaxation. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Question: Do you prefer spending time indoors or outdoors?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I enjoy a balance of both, but if I had to choose, I slightly prefer indoor spaces. There’s something comforting about being in a controlled environment where I can relax without worrying about the weather or other external factors. That being said, I do make a point of getting outside regularly for fresh air and exercise.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe an indoor place where you feel at ease.
You should say:
- Where it is
- What it looks like
- What you do there
- And explain why you feel at ease there
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my home office, which is a sanctuary for me within my apartment. It’s a modest-sized room, about 3 meters by 4 meters, located at the back of my home, overlooking a small garden.
The room has a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and a neutral color palette. The walls are painted a soft, muted gray, which I find incredibly soothing. There’s a large window that floods the space with natural light, making it feel open and airy. I have a sleek, wooden desk positioned near the window, which serves as the focal point of the room.
In terms of décor, I’ve kept things intentionally sparse to minimize distractions. There are a few carefully chosen pieces of art on the walls, mainly abstract paintings in calming blues and greens. I have a comfortable ergonomic chair and a small bookshelf filled with my favorite books and a few potted plants to bring a touch of nature indoors.
I use this space primarily for work and study, but it’s also where I go to unwind and reflect. Whether I’m engrossed in a challenging project, reading a book, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation, I find that this room allows me to focus and center myself.
The reason I feel so at ease here is multifaceted. Firstly, the serene atmosphere I’ve created helps to calm my mind and reduce stress. The natural light and view of the garden connect me to the outside world without exposing me to its distractions. Additionally, having a dedicated space for productive activities helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance. When I’m in this room, I feel a sense of purpose and control over my environment, which is incredibly reassuring.
Moreover, the personal touches I’ve added, like the artwork and books, remind me of my goals and passions, which is both motivating and comforting. The overall effect is a space that nurtures my creativity and promotes a sense of inner peace, making it the perfect retreat when I need to recharge or refocus.”
Cozy home office with natural light and minimalist decor
Follow-up questions:
- How often do you spend time in this place?
- Have you made any changes to this space recently?
Sample answers (Band 8-9):
“I make a point of spending at least a few hours in my home office every day. It’s not just about work; I find it essential for my mental well-being to have a dedicated space where I can focus and recharge. Even on weekends, I’ll often pop in for an hour or two to read or plan for the week ahead. It’s become such an integral part of my routine that I feel a bit off-kilter if I don’t spend time there regularly.”
“Yes, I’ve actually made a few thoughtful adjustments to the space recently. I invested in a standing desk to promote better posture and combat the negative effects of sitting for long periods. I’ve also incorporated a small meditation corner with a cushion and a white noise machine, which has been tremendously helpful in enhancing my mindfulness practice. These changes have really elevated the functionality and comfort of the room, making it an even more conducive environment for both work and relaxation.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: Do you think the design of indoor spaces can affect people’s mood and productivity?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe the design of indoor spaces can have a profound impact on both mood and productivity. There’s a growing body of research in environmental psychology that supports this notion. For instance, studies have shown that exposure to natural light can boost serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and focus. Similarly, the use of certain colors can elicit specific emotional responses – blues and greens are often associated with calmness and concentration, while warmer tones like yellows and oranges can stimulate creativity and energy.
In terms of productivity, the layout and functionality of a space play a crucial role. An ergonomically designed workspace can reduce physical strain and fatigue, allowing people to work more comfortably for longer periods. Open floor plans might foster collaboration in some contexts, but they can also lead to increased distractions and reduced focus for tasks requiring deep concentration.
Moreover, the incorporation of biophilic design elements – that is, bringing aspects of nature into indoor spaces – has been shown to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and increase overall well-being. This could be as simple as adding plants to an office or as comprehensive as designing buildings with green walls and natural ventilation systems.
It’s worth noting that the optimal design can vary depending on the purpose of the space and individual preferences. What works well in a creative studio might not be suitable for a law office, for example. Therefore, I think it’s essential for designers and employers to consider the specific needs of the people using the space and to create environments that are both functional and psychologically supportive.”
Biophilic office design enhancing productivity and well-being
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Sanctuary (noun) /ˈsæŋk.tʃu.er.i/: A place of refuge or safety.
Example: “My home office is a sanctuary where I can escape the chaos of daily life.”Aesthetic (noun) /esˈθet.ɪk/: A set of principles underlying the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.
Example: “The minimalist aesthetic of the room helps me focus on my work.”To unwind (verb) /ʌnˈwaɪnd/: To relax after a period of work or tension.
Example: “I love to unwind in my favorite armchair after a long day.”Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “The reasons for my attachment to this space are multifaceted.”To nurture (verb) /ˈnɜː.tʃər/: To care for and encourage growth or development.
Example: “This environment nurtures my creativity and helps me thrive.”Ergonomic (adjective) /ˌɜː.ɡəˈnɒm.ɪk/: Designed to provide optimum comfort and to avoid stress or injury.
Example: “I invested in an ergonomic chair to improve my posture while working.”Biophilic design (noun phrase) /ˌbaɪ.əʊˈfɪl.ɪk dɪˈzaɪn/: An approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature.
Example: “The office incorporates biophilic design elements like plants and natural materials.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an indoor place:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions.
- Vary your sentence structures, using both simple and complex forms.
- Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your points.
- Express and justify opinions clearly.
- Use appropriate tenses and maintain grammatical accuracy.
- Practice describing different indoor spaces to improve your ability to speak on this topic spontaneously.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing what to say, but how to say it effectively and naturally. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you build confidence and improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.