IELTS Speaking Part 1: Home Questions & Band 9 Answers (2026)

Home (often called Accommodation) is one of the most frequent topics in IELTS Speaking Part 1. The examiner doesn't want to hear simple sentences like "I live in an apartment." To hit Band 9, you need to show nuance. You need to explain why you like it using words like spacious, insulated, or renovated, and discuss the real trade-offs of your living situation.

Part 1: Home Questions & Model Answers

1. Do you live in a house or an apartment?
I currently reside in a detached house with my parents. It is located in the suburbs, which is great because it is quite spacious and has a garden. However, I often wish we lived closer to the city center as the commute can be draining.

2. Who do you live with?
It’s a full house! I live with my parents and my younger brother. Generally, we have a harmonious relationship, but it can get a bit chaotic in the mornings. Living in a multi-generational household means there is always someone around, for better or worse.

3. Do you like living there?
It is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is financially smart because I live rent-free and get home-cooked meals. On the other hand, I have absolutely zero privacy. My parents still treat me like a child, which can be quite stifling at my age.

4. Which room does your family spend the most time in?
We tend to congregate in the living room. It’s the heart of the home. We usually gather there after dinner to watch TV or catch up. It’s a very cozy space, though we often squabble over the remote control.

5. Which is your favorite room?
Definitely my bedroom. It is my personal sanctuary where I can escape the noise of the family. I’ve set up a dedicated workspace there for my study sessions, and I’ve decorated it to reflect my personality. It is the only place where I can truly unwind.

6. Is there anything you would like to change about your home?
Yes, the kitchen is severely dated. It hasn't been touched since the 90s, so I would love to modernize it. If I had the budget, I would completely renovate the space, knock down a wall to make it open-plan, and install smart technology and state-of-the-art appliances.

7. Do you prefer living in a house or an apartment?
Right now, I would prefer a modern apartment. Houses require too much upkeep, like mowing the lawn or fixing the roof. An apartment is much more low-maintenance, and modern complexes often come with amenities like a gym, which appeals to me.

8. Is your home near your work or school?
Unfortunately, no. It is a logistical nightmare. I spend about two hours a day commuting to university and my part-time work. The lack of proximity to my campus is the main reason I am looking to move out; I waste so much time just sitting in traffic.

9. How long have you lived there?
I was born and bred in this house. My parents bought it decades ago. While the house holds a lot of sentimental value for me, I definitely feel like I have outgrown it. I am ready for a change of scenery.

10. What is your neighborhood like?
It is a very leafy, residential area. It’s incredibly tranquil and safe, which was perfect for growing up. However, now that I’m in my twenties, I find it a bit dull. There is no nightlife, so I have to travel quite far to find a vibrant social scene.

11. Do you plan to move out soon?
Absolutely. It is my top priority. I am saving every penny so I can afford a deposit on a rental. I am craving autonomy and the freedom to come and go without answering to my parents. I hope to fly the nest by next year.

12. What kind of home would you like to have in the future?
I have an aspirational dream of living in a penthouse with panoramic views of the city. I love minimalist design with floor-to-ceiling windows. It might be a bit of a pipe dream right now given the property market, but that is the goal.

Key Vocabulary from the Answers

Here is the complete glossary of every bolded word and phrase used in the answers above.

• Amenities: Useful features in a building (gym, pool, concierge).

• Aspirational: Relating to a strong desire to achieve a higher social position or standard of living.

• Autonomy: The right or condition of self-government; independence.

• Born and bred: Born and grew up in a particular place.

• Chaotic: Completely confused or disordered.

• Congregate: To gather together in a crowd or group.

• Cozy: Giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.

• Dated: Old-fashioned; not modern.

• Detached house: A house that is not joined to any other house.

• Double-edged sword: Something that has both advantages and disadvantages.

• Dull: Lacking interest or excitement; boring.

• Fly the nest: To leave your parents' home to live on your own.

• Harmonious: Free from disagreement or dissent; peaceful and friendly.

• Heart of the home: The central, most important area where people gather (usually the kitchen or living room).

• Leafy: Having many trees (usually used to describe pleasant suburbs).

• Logistical nightmare: A situation that is very difficult to organize (e.g., bad transport).

• Low-maintenance: Easy to care for; doesn't need much work.

• Minimalist: A style of design that uses simple elements and very little furniture/decoration.

• Modernize: To adapt something to modern needs or habits.

• Multi-generational: A household containing people of different ages (grandparents, parents, kids).

• Open-plan: A room layout with few or no walls dividing the space.

• Outgrown: To become too mature for your current surroundings.

• Panoramic views: A wide view of an area in all directions.

• Pipe dream: An idea or plan that is impossible or very unlikely to happen.

• Proximity: Nearness in space or time.

• Renovate: To restore something old to a good state of repair.

• Rent-free: Without having to pay money to live somewhere.

• Reside: To live in a particular place (formal).

• Sanctuary: A safe place where you are protected from stressful things.

• Sentimental value: Importance based on personal memories or feelings rather than money.

• Spacious: Having ample space.

• State-of-the-art: The most recent and advanced stage of technology.

• Stifling: Making you feel trapped or oppressed (suffocating).

• Suburbs: A residential area on the edge of a city.

• Tranquil: Free from disturbance; calm and peaceful.

• Unwind: To relax after a period of work or tension.

• Upkeep: The cost or effort required to keep something in good condition.

• Vibrant: Full of energy, life, and activity.

• Zero privacy: Having no time or space to be alone.

Create Your Own Band 9 Answers

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