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.

36 unique answers with expert feedback

What inspired you to customize a painting for your home?

I wanted something that represented my family and our bond. Customizing the painting allowed me to create a piece that truly reflects our memories and values, making it more meaningful than a generic artwork.

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 pride. It reminds me of my family's love and unity, and it brings a personal touch to my home that makes it feel more inviting and special.

Have you received any feedback from family or friends about the painting?

Yes, my family and friends have all complimented the painting. They appreciate the personal touch and often share their own memories associated with the images in the painting, which makes it a great conversation starter.

Band 6-7

00:00

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 enjoy having in your home?

I also have a few other plants like a snake plant and a peace lily. They not only beautify my space but also improve air quality. Each plant has its own charm, and I enjoy taking care of them. Gardening has become a relaxing hobby for me.

How do you take care of your money plant?

I water my money plant once a week and make sure it gets enough sunlight. I also occasionally wipe the leaves to keep them dust-free. I believe that taking care of plants is a rewarding experience, and it helps me connect with nature.

Have you noticed any changes in your mood since getting the plant?

Absolutely! Having the money plant around has a calming effect on me. It brightens my room and reminds me to stay positive. I feel more motivated and focused, especially when I see it growing and thriving. It’s like a little source of inspiration.

Band 6-7

00:00

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 home decor items do you enjoy purchasing?

I love buying various home decor items like cushions, rugs, and decorative lights. Each piece adds a unique touch to my home, making it feel more personalized and cozy. I often look for items that reflect my personality and style, and I enjoy the process of finding the perfect pieces.

How do you decide on what to buy for your home?

I usually consider the aesthetics, functionality, and how well the item fits with my existing decor. I also think about the emotional connection I have with the item, like how it makes me feel or the memories it might evoke. Reviews and recommendations also play a significant role in my decision-making.

Have you ever regretted a purchase for your home?

Yes, there have been a few instances where I bought items that didn't fit well or were not as useful as I thought. For example, I once bought a large decorative piece that ended up being too overwhelming for the space. Now, I try to be more cautious and thoughtful before making a purchase.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

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 items have you bought for your home that you cherish?

Apart from the candles, I have also bought some beautiful wall art and cozy cushions that add a personal touch to my home. Each piece has a story behind it, and they all contribute to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

How do you think home decor affects your mood?

Home decor plays a significant role in influencing my mood. A well-decorated space can make me feel more relaxed and happy. The colors, scents, and overall ambiance can uplift my spirits and create a sense of comfort.

Do you think it's important to invest in home comforts?

Yes, I believe investing in home comforts is essential. They create a sense of belonging and make a space feel like home. Comfort items, like candles or soft furnishings, can enhance our daily lives and provide a sanctuary from the outside world.

Band 6-7

00:00

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 mom was relieved to have more time for herself, and my grandfather appreciated being able to wash his clothes easily. Overall, it brought a sense of comfort and convenience to our home.

What other items do you think could improve your home life?

I believe that a refrigerator would greatly improve our home life. It would help us store food better, especially during harvest time when we have a lot of produce. Additionally, a good cooking stove could make meal preparation easier and more efficient for my mom.

How do you feel about spending money on your family’s needs?

I feel that spending money on my family's needs is very important. It brings me joy to see them comfortable and happy. I believe that investing in things that improve our quality of life is worth it, especially when it helps my mom and grandfather manage their daily tasks more easily.

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.

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.

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.

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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Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

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

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

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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Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

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Describe a book you recently read

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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Answer

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