IELTS Speaking Part 1: Home and Accommodation
IELTS Speaking Part 1 home and accommodation questions with band 7–9 model answers and vocabulary tips.
Overview
Home and accommodation is one of the most common IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics. Part 1 answers should be 2–4 sentences long — not too brief, not too extended. Use specific details and natural, conversational language. Avoid one-word answers and equally avoid launching into a lengthy essay.
Sample Questions & Band 7–9 Answers
Can you describe the home where you currently live?
I live in a rented apartment on the outskirts of the city — it's a fairly small one-bedroom flat on the fourth floor, which suits me because I live alone and don't need much space. The best thing about it is the light: the windows face east and west, so it gets sun most of the day. It's modest, but I've lived there long enough that it feels genuinely like home.
What do you like most about the area where you live?
Honestly, the convenience — it's close enough to the centre to get to most places quickly, but far enough that it's relatively quiet at night. There's also a park nearby that I walk through most mornings, which I value more than I expected when I first moved in. Having some green space in an urban area makes a real difference to how you feel on a daily basis.
Is there anything you would change about your home?
I'd definitely like more storage — it's a perennial problem in small apartments, and I've resorted to solutions that are functional but not particularly elegant. I'd also prefer to own rather than rent, which would mean I could decorate and modify things as I liked. Renting always comes with a slight sense of impermanence that I find mildly unsatisfying.
Do you think you'll continue living in the same place for a long time?
Probably not indefinitely. I've been there about three years, which is the longest I've stayed anywhere since leaving university. At some point I'd like to move somewhere with a bit more space — a garden, ideally — but it depends on the property market, which isn't encouraging right now. For the time being, I'm comfortable enough to stay.
Expert Tips
Part 1 answers should last 15–30 seconds — longer than a single sentence, shorter than a speech.
Add a brief personal detail or reason to each answer to avoid sounding rehearsed.
Vocabulary: "outskirts", "one-bedroom flat", "green space", "impermanence", "property market".
Avoid "Yes" or "No" single-word answers — always extend with an explanation or example.
Natural filler phrases like "Honestly," or "To be fair," sound more conversational and less robotic.
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