The topic of describing an interesting neighbor is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to describe people, use descriptive language, and share personal experiences.
Describe a famous historical building in your country can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test. However, let’s focus on how to excel in describing an interesting neighbor.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about neighbors and relationships. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you know your neighbors well?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I have a cordial relationship with most of my neighbors. We often exchange pleasantries when we bump into each other in the hallway or elevator. There’s one neighbor in particular, Mrs. Chen, who I’ve gotten to know quite well over the years. We occasionally have coffee together and chat about our daily lives.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe an interesting neighbor you know
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of person they are
- And explain why you think this person is interesting
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my neighbor, Mr. Patel, who lives next door to me. He’s a retired botanist in his early seventies, and I’ve known him since I moved into my current apartment three years ago.
Mr. Patel is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate individual, especially when it comes to plants and gardening. He’s transformed our building’s rooftop into a lush oasis with a variety of exotic plants and flowers. What’s particularly fascinating about him is his innovative approach to urban gardening. He’s developed a vertical gardening system that allows him to grow a substantial amount of vegetables in a limited space.
One of the things that makes Mr. Patel so interesting is his boundless curiosity. Despite his age, he’s always eager to learn new things. He recently started taking online courses in sustainable agriculture and is constantly experimenting with new gardening techniques. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s inspired many of us in the building to start our own small gardens.
Moreover, Mr. Patel is a treasure trove of stories. He’s traveled extensively during his career, studying plants in various parts of the world. Listening to him recount his adventures in the Amazon rainforest or the Himalayan valleys is always captivating.
What I find most interesting about Mr. Patel is how he bridges the gap between generations. He’s equally comfortable discussing traditional gardening methods with older residents and explaining the latest hydroponic systems to younger neighbors. His ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds is truly remarkable.
In essence, Mr. Patel’s passion for nature, his innovative spirit, and his ability to bring the community together make him an exceptionally interesting neighbor.”
Interesting neighbor showcasing urban gardening on rooftop
Possible follow-up questions:
- How has Mr. Patel influenced the community?
- What have you learned from Mr. Patel?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Mr. Patel has had a profound impact on our community. His rooftop garden project has sparked a green revolution in our building. Many residents, inspired by his success, have started their own balcony gardens. This has not only beautified our living space but also fostered a sense of community. People now often gather on the rooftop to exchange gardening tips or simply enjoy the serene environment. Moreover, Mr. Patel’s initiative has raised awareness about sustainable living and the importance of green spaces in urban areas. His influence extends beyond our building too, as he often conducts workshops on urban gardening for the wider community.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How have relationships between neighbors changed in recent years?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that neighbor relationships have undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly in urban areas. With the rise of technology and busier lifestyles, there’s been a trend towards more individualistic living. People often spend more time interacting with their devices than with their neighbors.
However, it’s not all negative. There’s also been a growing awareness of the importance of community, especially in light of recent global events. Many neighborhoods have started using social media platforms or community apps to stay connected and organize local events. This has created new ways for neighbors to interact and support each other, even if they don’t have frequent face-to-face interactions.
Moreover, there’s been an increased focus on shared spaces in many residential areas. Community gardens, like the one Mr. Patel started, or shared workspaces in apartment complexes are becoming more common. These spaces provide opportunities for neighbors to collaborate and build relationships in ways that weren’t as prevalent in the past.
In essence, while traditional forms of neighborly interaction may have decreased, new forms of community building are emerging, adapting to the changing dynamics of modern life.”
Describe a garden you have been to could be an excellent topic to further demonstrate your descriptive skills in the IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Cordial relationship (adj. + noun): A friendly but formal relationship
Phonetics: /ˈkɔːrdʒəl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp/
Example: “We maintain a cordial relationship with our neighbors, greeting each other politely when we meet.”Exchange pleasantries (verb phrase): To engage in polite conversation
Phonetics: /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ ˈplezəntrɪz/
Example: “Every morning, I exchange pleasantries with the elderly couple next door.”Treasure trove (noun): A valuable collection
Phonetics: /ˈtreʒə trəʊv/
Example: “Mr. Patel’s mind is a treasure trove of botanical knowledge.”Bridge the gap (idiom): To connect different groups or reduce differences
Phonetics: /brɪdʒ ðə ɡæp/
Example: “Community events can help bridge the gap between different generations in a neighborhood.”Spark a revolution (verb phrase): To initiate a significant change
Phonetics: /spɑːk ə ˌrevəˈluːʃn/
Example: “Mr. Patel’s rooftop garden sparked a green revolution in our apartment complex.”
Neighbors participating in a community garden event
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing an interesting neighbor:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to make your description vivid and engaging.
- Incorporate personal anecdotes or specific examples to support your points and demonstrate your English fluency.
- Practice speaking about different types of neighbors and community-related topics to broaden your vocabulary and improve your confidence.
- Focus on pronunciation and intonation, particularly with more complex words related to personality traits or community issues.
- Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to community and social changes in Part 3 of the test.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the language, but using it effectively to express your thoughts and experiences. Regular practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you perform confidently on test day.
Describe an interesting conversation you had with an old person could be another relevant topic to practice, as it shares similarities with describing an interesting neighbor.