IELTS Speaking - Neighbours
These cue card questions about neighbours were asked recently in an IELTS speaking test.
Example 1
Describe one of your neighbours you know well
You should say:
- who he/she is
- how you met him/her
- how often you see each other
and say if you like this neighbour, and why/why not.
High-scoring sample answer (1)
The only neighbour I know really well is the old guy who lives in the next apartment. I guess he must be in his 70s but he’s really nice, and when I first moved into the building where I live he was very helpful, telling me all about the neighbourhood and useful things about which days the garbage is collected, you know, little things that you don’t know about when you first move to a new place.
Anyway, I met him on the second day, I think it was, and he was very chatty, which was nice because I didn’t know anyone there. We talked for about 20 minutes that day and I thought he was an interesting character.
He lives alone now because apparently his wife died some years ago, but he has a dog and I usually see him outside a couple of times a day walking his dog around the park opposite the apartment building.
I don’t think we have much in common, but he has some really amazing stories about when he was in the navy and used to travel all over the world, and I like traveling so it’s interesting to listen to what he has to say because he’ traveled all over the world when he was younger.
I wouldn’t say we are friends or anything like that, but we did become closer after I helped him out one day. He was having a problem with his computer and as I work in computing I offered to help him out. He was extremely thankful and since we seem to always meet each other coming in or going out of the building and sometimes he invite me into his apartment for a drink, which is nice because it’s different.
Like I said, he’s a fascinating guy and I like him a lot, even though he’s a lot older – he has a very different perspective on life from my own, and he really makes me think hard sometime about some of the decisions I make in my own life. So, yeah, he’s a cool guy and really the only neighbour I spend any time with.
Example 2
Describe one of your neighbours who you think is interesting
You should say:
- who he/she is
- how well you know him/her
- how often you see each other
and explain why you think they're interesting.
High-scoring sample answer (2)
One of my neighbours who I find particularly interesting is a woman called Amy. I have known her for about three years now, ever since I moved into this neighbourhood. She lives in the apartment next to mine and we often chat over a cup of tea or coffee in the mornings.
Though she's friendly with everyone on the street, there's something special about our relationship - it feels like we really connect on an emotional level. We talk about everything from world affairs to family problems and share advice and opinions as if we've been friends forever.
For example, just last week Amy confided in me about her marriage troubles. She talked about how difficult it is to have a successful relationship when both partners are still sorting out their own personal issues. I admired her courage in being so honest and we discussed the importance of communication and compromise in relationships.
These conversations with Amy always leave me feeling thoughtful as if I've learned something new each time. Her insights never fail to inspire me and remind me that life is filled with surprises and lessons if you take the time to appreciate them.
It's these small moments that make living in this neighbourhood worthwhile, and Amy has definitely made my experience here even more special than it already was!
Amy is definitely one of the most interesting people I know - she lives life with gusto! Her enthusiasm for exploring new places and trying out different cuisines is infectious- when you're around Amy, you can't help but be excited about all the possibilities life has to offer.
I'm so grateful for my friendship with Amy - she's always on hand to lend an ear when I need it and her warm personality radiates from within. We may come from different places, but there's something special that binds us together. I know that no matter what happens in life, we'll remain fast friends!
How would you answer this Part 2 IELTS speaking test question about a neighbour you know well?