Describing a piece of furniture in your house is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. It allows candidates to demonstrate their vocabulary related to household items, their ability to describe physical objects, and their skill in expressing personal preferences. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about furniture. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
Question: “What’s your favorite piece of furniture in your home?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d have to say my favorite piece of furniture is my bookshelf. It’s a large, wooden unit that takes up most of one wall in my living room. I love it because it not only stores all my books but also serves as a display area for some of my favorite mementos and photographs. It really adds character to the room and reflects my personality.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a potential cue card related to the topic:
Describe a piece of furniture in your house that you really like.
You should say:
- What it is
- Where it is in your house
- What it looks like
- And explain why you like it so much
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my dining table, which is in the kitchen of my house. It’s a rectangular wooden table with a smooth, polished surface. The table is about six feet long and can comfortably seat six people. It has a light oak color that brightens up the room.
I really like this table for several reasons. Firstly, it’s where my family gathers for meals, so it holds a lot of sentimental value. We’ve had many great conversations and shared many laughs around this table. Secondly, it’s very practical – it’s large enough for us to spread out when we’re working or doing crafts, but not so big that it dominates the room. Lastly, I appreciate its simple, classic design. It fits well with the rest of our furniture and gives our kitchen a warm, homey feel.
Overall, this dining table is more than just a piece of furniture to me. It’s a central part of our home life and holds many cherished memories.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d be delighted to describe my cherished writing desk, which is nestled in the corner of my study. This exquisite piece is a vintage mahogany desk that I inherited from my grandfather. It’s a substantial piece, approximately four feet wide and two feet deep, with intricate carvings adorning its legs and edges.
The desk’s surface is lovingly worn, bearing the marks of years of use, which I find incredibly endearing. It features three drawers on each side, with ornate brass handles that add a touch of elegance. The deep, rich color of the wood seems to glow in the soft light of my study, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
I’m particularly fond of this desk for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a tangible link to my family history, reminding me of my grandfather’s love for writing and knowledge. Secondly, its classic design and superior craftsmanship are a testament to the quality of furniture made in bygone eras. Lastly, I find that sitting at this desk inspires creativity and fosters productivity in my own writing endeavors.
In essence, this writing desk is far more than mere furniture to me. It’s a beloved heirloom, a functional workspace, and a source of inspiration all rolled into one magnificent piece.”
Follow-up questions:
- How long have you had this piece of furniture?
- Do you think you’ll keep it for a long time?
Sample answers:
Band 6-7:
- “I’ve had this dining table for about five years now. We bought it when we moved into our current house.”
- “Yes, I think we’ll keep it for quite a while. It’s still in good condition and suits our needs well.”
Band 8-9:
- “I’ve been privileged to have this writing desk in my possession for over a decade now. It was passed down to me when my grandfather passed away in 2010.”
- “Absolutely, I fully intend to keep this desk for as long as possible. In fact, I hope to preserve it as a family heirloom and pass it on to future generations. Its sentimental value and timeless appeal make it a piece I’ll treasure for years to come.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to furniture and home decor. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: “How do you think furniture choices reflect a person’s personality?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think furniture can say a lot about a person. For example, someone who chooses modern, minimalist furniture might be very organized and practical. On the other hand, a person who prefers antique furniture might be more interested in history or have a romantic personality. The colors and materials people choose can also reflect their tastes and lifestyle.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that furniture choices can be a profound reflection of an individual’s personality, values, and lifestyle. The aesthetic preferences evident in furniture selection often mirror one’s inner world. For instance, someone who gravitates towards sleek, minimalist designs might value efficiency and simplicity in other aspects of their life. Conversely, an individual who opts for eclectic, bohemian pieces might have a more free-spirited and creative nature.
Moreover, the functionality of chosen furniture can indicate priorities. A home office filled with ergonomic furniture might suggest a person who places great importance on their work or health. Similarly, a living room dominated by a large, comfortable sofa could imply someone who cherishes social gatherings and family time.
It’s also worth noting that furniture choices can be influenced by cultural background, personal experiences, and even aspirations. In this way, our furniture not only reflects who we are but also who we aspire to be.”
Question: “Do you think people’s attitudes towards furniture have changed over the generations?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe attitudes towards furniture have significantly shifted over generations. In the past, furniture was often seen as a long-term investment, with pieces being passed down through families. There was a strong emphasis on durability and craftsmanship.
Nowadays, I think many people, especially younger generations, have a more flexible approach to furniture. With the rise of fast furniture companies like IKEA, there’s a trend towards more affordable, easily replaceable items. This shift might be due to factors like increased mobility in society and changing design trends.
However, there’s also a growing awareness of sustainability issues, which is leading some people to return to more durable, eco-friendly furniture options. Additionally, the resurgence of interest in vintage and antique pieces shows that some aspects of traditional attitudes towards furniture are making a comeback.
Overall, while there’s definitely been a change, I think we’re seeing a mix of attitudes today, with some people prioritizing convenience and affordability, while others focus on quality, sustainability, or unique style.”
Describe a room in your house that you like the most can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it allows you to expand on your furniture description and provide more context about your living space.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, consider incorporating these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
-
Exquisite (adjective) /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/ – extremely beautiful and carefully made
Example: “The exquisite craftsmanship of the antique dresser caught everyone’s eye.” -
Ornate (adjective) /ɔːˈneɪt/ – covered with decorative patterns or designs
Example: “The ornate carving on the wooden headboard added a touch of elegance to the bedroom.” -
Ergonomic (adjective) /ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪk/ – designed to be comfortable and efficient for the user
Example: “I invested in an ergonomic office chair to support my posture during long work hours.” -
Versatile (adjective) /ˈvɜːsətaɪl/ – able to be used for many different purposes
Example: “The versatile modular sofa can be rearranged to suit various room layouts.” -
To complement (verb) /ˈkɒmplɪment/ – to add to something in a way that improves or emphasizes its qualities
Example: “The new coffee table perfectly complements the existing living room decor.”
Describe an indoor place where you feel the most comfortable could be a great opportunity to use these vocabulary items when discussing furniture and interior design.
Examiner’s Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
To achieve high scores in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing furniture or other physical objects, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions.
- Demonstrate your ability to use various grammatical structures accurately.
- Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
- Provide detailed descriptions and explanations, going beyond simple statements.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to the topic.
- Use appropriate pronunciation and intonation to convey your message effectively.
Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try describing different pieces of furniture in your home, focusing on their appearance, functionality, and personal significance. This will help you build confidence and fluency when faced with similar topics in the actual test.
Describe an area in your home where you feel relaxed is another topic where you can apply these skills and showcase your ability to describe both furniture and the atmosphere it creates.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any furniture-related questions in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!