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

The topic of describing a piece of furniture you like is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to describe objects, express preferences, and discuss everyday items in detail.

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 kind 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 focus on the first question. Here’s a sample answer:

“Well, I have quite a variety of furniture in my home. In the living room, we have a comfortable sofa and a coffee table. The bedroom has a queen-sized bed and a wardrobe. Oh, and I can’t forget my favorite piece – a vintage bookshelf in my study. It’s not just functional; it adds character to the room.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a piece of furniture in your house 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):

“I’d like to talk about my favorite piece of furniture, which is a vintage bookshelf in my study. I bought it from an antique shop in the city center about five years ago. It’s a tall, wooden bookshelf with intricate carvings on the sides. The wood has a rich, dark brown color that gives it a classic look.

I really like this bookshelf for several reasons. Firstly, it’s very practical. It has plenty of space for all my books and some decorative items. Secondly, I love its appearance. The detailed carvings and the aged wood give it a lot of character. It makes my study feel more interesting and personal.

Moreover, this bookshelf reminds me of my grandfather’s study. He had a similar piece, and seeing this bookshelf brings back fond memories of spending time with him. So, it’s not just a piece of furniture, but also a sentimental item for me.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to describe my favorite piece of furniture, which is an exquisite vintage bookshelf that takes pride of place in my study. I stumbled upon this gem at a quaint antique shop in the heart of the city about five years ago, and it was love at first sight.

This magnificent piece stands tall, crafted from solid oak with an enchanting patina that speaks volumes about its rich history. What truly sets it apart are the intricate carvings adorning its sides – delicate floral motifs and sweeping arabesques that showcase the exemplary craftsmanship of a bygone era. The wood boasts a deep, lustrous mahogany hue that seems to glow with an inner warmth, especially when bathed in the soft light of my study.

My affection for this bookshelf stems from multiple factors. Primarily, its functionality is unparalleled – it provides ample space for my extensive book collection while also offering display areas for cherished mementos. Secondly, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. The ornate details and time-worn elegance infuse my study with a sense of gravitas and personality that a modern piece simply couldn’t match.

Perhaps most significantly, this bookshelf serves as a tangible link to my past. It bears a striking resemblance to one that graced my grandfather’s study, evoking nostalgic memories of hours spent in his company, surrounded by the musty scent of old books and the comfort of his wisdom. In this way, the bookshelf transcends its role as mere furniture, becoming a cherished keepsake that bridges generations and keeps family history alive in my daily life.”

Vintage bookshelf in a cozy study room

Follow-up Questions:

1. How often do you rearrange the items on your bookshelf?
2. Do you think vintage furniture is becoming more popular these days?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I rearrange the items on my bookshelf every few months. It’s nice to change things up sometimes. As for vintage furniture, I think it is getting more popular. Many people seem to like the unique look of old pieces.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I tend to rearrange my bookshelf on a quarterly basis, as I find it refreshing to alter the ambiance of my study periodically. It also gives me an opportunity to rediscover forgotten books and reassess my collection.

Regarding the popularity of vintage furniture, I’ve observed a significant resurgence in recent years. This trend seems to be driven by a combination of factors, including a growing appreciation for craftsmanship, a desire for sustainability, and a nostalgic yearning for pieces with character and history. Vintage furniture allows people to curate unique, personalized spaces that stand out in an era of mass-produced items.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Let’s talk more about furniture and interior design. Do you think the furniture people choose reflects their personality?”

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I believe furniture can reflect someone’s personality. For example, people who like modern furniture might be more forward-thinking, while those who prefer traditional styles might value history and classic designs. The colors and materials people choose can also say something about their tastes and lifestyle.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I’m of the opinion that the furniture one selects can be a profound reflection of their personality. The choices we make in furnishing our living spaces often serve as an extension of our inner selves, revealing our tastes, values, and even our approach to life.

For instance, individuals who gravitate towards sleek, minimalist furniture might embody a modern, efficiency-driven mindset, valuing simplicity and functionality. Conversely, those who opt for ornate, antique pieces might possess a deep appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the stories embedded in well-worn items.

Moreover, the color palette one chooses can be particularly telling. Bold, vibrant hues might indicate an outgoing, expressive personality, while muted, earthy tones could suggest a more introspective, nature-loving individual.

It’s also worth noting that furniture choices can reflect one’s lifestyle and priorities. A home filled with durable, child-friendly furniture might indicate a family-oriented individual, while a carefully curated collection of designer pieces could point to someone who places a high value on aesthetics and social status.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that these interpretations aren’t definitive or universally applicable. Personal taste is complex and can be influenced by various factors beyond personality, such as cultural background, financial considerations, and practical needs. Nonetheless, I believe that our furniture choices do offer intriguing insights into our individual characters and life stories.”

Different furniture styles reflecting diverse personalities

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Exquisite /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/ (adj): extremely beautiful and delicate
   Example: The exquisite detailing on the armchair set it apart from mass-produced furniture.

2. Stumble upon (phrasal verb): to find or meet by chance
   Example: I stumbled upon this unique coffee table at a flea market last summer.

3. Patina /pəˈtiːnə/ (n): a thin layer that forms on the surface of some metals, or the sheen on wooden furniture caused by age and polishing
   Example: The antique dresser had a beautiful patina that spoke of its long history.

4. Craftsmanship /ˈkrɑːftsmənʃɪp/ (n): the quality of design and work shown in something made by hand
   Example: The intricate inlay work on the dining table demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship.

5. Evoke /ɪˈvəʊk/ (v): to bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind
   Example: The rocking chair in the corner evokes memories of my grandmother’s house.

6. Curate /kjʊəˈreɪt/ (v): to select, organize, and look after the items in a collection
   Example: I enjoy curating the items on my bookshelf to create a personalized display.

7. Gravitas /ˈɡrævɪtæs/ (n): dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner
   Example: The large oak desk in the study lends a sense of gravitas to the room.

8. Ambiance /ˈæmbiəns/ (n): the character and atmosphere of a place
   Example: The soft lighting and comfortable furniture create a cozy ambiance in our living room.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing furniture:

1. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture of the item.
2. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally in your responses.
3. Discuss not just the physical attributes of the furniture, but also its emotional significance or impact on your life.
4. Practice speaking about different types of furniture and rooms to expand your vocabulary in this area.
5. When answering follow-up questions, try to provide more than just a simple answer. Elaborate with examples or personal experiences.
6. In Part 3, aim to discuss broader themes related to furniture and interior design, showing your ability to think critically and express complex ideas.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but about communicating your ideas clearly, coherently, and confidently. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you improve your fluency and expand your range of expression, enabling you to tackle any question with ease on test day.