Part 2
Part 2 - Cue Card
Describe a person's house/apartment that you think is very good.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What the house/apartment is like
- How often you visit there
- And explain why you think it's very good.
2 Sample Response
Right, so I'm thinking of my friend Emma's place - she's got this amazing apartment that just... every time I go there I'm like, wow, how does she do it. She works in marketing or something, but honestly, she's got better taste than most interior designers I know.
So her flat's in this old building - I think it used to be some kind of factory. Anyway, the first thing that hits you when you walk in is just how bright it is. She's got these huge windows - they go right up to the ceiling - and she's been clever about where she's put everything. Like, her desk is right by the window so she gets all that natural light for working.
The thing is, it's got all these original features - you know, the brick walls and wooden beams and stuff - which could look a bit cold, but she's made it really cozy with plants everywhere and this gorgeous vintage furniture she's collected over the years.
What I love about it is how she's made every bit of space work for her. She even uses her dining table for work meetings. And there's this corner that would normally just be... well, a bit awkward really, but she's turned it into this little reading spot with cushions and books everywhere.
I pop round maybe once a month, sometimes for dinner or just to catch up. It's just one of those places where you feel instantly comfortable, you know? Everything's been thought through but it doesn't feel... I don't know, too perfect? It's like she's created different areas for different things without making it feel cramped. Makes me want to completely sort out my own place!
Essential Vocabulary
Types of impressive homes
- converted space - building changed to housing
- period property - old building with character
- modern apartment - contemporary flat
- townhouse - multi-story city home
- loft conversion - attic turned into living space
- open-plan living - combined living areas
- studio apartment - single room flat
- penthouse suite - top floor luxury apartment
Design features and style
- floor-to-ceiling windows - full height windows
- exposed brick/beams - visible structural elements
- high ceilings - tall room height
- original features - preserved old elements
- minimalist aesthetic - simple, uncluttered style
- industrial chic - factory-style design
- Scandinavian design - Nordic style
- built-in storage - integrated cupboards/shelves
- feature wall - decorative focal wall
- statement pieces - eye-catching furniture
Space utilization
- maximized every inch - used all available space
- clever storage solutions - smart organization ideas
- multi-functional furniture - pieces with several uses
- flow between rooms - easy movement through space
- zoned areas - distinct spaces for activities
- space-saving tricks - methods to save room
- hidden storage - concealed cupboards
- dual-purpose room - space with two functions
Atmosphere and feeling
- warm and inviting - welcoming feeling
- airy and bright - light and spacious
- cozy atmosphere - comfortable, intimate feel
- sophisticated vibe - elegant atmosphere
- homely touch - personal, comfortable element
- calming environment - relaxing space
- lived-in feel - comfortable, not sterile
- welcoming ambiance - friendly atmosphere
Visiting and social aspects
- pop round/drop by - visit casually
- have people over - invite guests
- dinner parties - evening meal gatherings
- catch up over coffee - meet to talk
- impromptu gatherings - unplanned get-togethers
- entertaining space - area for hosting guests
- social hub - center for meeting friends
- open-door policy - always welcome visitors
Personal impressions
- blown away by - very impressed with
- taken aback - pleasantly surprised
- green with envy - very jealous
- design inspiration - ideas for own home
- aspirational living - desired lifestyle
- dream home material - perfect house features
- puts my place to shame - makes mine look bad
- real eye-opener - educational experience
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "The thing that gets me is..." highlighting impressive aspect
- "I couldn't help but notice..." unavoidable observation
- "What strikes me most is..." strongest impression
- "Every time I visit..." repeated experience
- "I have to say..." personal opinion
- "You can tell they've..." obvious effort
- "It's not just the... it's also..." multiple good points
- "I'd kill for a place like that" strong desire
Part 3
Part 3 Discussion Questions
- Why is it so expensive to buy a house or an apartment now?
- Do many people spend a lot of money renovating and decorating their houses or apartments?
- Is natural light important for a house or apartment?
- What kind of houses or apartments do people prefer to buy?
3 Sample Response
Is natural light important for a house or apartment?
Oh, absolutely! I mean, you don't realize how much difference it makes until you've lived somewhere really dark. I had this flat once that barely got any sunlight and it was just... depressing, actually.
Natural light just makes everything feel so much better - bigger, brighter, more welcoming. And there's all that stuff about how it affects your sleep patterns and mood, isn't there? I'm not an expert, but I definitely notice I feel more energetic in bright spaces. Plus, you save on electricity bills! Estate agents always go on about 'excellent natural light' for a reason - people will pay extra for it.
Essential Vocabulary
Housing costs and market issues
- priced out of the market - can't afford to buy
- housing crisis - serious property shortage
- supply and demand - basic economic principle
- property ladder - progression of home ownership
- generation rent - young people unable to buy
- negative equity - owing more than home's worth
- mortgage rates - interest on home loans
- foreign investment - overseas buyers
- housing bubble - unsustainable price rises
- affordable housing - reasonably priced homes
- first-time buyers - people buying first home
- deposit requirements - down payment needed
Renovation and decoration habits
- home improvements - upgrades to property
- kerb appeal - attractive from street
- DIY projects - do-it-yourself work
- complete makeover - total transformation
- add value to property - increase home worth
- renovation budget - money for improvements
- structural changes - major alterations
- cosmetic updates - surface improvements
- property potential - possibilities for improvement
- fixer-upper - house needing work
- interior design trends - popular decorating styles
- extension work - adding to building
Natural light and space importance
- north/south facing - direction property faces
- vitamin D deficiency - lack from no sunlight
- seasonal affective disorder - depression from darkness
- energy efficiency - lower power usage
- passive solar heating - natural warmth from sun
- open and airy - spacious feeling
- claustrophobic spaces - uncomfortably enclosed
- mental wellbeing - psychological health
- productivity levels - work effectiveness
- circadian rhythms - natural sleep cycles
- artificial lighting costs - expense of electric lights
- quality of life - overall living satisfaction
Housing preferences and choices
- location, location, location - most important factor
- catchment areas - school district boundaries
- commuter belt - areas near cities
- amenities nearby - local facilities
- resale value - future selling price
- low maintenance - easy to look after
- period features - historical elements
- new build - recently constructed
- chain-free - no connected sales
- viewing potential - worth looking at
- dream location - perfect area
- compromise on size/location - accept trade-offs
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "It's a complex issue..." introducing difficulty
- "From what I've seen..." personal observation
- "The way I see it..." personal viewpoint
- "It really depends on..." conditional response
- "You've got to consider..." important factors
- "At the end of the day..." final consideration
- "It boils down to..." main point
- "Looking at the bigger picture..." broader view