Your house and home are a common topic in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test. You might be asked to ‘Describe your ideal house’ or ‘Describe your dream house.’
Let’s talk about how to give a great band-7 answer to this question. Below, you can read three dream house cue cards with example answers and lots of vocabulary ideas (go straight to the answers here).
What You Can Talk About
Here are some things you can talk about when describing a home you’d like to have:
- Location
- Size of the property
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Outdoor space (garden, patio, balcony)
- Style of the house (e.g. modern, traditional, etc.)
- Age of the house
- Energy efficiency
- Natural light
- Storage space
- Parking
- Proximity to amenities (e.g. shops, schools, public transport)
- Security features
- Quality of the construction and materials used
- Upgrades or renovations that have been made
- Ease of maintenance
- Accessibility features (e.g. ramps, elevators)
- Multipurpose rooms (e.g. home office, gym)
- Open floor plan
- Natural surroundings (e.g. views, trees)
- Special features (e.g. fireplace, pool)
Use 2nd Conditional ‘Would’
When talking about an imaginary, hypothetical situation, we often use ‘would.’
If you can use this word properly, you will impress the examiner. It is certainly band-7 grammar.
See the example answers below for guidance on how to use 2nd conditional in your answer.
Focus on Vocabulary
In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, try to focus on using interesting vocabulary. You can learn groups of good words for describing a home, and then you can use those words whenever you answer a home-related question.
In the example answers below, you’ll find many excellent words for describing a home. Words like these:
- Charming
- Cozy
- Rustic
- Vintage
- Elegant
- Luxurious
- Sprawling
- Contemporary
- Inviting
- Quaint
- Airy
- Bright
- Stylish
- Lively
- Artistic
- Inviting
- Vibrant
- Bold
- Colorful
- Inspiring
Use Idiomatic Language
To sound natural, it’s a great idea to use some idioms if you can. memorize many interesting idiomatic words and phrases that you can use to describe a home.
Here are some good examples of idioms you might use:
- Home sweet home
- A comfortable nest
- A cozy retreat
- A sanctuary
- A palace
- A place to call your own
- A place to hang your hat
- A little piece of heaven
- An oasis
- A retreat
- A luxurious getaway
- A cozy haven
- Warm and welcoming
- A charming abode
Example Answers
Now, let’s take a look at some cue cards and example answers for this question. These example answers are mostly a little longer than you’ll in the exam, but it’s good to prepare to say too much.
Remember that these examples are band-8 and band-9 answers, so you don’t need to answer this perfectly to gain a band-7 score. Just try to borrow some ideas for your own answer.
Ideal House Cue Card 1
Describe your ideal house.
You should say:
- Where your ideal house would be
- How big it would be
- Who would live there with you
And say why you would like this home so much.
I think I’d really love to live in an apartment in Paris. Oh, the thought of living in the center of Paris is just amazing! I can’t think of anything I’d love more than to wake up every morning in the city of love, with all its charm and culture right at my doorstep.
When it comes to my dream apartment, location is key. I want to be right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of all the best landmarks and attractions. I can picture myself sipping coffee on my balcony, gazing out at the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral in the distance.
As for the size of the apartment, I want it to be spacious and airy, with plenty of room to move around and entertain. I’d love for it to have high ceilings and lots of natural light, and of course, an amazing view. Can you imagine waking up to the sight of the Seine river below, or the twinkling lights of the city at night? It would be like something out of a fairytale.
In terms of layout, I’d like a modern open floor plan with a spacious living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and at least two bedrooms. One for me, and one for a guest room or office. I also want a luxurious bathroom with a spa tub, because what’s a dream apartment without a little bit of indulgence?
When it comes to design and decor, I want my dream apartment to be chic and stylish, with a mix of modern and traditional elements. I love the idea of having exposed brick walls and original hardwood floors, but also incorporating modern furniture and finishes. And of course, I’d want it to be fully furnished and equipped with all the amenities I could ever need.
But it’s not just about the apartment itself. I want to be part of a vibrant and lively community in the center of Paris, with easy access to all the best restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. I can just picture myself strolling through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, and immersing myself in the culture.
Dream House Cue Card 2
Describe your dream house.
You should say:
- How big your dream house would be
- What the layout would be
- What you would do there
Why you would enjoy living there so much.
First and foremost, I want my dream house to be located in a peaceful and serene setting, surrounded by nature. Maybe nestled in the mountains, with a stunning view of the valley below, or situated on the coast with the ocean waves crashing in the distance. Either way, I want to wake up to the sound of birds chirping and the scent of fresh air every morning.
As for the size of the property, I’d like a decent-sized yard with plenty of room for gardening and outdoor activities. And of course, a pool is a must-have in my dream house. There’s nothing like taking a dip in the cool water on a hot summer day.
Inside, I want a large kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, as I love to cook and entertain. I can picture myself hosting dinner parties and cookouts in my dream home, with everyone gathering around the kitchen island as I whip up some delicious meals.
In terms of bedrooms and bathrooms, I’d like at least three of each. One for me, one for a guest room, and one for an office/workspace. I also want a luxurious master suite with a walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom.
As for the design and materials used, I want my dream house to be energy-efficient and sustainable. I’d love for it to be built with reclaimed wood and equipped with solar panels. I’m also a fan of smart home features, so having a fully automated and secure house would be amazing.
Other must-haves in my dream house include a cozy fireplace, a home gym, and a multipurpose room that could serve as a theater or music room. And of course, an outdoor living space like a deck or patio would be the cherry on top.
Ideal House Cue Card 3
Describe your ideal house.
You should say:
- What location you would choose
- What the rooms would be like
- What your life would be like there
And say why this ideal house is so attractive for you.
As a middle-aged man with a large family, I would love nothing more than to live in a quiet, exclusive gated community in a nice suburb of Shanghai. The bustling city has always held a special place in my heart, and having my workplace nearby would be a major plus. But more than anything, I want a safe and nurturing environment for my children to grow up in, with good schools close by.
My dream home would have plenty of space for my family to spread out and relax, with a spacious living room and comfortable bedrooms. I can picture a large backyard with a sprawling lawn and a patio for barbecues and outdoor gatherings. The kitchen would be a cook’s paradise, with top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of counter space for meal prep.
Safety is a top priority for me, so I would make sure to have a state-of-the-art security system in place to protect my loved ones. And since I love to entertain, it would be great to have a guest room for out-of-town visitors.
Overall, I envision my dream home as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, where my family can relax and unwind after a long day. It would be the perfect place to raise my children and create lasting memories with my loved ones.
Now, It’s Your Turn
Are you ready now to try to answer this question yourself?
Set up the recorder on your phone and give it a go!
It’s best to record yourself so that you can listen later and try to improve on your answer.
When your recorder is on, ask yourself to ‘Describe your ideal house.’
Then start speaking! Try to keep speaking for 2 minutes without stopping.
Afterward, listen to your recording, and see if you can notice any mistakes. Remember to focus on using interesting vocabulary.
Keep repeating this process. It’s a terrific way to prepare for Part 2 of your IELTS Speaking test.
