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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe an Interesting Neighbour: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 10:58

Overview

The IELTS Speaking test is the simplest of the four modules in IELTS. However, it's important to prepare well to score well.
 

IELTS Speaking is a module common in both IELTS Academic and General Training tests, and all three parts of the test remain the same.
 

The easiest way to master IELTS speaking is to become familiar with IELTS cue cards.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe an Interesting Neighbour

You should say

  • How long have you known this neighbour?
  • What do you think of your neighbour?
  • Do you hang out with your neighbour often?
  • What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbour?
Sample Answer 1

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.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction
 

  • I've moved into a new apartment, and my next door neighbour, Mr. Patel, has been around since day one. 
     
  • We've had limited contact, but there's a sense of mutual respect in our brief encounters.
     

How long have you known this neighbour?
 

  • I lived in a new apartment for about three months, so I knew Mr. Patel from that time on.
     

What do you think of your neighbour?
 

  • Mr. Patel's looks like a reserved, kind guy. 
     
  • He's still greeted me with a smile, even though we haven't had much conversation, and he exchanges pleasantries when we see each other.
     

Do you hang out with your neighbour often?
 

  • We haven't been able to hang out much. 
     
  • It seems to me that our schedules and lifestyles are different, but I'd like to know more about him in the future.
     

What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbour?
 

  • There's a good relationship between us. We're respecting each other's privacy and maintaining a friendly, neighborly environment. 
     
  • While we're not yet close friends, there is a solid basis of mutual respect.
     

Conclusion
 

  • There's a good relationship between us. We're respecting each other's privacy and maintaining a friendly, neighborly environment. 
     
  • While we're not yet close friends, there is a solid basis of mutual respect.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction
 

  •  Snehyl is one of the most interesting neighbours I've ever known. 
     
  • We've known each other for over six years, and she's not just a neighbour; she's a fascinating character who's enriched our community.
     

How long have you known this neighbour?
 

  •  I've known Snehyl for over six years since we first met shortly after she moved to the area. 
     
  • Our interactions have grown over the years, giving us a glimpse of the unique personality that defines her.
     

What do you think of your neighbour?
 

  •  Snehyl is an interesting individual with a wealth of experience in her life. 
     
  • She's in her late 60s, and her stories reflect a variety of journeys involving various cultures and professions.
     
  • She's a fascinating conversationalist because of her diverse background, and I look forward to hearing her stories with great wisdom and lessons.
     

Do you hang out with your neighbour often?
 

  •  I consciously try to spend time with Snehyl occasionally, even though our interactions are not on a daily basis. 
     
  • These moments have forged a unique bond, whether a casual conversation over the fence, a shared cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday afternoon, or a neighbourhood event together.
     

What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbour?
 

  •  We have a friendly and mutually respectful relationship. 
     
  • Despite the age gap, Snehyl's warmth and approachability enabled us to make an amicable acquaintance. 
     
  • We're comrades in the neighbourhood, offering help whenever we need it, exchanging gardening advice and enjoying small neighbourhood gatherings sometimes.
     

Conclusion
 

  •  Snehyl wasn't just a neighbour; she was an inspiration and source of wisdom. 
     
  • My sense of community has been enriched by his unique life experiences and our shared moments, which have made my life in this neighbourhood even more pleasant. 
     
  • As neighbours, we've cultivated a connection beyond the boundaries of proximity, highlighting the positive impact of interesting neighbours on one's life.

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.
“Without a good neighbour, there is no fun living in a society.”

 

  • Brief your central opinion or idea. 
“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.
“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. 
“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. 
“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.
“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. 
“How sharing your favourite things like toys with your friends or cousins can deepen the bond and strengthen relationships from childhood only.”

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.

Q1. Are there any shared activities or interests that strengthened your bond?

Answer 1:  The common interest in gardening has made our bond stronger. We work closely with each other, exchanging advice, sharing surplus produce and working together on beautification projects in the neighbourhood. Such a common hobby has created a sense of unity and cooperation in our community.

 

Answer 2:  Our mutual love of board games was a shared activity that significantly strengthened our bond. We discovered our shared interest during a neighbourhood gathering where board games were introduced for entertainment. We've made it a tradition to occasionally host a game night at either of our homes ever since.

Q2. Can you share a story that stands out from your interactions with each other?

Answer 1:  One of the most memorable moments was sharing a fascinating story about how he had lived abroad. The story was truly entertaining and left us with a lasting impression on our discussions thanks to his vivid descriptions of the cultural subtleties he had highlighted
 

Answer 2:  During a casual conversation about our favourite books one weekend, we discovered our mutual interest in literature. We've decided to turn our discussion into a little adventure and plan on visiting the library with each other. As we searched the shelves, exchanged recommendations and stumbled across a hidden corner full of rare books, it was an amazing experience.

Q3. What are the qualities of a good neighbour?

Answer 1:  A friendly and accessible neighbour is the best quality a good neighbour could have. They should respect other people's cultures, lifestyles and not judge them. When they interact with other people, they must set their limits.
 

Answer 2:  Good neighbours play an important role in contributing to the harmony and solidarity of a community. They are friendly and accessible, creating an open communication and cooperation environment. To ensure the respect of boundaries, it is essential that we take into account and respect personal privacy.

Q4. How do you remain connected with your neighbours?

Answer 1:  The best quality a good neighbour can have is a friendly and accessible neighbour. They've got to respect the culture and lifestyle of other people, and they shouldn't discriminate against them. They have to set limits when they're interacting with other people.

 

Answer 2:  There is a need for proactive engagement and willingness to participate in community life if we are to remain connected with neighbours. I'm trying to get involved in neighbourhood events, gatherings and meetings to have face-to-face interactions.

FAQs

Q. How do you make notes for cue card IELTS?

Ans. It is recommended to follow a structured approach to make notes for cue card IELTS. Firstly, read the prompt carefully and identify the main topic or theme. Secondly, brainstorm and jot down relevant keywords or phrases associated with the topic. Then, organise the keywords or phrases into a logical sequence and add any supporting details or examples. Keeping the notes brief and easy to read during the speaking test is important. Additionally, using symbols or abbreviations can help in taking quick notes. Practice making notes beforehand to improve your note-taking skills.


 

Q. Is eye contact important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Yes, maintaining eye contact is an important aspect of the IELTS speaking test. It shows confidence and engagement with the examiner and can help convey your message effectively. However, avoiding staring or making prolonged eye contact is also important, as this can make the examiner uncomfortable. Maintaining natural eye contact while speaking and looking away occasionally is recommended to avoid appearing too intense or uncomfortable.

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Common mistakes in IELTS speaking include not answering the question fully, using repetitive vocabulary, speaking too fast or slowly, and being too nervous or anxious. It is important to be aware of these mistakes and practice speaking relaxed and confident to perform well on the test.

Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. All three parts of the IELTS speaking test are equally important. However, Part 2 is considered the most crucial as it carries more weight and allows test-takers to showcase their ability to speak at length on a topic. Practising all three parts of the speaking test is important to ensure that you are fully prepared and perform well in each section.

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The lowest score you can receive in IELTS speaking is 0. However, this is very rare and usually reserved for cases where the test-taker does not attend the speaking test or does not say anything during the test. In most cases, test-takers will receive a score between 1 and 9, with 9 being the highest. The score is based on some factors, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. 

Q. Can I change the topic in IELTS speaking?

Ans. No, you cannot change the topic in the IELTS speaking test. The examiner will provide you with a prompt or topic, and you will need to answer related questions. However, you can ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a question if you do not understand it or need more time to think. It is important to listen carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. 

Q. Which tense is used in cue cards?

Ans. The tense used in cue cards for the IELTS speaking test varies depending on the prompt. Present tense is used for habits or routines, past tense is used for past events, and future tense is used for future plans. It is important to pay attention to the tense in the prompt and use it appropriately while speaking.

Q. How do you answer part 2 in IELTS?

Ans. To answer Part 2 of IELTS speaking, read the cue card carefully, use the preparation time to organise your thoughts, introduce the topic, use prompts to provide specific details, speak fluently and coherently, and wrap up within the two-minute time frame. Practice speaking on various topics to improve your performance.

Q. How do I improve my speaking skills?

Ans. To improve your speaking skills for the IELTS test, speak regularly in English, listen to English speakers, practice on various topics, record your speaking, learn new vocabulary and grammatical structures, join a speaking club, and take mock speaking tests. Consistent practice and a willingness to learn are key.

Q. What is the duration of Part 2 speaking IELTS?

Ans. Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test lasts for up to two minutes. You will be given a cue card with a topic and prompts, and you will have one minute to prepare your answer. After the preparation time, you will need to speak for up to two minutes on the given topic. It is important to keep an eye on the time and try to wrap up your answer within the two-minute time frame. Remember to use the prompts to guide your answer and provide specific details and examples to support your points.

Q. What if I fail my IELTS speaking test?

Ans. If you do not achieve the desired score on your IELTS speaking test, you can retake the test. You will need to register again and pay the test fee. It is important to identify the areas where you need to improve and to work on them before retaking the test. You can also consider taking a preparation course or working with a tutor to improve your speaking skills. 

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