Hey there, and welcome to IELTS TIME! I’m your host, and I’m so glad you’re tuning in today, because we’ve got a fun and surprisingly personal cue card to explore.
You know, sometimes IELTS Speaking can feel like a bit of a performance—you’re trying to remember your phrases, your grammar, your linking words—and somewhere in all of that, you might forget that the examiner. They’re a person, too. They’re listening for you, not a perfect script. And today’s cue card is a great chance to show a bit of yourself:
Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in. You should say: where it would be, what you would like to do there, who you would like to live there with, and explain why you would like to live in this place.
It’s one of those topics that opens a little window into your personality. Are you into big-city skylines? Quiet countryside cottages? Maybe something futuristic, or even totally off-grid? There’s no “right” answer here—only your answer. And that’s what makes it such a perfect opportunity to show fluency, imagination, and emotional connection, all in one go.
Without further ado, let’s hear what Joseph has to say.
Okay, so the house I’d love to live in would be a modern apartment in Tokyo, Japan—probably somewhere like Shibuya or Meguro. I’ve always been really into Japanese culture, and I think living in such a vibrant city with a mix of tradition and modernity would be amazing.
The apartment itself wouldn’t have to be huge, but I’d love it to have a clean, minimal design with big windows for natural light, and maybe a little balcony with a nice view of the city. Ideally, it’d be close to a train station, a few cafés, and maybe a park nearby so I could go on walks or chill outdoors.
If I could choose, I’d live there with one or two of my close friends—people I vibe with and can relax around. I think it would be really fun to share the space with someone who also enjoys exploring new places and trying out different types of food.
What I’d like to do there—besides just live—is maybe work remotely or freelance, so I’d set up a little cozy home office. And in the evenings, I’d love to cook, invite friends over, or just binge-watch some shows.
The reason I’d love to live there is because I’m really drawn to the lifestyle—like the balance between busy city life and moments of quiet. Also, Japan is super safe and efficient, and the design of homes there tends to be really smart, even in small spaces. So yeah, that would definitely be a dream place for me.
We just heard a fantastic sample answer from Joseph, and wow, that was such a chill, vivid description of his dream apartment in Tokyo. If you haven’t listened yet, rewind and give it a go, because we’re about to break it down and see what made it so effective.
I don’t know about you, but there’s something incredibly personal about this cue card. It’s not just about bricks and walls—it’s about lifestyle, comfort, personality, and even your hopes for the future. Let’s unpack Joseph’s response together.
From the very beginning, Joseph draws us in by pinpointing the location: Tokyo, Japan. But he doesn’t stop at just naming the city—he drops in specific neighbourhoods like Shibuya and Meguro, and that instantly adds authenticity. When you’re answering a cue card like this, specificity is your best friend. Saying “a house somewhere nice” is okay—but saying “a modern apartment in Shibuya, close to a little café and a park”? Now we’re talking. We can see it. We can feel it.
As Joseph continues, he starts describing what he’d do there. And this part really stood out to me—not because it was flashy or complex, but because it felt real. He said he’d love to work remotely, cook in the evenings, and even invite friends over to hang out or just binge-watch some shows. There’s something very relatable about that, right? It’s relaxed, down-to-earth, but it also shows fluency. He’s using natural phrasing—nothing too forced or robotic. He’s not trying to impress with big academic words. Instead, he’s impressing with clarity and comfort in the language.
One of my favorite moments was when he talked about living with people he “vibes with.” Now, that’s an expression you don’t usually see in textbooks, but it’s gold in the speaking test—especially for younger candidates. It’s casual, it’s authentic, and it shows that Joseph isn’t just reciting memorized phrases. He’s thinking on his feet. And the examiner will notice that.
There’s also a line that really stuck with me. He said, “I’m really drawn to the lifestyle.” That little phrase—drawn to—is a beautiful example of upper-level vocabulary. It’s subtle, but it carries a kind of elegance, and it allows him to talk about his preferences in a way that feels thoughtful and mature.
And of course, his reasoning was solid. He didn’t just say, “I like Japan.” He explained why. He talked about the balance between city energy and peaceful moments, the safety, the efficiency, the smart use of space in Japanese homes. Those kinds of cultural observations add depth to your response. They show that you’re not just dreaming—you’re imagining how your life would actually function in that place.
What I loved most, though, was the tone. Joseph’s delivery was relaxed and natural, almost like he was chatting with a friend. And that, my friends, is exactly the energy you want in your Speaking test. You’re not giving a presentation. You’re not writing an essay. You’re having a conversation. If you can make the examiner forget for a moment that they’re grading you, you’re doing something very right.
So, whether your dream home is a Tokyo apartment, a beachside bungalow, a treehouse in the forest, or a studio flat in the heart of Paris, the key is to make it real. Give it color, give it character, and most importantly—let your voice come through.
Alright, that’s it from me today. If you found this helpful, share the podcast with a friend who’s preparing for IELTS.
Until next time, keep practicing and stay confident!
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