As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless Speaking test topics. One that often arises is “Do you like going out or staying at home?”. While seemingly simple, this question can trip up even well-prepared candidates. Why? Because it goes beyond mere preference and delves into your ability to articulate reasons, provide examples, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary.
This guide is designed to help you tackle this common IELTS Speaking topic with confidence. We’ll explore what the examiner is looking for, effective strategies for structuring your response, and vocabulary to help you express yourself fluently and accurately.
Understanding the Question
The examiner isn’t simply interested in whether you’re a homebody or a social butterfly. They want to assess:
- Your fluency and coherence: Can you speak naturally and smoothly on this topic?
- Your lexical resource: Do you have a wide range of vocabulary related to leisure activities, hobbies, and personal preferences?
- Your grammatical range and accuracy: Can you use a variety of sentence structures correctly?
- Your pronunciation: Can you be easily understood?
Structuring Your Response
Here’s a simple structure to help you craft a coherent and engaging answer:
- State your preference: Clearly state whether you prefer going out or staying at home.
- Provide reasons: Explain why you prefer one over the other. Be specific! Do you enjoy the social interaction of going out, or the comfort and relaxation of staying in?
- Give examples: Illustrate your points with real-life examples. Describe a specific time you enjoyed going out or staying at home.
- Offer a balanced perspective: Even if you strongly prefer one over the other, acknowledge the benefits of both. This shows you are capable of nuanced thought.
Example Response
“I’m more of a homebody at heart, so I generally prefer staying in. I find it incredibly relaxing to curl up on the sofa with a good book or catch up on my favorite TV shows after a long day. Plus, I love cooking, so I often spend my evenings experimenting in the kitchen. Of course, I do enjoy going out with friends occasionally – perhaps for dinner and a movie, or to a concert. However, I find that I need a good amount of downtime at home to recharge my batteries.”
Vocabulary Enhancement
Boost your lexical resource with these words and phrases:
Going Out:
- Socialize, mingle, catch up
- Dine out, grab a bite, hit the town
- Live music, nightlife, entertainment
- Explore, discover new places, cultural events
Staying at Home:
- Unwind, relax, de-stress
- Cozy up, snuggle in, put my feet up
- Quiet evening, peaceful ambiance, solitude
- Hobbies, interests, personal pursuits
Tips for Success
- Practice makes perfect: Practice answering this question and other common IELTS Speaking topics regularly.
- Record yourself: Listening to yourself speak can help you identify areas for improvement in fluency and pronunciation.
- Expand your vocabulary: Make a conscious effort to learn new words and phrases related to leisure activities and personal preferences.
- Think about your audience: Remember that you are speaking to an examiner who is assessing your English skills. Use clear, concise language and avoid slang or colloquialisms.
By following this guide and putting in the necessary practice, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently tackle the “going out vs. staying at home” IELTS Speaking topic and impress the examiner with your fluency and range of vocabulary. Good luck!