Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe Your Favorite Piece of Furniture

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about their homes and personal belongings. One common topic is describing a piece of furniture you like. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and helpful tips to boost your performance.

Describe a place in your country known for its handmade crafts is another interesting topic you might encounter in the IELTS Speaking test. However, let’s focus on describing furniture in this article.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about furniture and your home. Here are some potential questions:

1. What type of furniture do you have in your home?
2. Do you prefer modern or traditional furniture?
3. Have you ever bought furniture online?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:

Examiner: Do you prefer modern or traditional furniture?

Candidate (Band 6-7): I generally prefer modern furniture. I think it looks sleek and fits well in small spaces, which is important for my apartment. Modern furniture often has clean lines and simple designs that I find appealing.

Candidate (Band 8-9): I have a penchant for modern furniture, although I can appreciate the craftsmanship of traditional pieces as well. Modern designs tend to resonate with me due to their minimalist aesthetic and functionality. They often incorporate innovative materials and space-saving features, which are particularly conducive to urban living. That said, I do enjoy juxtaposing a few carefully chosen traditional elements to create a more eclectic and personalized ambiance in my home.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a piece of furniture:

Describe a piece of furniture in your home that you like
You should say:

• What it is
• Where you got it from
• What it looks like
• And explain why you like it

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

The piece of furniture I’d like to talk about is my bookshelf. I bought it from a local furniture store about two years ago when I moved into my new apartment. It’s a tall, wooden bookshelf with five shelves. The wood is dark brown, and it has a simple, modern design.

I really like this bookshelf for several reasons. Firstly, it’s very practical and provides plenty of space for all my books and some decorative items. Secondly, it matches well with the other furniture in my living room. Lastly, I find it visually appealing – the dark wood gives a warm, cozy feeling to the room.

The bookshelf has become an important part of my home. It not only stores my books but also displays some of my favorite items, like small plants and photo frames. It’s the first thing I see when I enter my living room, and it always makes me feel comfortable and relaxed.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The piece of furniture I’d like to expound on is my bespoke bookshelf, which has become the focal point of my living room. I commissioned it from a local artisan about two years ago when I was revamping my living space. This custom-made piece is a testament to both form and function, seamlessly blending aesthetic appeal with practicality.

Standing at an imposing height of six feet, this bookshelf is crafted from sustainably sourced oak, boasting a rich, warm hue that exudes elegance. Its design is a harmonious fusion of modern and traditional elements, featuring clean lines and minimalist hardware, yet maintaining a classic silhouette. The five adjustable shelves offer versatility in arranging my ever-growing collection of literature and objets d’art.

What sets this piece apart and endears it to me is its multifaceted nature. Beyond its primary function as a repository for books, it serves as a curated display of my personal journey. Interspersed among the tomes are mementos from my travels, family heirlooms, and carefully selected decorative pieces, each with its own story.

Moreover, this bookshelf embodies my commitment to supporting local craftsmanship and sustainable living. The meticulous attention to detail evident in its construction speaks volumes about the artisan’s skill and passion. It’s not merely a piece of furniture, but a conversation starter and a reflection of my values and aesthetic sensibilities.

In essence, this bookshelf has transcended its utilitarian purpose to become an integral part of my home’s character. It stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and craftsmanship in elevating everyday objects to works of art.

Custom bookshelf as living room focal point

Follow-up questions:

1. How often do you rearrange your furniture?
2. Do you think furniture can affect a person’s mood?

Sample answers:

1. Band 6-7: I don’t rearrange my furniture very often, maybe once or twice a year. I usually do it when I feel like the room needs a change or when I buy a new piece of furniture.

   Band 8-9: I tend to approach furniture arrangement with a blend of spontaneity and purpose. While I don’t adhere to a strict schedule, I find myself reimagining my living space approximately every season. This periodic reconfiguration allows me to breathe new life into my surroundings, often coinciding with changes in natural light or the acquisition of new pieces. It’s a therapeutic process that helps me maintain a sense of novelty in my familiar environment.

2. Band 6-7: Yes, I believe furniture can definitely affect a person’s mood. For example, a comfortable sofa can make you feel relaxed, while a cluttered room with too much furniture might make you feel stressed.

   Band 8-9: I’m thoroughly convinced that furniture plays a pivotal role in influencing one’s psychological state. The arrangement, style, and functionality of furniture can significantly impact our emotional well-being and cognitive processes. For instance, ergonomically designed furniture can enhance productivity and reduce physical strain, thereby improving overall mood. Conversely, a poorly configured space with ill-suited furniture can induce stress and hamper relaxation. Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of furniture can evoke specific emotions – a minimalist setup might promote clarity of thought, while plush, inviting pieces can foster a sense of comfort and security.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to furniture and interior design. Here’s a sample question and answer:

Examiner: How has furniture design changed in recent years?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Furniture design has changed quite a lot in recent years. I think the biggest change is that furniture has become more multifunctional. For example, we now have sofas that can turn into beds, or tables with built-in storage. This is probably because people are living in smaller spaces, especially in cities. Also, modern furniture often looks simpler and uses new materials like plastic or metal, not just wood.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Furniture design has undergone a significant evolution in recent years, reflecting broader societal shifts and technological advancements. One of the most notable trends has been the emphasis on multifunctionality and space efficiency, catering to the needs of urban dwellers in compact living spaces. We’re seeing an increasing prevalence of modular furniture and pieces with integrated smart technology, blurring the lines between traditional furniture categories.

Moreover, there’s been a marked shift towards sustainability in furniture design. Designers are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly materials and production methods, responding to growing environmental consciousness. This has led to innovations in upcycling and the use of biodegradable or recyclable materials.

Aesthetically, we’ve witnessed a resurgence of interest in mid-century modern designs, albeit with contemporary twists. There’s also been a move away from mass-produced uniformity towards more personalized and artisanal pieces, reflecting a desire for uniqueness and authenticity in home decor.

Lastly, the integration of ergonomics has become more sophisticated, with furniture designs increasingly informed by research into human physiology and behavior. This has resulted in pieces that not only look appealing but also actively contribute to users’ health and well-being.

Describe a place in your hometown where people go to relax is another interesting topic you might encounter in the IELTS Speaking test. It’s important to be prepared for a variety of topics.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, consider using these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Bespoke /bɪˈspoʊk/ (adjective): Custom-made or tailored to specific requirements.
   Example: “I prefer bespoke furniture that fits perfectly in my space.”

2. Ergonomic /ˌɜːrɡəˈnɑːmɪk/ (adjective): Designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.
   Example: “My new office chair is highly ergonomic, reducing back strain during long work hours.”

3. Aesthetic /esˈθetɪk/ (adjective): Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
   Example: “The minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian furniture appeals to many modern homeowners.”

4. Juxtapose /ˈdʒʌkstəpoʊz/ (verb): To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.
   Example: “I like to juxtapose vintage and contemporary pieces in my living room for an eclectic look.”

5. Focal point /ˈfoʊkl pɔɪnt/ (noun): The center of interest or activity.
   Example: “The antique fireplace serves as the focal point of our dining room.”

Ergonomic office chair in a modern workspace

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing furniture or your home, consider the following tips:

1. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use specific terms related to furniture, design, and materials. This will allow you to describe items more accurately and impressively.

2. Practice descriptive language: Work on your ability to describe shapes, colors, textures, and styles in detail. This skill is crucial for Part 2 of the test.

3. Develop your opinions: For Part 3, practice expressing and justifying your views on broader topics related to furniture and interior design.

4. Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

5. Stay relevant: Always ensure your answers directly address the question asked, even when expanding on a topic.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and confidently while showcasing your language skills.

How is your home decorated ielts is another related topic you might want to explore to further enhance your preparation for the IELTS Speaking test.