In Part 2 of your IELTS Speaking test, you might be asked to ‘Describe your house.’ This house cue card is quite an easy one to answer.
Let’s look at how to give a really great answer. Below, you can read three cue cards and answers (go straight to the answers here).
First, let’s talk about some tips, vocabulary, and idioms for this topic.
What You Can Talk About
Here are some things you might talk about when describing your house (or apartment):
- Where you live
- Who you live with
- How long you’ve been living there
- How much you like or dislike living there
- Why you moved there
- The location
- The size
- The layout
- The number of rooms
- The decor
- The living conditions
- The view
- The amount and quality of light
- Nearby amenities
- The distance from the city center
- The convenience of the layout
- Any nice features, like a balcony
- How comfortable it is
- How convenient it is
- Any plans you have to move
Focus on Vocabulary
In Part 2, always try to focus on using interesting vocabulary and idiomatic language.
This is much easier to prepare for than worrying about grammar. If you focus on using interesting, unusual words in Part 2, you’re very likely to use great grammar too.
Use Word Groups
You can prepare for Part 2 by memorizing groups of words that are related.
For example, if you memorize 15 words and phrases that can be used to describe a house or apartment, you’ll be able to use that same word group for many different questions relating to home and buildings and places.
Learn more about word groups here. And here are some interesting words you can use to talk about your home:
- Sprawling
- Opulent
- Cozy
- Quaint
- Rustic
- Modern
- Minimalist
- Eclectic
- Chic
- Luxurious
- Glamorous
- Elegant
- Refined
- Grand
- Ornate
- Intimate
- Inviting
- Welcoming
- Homely
- Comfortable
And here are some idioms you could use:
- A palace fit for a king
- A fixer-upper
- A breath of fresh air
- A hidden gem
- A work in progress
- A labor of love
- A cozy nest
- A slice of heaven
- A cozy cocoon
- A sanctuary
- A haven
- A peaceful oasis
- A retreat
- A nest
- A gem of a place
- A diamond in the rough
Example Answers
Now, let’s look at three example cue cards and answers. Read through them and see if there are any ideas you can borrow for your own answer.
Your House Cue Card 1
Describe your house.
You should say:
- Where it is
- How many rooms it has
- Who you live with
And say what you like most about living there.
Well, I’m currently living with my parents in an apartment in a small town in Bulgaria. We’ve been there for about 5 years now, and I have to say, I really enjoy living there.
The location of our apartment is a dream. It’s in a nice, quiet neighborhood with easy access to public transportation, as well as all the necessary amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and coffee shops. It’s also not too far from the city center, so we can easily go out and enjoy all that the city has to offer.
The size of our apartment is just right for the three of us. It has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, so we have plenty of space to spread out and relax. The layout is also really convenient, with everything being on one level, so we don’t have to worry about climbing stairs.
The decor of the apartment is fairly simple, but that’s okay with me. We have some nice pieces of furniture, but overall it’s a very low-maintenance space. The condition of the apartment is also really good – it’s always clean and well-maintained.
One of the things I love most about our apartment is the view. We have a large balcony that overlooks the city, and it’s a great place to relax and unwind after a long day. The natural light in the apartment is also really nice – it’s bright and welcoming, especially in the morning.
Overall, I really like living in our apartment. It’s comfortable, convenient, and feels like home. I’m grateful to have such a nice place to live, and I hope to continue living here for many more years to come.
Your House Cue Card 2
Describe your house.
You should say:
- What kind of house or home it is
- Who you share it with
- What your favorite room is
And say why you moved to this house.
I’m fortunate enough to live near the center of Tokyo in an amazing house. First of all, the location of my house is unbeatable. It’s just a stone’s throw away from all the action in the city center, but at the same time, it’s tucked away in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood. I can’t even begin to tell you how convenient it is to have everything I need right at my fingertips.
The size of my house is absolutely massive, and I have plenty of room to spread out and relax. It has four bedrooms, a spacious living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and even a home gym. The layout is also top-notch, with an open floor plan that makes it easy to move around and entertain.
The decor of my house is absolutely stunning. I hired an interior designer to come in and really make it feel like a luxurious and welcoming home, and they definitely delivered. From the plush furniture to the intricate details, everything about the decor is just perfect.
The condition of my house is also impeccable. I have a team of cleaners who come in regularly to keep everything spotless, and I take great care to maintain the house and all of its features. From the state-of-the-art appliances to the beautiful landscaping, everything is in perfect working order.
One of the things I love most about my house is the outdoor space. I have a large backyard with a pool, a hot tub, and a grill, and it’s a fantastic place to entertain or just relax and soak up the sun. The view from my house is also incredible – I have a panoramic view of the city, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Your House Cue Card 3
Describe your house.
You should say:
- How long you’ve lived there
- Where it is located
- What you live most about your house
And say if you’d like to live somewhere else or not.
I currently share an apartment with 3 flatmates. I have to admit, I am really looking forward to moving out and getting my own place with my girlfriend. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a lot of fun living here, and I love my flatmates. But it’s time to move on soon.
One of the things I like about our apartment is the location. It’s right in the heart of the city, so we have easy access to all the best bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s also close to public transportation, which is a huge bonus.
The size of the apartment is decent – it’s not too big, but it’s not too small either. We have a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and 3 bedrooms, so we each have our own space to retreat to. The layout is a bit awkward, though – the bedrooms are all clustered together, and the living room and kitchen are at the opposite end of the apartment, so it can feel a bit disconnected at times.
The decor is pretty standard – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. We’ve each brought in some of our own stuff to make it feel more personal, but overall it’s a pretty basic setup. The condition of the apartment is also just okay – it’s not in terrible shape, but it’s definitely seen better days.
One of the things I don’t love about our apartment is the noise level. We live on the ground floor, so we get a lot of foot traffic and street noise, which can be really disruptive at times. It’s also not the most private place – we have a shared outdoor space, so we often see and hear our neighbors. I’m thinking of moving out soon, when I can afford it.
Your Turn To Try!
Now that you have a good idea how to answer this question in a nice and natural way, give it a go yourself.
Turn on the recorder on your phone, and tell yourself out loud to ‘Describe your house.’
Prepare for one minute, focusing on things you can talk about and interesting vocabulary you can use.
Then… Start talking!
Try to speak nonstop for 2 minutes.
When you’ve finished, listen to your recording and note down any mistakes you made. Then do it again.
Repeating this process is a fantastic way to prepare for Part 2 of your IELTS Speaking test.
