In part 2 of your IELTS Speaking test, one common topic is your house or apartment. Your apartment cue card could instruct you to describe your apartment.
In this post, we’ll talk about how to give a great band-7 answer to this question, including three cue cards and great example answers (go straight to the example answers here).
First, let’s look at some ideas, tips, and vocabulary for talking about homes and apartments.
Apartment vs Flat
It’s important to know that ‘apartment’ and ‘flat’ mean the same thing.
In British English, we often use ‘flat.’ We also often say ‘flatmates’ to mean people we share our flat or house with (we also say ‘housemates’).
In American English, they only use ‘apartment.’ And they say ‘roommates’ to mean someone you share a home with.
Things To Say About Your Apartment
It’s best to picture your apartment and just describe anything that comes into your mind.
If you live in a house or student dorm, and not in an apartment, don’t worry. Just describe your home.
Here are some things you might talk about:
- How large your apartment is
- Who you live with
- How long you’ve lived there for
- Why you like living there so much
- The location, being close to work, restaurants, and entertainment
- Layout of the apartment, with a spacious living room and bedrooms
- Natural light in the apartment, with large windows
- Modern kitchen, with new appliances and plenty of storage
- View from the apartment, whether it be a city skyline or natural scenery
- Quietness of the building, with well-insulated walls and windows
- Amenities in the building, such as a gym, pool, or rooftop deck
- Security of the building, with a doorman or security system
- Friendly and responsive management or maintenance team
- Outdoor space, such as a balcony or patio
- Updated finishes, such as new flooring or freshly painted walls
- Convenience of in-unit laundry
- Parking availability, whether it be a garage or designated space
- Storage options, such as a basement or additional closet space
- Energy efficiency of the apartment, with energy-saving appliances and insulation
- Accessibility of the apartment, with features for those with disabilities
- Pet-friendliness of the building
- Community events or activities organized by the building or management
- Proximity to public transportation options
- Overall aesthetic of the apartment, with stylish decor and design elements
Focus on Vocabulary in Part 2
In part 2 of the speaking test, don’t focus on grammar. Instead, just focus on things you can talk about and vocabulary.
Try to use interesting vocabulary. You can prepare groups of words for describing homes and apartments.
Then just speak naturally and try to use as many interesting, unusual words as you can while describing your home.
To help with ideas, here are some interesting words you can use to talk about your apartment.
- Spacious
- Cozy
- Modern
- Chic
- Rustic
- Industrial
- Artistic
- Luxurious
- Inviting
- Boutique
- Unique
- Contemporary
- Renovated
- Well-lit
- Airy
- Serene
Example Answers
Now, let’s look at three example cue cards for this question.
The answers below are naturally spoken English. Perhaps you can borrow some ideas and words to describe your own home.
Apartment Cue Card 1
Describe your apartment.
You should say:
- Who you live with
- How many rooms your apartment has
- Why you live there
And say what you like and dislike about living there.
I’m still at school so I live in a house in a medium-sized city in Thailand with my parents. It’s not the biggest house, but it’s definitely big enough for the three of us.
It’s a two-story semi-detached house, not an apartment, with a pretty big backyard. The first floor has the living room, kitchen, and bathroom, and the second floor has all of the bedrooms and another bathroom. My room is on the second floor, and it’s got a really big window that lets in a lot of natural light. It’s also got a really comfortable queen-sized bed and a desk where I can do my homework and study.
As far as decor goes, I’ve tried to make my room feel as cozy and welcoming as possible. I’ve got all sorts of little trinkets and knick-knacks scattered around, and I’ve got a ton of pillows and blankets on my bed. I’ve also got a little bookshelf with all of my favorite books, and I’ve got a ton of pictures of my friends and family hanging up on the walls. I’ve put a lot of effort into making my room feel like my own little personal sanctuary, and I think it’s turned out really well.
There are definitely some things about living there that I don’t like as much. For one, the city can get really hot and humid, and our house doesn’t have air conditioning. It can be really uncomfortable to sleep at night when it’s so hot and sticky. Also, the city can be really noisy and busy, with the chaos of honking horns from the traffic, so it’s not always easy to get a good night’s sleep.
Overall, though, I’d say that I’m pretty happy living in my house. It’s got a great homey feel to it, and my parents are pretty chill. Plus, I love being able to spend time in the backyard and just relax in the sunshine. It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s home.
Your Flat Cue Card 2
Describe your flat.
You should say:
- Where your flat is
- Who you live with
- Why you chose to live there
And say why you like your flat.
So, I’m an engineering student living in London and I absolutely love my apartment. It’s a three bedroom, two bathroom place and my two flatmates and I each have our own room. It’s not the biggest place, but it’s got more than enough space for the three of us and all of our stuff. Plus, it’s in a really great location – it’s right in the heart of the city, so it’s super easy to get around.
One of the things I love most about my apartment is the fact that it’s really cozy and homey. It’s got all the amenities you could need, like a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and dryer, and super fast WiFi. It’s got a really cozy, comfy feel to it, and it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of classes.
Another thing that I really appreciate about my apartment is the fact that it’s got a great view. My bedroom window looks out over the city, so I get to wake up to a stunning view every morning. It’s also got a little balcony where I can sit out and enjoy the fresh air. It’s the perfect spot to hang out and have a coffee or a drink with friends.
Overall, I’m really happy with my apartment. It’s got everything I need, and it’s in a great location. And my flatmates are pretty cool too, so that’s always a bonus. I definitely feel lucky to have found such a great place to live.
Apartment Cue Card 3
Describe your apartment.
You should say:
- Where your apartment is
- How large or small it is
- Who you live with
And say what you enjoy most about living there.
I’m currently living in an apartment on the outskirts of a Spanish city called Castello de la Plana. I live alone, but I’ve got two cats and a dog to keep me company. They’re all really well-behaved, but I will say that the apartment can get pretty hairy at times. I’m constantly vacuuming and sweeping up fur, but it’s worth it because they’re such great companions.
I absolutely love my apartment. It’s not the biggest place, but it’s got everything I need. It’s got a cozy well-lit living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bedroom with a comfortable bed. But the best part about my apartment is definitely the view. My apartment has a huge window that looks out over the glittering Mediterranean sea, and it’s just stunning. I never get tired of waking up to that view every morning.
Another thing I love about my apartment is its location. It’s in a quiet and pleasant suburb of the city, so it’s nice and peaceful. But it’s also close enough to the city center that I can easily drive in if I want to go out and do something. Plus, there are some amazing cafes and restaurants nearby, so I’m never at a loss for somewhere to grab a bite to eat.
The only thing I really don’t like about my apartment is that it can get a bit lonely living alone. I’ve got a lot of friends in the area, so I’m never completely alone, but it’s not the same as living with someone else. But overall, I’m really happy living in my apartment. It’s got everything I need, and the view is just breathtaking.
Now, It’s Your Turn!
Are you ready to answer this question yourself?
Prepare paper and a pen, then turn on your phone’s voice recorder and ask yourself to ‘Describe your apartment.’
For one minute, write down your ideas and some interesting words to use.
Then start speaking and try to keep going for two whole minutes without stopping.
After you’re finished, listen to the recording and notice any mistakes you made.
Then do it again!
This is one of the best ways to prepare for part 2 of your IELTS Speaking test.
