The cue card
Describe a neighbour that you get along with.
You should say:
- who this person is
- how long you have known them
- what you do together
- and explain why you get along well
Band 7 sample answer
I would like to describe Mr Rashid, an elderly neighbour who lives on the same floor as my family. We have known him for about ten years, ever since we moved into the building.
He is a retired teacher with a lot of stories, and he is always polite and calm. We often meet on the stairs and chat for a few minutes, and on weekends I sometimes join him for tea and a game of chess.
We get along well because we respect each other. He gives me useful advice about my studies, and I help him with things like carrying heavy bags or setting up his phone.
A small example shows our relationship. Last winter, when the heating stopped working in our building, Mr Rashid invited us to his flat, which has a wood stove, and we spent the evening drinking tea and listening to his stories about the old days. It was a cold night, but a very warm memory.
In a big city, many neighbours never speak to each other, so I feel lucky to have someone like him nearby. It makes our building feel like a small community.
About 193 words, roughly 1 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- get along with — have a good relationship with
- retired — no longer working because of age
- polite — showing good manners
- community — a group of people living nearby
- chat — talk in a friendly way
- mutual respect — respect from both sides
- lend a hand — help
Tips for this cue card
- Describe the person and one routine you share.
- Use present simple for regular habits.
- Explain the benefits of good neighbours.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Are neighbours as close as they used to be?
Idea: Less so in cities, but villages still have strong ties.
How can people build a sense of community?
Idea: Through shared events, local clubs and friendly habits.
What problems can neighbours cause?
Idea: Noise, parking disputes and rubbish.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.