Describe an ideal and perfect place where you would like to stay (e.g. a house, an apartment): IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • Where it would be
  • What it would look like
  • What special features it would have
  • Whether it would be big or small

Band 7

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An ideal place where I would like to stay would be a house. The house will be big and spacious. It would be around 5000 square feet. Let's visualize the house. As you enter the house, you see that the house is surrounded by play areas or gardens. As you enter the house, you see that there is a water fountain located in the middle. The house consists of five bedrooms, one spacious big hall and a living room. It has a modular kitchen, one swimming pool, a hot tub and an open terrace. The house will be on the concept of open house and modern technology. It has many special features such as voice control, AI integrated assistance, modular bathrooms and kitchens. The master bedroom will consist of a jacuzzi, a shower cubicle, a changing room which consists of a special display in the middle which displays watches and jewellery items. The house would be of minimum 4 floors excluding the terrace. The terrace will have a space where at least 8 people can sit and party.

Follow up questions


What features of your ideal house do you think are most important?
I believe the most important features are the spaciousness and the modern technology. A big house allows for comfort and space for activities, while smart features like AI assistance enhance convenience and efficiency in daily life.

How do you think living in such a house would affect your lifestyle?
Living in such a house would greatly enhance my lifestyle by providing a comfortable and luxurious environment. It would encourage relaxation and social gatherings, and the modern amenities would make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Would you prefer living in a house like this in a city or a rural area?
I would prefer living in a house like this in a rural area. It would provide a peaceful environment with nature around, while still having the modern amenities I desire. It would be the perfect blend of tranquility and comfort.

Band 7

00:00

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00:00

The ideal and perfect place, in my opinion, would definitely be a city nestled deep between mountains. I enjoy mountains much more than the seas. Moreover, I also have cultural roots towards mountains. The place would look like an apartment. It would definitely have a cozy nook and the general atmosphere would be warm and welcoming. Additionally, since everything is digitalized nowadays, the house will very well be automated. Everything that can be, will be automated from the lights to the heating to the water pressure to the warmth, everything. The landscape will be extraordinary, beautiful picturesque mountains in the background right when you wake up and open your curtains. That will be my morning view. Additionally, one more special feature that I would love for my ideal place to have is a 24x7 functional ice-tea machine.

Follow up questions


What specific features would you include in your automated apartment?
In my automated apartment, I would include smart lighting that adjusts based on the time of day, a smart thermostat for optimal heating, and automated curtains that open with the sunrise. Additionally, I would love to have a voice-activated assistant to control all these features seamlessly.

How do you think living in the mountains affects one's lifestyle?
Living in the mountains promotes a more active lifestyle, as there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. It also encourages a sense of community, as people often gather for local events and enjoy nature together, fostering deeper connections with neighbors.

Why do you prefer mountains over the sea for your ideal living place?
I prefer mountains because they offer a sense of tranquility and a connection to nature that I find deeply fulfilling. The fresh air, stunning views, and the ability to engage in outdoor activities like hiking and climbing resonate with my lifestyle and personal interests more than a beach setting.

Band 7

00:00

/

00:00

My ideal and perfect place to stay would be a modern house by the beach, somewhere peaceful, probably on the outskirts of Goa or Kerala. I have always dreamed of living close to the sea, where I could wake up to the sounds of waves and watch the sunset every evening. The house wouldn't be very big, but it would be stylish and comfortable. From outside, I imagine it to have large glass windows, white walls and a wooden deck overlooking the ocean. There would be palm trees around it and maybe a small garden full of colourful flowers. Inside it, it would have an open living room with soft lighting, cosy furniture and a simple natural design. I would have one wall completely made of glass, so I could see the sea while working or reading. The kitchen would be bright and minimalistic and my bedroom would have a balcony facing the water. I'd also love a small library and corner for yoga or painting. This would be my perfect place because it combines peace, beauty and inspiration. I love the idea of being surrounded by nature while having all the comforts of modern home. It would be a place where I could relax, think clearly and focus on my passion. In short, my dream home would be a quiet beach house, not too fancy but full of warmth, sunlight and positive energy.

Follow up questions


What features of your ideal house would you prioritize the most?
I would prioritize having large glass windows to enjoy the view of the sea and natural light. A comfortable living space is also essential, along with a well-designed kitchen and a peaceful bedroom. The overall ambiance should promote relaxation and creativity.

How do you think living by the beach would affect your lifestyle?
Living by the beach would encourage a more laid-back and healthy lifestyle. I would spend more time outdoors, engaging in activities like yoga, painting, or simply enjoying nature. The calming sound of the waves would help reduce stress and enhance my overall well-being.

What activities would you enjoy doing in your ideal place?
In my ideal place, I would enjoy reading by the sea, practicing yoga on the deck, and painting the beautiful sunsets. I would also love to host small gatherings with friends and family, sharing meals and enjoying the peaceful surroundings together.

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Band 7

00:00

/

00:00

As cities have become concrete jungle these days, so I would like to live at a quiet place that is beach and it should not be brimming with people. There I want to build a house of two stories and it should be very elegant and simple and I would love to make a kitchen garden and different balconies with each room so that I can get a panoramic view of that beach and...

Follow up questions


What features would your ideal house have?
My ideal house would have large windows to let in natural light, a spacious living area, and a cozy reading nook. I would also include a modern kitchen with all the necessary appliances, and a comfortable outdoor space where I can relax and enjoy the beach view.

Why do you prefer a quiet place over a busy city?
I prefer a quiet place because it allows for peace and tranquility, which is essential for relaxation and mental well-being. In a busy city, the noise and hustle can be overwhelming, while a serene environment helps me connect with nature and enjoy a slower pace of life.

How important is nature in your ideal living environment?
Nature is extremely important in my ideal living environment. Being close to the beach and having a kitchen garden would provide a sense of calm and beauty. It would also allow me to engage in outdoor activities, enjoy fresh air, and appreciate the natural surroundings every day.

Band 7

00:00

/

00:00

One place I always dreamed of living is a modern eco-friendly apartment overlooking the ocean. In my opinion, it would be the perfect blend of comfort, technology, and nature, creating a peaceful environment where I can truly unwind and be productive. To begin with, this apartment would be located in a quiet coastal city with clean air and relaxed lifestyle. It would be on a higher floor, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea. I imagine waking up every morning to the sound of gentle waves and watching the sunrise from my balcony while drinking a cup of coffee. The apartment itself could be spacious, with large glass windows to let in natural light. It would be equipped with smart home technology, so everything from lighting and temperature to security could be controlled with my voice or phone. I would love to have a reading corner, a small private gym, and a rooftop garden where I could grow fresh vegetables and fruits, and also flowers. What makes this place ideal for me is that it balances tranquility with convenience. It would be close to essential amenities like supermarkets, fitness centers, and health facilities, yet far enough for noisy traffic and pollution. Living in such an environment would greatly improve my physical and mental well-being. In short, this ideal apartment would not just be a place to live, it would be a lifestyle. It would allow me to stay healthy, feel impressed, and enjoy every single moment of my day. For more information visit www.FEMA.gov

Follow up questions


What features of your ideal apartment would enhance your daily routine?
The smart home technology would greatly enhance my daily routine by allowing me to control everything easily. For instance, I could adjust the lighting and temperature with my voice, making it more convenient to create the perfect atmosphere for working or relaxing.

How important is the location of your ideal place to your lifestyle?
The location is crucial for my lifestyle. Being in a quiet coastal city means I can enjoy clean air and a relaxed pace of life. It allows me to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while still having access to essential amenities, which is essential for my well-being.

What activities would you enjoy doing in your ideal living space?
In my ideal living space, I would enjoy reading in my cozy reading corner, working out in my private gym, and tending to my rooftop garden. These activities would not only keep me physically active but also provide a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.
Show all 53 answers

Cue 1:Where it would be

  • Begin by specifying the location, such as a city or a specific neighborhood that appeals to you.
  • Mention why this location is ideal for you, considering factors like proximity to work, schools, or nature.

Example

I would love to stay in a serene neighborhood in Bangalore, close to the lush greenery of Cubbon Park. This location is perfect for me as it offers a peaceful environment while still being accessible to my workplace and local amenities.


Cue 2:What it would look like

  • Describe the architectural style and the overall aesthetic of the place.
  • Include details about the interior design and how it reflects your personal taste.

Example

My ideal home would be a modern apartment with large windows that allow plenty of natural light. I envision a minimalist design with soft colors and elegant furniture that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.


Cue 3:What special features it would have

  • Highlight unique aspects that make the place special, such as a garden, balcony, or smart home technology.
  • Explain how these features enhance your living experience.

Example

One of the standout features of my ideal home would be a spacious balcony filled with plants, where I can enjoy my morning tea. Additionally, I would love to have a small home office equipped with the latest technology to support my work-from-home needs.


Cue 4:Whether it would be big or small

  • Clarify the size of the place and why that size is suitable for you.
  • Discuss how the size affects your lifestyle and comfort.

Example

I prefer a medium-sized apartment, not too big but spacious enough to accommodate my needs. This size allows for a cozy living space without feeling overwhelming, making it easier to maintain and enjoy.


Conclusion

  • Summarize the key points about your ideal place, reinforcing why it is perfect for you.
  • Express your feelings about living in such a place and how it would enhance your life.

Example

In conclusion, my ideal home in a peaceful Bangalore neighborhood, with its modern design, special features like a balcony and home office, and a comfortable size, would truly enhance my quality of life. I can already imagine the joy of living in such a perfect space.


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: Being Vague and General

Avoid giving vague answers that lack detail. Speaking generally about an ideal place without specifics can make your response less engaging and informative.

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Tip

Use descriptive language to paint a clear picture of your ideal place. Include specific details about its location, appearance, and features.


2: Ignoring the Cues

Neglecting to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in missing important aspects that examiners look for.

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Tip

Make sure to cover all the cues provided, such as location, appearance, special features, and size, to give a well-rounded response.


Overcomplicating the Description

Using overly complex language or convoluted sentences can confuse the listener. It's important to keep your language clear and straightforward.

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Tip

Focus on clarity by using simple sentences and clear vocabulary. This will help convey your ideas effectively without losing the listener's attention.


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I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

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.

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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.

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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

I would prefer to live in an apartment over a house because of the amenities an apartment has to offer so ideally I would like my apartment to be in a well-developed society with all the amenities like swimming pool, sports club, gym etc. My primary requirement is that the apartment should be well lit and properly ventilated with big and spacious rooms and additionally it should be fully equipped with modern kitchens and properly furnished with living room furniture like sofas and the kitchen should also be well equipped with a proper refrigerator, dishwasher etc. The bedroom should have big beds and I would like to make my apartment cosy with comfortable mattresses and bed covers. I am also greatly fascinated by Indian art forms so I would like to have different art forms on my walls and I would like to do the interiors of the house based on Indian art

Band 7

As cities have become concrete jungle these days, so I would like to live at a quiet place that is beach and it should not be brimming with people. There I want to build a house of two stories and it should be very elegant and simple and I would love to make a kitchen garden and different balconies with each room so that I can get a panoramic view of that beach and...

Band 7

The ideal and perfect place, in my opinion, would definitely be a city nestled deep between mountains. I enjoy mountains much more than the seas. Moreover, I also have cultural roots towards mountains. The place would look like an apartment. It would definitely have a cozy nook and the general atmosphere would be warm and welcoming. Additionally, since everything is digitalized nowadays, the house will very well be automated. Everything that can be, will be automated from the lights to the heating to the water pressure to the warmth, everything. The landscape will be extraordinary, beautiful picturesque mountains in the background right when you wake up and open your curtains. That will be my morning view. Additionally, one more special feature that I would love for my ideal place to have is a 24x7 functional ice-tea machine.

Band 7

My ideal and perfect place to stay would be a modern house by the beach, somewhere peaceful, probably on the outskirts of Goa or Kerala. I have always dreamed of living close to the sea, where I could wake up to the sounds of waves and watch the sunset every evening. The house wouldn't be very big, but it would be stylish and comfortable. From outside, I imagine it to have large glass windows, white walls and a wooden deck overlooking the ocean. There would be palm trees around it and maybe a small garden full of colourful flowers. Inside it, it would have an open living room with soft lighting, cosy furniture and a simple natural design. I would have one wall completely made of glass, so I could see the sea while working or reading. The kitchen would be bright and minimalistic and my bedroom would have a balcony facing the water. I'd also love a small library and corner for yoga or painting. This would be my perfect place because it combines peace, beauty and inspiration. I love the idea of being surrounded by nature while having all the comforts of modern home. It would be a place where I could relax, think clearly and focus on my passion. In short, my dream home would be a quiet beach house, not too fancy but full of warmth, sunlight and positive energy.

Band 7

One place I always dreamed of living is a modern eco-friendly apartment overlooking the ocean. In my opinion, it would be the perfect blend of comfort, technology, and nature, creating a peaceful environment where I can truly unwind and be productive. To begin with, this apartment would be located in a quiet coastal city with clean air and relaxed lifestyle. It would be on a higher floor, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea. I imagine waking up every morning to the sound of gentle waves and watching the sunrise from my balcony while drinking a cup of coffee. The apartment itself could be spacious, with large glass windows to let in natural light. It would be equipped with smart home technology, so everything from lighting and temperature to security could be controlled with my voice or phone. I would love to have a reading corner, a small private gym, and a rooftop garden where I could grow fresh vegetables and fruits, and also flowers. What makes this place ideal for me is that it balances tranquility with convenience. It would be close to essential amenities like supermarkets, fitness centers, and health facilities, yet far enough for noisy traffic and pollution. Living in such an environment would greatly improve my physical and mental well-being. In short, this ideal apartment would not just be a place to live, it would be a lifestyle. It would allow me to stay healthy, feel impressed, and enjoy every single moment of my day. For more information visit www.FEMA.gov

Band 7

An ideal place where I would like to stay would be a house. The house will be big and spacious. It would be around 5000 square feet. Let's visualize the house. As you enter the house, you see that the house is surrounded by play areas or gardens. As you enter the house, you see that there is a water fountain located in the middle. The house consists of five bedrooms, one spacious big hall and a living room. It has a modular kitchen, one swimming pool, a hot tub and an open terrace. The house will be on the concept of open house and modern technology. It has many special features such as voice control, AI integrated assistance, modular bathrooms and kitchens. The master bedroom will consist of a jacuzzi, a shower cubicle, a changing room which consists of a special display in the middle which displays watches and jewellery items. The house would be of minimum 4 floors excluding the terrace. The terrace will have a space where at least 8 people can sit and party.

Band 6-7

I would really like to have a house which I have ever dreamed of. The house of my dreams would really be very huge. My house must be having lots of room for each of my family member, my parents, my brother and for guests too. I would really love my house with full of facilities and lavishness and which will give me some sumptuous vibe which I can show. I would really love to have house with big rooms, a modified kitchen, bathroom and a special room for my prayers in which I will pray to my God. I would really love to make this house because I ever dreamed to have a house of my own just because of my mom and I really wanted to gift her the house of her dreams which she have ever told me in the way of my sleep, in the way of my sleeping. She always dreamed that she would live in her own house with a garden, flowers and pets like dogs and I would really make her wish come true. A big house with full facilities, all the sumptuous lifestyle and I hope I can make her dream come true.

Band 6-7

I like to be in an independent house, by being there we can easily stay in our own way, we will have freedom, we can do whatever we want and there is some situation where we stayed at apartment, so we can't break the rules, so that time I thought we should have an independent house which we can do whatever we want, so I purchased an independent house, from now I am staying there, there is no need of paying any maintenance fee in an independent house, if we want to do any changes we can do, there is no such rule that we should follow, we are the only persons to keep rules and follow by ourselves, no one else question us regarding the maintenance also, there is a place where we stay in, it's a Batruka colony, there is a nice apartment of individual houses, we purchased there, we are staying there, many people who saw my house and they inspired to build the individual house, I built it from my ideas, perfectly built, a nice corridor, a gardening, by seeing all my friends, they advised me to prepare a plan, what else where we can take the independent house, by seeing this I thought that there are many some situations which we can also do, write things, ideas, don't wish your ideas

Band 6-7

So I always wanted to live in my dream house and in my dream place. So basically it's a creation of a house in my mind. If I wanted to, if I have to speak that creation into words, I would say, it will be a villa in Dehradun, which is a very beautiful city here in India, located near the mountains as I love mountains so much and the nature. So basically the villa I want would be a very big villa which could accommodate my whole family as I have a very big family and I wanted, if I want to brief about some features, that would be like a bonfire space, which is a must and a big garden and the villa should be near the waterfall or a lake and it should have a balcony with views of mountains and should be close to nature and the most important is it should be away from the main city life. It can be on the countryside area, which offers so much peace and attachment to a true nature of Uttarakhand. So that's the stay I would love to have, if I could.

Band 6-7

I have had some sketchy thoughts over the year about how my ideal home should exactly look like, but never really had the opportunity to put those thoughts on the wall. So thank you for this great Q card topic, it will allow me to talk about my ideal home. My ideal home would preferably be located in the countryside, which is not too far from the city, it should be famous for its stunning natural beauty, and it should also have a huge lake surrounded by some incredibly beautiful salt lake, which catch the sunlight when breaking through the clouds on a beautiful afternoon. As far as the weather application in my ideal home is concerned, it should have pleasing weather all around the year. Now talking about some features of my ideal home, it should be around 200 square feet, I would also prefer a 2 storey bunk room that has dormer windows and balconies all set in my ideal home, there would be huge living room where all our people can sit and eat, dining comfortable, the kitchen should also be large on one corner of my home, there should be a room with a pool table and some musical instruments so that I can enjoy some fun time on my own, without ever having to go outside. By the way, this kind of accommodation attracts me so much because it will allow me to enjoy the outdoors by walking, cycling, sailing and so on at my will, but this could be an ideal home mainly because it would allow me to enjoy nature very much from the comfort of my home, it would be an ideal home also because it would allow me to stay away from the terrible noise and pollution of a busy city life.
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