Prepare for IELTS by Topic
18. Home
LISTENING
Listening Test Part:
4
Questions 1 - 10
Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Roman Housing
According to some estimates, the 1 __________ of ancient Rome may have exceeded 3.5 million.
Archeologists have looked at the remains of 2 ___________ from around the Roman Empire.
Wealthy Romans lived in much better conditions than poor Romans.
Domus
Most wealthy Romans lived in a domus.
These houses were large and had many 3 ___________.
In the central area there was often a small 4 ___________ called an ‘impluvium’.
The back of the house was the private area.
Insulae
Insulae were large apartment buildings for the urban lower and middle classes.
"Insula" is derived from the Latin word for 5 ___________.
On the ground floor there were usually 6 ___________.
The rent for lower floors was higher.
The upper floors were cheaper but did not have a supply of 7 ___________.
The construction of the buildings could be unsafe.
Villas
Villas were grand country houses owned by the Roman 8 ___________.
They were located on large rural estates surrounded by vineyards, farmland and gardens.
They could include 9 ___________ for making goods.
Some villas contained a private 10 ___________ in the villa fructuria.
They were famous for their grand architecture.
READING
A Glimpse into the Future of Home Design
A
The future of home design lies at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and customization. This evolution of design is being driven by a wave of new technologies, a stronger focus on sustainable construction materials and practices, and a growing demand for more flexible design solutions. Together, these elements define the direction of home design in the foreseeable future.
As visualisation apps and communication tools continue to improve, designing rooms in the virtual realm with far greater accuracy and detail will become much more common. 3D visualisation, including advances in augmented reality and virtual reality services, is expected to be at the heart of most design decisions. Homeowners will be able to take a virtual walk through their home while viewing a variety of decoration options. They’ll be able to put in new wardrobes and lighting fixtures, move walls and change materials at the touch of a button.
Furthermore, as visualisation apps, communication tools, and payment options improve and become more flexible, it will be commonplace to hire designers from distant places around the world. “We will not distinguish as strongly as we do today between what we consider the offline physical world, and online,” says Shanna Tellerman, the chief executive of Modsy, which currently provides design services with 3D renderings from as little as $69 per room.
B
With the traditional boundaries between professional and personal life blurring, our living spaces are now required to be more adaptable and multifaceted than ever before. Renowned designer, Sarah Thompson, notes, "The evolution of homes in response to remote work is nothing short of a design revolution. We're witnessing a shift towards spaces that not only reflect personal style but also seamlessly adapt to the demands of a dynamic work-life balance."
Interior designers are already addressing this trend by designing spaces that can serve as offices, gyms, or relaxation areas as needed. These designers are ingeniously reimagining spaces, creating environments that effortlessly transition between various functions. A living room, for instance, is no longer restricted to its conventional role as a leisure space. Instead, it now morphs into a functional office during work hours, complete with ergonomic furniture and smart storage solutions. This transformation extends to bedrooms, kitchens, and even hallways, as each area is designed to enable a range of purposes.
C
With the increasing awareness of our impact on the planet, adopting more eco-friendly approaches will no doubt become increasingly important in home design. Renowned architect and sustainability advocate, David Greenfield, underscores the significance of sustainable materials in home design and construction, stating, "In the quest for eco-conscious homes, the choice of materials is paramount. Opting for sustainable alternatives not only reduces environmental impact but also sets a precedent for a more responsible approach to construction."
D
However, making our homes more green is not only about doing our bit to protect the environment. Biophilic design, for one, aims to foster a relationship between residents and the natural environment through interior design. Pioneer, Rachel Williams, emphasises the profound impact of nature-inspired elements, asserting, "By seamlessly integrating nature into our homes, we tap into a wellspring of serenity and vitality.
Biophilic design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating environments that resonate with our innate connection to the natural world." This emphasis on including living elements into home interiors is only expected to continue growing in the coming decades.
E
As the pace of advancements in technology continues to accelerate, our homes are about to undergo a profound transformation. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in an age of "smart homes" – homes equipped with interconnected devices and systems that can intelligently anticipate and respond to our needs.
Imagine a morning routine where your alarm clock not only wakes you up but also communicates with your coffee maker to brew your favourite blend. Meanwhile, your smart thermostat adjusts the room temperature to your desired level, ensuring optimal comfort. Renowned technology futurist, Dr. Sarah Mitchell, emphasises the transformative potential of smart homes, stating, "The integration of IoT and AI in home automation is revolutionising the way we interact with our living spaces. It's not just about convenience; it's about creating environments that truly understand and respond to our needs."
The linchpin of this smart home revolution lies in the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT). This involves embedding everyday objects and devices with sensors, connectivity, and computing capabilities, allowing them to communicate and interact with one another. In a future where every appliance, light fixture, thermostat, and security system is IoT-enabled, homes will evolve into dynamic ecosystems of interconnected intelligence.
F
Technology will also be able to improve security and safety to an unprecedented degree. Advanced surveillance systems, equipped with facial recognition and real-time monitoring, will provide additional protection. Smart locks, capable of remote access and authentication, will bolster home security measures. Furthermore, intelligent fire and gas detection systems will not only detect potential hazards but also initiate timely responses, such as automatically shutting off gas supplies or alerting emergency services. In the event of an emergency, the smart home will not only notify homeowners but also facilitate communication with first responders, potentially saving lives.
The future of home design promises a remarkable convergence of technology, sustainability, and personalization. Virtual and augmented reality will revolutionise the way we envision and plan our living spaces. The adoption of sustainable materials and the integration of biophilic design principles will not only reduce our ecological footprint but also create spaces that nurture our well-being and connection with the natural world. Perhaps most significantly, the advent of smart homes, propelled by IoT and AI technologies, is poised to redefine the way we interact with our living spaces. From seamlessly automating daily routines to enhancing security and safety measures, the homes of the future will represent a revolution in residential living.
Questions 1-6
The reading passage has six sections A-F.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
i. Making sure we’re safe at home
ii. Bringing nature inside
iii. Using technology to improve interior design
iv. Improving value for money in design
v. Ensuring our homes are environmentally friendly
vi. Preventing waste in the home
vii. Homes that fit our changing lifestyles
viii. Incorporating new technologies into our homes
1. Section A
2. Section B
3. Section C
4. Section D
5. Section E
6. Section F
Questions 7-10
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
7. Before choosing how to decorate their homes, what will future homeowners be able to do?
A Order custom furniture and decorations online.
B Inspect designs from around the world.
C Find cheap interior design services.
D View computer generated representations of designs.
8. What is happening as a result of the trend towards working remotely?
A People desire more spacious homes.
B Rooms in homes need to be more versatile.
C Decorating homes is becoming more expensive.
D There’s a greater focus on individual style.
9. What does biophilic design involve?
A The design of gardens and green spaces around our homes.
B Designs that prevent damage to the local environment.
C Helping homeowners to feel connected to nature.
D Promoting better health through clever design.
10. What is the Internet of Things?
A Making online shopping faster and more efficient.
B Connecting household items to the internet.
C Making internet connectivity available everywhere in the home.
D Improving personal communication technology.
SPEAKING
Speaking Part 1
1. Where do you live?
2. Do you live in a house or a flat?
3. When did you move in?
4. Do you own your home?
5. Who do you live with?
6. What is your favourite room?
7. How is your home decorated?
8. Is there anything you would like to change about your home?
Speaking Part 2
Describe a home that you visited that you liked.
You should say:
where it was
who the owner was
and explain why you liked it
Speaking Part 3
1. What are the advantages of living in a house compared to a flat?
2. Do you think everyone will live in cities in the future?
3. Do most people in your country rent or buy a house/ flat?
4. Do you think houses are too expensive these days?
5. Do you think it’s important to live near to relatives?
6. How could you improve your house or flat?
WRITING
Writing Task 1 Assignment (General Training)
You are doing a language course in a foreign country. Your accommodation was organised by the course provider. There is a major problem with the accommodation. Write a letter to the course provider.
You should:
say what the problem is
describe the accommodation you were expecting
ask the course provider to solve the problem
Writing Task 2 Assignment
In some countries people prefer to rent accommodation while in others people prefer to buy their home.
In your opinion, is it better to rent or own your home?
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Exercises:
Exercise 1: Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase from the list provided.
1. The ___________ owns several rental properties in the neighbourhood.
2. The apartment was so ___________ that they could barely move around.
3. The couple wanted the ___________ of the house to reflect their personal style.
4. Apartments are really convenient but you lack the ___________ of a house.
5. The apartment was absolutely tiny, there was ___________.
6. The decision to ___________ required careful consideration of job opportunities and lifestyle.
7. Thanks to a variety of floor-standing lamps and ceiling lighting, the living room was ___________.
8. She hired an interior designer to help her ___________ her new home.
9. After having a baby they were keen to ___________ and put down roots in the community.
10. The new house was so ___________ that they could host large gatherings comfortably.
11. The young couple wanted to ___________ but they were struggling to find a cheap mortgage
12. The ___________ offered stunning views of the city skyline.
13. She didn’t want to be ___________ so she always rented.
high-rise building
privacy
settle down
cramped
relocate
decoration
tied down
landlord
well-lit
no room to swing a cat
Exercise 2: Multiple-Choice Exercise
Choose the best word to complete each sentence.
1. The ___________ found them a lovely 2 bedroom villa near the beach.
a) estate agent
b) landlord
c) tennant
2. Although they wanted to redecorate the house to ___________ the landlord wouldn’t allow it.
a) get on the property ladder
b) do up
c) make it their own
3. The holiday apartment was ___________ so that renters had everything they needed.
a) no room to swing a cat
b) well-equipped
c) spacious
4. The streets around the neighbourhood are ___________ so you feel safe at night.
a) dimly lit
b) bright
c) well-lit
5. The couple decided to ___________ the house to reflect their personal style.
a) put up
b) do up
c) put in
6. The government is trying to encourage ____________ by offering tax breaks for first time buyers.
a) landlords
b) homeownership
c) estate agents
Exercise 3: Gap-fill Exercise
Complete the story with an appropriate word or phrase.
Christine and Mark had been looking for a new house for several months. Although their 1.___________ had shown them around several properties, none had met their demanding requirements. They wanted a 2.___________ three bedroom house so that they would both have plenty of room to work from home. They wanted somewhere that was newly decorated so that they wouldn’t need to 3.___________ the place themselves. Christine intended to 4.___________ some paintings on the walls, but they just didn’t have time to deal with painters and decorators. 5.___________ was a major concern as well, as Mark hated being surrounded by noisy neighbours, so they wanted a house at the end of a cul-de-sac, and with a tall hedge or wall surrounding the house.
Topic Vocabulary:
cramped (adjective):
Definition: Feeling confined or crowded due to a lack of space.
Example: The studio apartment was so small that it felt cramped when more than one person was inside.
decoration (noun [c]):
Definition: An item or material used to improve the appearance of a room.
Example: She spent the weekend putting up Christmas decorations around the house.
do up (phrasal verb):
Definition: To renovate or redecorate.
Example: We're going to do up the kitchen with new cabinets and appliances.
estate agent (noun [c]):
Definition: A professional who assists in buying, selling, or renting properties.
Example: They hired an estate agent to help them find their dream home.
get on the property ladder (idiom):
Definition: Buy your first home.
Example: She was finally able to get on the property ladder thanks to the money her grandmother left her.
high-rise building (noun phrase):
Definition: A tall building that has many floors.
Example: The city skyline was dominated by high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.
homeownership (noun [u]):
Definition: Owning one's own home.
Example: Homeownership can provide a sense of stability and financial security.
landlord (noun [c]):
Definition: A person who owns and rents out a property to other people.
Example: The landlord was very responsive and quickly fixed any issues that came up with the apartment.
make it your own (idiom):
Definition: To personalise or customise a space or object to one's own tastes or preferences.
Example: She painted the walls and rearranged the furniture to make the apartment her own.
no room to swing a cat (idiom):
Definition: To have very little space in a room.
Example: The tiny apartment was so cramped, there wasn't even room to swing a cat.
privacy (noun [u]):
Definition: Being left alone so other people do not see or know what you are doing.
Example: She closed the door for some privacy while she talked on the phone.
property (noun [c]):
Definition: Land, a house, flat or commercial building.
Example: The farm has a lot of land and several buildings, so it's a big property.
put in (phrasal verb):
Definition: To install or add something, such as equipment or machinery.
Example: They need to put in new air conditioning units before summer.
put up (phrasal verb):
Definition: To put pictures, shelves or other items on the walls.
Example: I put up some new shelves in the living room over the weekend.
relocate (verb):
Definition: To move to a new town, area or country.
Example: They decided to relocate to a different city for better job opportunities.
settle down (phrasal verb):
Definition: To decide to live somewhere permanently, often when also starting a family.
Example: After years of travelling, he finally decided to settle down and buy a house.
spacious (adjective):
Definition: Having a lot of room or space.
Example: The living room was spacious, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light.
tie down (phrasal verb):
Definition: To limit one's ability to move or be flexible, often because of a financial or legal commitment.
Example: Buying a home can tie you down to a specific location for a number of years.
well-equipped (adjective):
Definition: Having all the necessary tools, resources, or amenities for a particular purpose or activity.
Example: The kitchen is well-equipped with an oven, microwave, fridge and many other appliances.
well-lit (adjective):
Definition: Having lots of lighting from natural or artificial sources.
Example: The living room is so well-lit because of its large windows.
Listening Answer Key:
1. population, 2. buildings, 3. rooms, 4. pool, 5. island, 6. businesses, 7. water, 8. elite, 9. factories, 10. temple
Reading Answer Key:
1. iii, 2. vii, 3. v, 4. ii, 5. viii, 6. i, 7. D, 8. B, 9. C, 10. B
Vocabulary Answer Key:
Exercise 1: 1. landlord, 2. cramped, 3. decoration, 4. privacy, 5. no room to swing a cat, 6. relocate, 7. well-lit, 8. do up, 9. settle down, 10. spacious,11. get on the property ladder, 12. high-rise building, 13. tied down
Exercise 2: 1. estate agent, 2. make it their own, 3. well-equipped, 4. well-lit, 5. do up, 6. Homeownership
Exercise 3: 1. estate agent, 2. spacious, 3. do up, 4. put up, 5. privacy