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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe Something You Liked Very Much Which You Bought for Your Home: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 12, 2024, 07:33

Overview

In this IELTS Speaking topic, "Describe Something You Liked Very Much Which You Bought for Your Home," you're asked to discuss a specific item you've purchased that holds special significance for you. The focus should be on why you chose this item, its impact on your living space, and the feelings it evokes. Important factors to consider include detailing the purchase process, describing the item, and explaining why it's meaningful to you.

 

Practising this topic will help enhance your descriptive abilities, narrative skills, and ability to express personal feelings—key elements in achieving a high band score on the IELTS Speaking Test. You'll be given one minute to prepare your thoughts, followed by two minutes to speak, making it crucial to organise your ideas clearly and coherently.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe Something You Liked Very Much Which You Bought for Your Home

You should say

  • What you bought?
  • When and where you bought it?
  • Why did you choose this particular thing?
  • Explain why you liked it so much.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What you bought?)

 

  • I bought a beautiful wooden coffee table for my living room about six months ago. 
  • It’s a sturdy piece of furniture with intricate carvings on the legs and a polished, dark brown finish. 
  • I had been looking for something like this to complete my living room décor for quite some time.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When and where you bought it?)

 

  • I purchased this coffee table from a well-known furniture store in Connaught Place, Delhi. 
  • I remember it was a Saturday afternoon, and I was out with my family. 
  • The table immediately caught my eye because of its craftsmanship. 
  • I was excited to find something that perfectly matched the traditional theme I wanted for my home.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Why did you choose this particular thing?)

 

  • I chose this coffee table because it’s not only functional but also adds a touch of elegance to the room. 
  • The carved patterns on the legs remind me of the traditional designs you often see in heritage homes. 
  • I also appreciated the quality of the wood, which is solid and long-lasting. 
  • It’s become the focal point of my living room, where we often gather for tea or have guests over.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you liked it so much.)

 

  • I liked this coffee table so much because it brought a sense of completeness to my living room. 
  • It’s more than just a piece of furniture; it has become a part of my home’s character. 
  • Every time I look at it, I feel satisfied with my purchase, knowing that it was a valuable addition to our home.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: What you bought?)

 

  • I recently bought a stylish grey recliner chair for my living room.
  • It’s a comfortable chair with a modern design and soft, plush fabric.
  • I had been searching for the perfect chair for months, and this one seemed ideal for relaxing after a long day.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When and where you bought it?)
 

  • I bought the recliner chair from a furniture store in Gurgaon during a weekend shopping trip with friends.
  • It was a sunny Saturday, and the store had a special sale, which made the purchase even more exciting.
  • The chair stood out to me because of its ergonomic design and the way it complemented the room’s decor.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Why did you choose this particular thing?)

 

  • I chose this chair because of its superior comfort and adjustable reclining feature.
  • The sleek design fits well with the modern aesthetic of my living room.
  • The chair also has a built-in footrest, which is perfect for lounging and unwinding.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you liked it so much.)

 

  • I love this chair because it has transformed my living space into a more relaxing and stylish area.
  • It’s not just a piece of furniture; it’s become my favourite spot to read or watch TV.
  • Every time I sit in it, I appreciate the comfort and the thoughtful design, making it a worthwhile investment for my home.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What you bought?)

 

  • I recently bought a handcrafted Indian rug for my living room.
  • The rug features traditional patterns with vibrant colours that instantly brighten up the room.
  • After searching for the right piece for a few months, I found that this rug perfectly matched my vision for the space.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When and where you bought it?)
 

  • I purchased the rug from a local artisan market in Jaipur during a holiday visit.
  • It was a memorable experience because I was able to see the rug being made and spoke directly with the weaver.
  • I was drawn to the rug’s unique design and the craftsmanship involved in creating it.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Why did you choose this particular thing?)
 

  • I chose this rug because it adds a touch of cultural heritage to my home and complements my existing décor.
  • The intricate patterns and rich colours enhance the overall aesthetic of the living room.
  • The quality of the material is excellent, and it’s both durable and easy to maintain.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you liked it so much.)

 

  • I like this rug so much because it not only enhances the beauty of my living room but also reflects my appreciation for traditional crafts.
  • It has become a central piece in my home, often admired by guests and family.
  • Every time I see it, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I’ve made a special addition to my home.

 

Also Read: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a cue card titled "Describe Something You Liked Very Much Which You Bought for Your Home.


You will have 1 minute to prepare your response, during which you can make notes. After that, you will have up to 2 minutes to speak on the topic. The examiner will listen without interrupting and may ask a follow-up question once you finish.


The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. To structure your response effectively, you can explore various tips and tricks for the IELTS speaking test.

 

Introduction (Covers: What you bought?)

 

  • Start by stating what you bought.
  • Mention how long ago you made the purchase.
  • Briefly touch on the importance or significance of the item in your home.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When and where you bought it?)

 

  • Explain when and where you bought the item.
  • Describe how you felt at the time of purchase.
  • Mention if anyone influenced your decision or if it was a spontaneous buy.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Why did you choose this particular thing?)

 

  • Discuss why you chose this particular item.
  • Highlight any unique features or qualities that stood out to you.
  • Talk about how it has enhanced or changed your home life.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you liked it so much.)

 

  • Sum up by explaining why you liked this item so much.
  • Reflect on whether it met or exceeded your expectations.
  • Mention any lasting impact it has had on your home or your daily routine.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

 

Also Read:

 

Follow-Up Questions

In the follow-up questions round, also known as round 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask you questions related to the cue card topic you just spoke about. This section aims to explore your opinions and insights on broader aspects connected to the cue card subject. 

 

Expect questions that delve deeper into themes related to your topic, testing your ability to discuss ideas and articulate your thoughts in a more analytical way. You will have to provide clear, detailed answers that reflect your personal views and understanding.

Q1. Do you believe that people should invest more in their houses or experiences? Why?

Answer 1: I believe people should invest more in experiences rather than just their houses. Experiences, like travel or activities, offer personal growth and memorable moments that can enrich one’s life. While a well-maintained home is important, experiences create lasting memories and provide a different kind of satisfaction.

 

Answer 2: Investing in houses is crucial as it provides stability and comfort, but I think experiences offer more profound benefits. They allow individuals to learn new things, meet new people, and gain unique perspectives. A balance between a comfortable living space and enriching experiences is ideal, but experiences often contribute more to personal happiness.

Q2. How does buying items for your house affect your overall happiness?

Answer 1: Buying items for my house definitely boosts my happiness. When I purchase something that improves my living space, it creates a sense of accomplishment and comfort. It’s satisfying to see how new additions enhance my home and make it more enjoyable to live in.

 

Answer 2: Shopping for home items can improve my overall happiness by making my living environment more pleasant and functional. Each purchase that aligns with my taste and needs makes me feel more settled and content in my home. However, I also realise that happiness from material things can be temporary.

Q3. How do cultural factors influence the products individuals choose for their homes?

Answer 1: Cultural factors play a significant role in home décor choices. For instance, traditional Indian designs and colours might be preferred in India to reflect cultural heritage and values. People often choose products that align with their cultural practices and aesthetics, making their homes feel more personal and meaningful.

 

Answer 2: Cultural influences are strong in-home product selections. In many cultures, items with symbolic meanings or traditional designs are valued. For example, in India, people might choose decorative items that reflect their cultural traditions or religious beliefs, creating a home environment that resonates with their identity.

Q4. How does purchasing items for your house affect the environment?

Answer 1: Purchasing items for my house can have an environmental impact, especially if the products are not eco-friendly. Items made from unsustainable materials or those that require a lot of resources to produce can contribute to environmental issues. I try to choose products that are environmentally conscious to minimise my impact.

 

Answer 2: Buying home items affects the environment as it involves resource consumption and waste production. For example, furniture made from non-renewable materials can be detrimental to the environment. Being mindful of the products I buy, like opting for sustainable or recycled options, helps reduce my ecological footprint.

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

FAQs

Q. Can I use personal experiences in my cue card response?

Ans. Yes, using personal experiences can make your response more engaging and authentic. They help illustrate your points and make your answers more relatable. Ensure that your experiences are relevant to the cue card topic and add value to your response. Personal anecdotes should be well-structured and connected to the main points of the cue card. Avoid overloading with details that might distract from the core message.

Q. What are some tips for staying calm during the cue card section?

Ans. Here are some tips that you can follow to stay calm during the cue card section:
 

  • Practise deep breathing techniques to calm your nerves before starting. 
  • Familiarise yourself with various cue card topics to reduce anxiety about the unknown. 
  • Practice speaking on a range of topics to build confidence. 
  • Remind yourself that it’s okay to pause and think during your response. 
  • Stay focused on the prompt and trust in your preparation to guide your answer.
Q. How is my performance evaluated in the cue card section?

Ans. Your performance is evaluated based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Examiners assess how well you address each point on the cue card and how logically you structure your response. They also consider the range and appropriateness of your vocabulary and grammar. Clear pronunciation and the ability to communicate ideas effectively are crucial.

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