Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a house or an apartment where you live or lived - Cue Card # 776
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a house or an apartment where you live now or lived in the past.
You should say:
- what type of house/apartment it is/was
- who you live/lived with there
- how large it is/was
and explain how you feel/felt about living in this house/apartment.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
I wish that I could say I am very excited to describe the place in which I am currently living, apparently because I don’t really like it here that much. But, still I will try my best to describe this place - an apartment that is - as per the requirements of this topic.
Now, you are probably wondering why I am being so negative about the apartment in which I happen to live with my parents and a couple of my siblings. Now, before I go to answer that question, please allow me to describe this apartment a little.
First of all, this apartment is quite a large one - probably as large as almost 4,000 square feet, excluding 6 balconies all around it. Now, imagine how large it can really become if you add those balconies to that 4000 square feet area. Sometimes, it looks like a mini football stadium to me except that it has 5 small “partitions” in it, which we call rooms, 4 bathrooms and a huge dining area with a very large kitchen. And as far as the colour of the painting inside this apartment is concerned, it looks so obsolete. Then, of course, the less I talk about its widows, the better it is, since they (the windows) look like some kinds of round-shaped mirror that are attached to the walls in a rather peculiar way. However, the only good thing about this apartment, located in a rather busy area, is its fireplace which isn’t only nicely designed but can also radiate the heat all around the place rather quickly and efficiently.
I guess that, by now, you have already got some idea as to why I am being so negative about the apartment in which I live. Yes, I don’t really like living here, mainly because it looks too big for my liking. In fact, it would be better if it were being used as some kind of “office”. I don’t like living here, also because this apartment is always noisy all around it.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
I live in an apartment in the city centre of London. It is a modern and luxurious apartment that provides me with all the necessary comforts and conveniences of city life. I am glad that this topic asks me to talk about my apartment. I would also like to thank you for the opportunity to let me talk about it.
What type of house/apartment it is:
As I mentioned earlier, I live in a modern and luxurious apartment in the heart of London. The apartment building is quite tall and consists of a number of flats. My apartment is on the 8th floor and has a great view of the city skyline.
Who you live with there:
I live in this apartment with my partner. It is a cosy and comfortable space that is perfect for two people.
How large it is:
The apartment is relatively small, but it is designed in a way that makes it feel spacious and open. The living room and kitchen are connected, which makes it easy to move around and makes the space feel larger than it actually is. The bedroom is also a good size, with enough room for a large bed and some storage space. Overall, it is a perfect size for a couple.
And explain how you feel about living in this house/apartment:
I absolutely love living in this apartment! It is centrally located and provides easy access to all the amenities and attractions of the city. The apartment itself is modern and stylish, and it is a joy to come home to every day. The view from the balcony is breathtaking, and I love spending my evenings there, watching the sunset over the city. The building also has some great facilities, such as a gym and a rooftop terrace, which add to the overall experience of living here. All in all, I couldn't be happier with my choice of apartment.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. It brings back a lot of memories of a place that holds a special corner in my heart: the house where I grew up, in a quieter, suburban part of the city.
It was a detached, two-story house, the kind you often see with a small garden in the front and a slightly larger one in the back. It wasn't particularly grand or modern, but it was solid and filled with warmth. I lived there with my parents and my two siblings - an older brother and a younger sister - so it was always a bustling and lively place.
In terms of size, it felt just right for our family of five. Downstairs, there was a comfortable living room where we'd all gather in the evenings, a separate dining room for our family meals, a fairly spacious kitchen where my mother would work her magic, and a small guest bedroom. Upstairs, we had three bedrooms – one for my parents, one that my brother and I shared (which, as you can imagine, had its fair share of territorial disputes!), and one for my younger sister. There were also two bathrooms, which was a blessing with three growing kids. The gardens, though not huge, provided a lovely green space where we could play, and my father enjoyed tending to his plants.
Thinking back, I felt an immense sense of comfort and belonging in that house. It was more than just a building; it was the backdrop to my childhood and adolescence, filled with countless memories. I remember the cosy feeling of the living room during monsoon evenings, the aroma of my mother's cooking wafting from the kitchen, the late-night whispered conversations with my brother in our shared room, and the excitement of family gatherings in the dining room. It was a place where we grew up, learned about the world, and formed the bonds that still hold us together today. It was the foundation of our family, and those feelings of warmth and security are something I'll always cherish.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Describing a house or apartment where you live or have lived can provide insight into your lifestyle, preferences, and experiences. Whether it’s a spacious family home or a cosy apartment, these places often carry significant memories and emotions. Here are some ideas for describing a house or apartment where you live now or lived in the past:
1. Detached House in the Suburbs:
I live in a spacious detached house in the suburbs. The house has three bedrooms, a large living room, a dining area, and a well-maintained garden. I live here with my parents and younger siblings. The house is about 2,000 square feet and is perfect for a family. I love living here because it’s peaceful, with plenty of space for all of us to relax and enjoy. The garden is a great place to spend time outdoors, and the neighbourhood is quiet and friendly, which makes me feel comfortable and content.
2. Apartment in the City Centre:
Currently, I live in a modern apartment in the city centre. It’s a one-bedroom apartment, with an open-plan kitchen, living area, and a small balcony overlooking the city skyline. I live alone here, and it’s the perfect space for me as it’s close to work and public transport. The apartment is compact but very functional, and I love the convenience of being in the heart of the city. The high-rise building provides a stunning view, and I enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city, although sometimes it can be a bit noisy.
3. Cosy Cottage in the Countryside:
I lived in a cosy cottage in the countryside for several years. It was a two-bedroom house with a small kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, and a lovely garden surrounded by trees. I lived there with my family, and it felt like a peaceful retreat from the busy city life. The house was not very large, about 1,200 square feet, but it had a warm, welcoming feel. I enjoyed living there because it was so quiet and close to nature, which made me feel relaxed and rejuvenated. It was a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the simple things in life.
4. Shared Apartment in a University Town:
When I was in university, I lived in a shared apartment with two of my friends. The apartment was a three-bedroom flat with a common kitchen and living area. The apartment was not very large, around 1,500 square feet, but it was enough for the three of us. I loved the experience of living with friends because it was fun and filled with energy. We often cooked meals together, watched movies, and supported each other during stressful exam times. It was an enjoyable experience, and I felt very independent, despite being away from home.
5. Modern Studio Apartment:
I live in a modern studio apartment in a busy urban area. The apartment is small, around 500 square feet, with an open-plan living, dining, and sleeping area, and a separate bathroom. I live alone here, and while the space is limited, it has everything I need. The minimalist design and functional layout make it feel larger than it actually is. I love the convenience of the location, with shops, cafes, and public transport just a short walk away. Despite its size, I feel comfortable living here, and I enjoy the independence it provides.
6. Spacious Family Home:
I grew up in a spacious family home with five bedrooms, a large kitchen, two living rooms, and a big backyard. I lived there with my parents and two siblings. The house was about 3,000 square feet and offered plenty of space for everyone to have their own space. I loved living in that house because it was always lively, with family gatherings and celebrations. The large backyard was perfect for playing, hosting barbecues, and spending time outdoors. The house was full of memories, and I always felt safe and happy there.
7. High-Rise Apartment with a Beautiful View:
I lived in a high-rise apartment in a metropolitan city. The apartment had two bedrooms, a large living area, and a balcony that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. I lived there with my partner, and we both loved the modern design of the apartment. The apartment was spacious, around 1,800 square feet, and the location was convenient for work and entertainment. I enjoyed living there because of the stunning view and the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The only downside was that it could get noisy, but the overall experience was amazing.
8. Traditional House in a Village:
I lived in a traditional house in a small village for a few years. The house was built in a rustic style, with wooden beams and a thatched roof. It had three rooms, a simple kitchen, and a small garden. I lived there with my grandparents, and the house had a very homely feel. The house was not large, but it was cosy and full of character. I loved living there because the village was peaceful and surrounded by nature, and I enjoyed the close connection with my grandparents. It was a slower pace of life, but I felt deeply connected to the land and the people around me.
9. Loft Apartment with Industrial Design:
I once lived in a loft apartment with an industrial design. It had exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows that let in a lot of natural light. The apartment was spacious, about 2,000 square feet, with a large living room and a modern kitchen. I lived there with a roommate, and we both appreciated the open-plan design and modern aesthetics. I enjoyed living there because the loft-style apartment was unique and had a lot of character. The only downside was the temperature, as it could get too cold in the winter due to the high ceilings, but overall, it was an exciting place to live.
10. Beachfront Apartment:
I currently live in a small beachfront apartment, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the ocean view. The apartment is one-bedroom, and it has a cosy living area with large windows that overlook the beach. I live here alone, and the space is just right for my needs. The best part about living in this apartment is the location – I can hear the waves crashing at night and take walks along the beach whenever I want. I feel very fortunate to live here because it’s peaceful, and the view is breathtaking. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a house or apartment where you live or have lived, using descriptive language to convey its characteristics and your feelings about it is key. Employing varied vocabulary will help you paint a clearer picture for the examiner and express your emotions more effectively. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Spacious: – Having ample space.
Example: The apartment was surprisingly spacious, with large rooms.
Cosy: – Giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.
Example: I always felt a sense of being cosy in our little cottage.
Sense of belonging: – A feeling of being comfortable and accepted in a particular place or with a group.
Example: I developed a strong sense of belonging in that house.
A place to unwind: – A location where one can relax and reduce stress.
Example: My apartment is truly a place where I can unwind after a long day.
Full of character: – Having many distinctive and interesting qualities.
Example: The old house was full of character, with its creaky floors and high ceilings.
Conveniently located: – Situated in a place that is easy to reach or access.
Example: The apartment was conveniently located near public transport and shops.
A bit cramped: – Not having enough space; feeling restricted.
Example: To be honest, the studio apartment was a bit cramped for two people.
Overlooked a peaceful garden: – Had a view of a quiet and pleasant outdoor area.
Example: Our balcony overlooked a peaceful garden, which was lovely.
A hub of activity: – A place where a lot of things happen; a central point of activity.
Example: With all my roommates, our apartment was always a hub of activity.
Felt truly at home: – Experienced a genuine feeling of comfort and security.
Example: Despite its small size, I always felt truly at home there.
Hold a special place in my heart: – Be particularly cherished or remembered with affection.
Example: That old house will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a house or an apartment where you live now or lived in the past", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a house or an apartment you would like to live in.
2) Describe a house/apartment that someone you know lives in.
3) Describe a place where you lived for a short period of time.
4) Describe a beautiful house/ home you have been to.
5) Describe a beautiful place where you want to have a home.
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