Accommodation IELTS Speaking Part 3

IELTS Speaking Part 3 - How to Talk About Accommodation and Housing

You've just finished describing your home from the cue card in Part 2. Now, the examiner wants to have a deeper conversation. In IELTS Speaking Part 3, you'll move from your personal space to the bigger picture of housing trends, challenges, and choices. This guide gives you the vocabulary, ideas, and natural phrases you need to handle these questions with confidence.

What to Expect in Part 3 (Accommodation Topic)

Forget talking about your own flat or house. Now, you'll discuss general trends. The examiner is listening for your ability to analyse, compare, and speculate using good vocabulary. You'll likely face questions around these themes:

• Renting vs. Buying: The age-old debate of flexibility versus investment.
• Housing Challenges: Affordability for young people, availability in big cities.
• Modern Living: What people want in a home today versus the past.
• The Future of Housing: How will we live in 50 years?

Key Vocabulary to Sound Natural

Using precise words is your ticket to a higher score. Don't just say "a nice house." Be specific.

Types of Accommodation

• Detached house: A stand-alone house.
• Apartment block / Flat: A large building with many individual homes.
• Studio apartment: A single room combining living, sleeping, and cooking areas.
• Condominium (Condo): An apartment you own.
• Bungalow: A house with no upstairs.

Describing a Home

• Spacious / Ample room: A lot of space.
• Cramped: Not enough space.
• Cosy: Comfortable and warm (a positive word for 'small').
• Open-plan: A layout with few walls, e.g., between the kitchen and living area.
• Modern conveniences (Mod cons): Appliances like a dishwasher, smart thermostat, etc.
• Outdoor space: A garden, balcony, or patio.

Financial & Market Terms

• Get on the property ladder: To buy your first home.
• Mortgage: A loan to buy a property.
• Deposit: The initial sum of money you pay for a house.
• Build equity: Increase your ownership share in the property as its value grows.
• Rented accommodation: A property you live in by paying rent.

How to Build a Strong Answer

Structure is key. A great Part 3 answer isn't just a list of ideas; it's a mini-essay spoken aloud. Follow this simple flow:

1. Direct Answer: Start with a clear, general statement.
2. Reasoning: Explain why you think that.
3. Contrast/Example: Show the other side or give a general example.
4. Conclusion (optional): Summarise your main point.

Useful Phrases:

• "Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag, really. On the one hand..."
• "I'd say the main advantage is..."
• "On the flip side, you have to consider..."
• "Take, for example, young couples in city centres..."
• "Looking ahead, I suspect we'll see a trend towards..."

Sample Questions & Natural-Sounding Answers

Theme: Renting vs. Owning

Question: Do you think it's better to rent or to buy a place to live?

Sample Answer: "That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer. Buying a house is a fantastic long-term goal because you're building equity and it gives you a real sense of security. However, the upfront cost is massive. On the flip side, renting is a lifesaver for young people or anyone who needs flexibility for their career. You're not tied down, and someone else handles the repairs. So it really boils down to your personal circumstances."

Theme: Housing for Young People

Question: Why is it difficult for young people to find a suitable home today?

Sample Answer: "It's tough out there, to be honest. The housing market has gone through the roof in many places, making it incredibly difficult to get a mortgage without a huge deposit. As a result, a lot of young people feel stuck. They either have to flat-share with friends to split the costs or put their plans on hold and live with their parents for longer. It's a far cry from how things were a generation or two ago."

Theme: What Makes a Good Home

Question: What are the pleasures of making a home for ourselves?

Sample Answer: "I'd say it goes beyond just having a roof over your head. It's about creating your own sanctuary—a place where you can truly unwind and be yourself. Things like decorating to your own tastes, having friends over, or just cooking a meal in your own kitchen provide a real sense of comfort and belonging. It’s that feeling of being in your own little bubble away from the world."

Theme: Future Housing Trends

Question: How do you think housing will change in the next 50 years?

Sample Answer: "I suspect we'll see two big trends. Firstly, with everyone piling into cities, we'll probably see more high-tech, high-density apartment blocks that are almost self-contained, with shops and gyms built right in. Secondly, and crucially, eco-friendly design will be a huge deal. Homes will be built to save energy from the get-go, using smart tech to keep costs down. It'll be less about just having a place to live and more about living sustainably."

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't get personal: Talk about "young people," "many couples," not "me and my friend."
• Avoid simple words: Use "spacious" instead of "big," "modern conveniences" instead of "new things."
• Don't give one-sentence answers: Always extend. Ask yourself "Why?" and "For whom?".

Summary

Preparing for the accommodation topic in IELTS Speaking Part 3 is about having the right vocabulary and a clear structure for your ideas. Practice speaking these answers out loud, focus on flowing from one idea to the next, and you'll be able to handle the discussion with ease. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it better to say "house" or "home" in the IELTS test?

Both are fine, but know the difference. A house is the physical building. A home is where someone lives and feels a sense of belonging. Use "home" when talking about the personal and emotional aspect of living somewhere.

2. What are the main advantages of living in a house compared to an apartment?

Generally, a house offers more privacy since you don't share walls with neighbours, and you often have your own garden or outdoor space. It's also usually more spacious, which is great for families.

3. Why do many people prefer to live in cities rather than the countryside?

It often boils down to access. Cities offer more job opportunities, better higher education institutions, and many amenities like cinemas, restaurants, and public transport right on your doorstep.

4. How have people's attitudes towards living with their parents changed?

It's become much more common and accepted. In the past, there was more pressure to move out young. Today, with rising costs, many young people stay with their parents longer to save money for their own place.

5. What are the pros and cons of renting a home?

Pros: It's flexible, you can relocate easily, and the landlord is responsible for maintenance. Cons: You're not building equity, rent can go up, and you have less freedom to decorate.

6. What problems can a lack of affordable housing cause?

It can lead to significant social problems, including overcrowding, homelessness, and financial stress for families. It can also force people to move away from their local area where they have a support network.

7. What kind of accommodation do you think elderly people prefer?

Many elderly people prefer single-storey homes like bungalows for safety and ease. They often value being in a familiar neighborhood close to friends, family, and essential services like a doctor.

8. Do you think everyone's goal should be to own their own home?

Not necessarily. While owning is a great goal for many, it's not for everyone. Some people prefer the flexibility of renting, and the responsibility of maintaining a property can be a burden for others. It's a personal choice.

9. How important is outdoor space for a home?

It's become increasingly important, especially since many people spend more time indoors. A garden or balcony provides a crucial spot for relaxation, fresh air, and a connection to nature, which is great for mental well-being.

10. What factors influence where people choose to live?

The main factors are usually job location, the cost of the property, the local area (like the quality of schools), and proximity to family and friends.

11. How is modern home design different from the past?

Modern homes often prioritise open-plan living areas to create a sense of space and are packed with mod cons and smart technology. In the past, homes had more separate, smaller rooms.

12. What role should the government play in housing?

Many believe the government has a responsibility to ensure there is enough affordable and social housing, especially for vulnerable groups. They can also regulate the housing market to prevent prices from spiralling out of control.

13. Why is it so difficult for young people to get on the property ladder?

The main hurdles are high property prices compared to average salaries, and the challenge of saving for a large deposit while also paying high rents, which makes it hard to save money.

14. Do you think people are more concerned about the design of their home now than before?

Yes, absolutely. With the influence of TV programmes and social media, people are much more aware of interior design trends. A home is now seen as a reflection of one's personality and lifestyle, not just a functional space.

15. What are the benefits of living in a small community?

Living in a small community or the countryside often offers a stronger sense of community, quieter surroundings, and a closer connection to nature. It can be a good place to raise a family, though it may have fewer services.