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

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.

Band 7

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That is a really great question. Last month when my house was fully getting renovated, I thought of buying something special, something close to my heart because everyone was buying paintings, home decor for the living room and the whole house. So I thought why not to customize one of my paintings that was about my whole family. So I got that customized into a bigger version and I got that painting and I have displayed that painting in my living room with big bright lights which enhance it more. It looks really wonderful. As I live in a joint and a very big family, I wanted something more special and personal and really close to my heart and I think I'm really proud of what I came up with and it is the most beautiful thing when it comes to home decor in my living room.

Follow up questions


What inspired you to customize a painting for your home?
I wanted to create something unique that represents my family and our bond. Customizing the painting allowed me to incorporate personal elements that reflect our memories and experiences together, making it a meaningful addition to my home.

How do you feel when you see the painting in your living room?
Every time I see the painting, I feel a sense of warmth and happiness. It reminds me of my family and the love we share. It also adds a personal touch to my living space, making it feel more like home.

Have you received any feedback from family or friends about the painting?
Yes, my family and friends have all complimented the painting. They appreciate its uniqueness and the story behind it. Many have said it adds a lovely atmosphere to the living room, and some have even expressed interest in customizing their own art.

Band 6-7

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I bought a money plant for my house three months ago. It was the best decision that I ever could have done. I bought it from a nursery in Kanakpura. The nursery was filled with numerous plants but this money plant was what caught my eye. Lush green and the dew drops that were on it. I have placed the money plant in my room just next to my table. Every morning of mine starts by adoring the money plant, the bright green color, the way it climbs on to every grill of my window. Every day a little step is what helps me to motivate myself telling if this plant could have small steps every day to reach the top of my window. What is stopping me from having small steps every day to reach my goal which is not very much far. Thank you

Follow up questions


What other plants do you like to have in your home?
I enjoy having a variety of plants in my home, such as succulents and snake plants. They not only enhance the aesthetics of my space but also improve air quality. Each plant has its own unique charm, and I find caring for them to be a relaxing hobby.

How do you take care of your money plant?
Taking care of my money plant involves watering it once a week and ensuring it gets enough sunlight. I also occasionally wipe the leaves to remove dust and promote photosynthesis. I believe that giving it the right environment helps it thrive and grow.

Do you think having plants at home affects your mood?
Absolutely! Having plants at home significantly boosts my mood. The greenery is calming, and taking care of them gives me a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. They create a peaceful atmosphere that helps me relax and focus better on my tasks.

Band 6-7

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Well, I am a person who is continuously binging around Amazon to find something for his own needs or home finds. Well, one day I was searching on Amazon some wall paintings and I came across a 5 piece painting of Shri Ganesh and as soon as I looked at it, I knew I had to buy it because of the distinctiveness of that painting. Moreover, that painting pinched my pocket a lot but still I bought it because I was addicted to it and thought that it must be in our house. Well, Ganesh Ji is considered very sacred and holy in our religion and it is considered really great to have Ganesh Ji in our house. It brings positivity and calmness to our house and it makes this home a better place to live and whenever any guest come over to our house, everyone looks at this painting and compliments our family. So, I am very proud after I bought that. I am still looking for new things to get to my home and I hope I will get new things also.

Follow up questions


What other items have you bought for your home that you really like?
Apart from the painting of Shri Ganesh, I have also purchased some decorative vases and a cozy sofa set. Each item adds a unique touch to my home, making it more inviting and comfortable. I enjoy curating my space with pieces that reflect my personality and style.

How do you choose items to buy for your home?
I usually look for items that resonate with me emotionally or have a special significance. I consider factors like aesthetics, functionality, and how well they fit into my existing decor. I also read reviews and compare prices to ensure I'm making a wise purchase.

Do you think home decor influences your mood? Why?
Absolutely! I believe that the decor of a home can significantly influence one's mood and overall well-being. A well-decorated space can create a calming atmosphere, inspire creativity, and make me feel more at ease. It’s important to have a space that feels good to be in.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a small business you know.
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Describe A Small Business You Want To Start
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Describe your favorite shop.
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Describe A Bag You Want To Own
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Describe A New Store Shop In Your Town City
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Describe A Problem You Had While Shopping Online Or In A Store
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Describe a website that sells second-hand items
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Describe a person who likes to buy goods with low prices
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Describe A Website You Have Bought Something From
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Describe a shop/store you often visit
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Describe A Hotel That You Know
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Describe something you received for free.
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Describe something you bought that you really wanted to return
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Band 6-7

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I, with my first salary, I had first gotten candles for my home which smelled bergamot and aloe vera from Bath and Body Works. It holds a very deep significance for me. It makes me feel home whenever I smell it. I plan on taking the same candle smell with me while I go out for my further studies. Every day in the evening, I lit up those candles in the hallway, in my bedrooms and in the kitchen, also the dining area. It makes the home feel calm, relaxed and cozy. The smell is really loved by not just the family members but also the guests who step into our homes. It was the first good investment I would have made from my very own money. I have also gifted it to a few of my friends and relatives whom I deeply respect and value in my life. The smell is just so calming and relaxing that it puts everyone in a really good mood. I also light those candles up during weekends and enjoy my relaxing coffee with the great smell.

Follow up questions


What other home items do you think can create a calming atmosphere?
In addition to candles, items like essential oil diffusers, soft lighting, and comfortable furniture can enhance a calming atmosphere at home. Plants also contribute to a serene environment, as they bring a touch of nature indoors and improve air quality.

How do you think scents affect our mood and well-being?
Scents have a powerful impact on our emotions and can evoke memories or feelings. For instance, calming scents like lavender can reduce stress, while citrus scents can energize us. This is why many people use aromatherapy to improve their mood and overall well-being.

Have you ever considered making your own candles or home fragrances?
Yes, making my own candles could be a fun and creative project. It allows for customization of scents and designs. Plus, it can be a rewarding experience to create something unique for my home and share it with friends and family.

Band 6-7

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In recent years, I bought so many things, but I want to mention about two things, a washing machine and car. I live in a small village and my father's income is from only farming. So in harvesting time, my mother has to do so many things because we have animals also at home. My sister is also paralyzed and we live with my grandparents. So at that time, my mom has to do so many things. She had very less time for washing clothes. So I bought a washing machine for her. I bought that washing machine three years ago. The only reason is for my mom. So after washing the washing machine, my grandfather can also wash his clothes. My father also washes his clothes. So the burden of that one work for my mother is a little bit less. So she can get more time for rest. And another thing, I bought a car for my family because my grandfather has a heart problem. He has been suffering for the last 10 years. So once or twice a month, we go to the doctor for his check-up and for his medicine. So these two things I bought for my family.

Follow up questions


How did your family react to the washing machine?
My family was very grateful for the washing machine. It made a significant difference in our daily routine. My mother was especially relieved as it saved her a lot of time and effort, allowing her to focus on other important tasks and take some time for herself.

What other items do you think could improve your home life?
I believe that a refrigerator could greatly improve our home life as well. It would help us store food for longer periods, especially during harvest time when we have a lot of produce. Additionally, a better cooking stove would make meal preparation easier and faster.

How do you think these purchases have impacted your family's daily routine?
These purchases have significantly eased our daily routine. The washing machine has reduced the workload for my mother, while the car has made it easier for us to access medical care for my grandfather. Overall, they have improved our quality of life and provided us with more time together.
Show all 36 answers

Cue 1:What you bought?

  • Begin by clearly stating the item you purchased for your home.
  • Provide a brief description of the item, including its features or appearance.

Example

I bought a beautiful wooden coffee table for my living room. It has a rich mahogany finish and intricate carvings on the sides, which add a touch of elegance to my home.


Cue 2:When and where you bought it?

  • Mention the specific time and place where you made the purchase.
  • Include any relevant details about the shopping experience, such as the store's atmosphere.

Example

I bought it last month from a local furniture store in my neighborhood. The store had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and I spent a delightful afternoon browsing through various pieces before making my decision.


Cue 3:Why did you choose this particular thing?

  • Explain the reasons behind your choice, focusing on personal preferences or needs.
  • Mention any specific features that attracted you to this item.

Example

I chose this coffee table because I wanted something that would complement my traditional decor. The craftsmanship and the color of the wood matched perfectly with my other furniture, making it an ideal choice.


Cue 4:Explain why you liked it so much.

  • Share your feelings about the item and how it enhances your living space.
  • Discuss any memorable experiences or moments associated with the item.

Example

I like it so much because it has become the centerpiece of my living room. I often gather with family and friends around it, sharing stories and laughter. It not only serves a practical purpose but also brings warmth and joy to my home.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, the wooden coffee table I bought has truly transformed my living space. It reflects my style and has become a beloved part of my home, making it a purchase I cherish deeply.


    Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.


    Tips to answer this Cue Card

    1: Vague Descriptions

    Using vague language can make your answer less engaging. Avoid general terms and provide specific details about the item you bought to make your response more vivid.

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    Tip

    Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to paint a clear picture of the item and its significance to you.


    2: Ignoring the Cues

    Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. Make sure to cover each aspect of the prompt to provide a well-rounded response.

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    Tip

    Organize your answer by addressing each cue in order, ensuring you cover what, when, where, why, and your feelings about the item.


    Overly Simple Answers

    Providing overly simple or short answers can limit your score. It's important to elaborate on your thoughts and feelings to demonstrate your language proficiency.

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    Tip

    Expand your answers by adding personal anecdotes or reasons that explain your emotional connection to the item.


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    Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood
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    The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

    Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language
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    Anonymous student Band 6.5

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    As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

    Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned
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    When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

    Describe a book you recently read
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    It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.

    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 7

    That is a really great question. Last month when my house was fully getting renovated, I thought of buying something special, something close to my heart because everyone was buying paintings, home decor for the living room and the whole house. So I thought why not to customize one of my paintings that was about my whole family. So I got that customized into a bigger version and I got that painting and I have displayed that painting in my living room with big bright lights which enhance it more. It looks really wonderful. As I live in a joint and a very big family, I wanted something more special and personal and really close to my heart and I think I'm really proud of what I came up with and it is the most beautiful thing when it comes to home decor in my living room.

    Band 6-7

    Yes, recently I taken the Radha Krishna idol, I taken it from Mathura, because I went Mathura, so while coming back I intentionally taken that idol, why I taken that means, because I believe Krishna very well, so based on his thoughts and I have the wish, once I go to Mathura, while coming back I have to take the Radha Krishna idol, so recently last month 20th, I visited to Mathura, coming back on 23rd, so at that time I taken that idol, so it was really very attractive and cute one, both Radha Krishna were situated in the same place, same idol nearer to them, while they were playing in the Vrindavana, they captured the picture and the artist make that idol, same thing, it's really very cute, attractive, while we placed it in the nearer to our TV stand, whenever some people visited to our home, everybody start to ask, where you brought from this one, and later we started to tell them, recently we visited to Mathura, so in Mathura the famous shop will be there, there we taken this idol, so it's really very beautiful, words are not enough to express that idol, and even I love Krishna very well, because he is my favorite God, so and his thought process, his way of, his love story, I liked very much, so I believe him each and every situation, now also, almost also, if I newly started to do any work, I always go to ISKCON and pray for the success, he always stand with me, he always give blessing to me, yeah.

    Band 6-7

    My interest for buying indoor plants has relatively been increased in these days. Recently I bought an indoor plant from an online site 5-6 months ago so that it would beautify my home in some way or the other. The reason why I bought the indoor plant is because I have a particular interest in gardening and great love for plants. My dad has always been an inspiration for my gardening skills. The color green generally brings a soothing effect in our minds and indoor plants require less attention than outdoor plants. It requires less amount of sunlight and watering. Although I bought the plant but it is taken good care by my parents.

    Band 6-7

    It was in 2001, I think, in the middle of COVID, when I was thinking and searching for something which would help me get engaged and help me to do some home exercise. Because as you know, when it was COVID, we were all locked inside the homes due to the lockdown and wasn't able to do some physical exercise or go outside play. So one day I searched Amazon and I found this VR device named Oculus Quest 2. This virtual reality device, as advertised, had some brilliant exercise-based games which we could do in our home and have some fun time at the same time do physical and cardio exercise also. So I got this ordered from Amazon at around October 2021 and it cost me around like $250. It included two games. One game was called Beat Saber. It was a rhythm-based game in which I have to move my whole body and whole hand movement was there and it was very physical intensive. And since it was based on music beats, it was very entertaining also at the same time. And the main thing was it had a calorie counter also. So like if I do a five minutes of game time in that, one song is like for six minutes, it showed me how many calories which I burnt. So it was quite useful and enjoyable for my whole family in the lockdown. Another game was a table tennis game called Level Table Tennis. It was a perfect game to play in lockdown inside my home and it was a real simulator of the real table tennis and I must tell you it was so exact like it was all the physics and all the ball rotations.

    Band 6-7

    One of my favorite things that I have bought for my house was an electric stove. I am a person that really likes and enjoys cooking, so I do spend quite a lot of time in the kitchen trying different recipes. One of my favorite things to do is mainly baking, so I spend a lot of time researching different recipes and trying them out. So when I wanted to choose the perfect oven, I had to look in a number of different shops. The one that I have at the moment, I bought from Electroline. Electroline is a big store that has a great variety of electrical appliances and also has a very good warranty and a very good after service. So these are some of the reasons why they led me to go to this specific store and buy this specific stove. Now it is quite a special stove.

    Band 6-7

    I bought a money plant for my house three months ago. It was the best decision that I ever could have done. I bought it from a nursery in Kanakpura. The nursery was filled with numerous plants but this money plant was what caught my eye. Lush green and the dew drops that were on it. I have placed the money plant in my room just next to my table. Every morning of mine starts by adoring the money plant, the bright green color, the way it climbs on to every grill of my window. Every day a little step is what helps me to motivate myself telling if this plant could have small steps every day to reach the top of my window. What is stopping me from having small steps every day to reach my goal which is not very much far. Thank you

    Band 6-7

    Recently, I went to the mall and I found this amazing vacuum cleaner in a shop called Home Center. I instantly fell in love with it and bought it within seconds. I got it at home and showed it to my parents and they loved it as well because of its versatile features. This vacuum cleaner can be used for various occasions and uses. For example, we can use this to clean our cars and clean our houses and carpets. It even has different sizes of nozzles which defines the speed and the strength of the vacuum. Also, there is a special function in which it auto cleans the drainage and takes out all the dirt from within the machine, outside the machine and it is very easy to clean as well. One of the best features that my mother loved was how effectively it cleaned our sofa. It had been a big issue in our house to get the sofas clean. We tried multiple ways but it all went in vain. But this vacuum cleaner came to our rescue where it had a feature to vacuum with a spill of water. So once you have spilled a few droplets on the sofa, you can easily move the vacuum in a particular direction and all the dirt is sucked up by the machine. It is one of the new technologies that has amazed me and has made

    Band 6-7

    One thing I really liked about the item that I have bought is my Bluetooth speaker. It's really small and portable and really handy dandy as I can say. But the sound quality is really amazing. It's really intrigued, amazing as I can say. It has deep bass and clear treble. I use it every day throughout the weekdays, weekends and all the days that you can imagine. I can't live without having my Bluetooth speaker with me whether it's I'm studying, relaxing or even cleaning the house. It easily connects with my phone as it's really adaptable and it takes within less than 5 seconds to connect to my Bluetooth and the battery lasts forever, for decades I can't even imagine. So I can move on from this room to any other room without my Bluetooth speaker. Music instantly hits the atmosphere like nothing else. It's really amazing as I can say. It definitely made my home feel like a lively, enjoyable time and profound and tranquil cities and gardens when I go to. I take this to every day, every part of my life. I take it to gardens, tranquil trees, clear skies, hours and hours of city life. It's really amazing, I carry it around with me everywhere. I have it with me when I ride my bicycle around the night skies and the busy, bustling traffic and anywhere I go, even my mum, my mother, everyone uses it, it's really good.

    Band 6-7

    Actually, recently I bought a fruit juicer to my home which I found very interesting and needful in my home. I went to buy this along with my sister in a nearby store. It is a multi-storied building where I can find all the electrical appliances. I bought this around 2 months ago. I bought this because I thought that it would be very helpful for taking a healthy juice early in the morning and in the evening. And the most helpful thing about this juicer is it is a cold press juicer which allows me to make both juice and I can get the pulp of the fruit which would be very healthy for living. I bought this from an offline store and I thought this would be helpful for young and old age people also. In addition to this, it has a lot of benefits of drinking the juice and the pulp can be made to make another delicious dishes which would be overwhelming and very delicious. Despite of all these things, I thought maintaining health would be a greater option with the use of the juicer. So yeah, that is the reason why I bought this juicer and I thought it would be very needful in my house.

    Band 6-7

    I, with my first salary, I had first gotten candles for my home which smelled bergamot and aloe vera from Bath and Body Works. It holds a very deep significance for me. It makes me feel home whenever I smell it. I plan on taking the same candle smell with me while I go out for my further studies. Every day in the evening, I lit up those candles in the hallway, in my bedrooms and in the kitchen, also the dining area. It makes the home feel calm, relaxed and cozy. The smell is really loved by not just the family members but also the guests who step into our homes. It was the first good investment I would have made from my very own money. I have also gifted it to a few of my friends and relatives whom I deeply respect and value in my life. The smell is just so calming and relaxing that it puts everyone in a really good mood. I also light those candles up during weekends and enjoy my relaxing coffee with the great smell.
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