Describe the type of home you'd like to reside in.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it like ?
Where would you like it to be?
Why you would like to live there?

40 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific memories would you like your home to be filled with?

I would like my home to be filled with memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and personal milestones. These moments create a sense of belonging and warmth, making the space truly feel like home.

Why do you prefer living in a secluded area?

Living in a secluded area allows me to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It provides tranquility and a connection to nature, which I find essential for my mental well-being and creativity.

How do you envision the interior design of your ideal home?

I envision a minimalist design with natural materials and soft colors. The focus would be on comfort and functionality, with cozy spaces for relaxation and areas that encourage social interaction, all while maintaining a clutter-free environment.

Band 7

00:00

I must say, this is a very interesting topic to speak about. I thank you for this cue card and thank you for giving me the time to talk about it. The house that I currently live in is not ideally my future house that I have in mind. I would like to have an apartment house, preferably in the center of the city. I love the hustling and the bustling of city life. Being around crowds and traffic, I know it's a weird thing to say, but it gives me a sense of calm and, you know, content feeling. I am currently single, so I don't require a big one, but just big enough to accommodate my belongings. I would like to decorate my place with multiple bookshelves. I am a very keen reader and I currently own a lot of books, so I do require space to put those in place, and also a small area dedicated to a puja room. Doing puja every morning gives me a feel of calm and content, so that is the type of home I would like to reside in.

Follow up questions

What features do you think are essential in an apartment?

I believe essential features in an apartment include good natural lighting, a functional kitchen, and ample storage space. Additionally, having a balcony or outdoor space would be a bonus, as it allows for fresh air and relaxation. Security and accessibility to public transport are also important.

How do you think living in the city affects your lifestyle?

Living in the city greatly influences my lifestyle by providing easy access to various amenities like restaurants, shops, and cultural events. It also offers a vibrant social life and opportunities to meet new people. However, it can be noisy and hectic, which is something I enjoy despite the challenges.

Why is having a puja room important to you?

Having a puja room is important to me because it serves as a personal sanctuary for my spiritual practices. It allows me to connect with my beliefs and provides a space for reflection and meditation. This daily ritual helps me start my day with a sense of peace and purpose.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

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

Reported by

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

Reported by

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

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.

Band 6-7

00:00

Rather than preferring large buildings with furniture, I prefer small home with gardening because it provides me more peace when compared to buildings. Because I was born and raised in small buildings, so I want to lead my life according to the fact that I want to take a small house in my hometown because my hometown gives me a different vibe where I can't get anywhere in this country because it had a mix of feelings and had neighbours there. And sayings also say that small house is a happy family and happy home. And recent studies reveal that most of them are preferring smaller homes due to rise in economic prices to build homes. And companies like Happy Homes and Small Homes were started to fulfil the middle class family's wish by building a home with affordable manner and it is a great way to initiate. It will be helpful for the middle class people. So I want to be with my parents where I can have a large TV where I can spend

Follow up questions

What specific features do you want in your small home?

I would like my small home to have a cozy living room, a small kitchen, and a garden where I can grow flowers and vegetables. Additionally, having a comfortable space for family gatherings and a peaceful area for relaxation would be ideal.

How does living in a small home affect your lifestyle?

Living in a small home encourages a simpler lifestyle, focusing on quality time with family and friends. It allows me to appreciate the little things in life, like gardening and enjoying nature, which contributes to my overall happiness and well-being.

Why do you think smaller homes are becoming more popular?

Smaller homes are gaining popularity due to rising property prices and the desire for more sustainable living. They are often more affordable, easier to maintain, and promote a sense of community, making them appealing to many families, especially in urban areas.

Band 6-7

00:00

I would love to reside in a Tamil style home with a big courtyard infused with a Spanish style house, which is located near a beach and has too many coconut trees. The main reason I'd love to live there is because I'm a beach person, I love beach and I also enjoy watching sunrises, so in the evening I can take a stroll or whenever I feel sad or I need some space, I can go and sit there and enjoy the waves. I would love to reside in a Tamil-Spanish style home with a very big courtyard because I'm a person who loves my home to be vibrant as well as it gets lots of sunlight. I like my home to be near the beach because I'm a person who loves beach and I really enjoy watching sunrises and also like to listen the sound of the waves, it makes me feel so calm and in the evening I can take a stroll over there or I can just simply sit at night near the beach and enjoy the waves as well as I can watch the moon which looks bigger and brighter near the beach.

Follow up questions

What specific features of a Tamil-Spanish style home attract you the most?

I am particularly drawn to the vibrant colors and intricate designs typical of Tamil architecture, combined with the open, airy feel of Spanish homes. The blend of these styles creates a unique aesthetic that feels both welcoming and culturally rich, which I find very appealing.

How important is the location of your home to you?

Location is extremely important to me. Living near the beach not only allows me to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the ocean but also provides a space for relaxation and recreation. It enhances my overall well-being and lifestyle, making it a top priority in my home choice.

What activities do you enjoy doing at the beach?

I love swimming, sunbathing, and taking long walks along the shore. Watching the sunrise is a daily ritual for me, and I often bring a book to read while listening to the waves. The beach is my escape, where I can unwind and connect with nature, which is vital for my mental health.

Band 6-7

00:00

So the type of home I would like to stay in, so first of all, so first of all I would like to stay in a home which is located in Bhubaneswar, which is my hometown. That is also the place where I have completed my schooling as well as my graduation. And my parents also stay there with my grandmother. So that is the city that I have been living for so many years and I feel it's very cost effective city to be in. And talking about the home, I would ideally want to stay in an independent house instead of an apartment because I think when you have an independent house, you can build in more customization, build it as per your wishes and you can renovate it, demolish it or do any kind of changes into it without disrupting anything. And talking about the interiors, I would go for something which is very sleek, has a lot of functionality, but at the same time is not very fancy or difficult to maintain. I am not a very big fan of wood panels, but I would definitely want some false ceiling because Bhubaneswar is usually hotter in terms of temperature as a city. So I would want to build a house which comes with proper insulation to heat as well as to sound. I would like marbles over tiles, there can be tiles in the washroom. I want the rooms to be spacious and designed in such a way that there is cross ventilation and ample sunlight. I would want some sunlight in the kitchen and living area as well. And I would want to design the guest room in such a way that people can stay independently of us.

Follow up questions

What features do you think are essential for a comfortable home?

I believe essential features include good ventilation, ample natural light, and functional spaces. A comfortable home should also have a well-designed kitchen and living area, as these are the heart of the home where families gather. Additionally, having enough storage space is crucial.

How important is the location of a home to you?

Location is extremely important to me. Being in Bhubaneswar, close to my family and familiar surroundings, provides a sense of security and comfort. It also influences my daily life, such as commute times, access to amenities, and the overall lifestyle I want to lead.

Would you consider living in a different city or country in the future?

While I love Bhubaneswar, I am open to the idea of living in a different city or country if opportunities arise. Experiencing new cultures and environments can be enriching, but I would need to ensure that the new location meets my criteria for comfort and lifestyle.

Show all 40 answers

Cue 1:What is it like?

Begin by describing the physical features of your ideal home, such as its size, style, and interior design.
Mention any specific amenities or features that are important to you, like a garden, balcony, or modern kitchen.

Example

I envision a spacious, three-bedroom apartment with a contemporary design. It would have large windows that let in plenty of natural light, a cozy living room with a balcony overlooking a park, and a modern kitchen equipped with all the latest appliances.

Cue 2:Where would you like it to be?

Specify the location you prefer, whether it's in a bustling city, a quiet suburb, or a rural area.
Explain why this location appeals to you, considering factors like proximity to work, schools, or nature.

Example

Ideally, I would like my home to be in a vibrant area of Bangalore, close to my workplace. This would allow me to avoid long commutes and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere, while still being near parks and recreational spaces for relaxation.

Cue 3:Why you would like to live there?

Discuss the lifestyle benefits of living in your ideal home and location.
Share personal reasons or experiences that make this choice meaningful to you.

Example

Living in this type of home would provide me with a perfect balance of comfort and convenience. I love the idea of having a peaceful retreat after a busy day at work, and being in a lively neighborhood means I can easily access cafes, shops, and cultural events, which enrich my life.

Conclusion

Summarize your ideal home and its location succinctly.
Reiterate the importance of this choice for your overall happiness and lifestyle.

Example

In conclusion, my dream home is a spacious apartment in a lively part of Bangalore, offering both comfort and convenience. This setting would greatly enhance my quality of life, allowing me to enjoy both my personal and professional pursuits.

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