Home Accommodation – A Common IELTS Speaking Topic

Home or Accommodation is one of the most frequently appearing topics in the IELTS Speaking test. In recent exams, this topic shows up quite often. Therefore, candidates should prepare accurate vocabulary and grammar to score well in this area.

This article will provide you with essential vocabulary, sample answers, and exercises to help you become familiar with the IELTS Speaking structure.

The IELTS Speaking test includes three parts: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. This structure is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

Part 1: The examiner will ask general questions about yourself, usually related to everyday topics such as family, home, hobbies, and education. This part lasts for about 4 to 5 minutes.

Part 2: You will receive a cue card with a specific topic. You will have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 2 minutes. The examiner may also ask a few follow-up questions afterward.

Part 3: The examiner will ask further questions related to the topic in Part 2. You will be encouraged to discuss the issue in more depth.

Question: Do you live in a house or an apartment?

Answer: Actually, I share a single room in the halls of residence with my friend because I live on campus. Almost all first-year students are advised to stay near the university. However, I prefer to enjoy life in student digs in the town.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• single room: a room for one person

• halls of residence: student dormitory

• live on campus: reside within the university grounds

• student digs: student accommodation in town

Question: Tell me about where you live.

Answer: My family has moved into the suburbs of the city. When we moved to the new house, we had a house warming party. It was just a couple of weeks ago.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• the suburbs: residential area outside the city center

• house warming party: a celebration after moving into a new home

Question: What kind of accommodation do most people live in your city? Answer: In the city, the majority of people stay in apartment blocks. That is quite different from what I observe in England. All the British people I know seem to adore living in terraced houses with colorful and unique back gardens.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• apartment block: residential building

• terraced house: a row of identical houses

• back garden: a garden at the back of a house

Question: Describe a house or an apartment you would like to live in.

Answer: Most people dream of living in a big detached house with spacious rooms that overlook green fields or something like that. Personally, my ideal home is a bit different.

I have always fancied a mobile home that comes with all modern conveniences. That way, I could live in my house wherever I go, even during holidays. Plus, I could take all my home comforts with me when I travel.

However, I would still need a permanent address, and the mobile home would just be a fun option for short vacations. When I have kids, I will probably get on the property ladder and save up to put down a deposit on a proper home.

In the long run, my family might live in a private house, but I will always keep my dream home in mind.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• detached house: a stand-alone home

• ideal home: a perfect house for someone

• mobile home: a house on wheels

• all mod cons: all modern conveniences

• home comforts: familiar and cozy features of home

• permanent address: fixed residential location

• to put down a deposit: to make an initial payment

• to get on the property ladder: to start owning property

Question: Is it better to own your own home or to rent?

Answer: Both options have their pros and cons. Renting means you avoid a large financial burden since you do not need to take out a mortgage. However, owning a home allows you to invest and build equity. So, many people still prefer to own their own home.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• rented accommodation: rental property

• to take out a mortgage: to borrow money to buy a home

• to own your own home: to possess a house or apartment

Question: How are relations between neighbors different in cities and the countryside?

Answer: In big cities, people often do not know their neighbors well, let alone talk to them. In rural areas, residents are more likely to know their neighbors, although this doesn’t always mean they interact more. People today tend to prioritize their privacy and spend more time indoors, reducing face-to-face interaction.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• prioritize: give importance to

• face-to-face interaction: direct communication

Explore the key vocabulary categories to help you speak confidently about the topic of Home and Accommodation.

Vocabulary for Location

• In the heart of the city: in the center of the city

• Densely populated area: a place with a high population

• A lot of hustle and bustle: very busy and noisy

• In the suburbs or outskirts: outside the city center

• Metropolis: a large city

Vocabulary for Types of Housing

• Semi-detached house: a house attached to another

• Apartment block: a building with many apartments

• Thatched cottage: a cottage with a straw roof

• Mobile home: a house on wheels

• Dormitory: shared student residence

• Residential area: neighborhood for residents

• Duplex apartment: two-floor apartment

• Condominium: individually owned units in a building

• Studio: a small apartment with open space

Vocabulary for Parts of the House

• Dining room: place to eat

• Backyard: area behind the house

• Patio: outdoor space at the back

• Birdcage: cage for birds

• Box room: storage room

• Panic room: a safe room

• Bedsit: rented room for living and sleeping

• Penthouse: top-floor apartment

Vocabulary for Describing the Interior

• Fully furnished: with all furniture

• Floor to ceiling glass: full-height glass walls

• Tidy and neat: clean and organized

• Warm and cozy: comfortable and pleasant

• Take out a mortgage: borrow money for a home

• Get on well with neighbors: have good relations

• Eat-in kitchen with modern appliances: kitchen with seating and devices

• Offer a lifestyle of absolute convenience: provide full comfort

• Surrounded by vibrant landscaped gardens: near colorful gardens

Besides useful vocabulary, mastering common sentence structures can help boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Structure: S + live in + place which is located in + place with + noun Example: I live in a house which is located in the heart of the city with my family.

Structure: S + relocate + from place to place Example: Jenny relocated from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi last month.

Structure: S + be born and raised in + place Example: Both my mom and dad were born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City.

Master the Topic Accommodation with IDP

We hope this article helps you expand your vocabulary on the topic of Accommodation and apply it effectively in your IELTS Speaking test and daily conversations. For better results, focus on correct pronunciation and use creativity in your responses.

To support your preparation, IDP offers helpful resources including IELTS workshops, personalized study plans, and access to exclusive practice materials.

When you register for the IELTS test with IDP, you will receive access to exclusive preparation tools, including a study guide, video tips for avoiding common mistakes, and an online course developed by experts from Macquarie University.

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