The topic of describing a house or apartment you would like to own is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. This subject allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express preferences, describe physical features, and articulate reasons for their choices. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your current living situation or preferences. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you live in a house or an apartment?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I currently live in an apartment in the city center. It’s a small but cozy place that suits my needs for now.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“At present, I’m residing in a modern apartment complex in the heart of the city. It’s a compact yet well-designed space that perfectly caters to my lifestyle, offering convenience and comfort in equal measure.”
Sample Question 2: What kind of housing is common in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“In my country, apartments are very common in cities, while houses are more popular in suburban and rural areas.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The housing landscape in my country is quite diverse. In urban centers, high-rise apartments dominate the skyline, offering space-efficient living solutions. In contrast, suburban and rural regions typically feature standalone houses, providing more space and privacy for families.”
Urban vs Rural Housing Comparison
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe a house or apartment you would like to own.
You should say:
- Where it would be located
- What it would look like
- What special features it would have
- And explain why you would like to own this house or apartment
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve always dreamed of owning a spacious penthouse apartment in the heart of a vibrant coastal city. Ideally, it would be situated in a prime location with breathtaking views of both the ocean and the city skyline.
The apartment would embody a perfect blend of modern aesthetics and comfort. I envision an open-plan layout with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and offer panoramic vistas. The interior would feature a sleek, minimalist design with a neutral color palette, accented by bold artwork and statement furniture pieces.
One of the standout features would be a state-of-the-art smart home system, allowing for complete control of lighting, temperature, and security at the touch of a button or voice command. The kitchen would be a chef’s paradise, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and a large island perfect for entertaining.
Perhaps the most exciting feature would be the expansive rooftop terrace. This outdoor oasis would include a jacuzzi, a barbecue area, and plenty of seating for hosting gatherings with friends and family while enjoying the spectacular views.
I’m particularly drawn to this type of property because it represents the pinnacle of urban living. It would offer the perfect balance between luxury and functionality, providing a tranquil retreat from the bustling city below while still being at the center of all the action. The panoramic views would serve as a constant source of inspiration, and the smart home features would make daily life more efficient and comfortable. Moreover, owning such a property would be a significant personal achievement and a sound investment for the future.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How important is location when choosing a house or apartment?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Location is very important. It affects things like commute time, access to amenities, and overall quality of life.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The location of a property is paramount in the decision-making process. It profoundly impacts various aspects of daily life, from commute efficiency and access to essential services to overall quality of life and potential for future appreciation. A prime location can often compensate for shortcomings in the property itself, making it a critical factor to consider.”
- Do you think house prices accurately reflect their true value?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Not always. Sometimes houses are overpriced due to market conditions or location hype.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“House prices are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and they don’t always align perfectly with intrinsic value. Market speculation, location desirability, and economic conditions can lead to inflated prices that may not reflect the true worth of a property. Conversely, some areas may have undervalued properties due to lack of exposure or temporary market downturns. It’s crucial for potential buyers to conduct thorough research and possibly seek professional advice to gauge whether a property’s price is justifiable.”
Factors Affecting House Prices
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think housing needs will change in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think future houses will need to be more energy-efficient and technologically advanced. People might want smaller spaces that are more functional.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The evolution of housing needs is likely to be shaped by several key trends. Firstly, with increasing urbanization and environmental concerns, we’ll likely see a shift towards more compact, energy-efficient dwellings. These homes will likely incorporate advanced sustainable technologies such as solar panels and smart systems to minimize energy consumption.
Secondly, the rise of remote work may lead to a greater demand for flexible living spaces that can easily transform from home offices to leisure areas. We might see an increase in modular designs that allow for easy reconfiguration of spaces.
Additionally, as populations age in many countries, there will be a growing need for accessible housing designed to accommodate the elderly and those with mobility issues. This could lead to innovations in smart home technology focused on health monitoring and assistance.
Lastly, with the increasing importance of mental health and well-being, future housing may place greater emphasis on biophilic design, incorporating natural elements and green spaces to create more harmonious living environments. These changes reflect a broader shift towards housing that not only meets basic needs but also enhances quality of life and aligns with evolving societal values.”
Examiner: Do you think governments should provide housing for all citizens?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“It’s a complex issue. While it would be nice, it might not be financially possible for all governments to provide housing for everyone.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The question of government-provided housing for all citizens is indeed a multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration. On one hand, access to adequate housing is considered a fundamental human right by many, and government intervention could ensure that this right is upheld for all citizens, regardless of their economic status. This approach could potentially reduce homelessness, improve public health, and contribute to greater social stability.
However, the implementation of such a policy presents significant logistical and financial challenges. The enormous cost involved in providing housing for an entire population could strain government resources and potentially lead to increased taxation or reallocation of funds from other crucial sectors.
A more balanced approach might involve governments focusing on creating supportive housing policies and regulations that encourage affordable housing development by the private sector, coupled with targeted assistance programs for the most vulnerable populations. This could include measures such as rent control, subsidies for low-income families, and incentives for developers to build affordable housing units.
Ultimately, while universal government-provided housing may not be feasible for many countries, governments do have a crucial role to play in ensuring that affordable, quality housing is accessible to all segments of society through a combination of direct intervention and smart policy-making.”
Government Housing Policy Options
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Spacious /ˈspeɪʃəs/ (adjective): Having plenty of space.
Example: “The apartment’s spacious living room is perfect for entertaining guests.”Prime location (noun phrase): The best place for something to be.
Example: “The house’s prime location near excellent schools makes it ideal for families.”Panoramic views (noun phrase): Wide, unobstructed views of an area.
Example: “From the balcony, we enjoyed panoramic views of the city skyline.”State-of-the-art (adjective): Featuring the latest technology or design.
Example: “The kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances.”Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): Causing little or no damage to the environment.
Example: “The building uses sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems.”Biophilic design (noun phrase): Design that connects building occupants with nature.
Example: “The office incorporates biophilic design elements like living walls and natural light.”Modular /ˈmɒdjʊlə/ (adjective): Consisting of separate parts that can be combined in various ways.
Example: “The modular furniture allows for easy reconfiguration of the space.”Accessible /əkˈsesəbl/ (adjective): Easily reached, entered, or used by people with disabilities.
Example: “The house features accessible design elements like wide doorways and a step-free entrance.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing your ideal house or apartment:
- Use a wide range of descriptive vocabulary to paint a vivid picture of the property.
- Structure your response logically, addressing all points in the cue card.
- Provide specific reasons for your preferences, demonstrating critical thinking.
- Use advanced grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Practice speaking about different types of housing to improve fluency on this topic.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about the content, but also about how fluently and accurately you express your ideas. Regular practice with a variety of housing-related topics will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.
Are you looking for more tips on how to improve your IELTS Speaking performance? Check out our guide on how to describe a memorable public transport experience, which offers additional strategies for excelling in the Speaking test.