Describe your ideal home or place to live.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where would it be?
How big it would be?
What would it include?

57 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific features of the countryside do you find most appealing?

I find the tranquility and natural beauty of the countryside very appealing. The fresh air, open spaces, and the sounds of nature, like birds chirping and cows mooing, create a peaceful environment that is perfect for relaxation and family gatherings.

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

I envision the interior of my ideal home to be cozy and inviting, with a minimalist design. The all-white theme would create a sense of calm, complemented by colorful flowers and plants. I would love to have comfortable furniture where my family can gather and enjoy each other's company.

Why is having a joint family important to you?

Having a joint family is important to me because it fosters strong bonds and creates a support system. I cherish the idea of sharing meals, experiences, and memories with my loved ones, which brings joy and a sense of belonging that is invaluable.

Band 7

00:00

An ideal home is a place where I can feel comfortable, relaxed and truly myself. For me it doesn't have to be extravagant but it should reflect my personality and meet my needs. A ideal home would be spacious yet cozy, located in a quiet and peaceful area, preferably close to nature. I imagine a modern design with large windows to let in plenty of natural light and a beautiful garden where I can grow flowers and vegetables. The living room would have comfortable furniture, a large bookshelf, a corner dedicated to art and hobbies. The kitchen would be well equipped and open as I enjoy cooking and entertaining guests. Upstairs there would be a bedroom with a balcony, offering a scenic view, a home office for work and learning and a small gym to stay active. What makes this home ideal is a balance between functionality and relaxation. It would provide space for both productivity and leisure. Being close to nature would help me stay calm, focused while modern interiors would make a daily life convenient.

Follow up questions

What specific features would you include in your garden?

In my garden, I would include a variety of flowers for color and fragrance, as well as a vegetable patch for fresh produce. I would also like a small seating area where I can relax and enjoy the surroundings, perhaps with a fountain or bird feeders to attract wildlife.

How important is the location of your ideal home?

The location is very important to me. I prefer a quiet area that is close to nature, as it helps me feel relaxed and connected to the environment. Being near parks or hiking trails would be ideal, allowing me to enjoy outdoor activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How would you decorate the interior of your ideal home?

I would decorate my home with a mix of modern and cozy elements. I envision neutral colors with pops of color from art and decor. Personal touches like family photos and handmade items would make it feel warm and inviting. I would also incorporate plants to bring life into the space.

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Band 6-7

00:00

My ideal home? My ideal home would be situated away from the city, away from all the noise of the city, busyness. It would like be a big home, definitely, with a lot of space for movement and a big, big garden space. And the house would have ideally five rooms, three bedrooms, one drawing room and a kitchen. Every room will be having an attached bathroom. And why I want a drawing room is, today we, in today's scenario, everyone preferred remote work and having a drawing room will be very much useful for doing our work in a very conducive manner. And, and I would like to include indoor plants in each room and to keep the place very refreshing. And I would like to have a big garden, like I said, with a swing set, where we can, you know, explore, you know, relax a bit after the day's work. And definitely, I will have a, why three bedrooms, I will have a bedroom for my grandparents, I will stay with my grandparents, seek their knowledge and experience in everything I do. So I would like to have a room for my grandparents. And it and as I said, it should be something which is very sustainable, a building which is very sustainable and thinks about the environmental impacts too. So a building which is low, which does not impact the environment in a bad way, that is what I prefer. And, of course, there will be another bedroom for the children, kids, and they will be having a good time, play a playroom kind of thing with a lot of paintings and colors.

Follow up questions

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

A sustainable home should have energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and good insulation. It should also use eco-friendly materials and have a water conservation system. Additionally, incorporating green spaces and using natural light can significantly reduce the environmental impact.

How do you think living with grandparents can influence your life?

Living with grandparents can provide valuable life lessons and wisdom. Their experiences can guide decision-making and foster a strong family bond. It also creates a nurturing environment for children, allowing them to learn about family traditions and values.

What activities would you enjoy in your ideal garden?

In my ideal garden, I would enjoy gardening, planting flowers and vegetables. It would be a great space for family gatherings, barbecues, and relaxation. I would also love to set up a small area for outdoor games and perhaps a cozy seating area for reading or enjoying nature.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I would like to, in my opinion, an ideal home belongs to a countryside. I don't want a big, enormous house. I want a tiny house that I and my family can live. It should include a two-bedroom and a kitchen and a sit-out. In my home, I want a pond and I want to plant trees. I want to create flowers. I want to plant a garden. I want to live with so many fishes and cats, dogs and like that.

Follow up questions

What specific features would you include in your garden?

In my garden, I would include a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. I would love to have a small vegetable patch for fresh produce and colorful flower beds to attract butterflies. Additionally, I would like to have a seating area where I can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

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

Living in the countryside would provide a slower pace of life, allowing me to enjoy nature and spend quality time with family. It would reduce stress and promote a healthier lifestyle, as I could engage in outdoor activities like gardening, walking, and enjoying the fresh air.

What animals would you like to have as pets in your ideal home?

I would love to have a few cats and dogs as pets. Cats are independent and can roam around the garden, while dogs would be great companions for outdoor activities. Additionally, I would enjoy having fish in the pond, as they add tranquility and beauty to the environment.

Band 6-7

00:00

For me, the ideal place or home is where my parents are. In my future, I have dreamt of building a home near the beaches, mostly I feel in Langkawi. Recently I went there for a holiday and I really loved the environment there, however I would take some time because I am not having that much of money. I really love doing yoga and the environment is so beautiful that you can do yoga all day long. So I would love to build a house in Langkawi Islands and with amenities like yoga facilities, I will teach yoga there. Then we can do some outdoor activities like going out and then diving.

Follow up questions

What specific features would your ideal home have?

My ideal home would have large windows to let in natural light, a spacious yoga studio, and a garden for relaxation. I would also want a cozy living area for family gatherings and a kitchen where I can cook healthy meals. Additionally, having a deck with a view of the beach would be perfect.

How do you think living near the beach would affect your lifestyle?

Living near the beach would greatly enhance my lifestyle. I would have easy access to outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. The calming sound of the waves would help reduce stress, and I would be more motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle by practicing yoga and enjoying nature.

What outdoor activities do you enjoy besides yoga?

Besides yoga, I enjoy hiking, cycling, and snorkeling. Exploring nature trails and discovering new places is exciting for me. I also love water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, which are perfect for a beachside lifestyle. These activities keep me active and connected to the environment.

Show all 57 answers

Cue 1:Where would it be?

Begin by specifying the location, such as a city or a countryside area.
Mention why this location appeals to you, considering factors like climate, culture, and accessibility.

Example

My ideal home would be located in the serene hills of Uttarakhand. I love the peaceful environment and the beautiful views of nature that this region offers, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Cue 2:How big it would be?

Describe the size of your home, including the number of rooms and overall space.
Explain why you chose this size, considering your lifestyle and needs.

Example

I envision a spacious three-bedroom house with a large living area and a garden. This size is perfect for my family, providing enough room for everyone while still feeling cozy.

Cue 3:What would it include?

List specific features or amenities you would like in your home, such as a garden, balcony, or modern kitchen.
Discuss how these features would enhance your living experience.

Example

My ideal home would include a modern kitchen with all the latest appliances, a cozy reading nook by the window, and a beautiful garden where I can relax and grow my own vegetables. These features would make my home not just a place to live, but a sanctuary.

Conclusion

Summarize your ideal home by reiterating its location, size, and key features.
Express how this home would fulfill your personal and emotional needs.

Example

In conclusion, my ideal home in the hills of Uttarakhand, with its spacious design and beautiful features, would provide me with the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility, making it a true haven for my family.

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 About Location

Candidates often give unclear or general answers about where their ideal home would be. This can make the response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Be specific about the location. Mention a city, country, or type of environment (like beach or mountains) to create a clearer picture.

2: Neglecting Size Details

Many candidates fail to describe the size of their ideal home, which can lead to a lack of depth in their answer. Size is an important aspect of a home.

Tip

Include specific dimensions or comparisons, such as 'a spacious three-bedroom house' or 'a cozy apartment with a large living room' to enhance your description.

Listing Without Explanation

Some candidates simply list features of their ideal home without explaining why these features are important to them. This can make the response feel flat.

Tip

For each feature you mention, explain why it matters to you. For example, say 'I want a garden because I love gardening and spending time outdoors.'

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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

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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

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

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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.