Describing a place you would like to live in the future is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking exams. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to express preferences, describe locations, and discuss future plans. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll guide you through each part of the speaking test, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Describe a subject you enjoyed learning in school can also be a great way to demonstrate your language skills in IELTS Speaking. However, let’s focus on describing your ideal future home.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about your current living situation and preferences. Here are some common questions:

1. Where do you currently live?
2. What type of housing is common in your area?
3. Do you prefer living in a house or an apartment? Why?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 3:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I personally prefer living in a house rather than an apartment. The main reason is that houses typically offer more space and privacy. In addition, having a garden or a backyard is a significant advantage, as it provides a place to relax outdoors and perhaps even grow some plants or vegetables. Moreover, houses often come with fewer restrictions compared to apartments, allowing for more freedom in terms of renovations or decorating.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a place you would like to live in the future:

Describe A Place You Would Like To Live In The Future
You should say:

• Where it is
• What it looks like
• Why you would like to live there
• And explain how this place differs from where you live now

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’ve always dreamed of living in a cozy cottage nestled in the picturesque countryside of Scotland. This idyllic home would be situated on the outskirts of a small village, surrounded by rolling hills and lush green meadows.

As I envision it, the cottage would be a charming stone building with a thatched roof, exuding a sense of warmth and history. It would have large windows to let in plenty of natural light and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The interior would be a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, featuring exposed wooden beams, a fireplace in the living room, and a spacious kitchen perfect for cooking hearty meals.

One of the main reasons I’m drawn to this type of living is the tranquility and connection with nature it offers. The slower pace of life in a rural setting appeals to me, as it would provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. Additionally, I’m fascinated by Scottish culture and history, and living in such a location would allow me to immerse myself in the local traditions and explore the stunning landscapes.

This dream home differs significantly from my current living situation in several ways. Firstly, I currently reside in a bustling city apartment, so the contrast in terms of space and surroundings would be stark. The peace and quiet of the countryside would be a welcome change from the constant noise of urban life. Moreover, having direct access to nature and outdoor activities would be a dramatic shift from my current lifestyle, which is largely confined to indoor spaces and city parks. Ultimately, this move would represent not just a change in location, but a complete transformation in my way of life, offering new experiences and a deeper connection with my surroundings.”

Scottish countryside cottage with thatched roof

Follow-up questions:

1. How would living in this place impact your daily routine?
2. What challenges might you face in adapting to this new environment?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. “Living in this Scottish cottage would undoubtedly transform my daily routine. I imagine I’d start my days much earlier, perhaps waking up with the sunrise and taking a refreshing walk in the crisp morning air. My work-life balance would likely improve as I’d have a dedicated home office with inspiring views, potentially boosting my productivity. In the evenings, instead of battling traffic or crowded public transport, I’d have the luxury of unwinding in my garden or taking leisurely strolls through the countryside. This change of pace would allow me more time for hobbies like reading, gardening, or perhaps learning traditional Scottish crafts.”

2. “Adapting to this new environment would certainly present some challenges. Firstly, the relative isolation might be difficult to adjust to, especially coming from a vibrant city. I’d need to be proactive about maintaining social connections and perhaps joining local community groups to avoid feeling lonely. Another potential hurdle would be the limited access to urban amenities – I’d need to plan ahead for shopping and entertainment options. Additionally, the Scottish weather can be quite unpredictable and harsh at times, so I’d have to acclimatize to more rain and colder temperatures. However, I believe these challenges would ultimately contribute to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for my new surroundings.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q1: How do you think living environments will change in the future?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe future living environments will evolve significantly to address current challenges and incorporate technological advancements. One major trend I foresee is the increased focus on sustainability. We’re likely to see more eco-friendly homes that are energy-efficient and built with sustainable materials. Additionally, as remote work becomes more prevalent, homes may be designed with dedicated office spaces or multipurpose rooms that can easily transform to suit different needs.

Another aspect that might change is the concept of community living. We may see a rise in co-living spaces or integrated communities that combine private living areas with shared facilities, fostering a sense of connection among residents. Furthermore, technology will play a crucial role in shaping future homes, with smart home systems becoming standard features, enhancing comfort, security, and energy management.

However, it’s important to note that these changes may not be uniform across the globe. Factors such as cultural preferences, economic conditions, and geographical constraints will likely result in diverse living solutions in different parts of the world.”

Futuristic sustainable community living space

Q2: Do you think more people will move to rural areas in the future? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a complex issue with various factors to consider. On one hand, I believe there will be an increased interest in rural living due to several reasons. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the benefits of less densely populated areas and access to nature. Moreover, the rise of remote work has made it possible for many people to live further from urban centers without sacrificing their careers.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the counterarguments. Urban areas continue to offer numerous advantages, such as better infrastructure, more job opportunities, and easier access to healthcare and education. Additionally, younger generations often prefer the cultural diversity and social opportunities that cities provide.

Taking all these factors into account, I anticipate a moderate increase in rural migration, but not a mass exodus from cities. What we might see instead is a rise in ‘hybrid’ living arrangements, where people split their time between urban and rural residences. This could lead to the development of smaller, well-connected towns that offer a balance between rural charm and urban conveniences.

Ultimately, the extent of this shift will depend on various factors, including improvements in rural infrastructure, government policies to support rural development, and continued advancements in remote working technologies. It’s a trend that will be fascinating to observe over the coming years.”

Describe a way technology has changed your daily routine is another interesting topic that relates to how our living environments and lifestyles are evolving.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when describing your ideal future living place, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Idyllic /ɪˈdɪlɪk/ (adjective): Extremely pleasant, peaceful, or picturesque.
   Example: “I dream of living in an idyllic countryside cottage.”

2. Tranquility /træŋˈkwɪləti/ (noun): The quality or state of being calm and quiet.
   Example: “The tranquility of rural life appeals to me greatly.”

3. To be drawn to (phrasal verb): To feel attracted or pulled towards something.
   Example: “I’m drawn to the idea of living in a more natural setting.”

4. Stark contrast (noun phrase): A very obvious or noticeable difference.
   Example: “Moving to the countryside would be a stark contrast to my current urban lifestyle.”

5. To immerse oneself (verb phrase): To become completely involved in something.
   Example: “Living in Scotland would allow me to immerse myself in the local culture.”

6. Amenities /əˈmenətiz/ (noun): Useful or pleasant facilities or services.
   Example: “While rural living offers peace, it may lack some urban amenities.”

7. To acclimatize /əˈklaɪmətaɪz/ (verb): To adapt to new conditions or surroundings.
   Example: “It might take some time to acclimatize to the Scottish weather.”

8. Eco-friendly (adjective): Not harmful to the environment.
   Example: “Future homes are likely to incorporate more eco-friendly features.”

9. To foster (verb): To encourage the development of something.
   Example: “Co-living spaces can foster a sense of community among residents.”

10. Hybrid (adjective): Combining different elements.
    Example: “We might see a rise in hybrid living arrangements, blending urban and rural lifestyles.”

Describe a foreign dish you want to learn to cook could be an interesting way to discuss how your ideal future home might influence your culinary experiences.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing your ideal future living place:

1. Practice extensively: Regularly describe different types of homes and locations to build your vocabulary and fluency.

2. Use vivid descriptions: Paint a clear picture with your words, focusing on details that appeal to the senses.

3. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, using linking words to connect ideas smoothly.

4. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the topic through your tone and expressions.

5. Incorporate personal experiences: Relate your ideal future home to your current living situation or past experiences for added depth.

6. Be prepared for follow-up questions: Think about potential challenges and benefits of your chosen living place.

7. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Showcase your language skills by using a mix of simple and complex sentences.

8. Stay relevant: Always tie your answers back to the original question or topic.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about communicating your ideas clearly and confidently. Good luck with your IELTS Speaking test!