The IELTS Speaking test is your chance to demonstrate your English fluency and conversational skills. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous, but remember the examiners are looking for your ability to communicate effectively. A common question in Part 1 is “Who do you live with?”. While it seems simple, understanding how to answer this question fully and naturally can set the tone for a successful speaking exam.

Understanding the Question and its Importance

This question isn’t just about listing the people in your household. It’s an opportunity to showcase your vocabulary related to:

• Family & Relationships: Use this question to demonstrate your knowledge of family terms like “parents,” “siblings,” “extended family,” or “roommates.”
• Living Situation: Describe your house or apartment using adjectives like “spacious,” “cozy,” “modern,” or “traditional.”
• Lifestyle: You can naturally transition into talking about your daily routine and how it’s impacted by who you live with.

Crafting Your Response

Here’s how to approach “Who do you live with?” effectively:

1. Direct Answer: Begin with a clear and concise answer. For example:

   • “I currently live with my parents.”
   • “I share an apartment with two roommates.”
   • “I live on my own.”

2. Elaboration: This is where you showcase your vocabulary and fluency. Consider these aspects:

   • Relationships: “I have a close-knit family, so living with my parents and younger sister is comfortable and familiar.”
   • Living Space: “We live in a two-story house with a small garden, which is lovely for relaxing in the summer.”
   • Lifestyle: “Since I live with roommates, we often cook dinner together, which is a great way to unwind after a long day.”

3. Keep it Natural: Speak naturally and avoid memorized responses. The examiner is listening for your ability to communicate spontaneously.

Family Dinner

Example Responses

Let’s look at some sample answers:

Example 1:

• Examiner: Who do you live with?
• Candidate: I live with my parents and my younger brother. We’re quite a close family, so we enjoy spending time together. We often have dinner together and catch up on our days.

Example 2:

• Examiner: Who do you live with?
• Candidate: I actually just moved into my own apartment! It’s a studio apartment, so it’s not very big, but it’s cozy and I love having my own space.

Tips for Success

• Practice: Speak your answers aloud to build fluency and confidence.
• Vocabulary: Learn a range of words to describe your family, home, and lifestyle.
• Be Positive: Speak positively about your living situation, even if it’s not ideal.
• Stay Relevant: Keep your response concise and focused on the question asked.

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your communication skills. By approaching questions like “Who do you live with?” thoughtfully and with a bit of preparation, you can make a positive impression on the examiner.