As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I often encounter students who feel apprehensive about the seemingly simple “Who do you live with?” question in the IELTS Speaking test. However, this seemingly innocuous question offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your language proficiency. This article will guide you on how to tackle this topic effectively and impress your examiner.
Understanding the Importance
While it might seem like a straightforward question, the examiner is assessing your ability to:
- Provide relevant information clearly and coherently.
- Use a variety of vocabulary related to family, living situations, and relationships.
- Employ different grammatical structures accurately.
- Maintain fluency and coherence in your response.
Approaching the “Who Do You Live With?” Cue Card
Describing Your Living Situation
Begin by stating who you live with. You can use simple sentences like:
- “I currently live with my parents.”
- “I share an apartment with two close friends.”
- “I’m living on my own at the moment.”
Expanding on Your Response
Avoid giving one-word answers. Instead, elaborate on your living situation using descriptive language:
- Family: “We’re a very close-knit family and enjoy spending time together. We often have dinner together and discuss our day.”
- Friends: “My roommates are also my classmates, so we have a lot in common. We enjoy studying together and exploring the city in our free time.”
- Living Alone: “Although I sometimes miss my family, I appreciate the independence that comes with living on my own. I can set my own schedule and focus on my studies.”
Using Descriptive Vocabulary
Enhance your response by incorporating a wide range of vocabulary:
- Family: immediate family, extended family, siblings, grandparents, relatives, close bond, supportive environment.
- Friends: roommates, flatmates, housemates, close friends, acquaintances, shared interests, supportive network.
- Living alone: independent, self-sufficient, enjoy my own company, freedom, privacy.
Illustrating with Examples
Bring your response to life by providing specific examples:
- “For example, my mother is a fantastic cook, and she always prepares delicious meals for us.”
- “One memorable experience we had as roommates was when we decided to have a potluck party and everyone contributed a dish from their home country.”
- “Living alone has taught me to be more responsible. I have to manage my own finances and ensure that all the household chores are taken care of.”
family dinner
Sample IELTS Speaking Response
Let’s combine these strategies into a sample response:
Examiner: Who do you live with?
Candidate: “I currently live with my parents and my younger sister in a cozy apartment in the city center. We’re a very close-knit family, and we enjoy spending quality time together. For instance, every Sunday, my mother prepares a delicious lunch, and we all gather around the table to share stories and laughter. It’s a tradition that I cherish.”
Tips to Excel
- Practice Regularly: Engage in regular speaking practice with a friend, tutor, or by recording yourself.
- Be Authentic: Speak naturally and truthfully about your living situation.
- Focus on Fluency: Avoid long pauses or hesitations. If you need a moment to think, use phrases like “Let me see” or “That’s an interesting question.”
- Don’t Memorize: While it’s helpful to have a general idea of what you might say, avoid memorizing entire responses.
Conclusion
Remember, the “Who do you live with?” question in the IELTS Speaking test is an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can confidently approach this question and improve your overall IELTS Speaking score. Good luck!