IELTS speaking part 1 style questions
Examiner: Do you currently live in a house or a flat?
Eduardo: At the moment I am living in a rented flat because I have recently moved into a new central neighbourhood. This has taken a bit of getting used to, if I’m honest, as previously I lived in a detached house in the suburbs which was much more comfortable.
Examiner: What was the family home like where you grew up?
Maria: I was lucky to be brought up in a large family home which was where my grandparents lived before my parents. This ancestral home was steeped in family history and I have always felt a great attachment to it. It is far more spacious than the urban loft where I am now, with larger, airier rooms and inspiring panoramic views which my family spends hours enjoying.
The house has a large veranda where we share not only lunch but all our family meals, a study and a cellar where my father keeps his best wine. I enjoyed this independent house as I had my own room and large enough spaces to host all our family reunions.
Examiner: Have you ever shared a flat with people you did not know before?
Henri: Well, when I used to live in London, a city with great transport facilities yet I could not afford to rent a place of my own, so I decided to join a flat share which I saw advertised on an accommodation website.
Although I had my own room it was a real challenge as the flat was in need of modernisation, and whilst the rooms boasted original features, such as original Victorian windows, it was freezing cold and my flatmates, who also had separate rooms, kept to themselves to study or watch TV so it was hard to make friends. I prefer living somewhere with a house layout with a small garden if possible, even a swimming pool, instead of an apartment block rented accommodation.
IELTS speaking part 2 style cue card
Describe a house or an apartment that you would like to live in. You should say
- What kind of accommodation it would be
- where it would be
- who would live there with you
- and why you would enjoy living in this place
Caspar: I have always been attracted to the idea of constructing my own home with many amenities, as my father and other family members are architects and we have always been great fans of watching TV programmes which follow the trials and tribulations of people who are involved in complicated and ambitious building projects. We often spend time contemplating harmonious atmosphere designs such as a house with a master bedroom, two bedrooms as spares, a spacious dining area and located in a wonderful neighborhood. Sometimes, although there are many difficulties and unexpected challenges along the way, the end resulting home is just beautiful, appealing and really inspiring.
This small house would be by the sea, possibly in France, as the Atlantic coastline there is still quite wild and underpopulated and offers a good life. I'm attracted to the idea of an environmentally friendly bungalow or old house which could be redesigned, which would be open plan and use screens or bookshelves to divide rooms.
I'd love to work with my father on the design, and ideally it would be made of eco-friendly materials, such as sustainable woods, recycled glass and highly insulated to keep energy costs as low as possible. I've been inspired by the Scandinavian style houses I have seen in design magazines, which are planned to blend into their location, looking simple and clean from the outside, but boasting all mod cons inside like an air conditioner and ample room.
I would love to have a large terrace to sit and watch the sunsets or share sustainably sourced local foods. I am not tempted by an extravagant, designer or flashy décor but prefer something understated with stripped or varnished wood floors, a kitchen made from recycled wood, and open shelves to display my collection of ceramic pottery which was my grandmothers. Light is very important to me, so I would try to incorporate large full length windows to enjoy the views and experience a connection to the peaceful countryside outside.
IELTS speaking part 3 style questions
Examiner: In your country is it more common to rent or buy a house?
Sergi: Over the past twenty years there has been a surge in property prices, fuelled by relaxation in the rules surrounding mortgages and loans. This has resulted in a boom in the housing market. Many young professionals are taking the opportunity to get on the property ladder but for most first time buyers, many years of renting is needed to save enough for a deposit.
Examiner: Many landlords are known to take advantage of their tenants. What can be done to control this?
Raoul: It is well known that in many urban areas, which are overcrowded and where current accommodation is in very short supply, that unscrupulous landlords charge excessive rents and demand large deposits which they are unlikely to return in full. Improved legal protection should be provided for flat tenants, as most people are unaware of their rights, and this might give leaseholders more confidence and security in the future.
Examiner: It is preferable for families to live in central districts or in the suburbs?
Alline: The trend for parents with young children to relocate from a metropolis apartment to more suburban areas with less concrete walls and a more park friendly environment is widespread in many countries. On the other hand it also depends on which neighbourhood you want to live in but the city centres have become too expensive for normal, middle income families or people to live there. Outside the centre, there are the new hipster neighbourhoods, where many creative or entrepreneurs and artists live in a city style apartment, but there can be a shortage of family sized homes. This is the main difference between choosing accommodation in the city and suburbia.
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