The IELTS Speaking Test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. It is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). An IELTS Speaking Examiner will evaluate your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Questions about “Describe a house or apartment you like” are common and provide a great opportunity to showcase your speaking skills.
In this article, we provide a detailed guide on how to respond to questions related to describing a house or apartment, with sample questions, answers, and valuable tips for scoring high.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions about yourself. Common topics include your home, work, studies, and interests.
Sample Question:
- What kind of accommodation do you live in?
Sample Answer:
“I currently live in an apartment in the city center. It’s a spacious two-bedroom apartment on the tenth floor of a high-rise building. I particularly like its modern design and the stunning view of the skyline from my balcony.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a house or apartment you like. You should say:
- where it is
- what it looks like
- what amenities it has
and explain why you like it.
Sample Answer:
“One house that I absolutely adore is my friend’s beautiful villa located in the countryside. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the city, making it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle. The house is a two-story building with a traditional exterior but modern interiors.
Upon entering, you’re greeted with a spacious living room that boasts large windows, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in. The kitchen is state-of-the-art, with all the latest appliances and a large island in the center.
The villa has three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a cozy fireplace in the master bedroom. One of the standout features is the backyard, which houses a swimming pool and a beautifully maintained garden. It’s a perfect space for hosting barbecues or just relaxing with a book.
I love this house because it combines luxury with a comfortable, homey feel. The serenity of the countryside adds to its charm, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind.”
countryside-villa|Luxury countryside villa|A luxurious countryside villa with a swimming pool and a beautiful garden. The villa has large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in.
Follow-up Questions for Part 2:
-
Examiner: Is this type of housing typical in your country?
Candidate: “Not exactly. While countryside villas are becoming more popular among the affluent, most people in my country live in urban flats or suburban houses due to the cost of land and employment opportunities.”
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Examiner: How important do you think it is to own a home?
Candidate: “I believe owning a home provides a sense of stability and security. It’s also considered a good investment and something people can pass down through generations, fostering a sense of heritage.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Question:
- How does housing in rural areas compare to housing in urban areas?
Sample Answer:
“Housing in rural areas usually offers more space, often in the form of detached houses with gardens or even small farms. The cost of land is cheaper, which allows for larger properties. On the other hand, urban housing is typically more compact and vertical, with higher density apartment buildings to accommodate the larger population. However, urban housing is closer to amenities such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces, which adds to its convenience. The quality of life can be very different between the two, with rural living often being quieter and more relaxed, while urban living is faster-paced and possibly more stressful.”
Examiner’s Question:
- What factors influence people’s choice of housing?
Sample Answer:
“Many factors influence people’s choice of housing, including proximity to work and educational institutions, the availability of amenities, and security. Affordability also plays a crucial role, as does the size of the family and the lifestyle people wish to lead. For instance, young professionals might prefer a city apartment near their workplace, while families might opt for a suburban house with more space for their children.”
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Here are some key vocabulary and structures to help you excel in the IELTS Speaking Test:
- Spacious: /ˈspeɪ.ʃəs/ – large and with plenty of space (e.g., “The apartment is very spacious with an open layout.”)
- Amenities: /əˈmiː.nɪ.tiz/ – useful features or facilities (e.g., “The building has modern amenities like a gym and a swimming pool.”)
- Natural light: Sunlight that brightens indoors (e.g., “The living room is filled with natural light thanks to the large windows.”)
- State-of-the-art: /steɪt əv ðiː ˈɑːrt/ – very modern and using the most recent ideas and methods (e.g., “The kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art appliances.”)
III. Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Engage in regular speaking practice with a partner or language coach to enhance fluency and confidence.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Don’t repeat the same words. Instead, use synonyms and advanced vocabulary to showcase your lexical resource.
- Develop Coherent Answers: Structure your answers using clear and logical sequences. This improves coherence and helps you stay on topic.
- Work on Pronunciation: Pay attention to your pronunciation. Clear and accurate pronunciation can significantly impact your score.
- Stay Calm and Focused: Being nervous is natural, but maintaining a calm demeanor can help you think clearly and speak more effectively.
By following these tips and practicing the sample questions and answers provided, you will be well on your way to achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking Test.