IELTS Speaking Part 1

Curtains: questions and Band 8 answers

The examiner asks three to five short questions on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. Here are 5 questions about curtains written by BandLadder in the examiner's style, each with a Band 8 sample answer. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 5 questions
  • 5 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

5 answers

Sample answers

1

Do you have curtains in your home?

Yes, we have them in almost every room. In the living room, we have got these thick, floor-length velvet ones that keep the draught out during the winter months. They make the whole flat feel much cosier, especially in the evenings.

2

What colour curtains do you prefer?

I tend to go for neutral shades like beige, cream, or light grey. In my bedroom, I actually have off-white blackout curtains because they blend in nicely with the minimalist decor and do not make the space look too cluttered or overwhelming.

3

Do you prefer curtains or blinds?

To be honest, it really depends on the room. I definitely prefer wooden blinds in the kitchen and bathroom because they are easier to wipe down and do not absorb moisture. But for the bedroom, curtains are far better for blocking out morning light.

4

Did your bedroom have curtains when you were a child?

Yes, it did. I remember having bright yellow curtains with small cartoon animals printed on them. My mum picked them out to match my bedsheets, and I used to love drawing them shut at night when reading before going to sleep.

5

Would you ever change the curtains in your current home?

I probably will fairly soon, actually. The ones in my study are getting quite faded from the sun, so I am thinking of replacing them with some linen drapes that let in a bit more natural daylight while still giving me some privacy.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

Answer out loud and get a band

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7 words

Useful vocabulary

  • keep the draught out

    prevent cold air from blowing into a room

  • cosier

    warmer, more comfortable, and inviting

  • neutral shades

    subtle, understated colours like cream or grey

  • blackout curtains

    thick curtains designed to block light completely

  • blend in

    look natural and harmonious with surroundings

  • wipe down

    clean a surface quickly using a damp cloth

  • drapes

    long, heavy curtains used for covering windows

  • →Use specific descriptive words like 'linen', 'blackout', or 'floor-length' to demonstrate precise vocabulary.
  • →Contrast different rooms in your home to give clear, realistic reasons for your preferences.
  • →Include sensory details, such as blocking sunlight or keeping out the cold, to expand naturally.

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More Part 1 topics

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