You might be asked to describe your home in part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test. Here, we’ll look at the best way to answer a home cue card like this.
First, let’s look at some useful tips, idioms, and vocabulary for this subject. Then, you can read three cue cards with answers (go straight to the example answers here).
What You Can Say
For this question, you could talk about a few of these things:
- The size and layout of your home (e.g. number of bedrooms, bathrooms, floors)
- The style and design of your home (e.g. modern, traditional, rustic)
- The location of your home (e.g. city, suburb, rural area)
- How long you’ve lived there for
- The type of dwelling you live in (e.g. house, apartment, townhouse)
- The condition of your home (e.g. well-maintained, in need of renovations)
- Who you live with
- The size and type of yard or outdoor space you have
- The type of neighborhood you live in (e.g. quiet, bustling, family-friendly)
- What you like or don’t like about your home
- What you like or don’t like about the neighborhood
- The proximity to amenities and conveniences (e.g. grocery stores, schools, public transportation)
- The type of heating and cooling systems in your home
- The quality and condition of the windows, doors, and roof
- The type of appliances you have in your home (e.g. refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer)
- The quality and condition of the furniture and decor in your home
- The type and amount of storage space available in your home
- The type of flooring in each room (e.g. carpet, hardwood, tile)
- The type of lighting in each room (e.g. natural, artificial, energy-efficient)
- The type of paint or wallpaper in each room
- The type of windows and window treatments in each room (e.g. blinds, curtains, shutters)
- The type of security measures you have in place (e.g. alarm system, deadbolts, security cameras)
- Any special features or amenities your home has (e.g. fireplace, hot tub, pool)
Picture It and Describe What You See
When you’re describing a place in part 2 of the test, one great way to come up with ideas on what to say is to picture the place in your mind.
Then simply describe what you’re seeing, and talk about what you feel and think about that thing.
This method stops you from worrying about grammar too much, so you can focus on talking naturally.
Useful Vocabulary for Describing Your Home
In any part-2 answer, it’s best to focus on vocabulary when preparing. Also, think about things you can say.
If you try to think about grammar, you’ll probably confuse yourself or grow nervous.
By focusing on ideas and interesting words and idioms, you can be sure to give a good band-7 answer.
The example answers below have plenty of great words you can use when describing a home. And here’s some nice vocabulary to borrow:
- Cozy
- Spacious
- Quaint
- Elegant
- Luxurious
- Rustic
- Aesthetic
- Welcoming
- Inviting
- Enchanting
- Charming
- Idyllic
- Serene
- Tranquil
- Peaceful
- Whimsical
- Dreamy
- Alluring
- Picturesque
- Chateau-like
Example Answers
Now, without further ado (delay), let’s look at the example answers. Notice the unusual words and idiomatic phrases used here.
Perhaps you could borrow a few words and phrases to describe your own home.
Your Home Cue Card 1
Describe your home.
You should say:
- Where you live
- What your home is like
- What your neighborhood is like
And say why you like or dislike living there.
My home is a small but cozy house located in a peaceful village just outside of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s been my home for all of my life, and I cannot imagine living anywhere else.
I love the healthy village lifestyle and the sense of community here. Everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. It’s like a big family. My husband and I have raised our children here, and now our grandchildren visit often. It’s so nice to have them all under one roof, especially during the holidays.
I’m grateful for the simple pleasures that come with living in the village. The air is fresh and clean, and I love taking walks along the rice fields and tending to my small garden. The food here is also amazing. We have our own chickens and can always count on fresh eggs, and the vegetables and herbs that we grow in our garden taste so much better than what you can buy at the market.
I’m also thankful for the sense of security that comes with living in the village. Our doors are never locked and we can leave our windows open at night without any fear. It’s such a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, and I couldn’t be happier to call this place home.
Despite its small size, our house has everything we need. It’s not the most modern or luxurious, but it’s comfortable and well-maintained. The windows let in plenty of natural light, and we have a small veranda where we can sit and enjoy the breeze.
I’m so grateful to have a place to call home, and I cannot imagine living anywhere else. It’s a place where I feel safe, content, and surrounded by loved ones. I am truly blessed.
Your Home Cue Card 2
Describe your home.
You should say:
- How big your home is
- Who you live with
- How long you’ve lived there for
And say what you like about living there.
I’m currently living in a small apartment in Rio with my young child and husband. While I do love living here, there are certainly a few things that I dislike about our current home.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of space. With just a single bedroom, it can be cramped at times, especially when my husband and I are both working from home and trying to focus. It’s not ideal for raising a larger family either – we dream of having at least two more children in the future, but there’s just not enough room in this apartment to accommodate them.
Another issue is the lack of natural light. Our apartment is situated on the ground floor, so the windows are quite small and don’t let in much sunlight. This can make the place feel a bit dark and dreary at times, especially during the shorter days of the year.
Despite these drawbacks, however, there are also a few things that I really like about our current home. For one thing, I love the location. We’re situated in a really vibrant and lively neighborhood, with plenty of great restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance. It’s a great place to raise a child, as there’s always something to do and see.
I also appreciate the convenience of living in an apartment. It’s much easier to maintain than a house, and there’s no need to worry about things like yard work or home repairs. It’s just a simple, low-maintenance lifestyle that I really enjoy.
Your Home Cue Card 3
Describe your home.
You should say:
- What your home and room is like
- What is in your home
- Who you live with
And say whether you enjoy living there or not.
Well, I’m a student living on campus in a large shared dorm. My dorm room is a fairly small, rectangular space with two twin beds, two desks, two chairs, and two sets of built-in shelves and drawers.
There’s not a whole lot of room to move around, but we’ve done our best to make the most of it by organizing our things and using storage bins and baskets to keep things neat and tidy.
The shared spaces in the dorm include a common area with a kitchenette, a couple of couches, and a TV. There’s also a laundry room and a couple of bathrooms on each floor. The kitchenette is a bit small and basic, with a mini fridge, a microwave, and a sink, but it’s definitely come in handy for heating up leftovers or making a quick snack.
The laundry room is a lifesaver – it’s so convenient to be able to do my own laundry instead of having to trek off campus to a laundromat. And the bathrooms are always kept clean and well-stocked, which is much appreciated.
While living on campus can be a bit crowded and noisy at times, I think it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends. Plus, it’s so convenient having everything right at my fingertips – I’m just a short walk away from all my classes, the library, and the gym.
One of the things I like most about living in the dorms is the sense of community. There are always people around to hang out with or study with, and I’ve made some really close friends here. It’s a great way to feel connected and supported, especially during such a tumultuous time in our lives.
But on the other hand, to be honest, the dorms can be a bit cramped and cluttered, especially when you’re sharing a room with someone else. I’ve definitely had to get creative with organizing and storing my stuff to make everything fit.
Your Turn To Answer
Now, give this question a go yourself!
Remember to picture your home and describe what you see.
It’s best to record your answer. So turn on the voice recorder on your phone and ask yourself to describe your home.
Prepare for one minute, then try to speak for two whole minutes without stopping!
Afterward, listen to your recording, and note down any mistakes or things you could have said better. Then… do it again!
If you use this method to prepare, you’ll be ready for part 2 of your IELTS Speaking test in no time.