APIEIELTS Speaking: Moving to a New Home
Moving to a new home
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Module 1: Building Your Confidence
Unit: Moving to a new home. In this warm-up, you will practice key words and easy sentence patterns so you can speak about moving house with confidence.
How to use this lesson
👨🏫 For Teachers
• Introduce the topic and key words to your class; the full lesson takes about 25 minutes.
• Listen to your students' recordings and check them for natural fluency and clear pronunciation.
🎓 For Learners
• Read the vocabulary words and sentence patterns first so you feel ready and relaxed.
• Complete the exercises below, then record your own spoken answers out loud in Part 1.
Step 1: Unit Words Check
Choose the word that matches each meaning. Listen to each word by tapping the sound icon.
A person who lives next door to you or near your home:
To take your things out of boxes after moving into your new room:
A thick, soft floor covering that keeps your feet warm:
To walk around your new neighborhood to see the shops and streets:
To paint the walls or hang photos to make a room look attractive:
Step 2: Match Word Partners
English words often travel in pairs. Match each word pair to its exact description.
Which description explains this word pair?
Which description explains this word pair?
Which description explains this word pair?
Which description explains this word pair?
Step 3: 3 Useful Sentence Patterns
Use these three simple sentence frames when speaking about moving day. Read the everyday examples aloud.
When I arrive, I...
Everyday Example
"When I arrive, I open the windows to let fresh air into the living room."
Why this works:
Use this to state your very first action as soon as you step inside a place.
Before I leave, I...
Everyday Example
"Before I leave, I check all the cupboards to make sure nothing is left behind."
Why this works:
Use this to talk about your final check before closing the door forever.
As soon as we finish, we...
Everyday Example
"As soon as we finish carrying the heavy boxes, we sit down and drink cold tea together."
Why this works:
Use this to connect two events in order without using complicated grammar.
Classroom Tip
Try saying each example aloud once with the sound button before you move on to Module 2. Keeping your sentences short and clear will help you reach the 4.0-4.5 target.
Module 2: Speaking Practice
Record your own spoken answer for each question below. When you finish recording, open the collapsed model answer to review useful phrases and everyday conversational notes.
Have you ever moved to a new home?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
▶ Show model answer (open after recording)"Well, actually, I have moved once. A couple of years ago, we packed our old apartment and moved to a small green house. To be honest, it was really tiring, but I felt quite excited."
Useful Phrases & Notes:
- • Well, actually — a natural spoken start when sharing personal facts.
- • A couple of years ago — means two or three years in the past.
- • To be honest — used when sharing your real feelings.
- • felt quite excited — happy and looking forward to something new.
What do you think is the hardest part of a move?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
▶ Show model answer (open after recording)"In my opinion, the hardest thing is carrying heavy furniture, like our huge sofa. Um, you know, your arms get really sore, and it takes ages to load every single box into the truck."
Useful Phrases & Notes:
- • In my opinion — an easy way to state what you think.
- • carrying heavy furniture — lifting bulky items such as wardrobes or beds.
- • Um, you know — a common spoken filler while thinking of the next word.
- • it takes ages — an informal way to say something takes a very long time.
Do you like to have help when you carry heavy things?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
▶ Show model answer (open after recording)"Yes, definitely. I really can't lift big wooden tables on my own. To tell the truth, it's much safer to ask for a hand so nobody gets hurt during the work."
Useful Phrases & Notes:
- • Yes, definitely — strong, confident agreement.
- • on my own — alone, without any helpers.
- • To tell the truth — gives an honest explanation.
- • ask for a hand — ask someone to assist you.
- • gets hurt — suffers an injury or pain.
Who helps you when you have a big job at home?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
▶ Show model answer (open after recording)"Most of the time, my older brother comes over. He's really strong, so he helps me paint rooms or move heavy boxes. After that, we sit back and have pizza together."
Useful Phrases & Notes:
- • Most of the time — usually or frequently.
- • He's really strong — simple description of physical fitness.
- • After that — clean connector for the next event.
- • sit back — relax comfortably once hard work is complete.
What would you take first to a new home?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
▶ Show model answer (open after recording)"Well, for me, I'd make sure to bring my kettle and favourite coffee mug first. You see, moving is tiring, so I need a warm drink to feel at home right away."
Useful Phrases & Notes:
- • Well, for me — presents your individual preference.
- • make sure to — do something as a priority.
- • You see — everyday conversational link to explain reasons.
- • feel at home — feel comfortable and settled in a new place.
Do you prefer a new home with new things or an old home with your things?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
▶ Show model answer (open after recording)"I'd rather have an old home with my familiar things. Um, I guess old items bring back memories, like my comfy reading chair. New things look nice, but they feel a bit cold."
Useful Phrases & Notes:
- • I'd rather have — simple way to express your preference.
- • Um, I guess — spoken pause filler before sharing your thought.
- • bring back memories — reminds you of happy moments in the past.
- • feel a bit cold — feels unfamiliar or lacking in coziness.
What do you do when you meet a new neighbour?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
▶ Show model answer (open after recording)"Whenever I meet a new neighbour, I smile and say a quick hello. If they have time, I introduce myself politely. It's a nice way to break the ice in our building."
Useful Phrases & Notes:
- • Whenever I meet — every time you encounter someone.
- • say a quick hello — give a brief, friendly greeting.
- • introduce myself — tell someone your name.
- • break the ice — start a friendly conversation with a stranger.
Would you like to live in a different town one day?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
▶ Show model answer (open after recording)"Yeah, I think so. One day, I'd love to live by the sea in a quiet coastal town. To be honest, city life is noisy, so living somewhere peaceful would do me good."
Useful Phrases & Notes:
- • Yeah, I think so — casual, conversational agreement.
- • To be honest — truthful personal reflection.
- • do me good — make me feel happier and more relaxed.
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