Describe A Time You Moved To A New Home/School IELTS Cue Card

“Describe a time you moved to a new home/school” is a frequently asked IELTS cue card prompt in the speaking test. You need to talk about the time when you moved to a new home or school. You will get 1 minute to prepare and 3 - 4 minutes to talk. Then you need to answer some follow-up questions asked by the examiner.

You should say
When you moved?
Why did you move?
Where have you moved?
How did you feel about it?

Model Answer 1: Describe a time you moved to a new home/school

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Introduction:

In India, moving to a new home/school is common. Everybody would have moved to a new place at least once in their lifetime. Like every other individual, I too moved to a new home and felt excited about it. 

When did you move?

I moved to a new house when I was 16 years old, pursuing higher education. 

Why did you move?

I moved to a new house mainly because of water issues. At our previous house, we had to spend a lot of money on plumbing and drinking water. Since it’s a never-ending problem, we decided to move at the earliest. Then, the house has no ventilation. We would never know whether it’s summer or winter. Finally, it’s situated far away from bus and train stations which consumes most of our time. 

Where have you moved?

Earlier, I was in Avadi. Now, I moved to the heart of the city, Nungambakkam, which is surrounded by tech companies and foreign consulates. The nearest bus stop is Choolaimedu, and the metro station is Pachaiyappas College Metro. My house is situated 5 minutes away from a government park, where different aged-group people will visit and do their daily activities. Similarly, there’s one primary school located in our vicinity. Kids from 3 to 7 years of age will rush to school every Monday. It’s lovely watching them dressed in new clothes and glittering shoes and talking to each other non-stop.

Apart from that, there are various government schools nearby. Besides that, many cows roam across the streets searching for food. Sometimes it causes traffic that is hectic during office hours.

How did you feel about it? and Conclusion:

I feel amazed by the new environment, people and neighbourhood. Even though it is semi-urban, it is far better than our previous experience. My family and I are stress-free and relaxed seeing the beautiful sunset. 

Model Answer 2: Describe a time you moved to a new home/school

Introduction:

Moving from one place to another is tiresome yet an exciting experience to have. I moved recently to a new home that completely surprised me.

When did you move?

I moved in March 2018 when I was working in an automobile company. During that time, I faced many challenges in searching for a new job and travelling long distances.

Why did you move?

Since I’m interested in sales and marketing, I got a better opportunity in this place. Through this whole recruitment process, I got selected and joined this month. And after serious negotiations, I was satisfied with the package and work location. However, my employer wanted me to relocate sooner so that I could kick-start my new assignment this month. So without delay, I searched for rented houses at an affordable cost and moved in a rush. 

Where have you moved?

I moved to a remote place where grocery, stationery and other essential products are not in close vicinity. Hospitals and pharmacies are at least 3 km away from my house. It’s complete isolation from the urban environment. However, it has other advantages that no other house could provide. It has a beautiful garden with lots of flowers and trees, looking serene. Birds chirping and squirrels running are immense bliss to watch. This greenery atmosphere naturally reduces stress and other ailments within the body. Moreover, children are running around and making the entire place alive. Since I’m held up with my work and daily chores most of the time, this new house was an unbelievable experience. 

How did you feel about it? and Conclusion:

I was overwhelmed with my new house that suits best for my work. It offers great relief from stress and other physical fatigues, which I didn’t anticipate. Thus, our decisions without thinking about them give the best results.

Model Answer 3: Describe a time you moved to a new home/school

Introduction:

People move from one place to another for various reasons. I moved to a new house bigger than my previous house to stay with my family. 

When did you move?

I moved to a new house in December 2022, during the winter season in India. 

Why did you move?

Recently, I graduated from my college and was looking for a full-time job in Chennai. I applied for companies that offer good salary packages and opportunities to learn. Luckily, I got selected in one of the MNCs as a project manager and am looking forward to new challenges. Besides that, our previous house was small, not enough space to accommodate things, so we were looking for a bigger house for sometime. After this job confirmation, I started searching for houses seriously and ended up with this beautiful spacious house. Rent-wise and maintenance expenses are cheaper than other houses in the same area. We are fortunate enough to discover this house which makes us elated. 

Where have you moved?

We moved to a new apartment located next to the government museum. Since it’s just 2 mins walkable from the museum, it is a good bus and train route. The apartment is secluded from the bustling city traffic and pollution-free. Even though it is far away from my new office, it has various routes to reach faster. When it comes to the apartment, it offers a variety of amenities like car parking, security features like CCTV, metro water connection, and many more. There are also parks exclusively for kids and adults to play and have fun. Apart from that, many clubs and communities are available to indulge in volunteering and other activities. On the whole, this place is full-packed, satisfying our essential needs.

How did you feel about it? and Conclusion:

I am delighted to live in this apartment as it provides us with all facilities. Moreover, it is affordable and charges low maintenance compared to others. Thus, I conclude by saying that we will never know how things change. However, we have to be ready for the next adventure. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

IELTS Speaking Test Part 3: Follow up Questions

IELTS Speaking Test part 3 comprises follow-up questions asked by the examiner. Based on your response to the cue card, “describe a time you moved to a new home/school,” your following questions will come.

1)  Why do people move to a new home?

Generally, people move to a new home when not satisfied or out of necessity. They move for study or work. They eventually miss the old neighbourhood. However, some people love moving to a new home every few years. They have limited luggage to carry and limited things to pack. They almost live a nomadic lifestyle. I personally prefer a nomad’s life where everything is an adventure, filled with dangers and surprises. 

2) What problems do people face after moving to a new place?

When people move to a new place, the first challenge they encounter is strange looks from others. They need to get accustomed to the new people and their norms. The next thing is identifying the grocery stores, newspapers, gas stations, and other essentials. Other challenges they face are safety and security - since it’s a new area, they might feel insecure. To overcome this, they need to build a good rapport with the community. 

3)  What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the same place?

The biggest advantage of living in the same place is safety. You will feel safe and secure when you’re living in the same place. Next, you know everything about the place like which shop has quality products, which shop sells products at the lowest price, etc. Then, they know the easiest routes to move in and around the place. There are disadvantages too. Firstly, these people couldn’t get the opportunity to explore other people’s food and culture. They become hesitant to change. Even though there are more advantages, I still believe that moving to a new place gives a variety of experiences.

4)  Is it good to move to a new place frequently? Why?

As a travel enthusiast, it is yes. It is good to move to a new place frequently as it makes me creative and open-minded. Before moving, I will plan my financial expenses, pay bills on time, and buy necessary gadgets to carry. Since there are many options available in banks to travel, such as loans, insurances, etc., I will apply for them and get them ready before leaving from one place to another. I also suggest that other people move to a new place for some time to embrace nature and the society at large.

IELTS Speaking cue card topics:

Check out other speaking cue cards below:

• Describe a time you moved to a new home/school 
• Describe an old person you know and respect
• Describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn
• Describe a time when you changed your opinion