Describe something you would like to own in the future

In IELTS Speaking Part 2 you get this card, one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak. Below: the notes a strong candidate might make in that minute, a natural Band 7–8 answer, the words that make it work, and the Part 3 discussion the examiner usually moves on to.

The cue card

One-minute notes

Notes in the preparation minute should be keywords, not sentences — one line per bullet, plus the one detail that makes your story yours. Something like:

• a small house with a garden, outside the city
• very expensive — at least 10 years of saving
• grow vegetables, a dog, space for friends
• grew up in a flat on 7th floor
• why: quiet, space, something that is really mine

Band 7–8 sample answer

Something I'd really like to own one day is a small house with a garden, somewhere just outside the city. Nothing big or luxurious — just a place with a bit of land around it.

Realistically, it's going to cost a lot. Property prices near my city have risen a great deal over the last few years, so even a modest house would take me at least ten years of serious saving, probably more. At the moment it's definitely more of a dream than a plan, but I've started putting a small amount aside each month, so it's a dream with a savings account.

If I had it, I know exactly what I'd do. I'd grow some of my own vegetables — tomatoes, peppers, herbs — even though I've never grown anything bigger than a cactus. I'd get a dog, which is impossible in my current flat. And I'd have friends round for long summer dinners outside, which is something we can never do in the city because nobody has enough space.

I think the reason I want it so much is that I grew up in a flat on the seventh floor of a large building, and I've lived in flats ever since. I've always wondered what it would be like to step outside in the morning and stand on grass rather than in a lift. It's also about having something that's genuinely mine — a place I can change and look after over many years, instead of moving every time a landlord decides to sell.

About 257 words — roughly two minutes at a relaxed pace. Notice what it does: one specific story instead of general statements, every bullet covered, natural spoken linking rather than "firstly… secondly…", and the "why" part of the card answered properly at the end — that is where many candidates run out of things to say. Use it to see the structure; don't memorise it. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and your own story will always sound more fluent.

Useful vocabulary

• realistically — thinking about what is actually possible
• put money aside — to save money regularly
• have friends round — to invite friends to your home
• a modest house — not large or expensive
• the property ladder — the process of buying a first home and then better ones
• a long-term goal — something you plan to achieve over years

Part 3: questions and model answers

After your two minutes, the examiner moves to a discussion linked to the card's topic. These questions are more abstract: give an opinion, a reason and an example, and it's fine to say "it depends" — as long as you explain on what.

Why do people want things they do not need?

Often because of social comparison — we see what friends, neighbours or influencers have and feel we're missing out. Shopping also gives a quick feeling of pleasure, so people use it to cope with stress or boredom, even when they don't need the item.

Is it better to rent or to own things?

It depends on what it is. For things you use rarely, like tools or special equipment, renting makes a lot of sense and saves space and money. For a home, owning gives security and stability, although in many cities it's simply unaffordable for young people now.

How does advertising create desire?

It shows us a version of our life that seems better, with the product at the centre. Clever adverts don't really sell a product; they sell a feeling — confidence, freedom, belonging. Social media makes this even stronger, because adverts look like ordinary posts from people we follow.

Are young people more materialistic than older people?

Not really — I think the difference is in what they want. Young people often care less about owning houses or cars and more about experiences and gadgets. Older people may have more possessions simply because they've had more time and money to accumulate them.

More cue cards about objects

• Describe an old object your family has kept
• Describe something expensive you bought
• Describe a gift you gave to someone
• Describe a photograph you like

→ All 45 IELTS cue cards · Random cue card generator with a timer · IELTS Speaking mock test