IELTS Speaking Practice: The World of Furniture

This practice question set covers all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test with furniture as the central theme.

The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts with specific timing:

• Part 1: 4-5 minutes of interview-style questions
• Part 2: 3-4 minutes (including 1 minute preparation time) for a longer individual speech
• Part 3: 4-5 minutes of more abstract discussion questions

Use this comprehensive practice set to prepare effectively for your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Interview Questions (4-5 minutes)

In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself and familiar topics. Here are practice questions related to furniture:

1. Do you have a favorite piece of furniture in your home? Why do you like it?
2. What kind of furniture do you think reflects your personality?
3. Has your taste in furniture changed over the years? In what ways?
4. Do you prefer modern or traditional furniture designs? Why?
5. Are there any furniture stores you particularly enjoy visiting? Why?
6. When was the last time you bought a new piece of furniture? What was it?
7. How important is the arrangement of furniture in your living space?
8. Do you have any furniture that has special memories attached to it?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions to explore your answers further.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

In this section, you’ll receive a task card with a topic. You’ll have 1 minute to prepare, and then you’ll need to speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes.

Topic Card: A Significant Piece of Furniture

Describe a piece of furniture that is important to you.

You should say:

• What this piece of furniture is
• How you acquired it
• Where you keep it
• Why this piece of furniture is important to you

Remember: You have one minute to prepare your notes, and then you should speak for 1-2 minutes on this topic.

Part 3: Discussion Questions (4-5 minutes)

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2. These questions require deeper thinking and analysis.

1. How do you think furniture design reflects a society’s culture and values?
2. In what ways has furniture design evolved over the past few decades?
3. Do you think traditional craftsmanship in furniture-making is being lost to mass production? Why or why not?
4. How might furniture design adapt to smaller living spaces in crowded cities?
5. What role does sustainability play in modern furniture production and consumption?
6. How do you think technology will influence furniture design in the future?
7. Why do some pieces of furniture become iconic or achieve classic status while others are quickly forgotten?
8. To what extent does furniture contribute to people’s wellbeing and mental health?

Sample Answers

Part 1 Sample Answer

Question: Do you have a favorite piece of furniture in your home? Why do you like it?

Sample Answer: “Yes, I’d have to say my reading chair is my absolute favorite. It’s a deep blue armchair with wide armrests that I placed next to the window in my living room. I particularly love it because it’s incredibly comfortable and provides the perfect spot for me to unwind with a good book after a long day. The fabric is soft yet durable, and over time, it’s molded to fit my body perfectly. I often spend hours there during weekends, especially when it’s raining outside.”

Part 2 Sample Answer

Topic: A Significant Piece of Furniture

Sample Answer: “I’d like to talk about my grandfather’s wooden desk, which now sits in my home office. This desk is made of solid oak with intricate carvings along its edges and has three spacious drawers on each side.

I inherited this desk when my grandfather passed away five years ago. He was an accomplished writer who spent countless hours working at this desk, and my family felt I should have it since I share his passion for writing.

The desk occupies a central position in my home office, facing the window that overlooks our garden. I’ve arranged it so that I get plenty of natural light while working, which I know my grandfather would have appreciated.

This piece of furniture holds tremendous importance for me for several reasons. First, it serves as a tangible connection to my grandfather, who was a significant influence in my life. Every time I sit at the desk, I feel inspired by his dedication and creativity. Second, the desk itself is beautifully crafted—it’s over 70 years old but remains sturdy and functional, representing the kind of quality craftsmanship that’s increasingly rare today. Finally, using this desk daily for my own writing creates a sense of continuity across generations. I sometimes imagine my grandfather sitting at this same desk, wrestling with words just as I do. This connection across time makes this piece of furniture irreplaceable to me, transcending its practical function to become almost a family member in its own right.”

Part 3 Sample Answer

Question: How do you think furniture design reflects a society’s culture and values?

Sample Answer: “Furniture design serves as a fascinating mirror of societal priorities and cultural identity. In societies that value tradition and heritage, we often see furniture that incorporates historical motifs and traditional craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations. For instance, Japanese furniture typically embodies minimalism and harmony with nature, reflecting their cultural aesthetics and philosophical values.

Conversely, in highly individualistic societies like many Western countries, we see more emphasis on personal expression and distinctiveness in furniture design. The mid-century modern movement in America, for example, reflected post-war optimism and technological progress.

Today’s increasing focus on multifunctional, space-saving furniture in urban centers highlights our adaptation to smaller living spaces and perhaps our changing relationship with material possessions. Similarly, the growing demand for sustainable, eco-friendly furniture indicates shifting values toward environmental responsibility.

I find it particularly interesting how furniture often reveals economic stratification within societies—the distinction between mass-produced items and artisanal pieces frequently corresponds to socioeconomic divisions. Ultimately, whether we’re looking at a hand-carved traditional chest or a sleek, factory-made modular system, furniture embodies both practical needs and deeper cultural narratives about what we value and how we live.”

We encourage you to practice these questions and post your responses in the comments section below.

Your responses will receive brief evaluation feedback to help improve your speaking skills.

For more IELTS Speaking practice tests, you can visit Electronic Items and Technology.