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 would you like in your ideal home?

I would love large windows to let in natural light, a cozy fireplace for winter evenings, and a spacious kitchen where we can cook together. Additionally, a garden with various flowers and plants would enhance the beauty of the home, making it a peaceful retreat.

How important is the location of your ideal home to you?

The location is crucial for me. Being near the countryside allows for a peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It provides a connection to nature, which is essential for my well-being and allows for outdoor activities with family and friends.

What activities would you enjoy doing in your ideal home?

In my ideal home, I would enjoy hosting family gatherings, gardening, and having barbecues in the backyard. I envision spending evenings by the pool, playing games, and enjoying hot chocolate with loved ones, creating lasting memories in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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 features do you think are essential for a comfortable home?

I believe essential features for a comfortable home include good lighting, adequate space, and a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, having a well-equipped kitchen and a relaxing living area are important. Personal touches like decor that reflects my personality also contribute to comfort.

How does living close to nature affect your well-being?

Living close to nature significantly enhances my well-being. It provides a serene environment that reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Being surrounded by greenery and fresh air helps me feel more connected to the world and encourages outdoor activities, which are beneficial for my mental health.

What activities would you enjoy doing in your ideal home?

In my ideal home, I would enjoy various activities such as cooking and hosting friends in the kitchen, reading in the cozy living room, and working on my art projects. Gardening in the backyard would also be a fulfilling hobby, along with exercising in my small gym.

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 make a home sustainable in your opinion?

A sustainable home should utilize renewable energy sources, have good insulation, and use eco-friendly materials. It should also incorporate water-saving fixtures and promote energy efficiency, reducing its carbon footprint while providing a comfortable living environment.

How important is outdoor space for you?

Outdoor space is very important to me as it provides a place to relax, enjoy nature, and engage in outdoor activities. A big garden allows for gardening, playing, and spending quality time with family, which enhances overall well-being and happiness.

Why do you think having a drawing room is beneficial for remote work?

A drawing room provides a dedicated space for work, minimizing distractions and promoting focus. It creates a professional environment at home, allowing for better productivity and a clear separation between work and personal life, which is essential for remote workers.

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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, vegetables, and herbs. 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 differs from living in the city?

Living in the countryside offers a peaceful and serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It allows for a closer connection to nature, more space, and a slower pace of life. In contrast, city living provides more amenities, entertainment, and social opportunities but can be more stressful.

What activities would you enjoy doing in your ideal home?

In my ideal home, I would enjoy gardening, spending time with my pets, and having family gatherings. I would also love to go fishing in the pond, read books on the porch, and have barbecues in the backyard. These activities would create a warm and joyful atmosphere for my family.

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 an outdoor area for relaxation. I envision a garden with tropical plants and a deck overlooking the beach, where I can enjoy the sunset and practice yoga in a serene environment.

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, diving, and beach yoga. The calming sound of the waves would provide a peaceful atmosphere, promoting relaxation and a healthier lifestyle overall.

What challenges do you anticipate in building your ideal home?

One of the main challenges would be the financial aspect, as building a home in a desirable location like Langkawi can be expensive. Additionally, I would need to navigate local regulations and find reliable contractors. Ensuring that the home is sustainable and eco-friendly would also be a priority.

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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