Mastering IELTS Speaking: Home & Accommodation

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, the examiner will ask you questions about your home, living arrangements, and preferences. These questions are an opportunity for you to express your thoughts in a structured way, demonstrating vocabulary and grammar relevant to the topic of accommodation. Below are some sample answers and useful phrases.

### 1. What Kind of House or Apartment Do You Want to Live In in the Future?

When discussing your ideal future home, it’s important to mention both practical and aesthetic elements, as well as your environmental considerations.

Example Answer:

Ideally, in the future, I’d love to live in a spacious, modern house with plenty of natural light and a garden. For one thing, having a garden would allow me to enjoy nature right at home and maybe even grow some of my own vegetables. Additionally, I’d like the house to be eco-friendly, with energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials. All in all, I envision a home that’s both comfortable and environmentally responsible.

Why this answer works:

  • Practical details: Mentioning energy-efficient appliances and a garden shows both environmental awareness and personal taste.

  • Future-oriented vocabulary: Words like “ideally” and “in the future” create a forward-looking tone.

### 2. What Room Does Your Family Spend Most of the Time In?

This question invites you to describe the dynamics of your family life, offering insight into how you use your living space.

Example Answer:

Without a doubt, my family spends most of the time in the living room. For one thing, it’s where we come together to relax, watch TV, and catch up on each other’s day. Moreover, the living room is spacious enough to accommodate all of us comfortably, making it the heart of our home. In short, it’s where most of our family bonding takes place.

Why this answer works:

  • Emphasis on family interaction: The description focuses on how the living room fosters family connections, making the answer personal and relatable.

  • Structured response: The use of “for one thing,” “moreover,” and “in short” creates a logical flow.

### 3. What Do You Usually Do in Your Apartment?

In this answer, you should cover the variety of activities you typically do at home, using specific examples to make your response more engaging.

Example Answer:

Generally speaking, I use my apartment for a variety of activities. For instance, I spend a lot of time studying or working from home, so my desk is one of my most used spaces. Additionally, I relax by reading or watching movies, and I occasionally cook meals to enjoy with friends or family. In a nutshell, my apartment serves as both a productive workspace and a cozy retreat.

Why this answer works:

  • Variety of activities: This answer shows the multifunctional nature of modern living spaces by discussing both work and relaxation.

  • Specific details: Mentioning the desk as a frequently used space gives the answer a personal touch.

### 4. What Kinds of Accommodation Do You Live In?

This type of question gives you the chance to talk about your current living situation in detail, describing both the layout and any amenities that make it unique.

Example Answer:

Currently, I live in a modern apartment building. For example, it’s a two-bedroom unit with an open-plan living area, which I find both functional and stylish. Moreover, the building has some great amenities, like a gym and communal areas, which make apartment living even more convenient. All things considered, it’s the perfect balance between comfort and practicality for my lifestyle.

Why this answer works:

  • Balance of features: The answer covers both the apartment’s physical features and the lifestyle benefits of amenities like a gym.

  • Clear structure: The use of phrases like “for example” and “all things considered” provides a coherent and organized response.