Topic: Accommodation/Housing

Tips for answering Accommodation/Housing questions:

• Use specific vocabulary related to housing (e.g., amenities, furnished, spacious, renovate, residential area)

• Share personal experiences about your current or previous accommodation

• Discuss both advantages and disadvantages when comparing different types of housing

• Support your answers with relevant examples and reasons

• Use a mix of tenses appropriately when discussing past, present, and future living situations

PART 1

Q1: What kind of accommodation do you live in? 

BAND 9 ANSWER: I currently live in a modern three-bedroom apartment on the fifteenth floor of a high-rise building in the heart of the city. It's a relatively spacious place with about 100 square meters of living space, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the cityscape. What I particularly appreciate about my accommodation is its contemporary design and the excellent amenities provided by the building, including a gym and a rooftop garden.

Q2: What's your favorite room in your home? 

BAND 9 ANSWER: My favorite room is definitely my living room because it serves multiple purposes in my daily life. It's a bright, airy space with comfortable seating and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. I've decorated it with some beautiful houseplants and artwork that create a calming atmosphere. This room is where I unwind after work, entertain friends, and spend quality time with my family, making it the heart of my home.

Q3: Would you like to move to a different house in the future? 

BAND 9 ANSWER: Yes, I'm actually considering moving to a standalone house in the suburbs within the next few years. While my current apartment is comfortable, I dream of having my own garden and more personal space. I'm particularly interested in a property that would allow me to design my own home office and perhaps even have a small vegetable garden. The idea of having more control over my living space really appeals to me.

Q4: What changes would you like to make to your current accommodation? 

BAND 9 ANSWER: If I had the opportunity, I would love to renovate the kitchen to make it more modern and functional. I'd install new energy-efficient appliances and create more counter space for cooking. Additionally, I'd like to add some built-in storage solutions throughout the apartment to maximize space efficiency. These changes would not only improve the aesthetics but also enhance the practical aspects of daily living.

PART 2

 Question: Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in in the future. You should say:

What kind of house/apartment it would be

Where it would be located

What special features it would have

And explain why you would like to live there

BAND 9 ANSWER: I've always dreamed of living in a contemporary eco-friendly house situated in a quiet suburban area, approximately 20 minutes from the city center. This dream home would be a two-story structure with approximately 200 square meters of living space, designed with sustainability in mind. The house would feature large, energy-efficient windows to maximize natural light and solar panels on the roof to generate clean electricity.

The ground floor would have an open-plan layout, seamlessly connecting the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a perfect space for both family gatherings and entertaining guests. One of the most special features would be a state-of-the-art smart home system, controlling everything from lighting to security. The house would also include a dedicated home office with built-in shelving and a view of the garden, essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The outdoor space would be equally impressive, with a wraparound deck leading to a carefully landscaped garden. I envision having a small vegetable patch and a variety of native plants to support local biodiversity. What makes this house particularly appealing is its perfect blend of modern convenience, environmental consciousness, and connection to nature. The location would offer the best of both worlds – the tranquility of suburban living while maintaining easy access to urban amenities.

PART 3

Q1: How has housing in your country changed over the past few decades? 

BAND 9 ANSWER: Housing in my country has undergone significant transformation over the past few decades, primarily driven by urbanization and changing lifestyle preferences. There's been a notable shift from traditional single-family homes to high-rise apartments, particularly in metropolitan areas, to accommodate the growing population. Modern developments now emphasize smart home technology and sustainable features, such as solar panels and energy-efficient designs. Additionally, there's been a trend toward smaller, more efficient living spaces, especially among young professionals who prioritize location and amenities over size.

Q2: What are the main problems people face when looking for accommodation in cities? 

BAND 9 ANSWER: The most pressing challenge is undoubtedly the soaring cost of housing in urban areas, which often forces people to compromise on size or location. Another significant issue is the fierce competition for desirable properties, particularly in prime locations near public transportation or good schools. Many people also struggle with the quality of available housing, as some landlords neglect maintenance to maximize profits. Furthermore, the complex paperwork and substantial deposits required can create additional barriers, especially for young people or newcomers to the city.

Q3: Do you think it's better to rent or buy a house? 

BAND 9 ANSWER: The decision between renting and buying depends largely on individual circumstances, including financial stability, long-term plans, and local market conditions. Buying offers advantages like building equity and having the freedom to customize your living space, while also providing long-term financial security. However, renting provides more flexibility for career mobility and requires less initial investment. In today's dynamic job market, renting might be more practical for young professionals, while buying could be more beneficial for those with stable careers and families.

Q4: What features do you think future houses will have? 

BAND 9 ANSWER: Future houses will likely be characterized by advanced technology and environmental sustainability. I envision homes equipped with sophisticated AI systems managing energy consumption, security, and daily tasks. There will probably be a greater emphasis on modular design, allowing spaces to be easily reconfigured for different purposes. Sustainable features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and integrated urban farming capabilities will likely become standard. Additionally, houses might incorporate health-monitoring systems and improved air filtration as people become more health-conscious.