Describe an Interesting Neighbour: How to Answer?
The second part of the IELTS Speaking test is the Individual Long Turn. It is also called the IELTS Cue Card section. The examiner provides you with a task or cue card in this section.
Check out the symbolic representation of the cue card:
During the preparation time, the examiner will give you a pen/pencil and a rough sheet to make notes if needed. You can use this time to structure your answer.
Afterwards, the examiner will instruct you to begin your answer and remind you of the ending time.
Once given a cue card, the next step is to plan your answer. During the 1-minute preparation time, you have to structure your answer.
Begin your answer by providing a short introduction to the topic. Then, explain your topic in detail. In the end, give a brief conclusion to your speech.
One of the effective ways to answer a cue card topic is by breaking down the topic into 4 parts that are: Introduction, Cue Card Questions, Your feelings regarding the topic and Conclusion. This way, you can cover all the major sides of the topic.
Now, you can find major points to answer each of these questions. Answer them one after the other, and do not elaborate too much on a single answer. Try to cover all the questions within the given time.
Introduction
- Start your answer with a catchy phrase or idiom. This will act as a good opener for your answer.
For example, “Without a good neighbour, there is no fun living in a society”.
- Brief your central opinion or idea.
For example, “I feel that having good neighbours and a good neighbourhood is very important, as they are the first ones you can reach out to either in happiness or sorrows”.
How long have you known this neighbour?
- Explain what kind of neighbour he/she is. Here, you can provide details about how long you have known this neighbour of yours.
For example, “I have known this neighbour since the day I shifted into this locality”.
What do you think of your neighbour?
- Provide reasons for what kind of impression you have of your neighbour.
- You can explain the context and reasons for the same.
For example, “I feel that he/she is a good person with helping nature, as whenever I needed help, my neighbour was the first to stand beside me for help”
Do you hang out with your neighbour often?
- Here, you can mention the person and how he/she is nature-wise, whether you both hang out often or not.
For example, “We hang out usually on weekends, where we go out for golf and a nice lunch together”.
What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbour?
- This is your place to be creative and expressive. Explain how you felt after sharing your favourite toy.
- Give reasons for why you shared it with a specific person.
For example, “My cousin is so special to me as we share a very good bond, which is why I like sharing my toys and other things with her”.
Conclusion
- End your speech on a positive note.
- Here, you can conclude your speech by recalling your main idea.
For example, “How sharing your favourite things like toys with your friends or cousins can deepen the bond and strengthen relationships from childhood only”.
Describe an Interesting Neighbour: Sample Answers
Find the Sample Answers for Describe an Interesting Neighbour IELTS Cue Card here.
Introduction
- I've been fortunate to have a great relationship with my neighbor for several years now, and they've become an integral part of my life.
- We've developed a strong bond over time, which goes beyond simply living next door.
How long have you known this neighbour?
- About five years ago, I met my neighbor.
- It was shortly after I moved into the neighborhood that we met, and since then our friendship has grown quite close.
What do you think of your neighbour?
- I've got a very favourable opinion of my neighbour. They're kind, polite and always willing to help out.
- We've shared the same values and interests, which have helped to strengthen our relationship over time.
Do you hang out with your neighbour often?
- Yes, I'm often hanging out with my neighbour.
- We have the opportunity to meet regularly, whether we're picking up a cup of coffee or going out for walks in our neighborhood and talking over fence.
What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbour?
- I'd say that my relationship with a neighbor is very close and sympathetic.
- We're looking out for each other, offering support in difficult times, and celebrating each other's successes.
- That relationship is based on trust, mutual respect and genuine friendship.
Conclusion
- I'm glad to have such a good neighbor in my life.
- I have gained a wealth of experience in this neighborhood from our relationship, and I am looking forward to years of friendship and comradery with them.
Describe an Interesting Neighbour: Follow-Up Questions
We have given four follow-up questions for ‘Describe an interesting neighbour’ IELTS Speaking Cue Card. The examiner will engage the test taker in a more detailed discussion of the topic introduced in Part 2 in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. The purpose of this section is to assess your ability to express your views by giving explanations and discussing ideas in relation to the topic.
You have 4-5 minutes to elaborate on your previous responses and express your opinions. Listen carefully, speak clearly, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to engage in a discussion.
