Talk about Someone You Know Who has Moved to a New Accommodation - IELTS Speaking Cue Card Model Answer

Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation.

You should say

• who this person is

• when they moved

• where they moved to and why

• and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them

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Model Answer 1

Recently, I had the pleasure of catching up with an old friend, Sarah, who recently embarked on an exciting journey by moving into a new apartment. This significant change in Sarah's life took place about six months ago, marking a fresh start for her. The decision to move was driven by a desire for both professional growth and personal fulfillment. Sarah relocated to a bustling metropolitan area, renowned for its thriving job market and vibrant cultural scene. Her primary motivation for this move was to be closer to her new workplace, which offered her a fantastic career opportunity in a leading technology firm. Additionally, she was captivated by the city's dynamic atmosphere and diverse community, which promised a wealth of experiences and learning opportunities.

The impact of this move on Sarah has been profoundly positive. She often shares how this new environment has brought about a transformative change in her life. Professionally, she is thriving in her new role, which offers challenging projects and opportunities for skill enhancement. The proximity to her workplace has significantly reduced her commute time, allowing her more leisure time to explore her interests. On a personal level, living in a city with such a rich tapestry of cultures and activities has broadened her horizons. She's become more outgoing and adventurous, frequently participating in community events and exploring new hobbies. Sarah's social circle has expanded as well, with her making connections with people from various backgrounds, enriching her life with new perspectives and experiences.

In conclusion, Sarah's decision to move to a new accommodation has undoubtedly been a catalyst for positive change. It has not only propelled her professional career but also significantly enhanced her personal growth and social life. This move has been a turning point, enabling her to live a more fulfilling and balanced life. Such stories of change and adaptation are truly inspiring, reminding us of the potential benefits that come with embracing new opportunities and stepping out of our comfort zones.

Why This Is A High Scoring Answer

This model answer to the question topic "Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation" is a high-scoring cue card response for several reasons, aligning perfectly with the IELTS Speaking criteria. Let's delve into these aspects:

1.    Fluency and Coherence: The response demonstrates a high level of fluency and coherence, a key criterion in the IELTS Speaking section. The narrative flows smoothly without hesitation, and ideas are connected logically. For instance, the transition from discussing Sarah's professional reasons for moving to the personal benefits she gains illustrates a well-structured and coherent storytelling approach.

2.    Lexical Resource: The answer showcases an excellent range of vocabulary, an essential element for a high score. Words like 'transformative change,' 'vibrant cultural scene,' and 'rich tapestry of cultures' are examples of sophisticated language usage that enhances the quality of the response. This varied vocabulary helps in articulating thoughts more precisely and vividly.

3.    Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. Complex sentences are employed effectively, as seen in phrases like “The proximity to her workplace has significantly reduced her commute time, allowing her more leisure time to explore her interests.” This variety and accuracy in grammar usage are indicative of a high language proficiency level.

4.    Addressing the Task Fully: The response thoroughly covers all aspects of the task. It discusses who Sarah is, when and why she moved, and the positive impact of this move. By encompassing all these elements, the answer demonstrates a complete understanding and addressing of the task requirements.

5.    Engagement and Personalization: The use of a personal story about Sarah makes the response engaging and relatable. This approach is effective in maintaining the interest of the listener, which is a subtle yet important aspect of the speaking test.

6.    Development of Ideas: Each point is not just stated but developed with details and examples. For example, the positive impact on Sarah’s life is not just mentioned; it’s expanded upon with specific changes in her professional and personal life.

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Model Answer 2

Let me share with you the story of my cousin, Alex, who recently embarked on an exciting new chapter in his life by moving into a modern studio apartment. This pivotal transition happened just a couple of months ago, marking a significant milestone for him. Alex's decision to move was motivated by several factors, primarily his pursuit of higher education and a longing for independence. He chose a quaint, yet lively neighborhood close to the university he attends, which is renowned for its top-tier academic programs and vibrant student community. The move was not only practical, due to its proximity to his university, but also a strategic choice to immerse himself in an environment conducive to both academic and personal growth.

The impact of this relocation on Alex has been incredibly positive and multifaceted. Academically, he's found himself more focused and engaged, thanks to the serene and study-friendly environment of his new home. The reduced travel time to the university has allowed him to invest more time in research and academic networking, significantly enhancing his educational experience. On a personal level, living independently in a new neighborhood has accelerated his personal development. He's become more responsible and self-reliant, managing his daily chores and budgeting with greater maturity. The cultural diversity of his new locality has also enriched his social life, exposing him to new ideas, cuisines, and friendships, thereby broadening his worldview.

Moreover, this move has been a journey of self-discovery for Alex. It has helped him identify his strengths, work on his weaknesses, and develop a more rounded personality. In essence, relocating to this new accommodation has been a transformative experience for him, catalyzing both his academic success and personal growth.

In summary, Alex's move to a new accommodation near his university has been a turning point in his life, leading to remarkable academic achievements and significant personal development. His story is a testament to the power of embracing change and the positive outcomes that can arise from stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Why This Is A High Scoring Answer

The sample answer about Alex's move to a new accommodation is an exemplary response for the IELTS Speaking section for several compelling reasons:

1.    Fluency and Coherence: The narrative flows smoothly, demonstrating excellent fluency. There are no hesitations or unnecessary pauses, and the story progresses logically from Alex's reasons for moving to the positive outcomes of his relocation. This fluid storytelling keeps the listener engaged and demonstrates effective communication skills.

2.    Lexical Resource: The answer employs a rich and varied vocabulary, essential for scoring high in the IELTS Speaking section. Terms like 'pivotal transition,' 'serene and study-friendly environment,' and 'cultural diversity' indicate a strong command of the English language. This diverse vocabulary usage helps convey ideas more vividly and accurately.

3.    Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response showcases a range of complex grammatical structures used correctly and effectively. For example, the use of complex sentences and passive constructions, as seen in “He's become more responsible and self-reliant, managing his daily chores and budgeting with greater maturity,” demonstrates a high level of grammatical proficiency.

4.    Task Achievement: The answer fully addresses the task by covering all aspects: who Alex is, his reasons for moving, the impact of the move, and a summary of the overall experience. This comprehensive approach ensures that all parts of the task are responded to effectively.

5.    Personalization and Engagement: Using a personal story about Alex makes the response engaging and relatable. This technique is effective in maintaining the listener's interest and showcasing the ability to articulate personal experiences, an important aspect of the speaking test.

6.    Development of Ideas: Each point in the narrative is not just stated but is expanded upon with examples and details. For example, the positive impact on Alex’s academic and personal life is explained in depth, providing a clear and detailed picture of his experiences.

For your IELTS preparation, consider leveraging our specialized IELTS eBooks. They are designed with your needs in mind, providing comprehensive strategies, tips, and practice exercises to enhance your speaking skills. These resources will equip you with the techniques to construct responses like the one about Alex, ensuring you are well-prepared to achieve a high score in your speaking test.

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Model Answer 3

One of my colleagues, Michael, recently moved to a new house, and his experience is quite a remarkable tale of transition and adaptation. This significant move took place around three months ago, driven by a blend of personal aspirations and professional needs. Michael chose a peaceful suburb on the outskirts of the city, known for its serene environment and close-knit community. The main reason behind this move was his desire for a quieter living space and a safer environment for his young family, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Additionally, the suburb's proximity to his workplace allowed for a more manageable commute, effectively balancing his work-life dynamics.

The positive impact of this move on Michael's life has been multifaceted. On a professional front, the shorter commute has resulted in less stress and more productivity at work. He often mentions how this additional time has allowed him to engage in hobbies and personal projects that were previously neglected due to a hectic schedule. From a family perspective, the new house, with its spacious backyard and proximity to excellent schools, has been a boon. His children now enjoy outdoor activities and a higher quality of education, contributing to their overall well-being and development.

Moreover, this move has fostered a greater sense of community for Michael and his family. They have become active participants in local events and initiatives, forging strong bonds with their neighbors. This has not only expanded their social circle but has also enriched their lives with diverse cultural interactions and a sense of belonging.

In summary, Michael’s decision to move to a new house in a suburb has been a transformative journey, enhancing his professional efficiency, enriching his family life, and strengthening community ties. It’s a classic example of how relocating to a new environment can positively influence various aspects of one’s life, leading to personal growth and enhanced quality of life.

Why This Is A High Scoring Answer

The provided narrative about Michael’s move to a new house is an exemplary high-scoring answer for the IELTS Speaking section. Let’s explore why:

1.    Fluency and Coherence: The story is told in a fluent and coherent manner. The smooth flow of ideas, from the reasons for moving to the impact on Michael's life, shows a strong ability to communicate effectively. For example, the transition from discussing the practical benefits of the move, like a shorter commute, to the broader impacts on his family life demonstrates coherent storytelling.

2.    Lexical Resource: The response exhibits a rich and varied vocabulary, crucial for a high score. Phrases like ‘blend of personal aspirations,’ ‘serene environment,’ and ‘fostering a greater sense of community’ showcase advanced language skills. This varied vocabulary allows for precise and engaging expression of ideas.

3.    Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The answer features a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. The use of both simple and complex sentences, such as “His children now enjoy outdoor activities and a higher quality of education,” displays grammatical versatility and correctness.

4.    Task Response: The response thoroughly addresses the task by discussing who Michael is, the reasons for his move, the positive impact of the move, and a summarizing conclusion. This comprehensive approach ensures all elements of the task are covered effectively.

5.    Personalization and Engagement: Using a personal story about Michael makes the response engaging and relatable. This approach not only maintains the listener's interest but also demonstrates the ability to articulate personal experiences.

6.    Idea Development: Each point in the narrative is well-developed with examples and details. For instance, the impact on Michael’s professional and family life is not just mentioned but explained in depth, providing a clear and detailed picture.

For enhancing your IELTS speaking skills, our exclusive IELTS eBooks can be a significant resource for you. These eBooks are tailored to your needs, offering comprehensive strategies, tips, and practice exercises. They will help you develop the skills to craft responses like the one about Michael, ensuring you are well-prepared for high performance in your speaking test.

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score