Neighbourhood & Neighbours Speaking Part 1 IELTS Sample Answer

While answering questions for neighbours speaking part 1 or neighborhood IELTS speaking part 1, you might get confused with the type of vocabulary to use or the way to express yourself during the IELTS Speaking exam. To avoid such a situation, we have put together this speaking test about neighbours, that will help you to prepare for the Part 1 speaking test.

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Neighbours & Neighbourhood IELTS Speaking Part 1

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, to answer the IELTS examiner’s questions naturally and fluently, you should focus on one idea only and then expand that idea into a long meaningful sentence using correct grammar patterns and IELTS Vocabulary, which can help you get IELTS band score of 8.0+ for IELTS Speaking.

Below, you will find Celebrity IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions, along with candidate’s responses, their analysis and Band 9 sample answers to guide you through this IELTS Speaking practice test.

1 Do you know all your neighbours?

Yes, I do. My family has been living on the same block since I was born, so we’ve gotten to know each other quite well. We are close to my next door neighbor in particular, Ms. Elizabeth. As she’s a widowed (husband died) 80 year old woman in poor health, we keep a close eye on her to make sure she’s managing on her own. The other neighbors have come and gone (many new ones have moved here, many have moved away) so we aren’t as close with them.

• Analysis

The response is clear and specific, especially regarding the close relationship with Ms. Elizabeth. It mentions both positive and neutral experiences. The transitions between ideas could be smoother.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

Yes, I know most of my neighbours. My family has lived in the same area for many years, so we’ve built close relationships over time. I’m particularly close to Ms. Elizabeth, who’s a sweet elderly lady, and we make sure she’s okay.

2 How often do you see your neighbours?/ How often do you talk to your neighbours?

Other than Ms. Elizabeth, I just see them in passing (see briefly). So, I see them everyday but really only talk to them once or twice a week when we are forced to be in the same vicinity. For example, when I take the garbage out, we usually make small talk (talk about unimportant things, like the weather etc.)

• Analysis

The answer expresses warmth towards Ms. Elizabeth, adding emotional depth. The contrast between her and other neighbours is clear but could benefit from more elaboration.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

I’m especially fond of Ms. Elizabeth, who’s been like a grandmother to me. Some other neighbours are more reserved, and while we are polite, we don’t have as close a bond.

3 Do you like your neighbours?

Some of them! We are all quite fond of Miss Elizabeth; she has always been like a grandmother to me. She has always been there during our important milestones (important life stages) in life. I’m always thrilled when she turns up at our door with freshly baked banana bread. On the other hand, some of our other neighbors are quite stand-offish ( unfriendly) so we tend to keep our distance. However, Miss Elizabeth is family.

• Analysis

The response explains the neutral relationship with neighbours, though it could provide more insight into why some are "stand-offish." The answer remains polite and clear but lacks depth.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

I find my neighbours to be a bit distant. Many are busy with their own lives, and though we maintain cordiality, we don’t engage much beyond casual greetings.

4 What do you think of your neighbours?

I think they are just so-so people. It seems as though they lead stressful daily lives and cannot be bothered (making the effort would bother them) to talk to their neighbors. They are caught up in (lost in) their own family dramas. We used to be friends with another neighbor, but then she ended up being too nosey (too interested in the lives of others), so now we just smile at her but don’t share our business.

• Analysis

The response is concise and gives a realistic picture of the frequency of interactions, particularly with Ms. Elizabeth. It could have included more variation in the types of interactions.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

I see my neighbours daily, but I only engage in meaningful conversation once or twice a week, mainly when we bump into each other in the hallway or outside.

5 Talk about your neighborhood./What is your neighbourhood like?

It’s an idyllic suburb on the outskirts of Miami. The people are nice and helpful, the area is affordable and it’s close to work. The best part? The beach is only a stone’s throw away! I couldn’t have asked for a better place to live in.

• Analysis

The answer provides a clear, positive description of the neighbourhood with specific details, including the beach and affordability. It captures a sense of place well but could benefit from more specific details.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

I live in a peaceful suburban area just outside Miami. The community is friendly, and the location is convenient—close to my workplace, affordable, and with a beach just a short walk away.

6 Do you think you are a good neighbour?

Well, I try to be! I always go out of my way to help any neighbour in distress, and other neighbours are the same. Also, I always do my part in organising community events. So yeah, I think I’m a good neighbour.

• Analysis

The response demonstrates helpfulness and involvement, particularly in organizing community events. It’s a straightforward answer but could include more specific examples.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

I do try my best to be a good neighbour. I’m always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, and I actively participate in community events, ensuring that our neighbourhood remains welcoming.

7 How do you think neighbours can help each other?

In my opinion, neighbours can help each other in many ways. They can lend a hand with tasks like babysitting or pet-sitting, help with minor repairs, or even share food or household items when needed. They also provide emotional support, offering a listening ear or a comforting presence during difficult times. Such mutual help fosters a sense of community and makes living in the neighbourhood more pleasant.

• Analysis

The answer highlights several practical ways neighbours can help, such as sharing tasks or offering emotional support. It’s well-rounded but could benefit from a more varied vocabulary.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

Neighbours can assist one another in countless ways, from offering help with childcare and running errands to sharing resources like tools or food. Emotional support, such as being there during tough times, is also invaluable.

8 Do you think your neighbourhood is a good place for children?

Yes, I believe my neighbourhood is a good place for children. There are parks and playgrounds where they can play and socialize with other kids. The area is relatively safe, with low traffic, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Moreover, there are good schools nearby, so children have access to quality education. The strong sense of community also ensures that the environment is supportive and caring for children.

• Analysis

The answer is clear, mentioning parks, safety, and schools. The positive description of the area makes it a strong response but could be more specific with examples.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

Absolutely, my neighbourhood is ideal for children. It’s safe, with parks and playgrounds for them to enjoy. There are also excellent schools nearby, so children have access to good education and a well-rounded childhood.

9 Are our neighbours usually close to each other in your country?

The level of closeness between neighbours in my country can differ depending on the area. In more rural or traditional communities, people are often very close and have strong bonds, regularly helping each other. However, in urban areas, especially in large cities, people tend to be more distant and less engaged with one another, as people lead busier lives and value their privacy more.

• Analysis

The response provides a general comparison between rural and urban communities, with a clear explanation of how the level of closeness varies.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

In rural areas, neighbours often have very close relationships and help one another regularly. In urban settings, however, people tend to be more private and less involved in each other’s lives, due to busy schedules.

10 Do you think it is important to have a good relationship with your neighbours?

Yes, I think it’s important to have a good relationship with your neighbours. A positive relationship makes it easier to resolve issues, such as noise or shared responsibilities, and creates a sense of belonging. It can also lead to practical benefits, like helping each other during emergencies or just being able to rely on someone when needed. In general, maintaining a good rapport with neighbours contributes to a peaceful and harmonious living environment.

• Analysis

The answer is strong, explaining the benefits of maintaining good relationships, such as resolving issues and building a sense of community.

• Alternative Band 9 Answer

Yes, having a good relationship with neighbours is crucial. It helps foster a sense of community, makes it easier to address issues like noise or shared responsibilities, and provides support in times of need.

Neighbours & Neighbourhood IELTS Speaking part 1 Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary is key to articulating your ideas clearly and making a positive impression, which can significantly impact your band score. Use these IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to enhance your speaking skills and boost your performance.

• Widowed: husband died
  Eg: Sita was a thirty year old widowed woman.
• offish: unfriendly
  Eg: He is reacting in an offish manner with everyone.
• Caught up in: lost in
  Eg: The rat is being caught up in the net.
• Nosey: too interested in the lives of others
  Eg: The old lady is nosey.
• Make small talk: talk about unimportant things, like the weather etc
  Eg: They are making small talk.

Additional IELTS Vocabulary for Neighbours & Neighbourhood Speaking Part 1

Here’s some common English words in IELTS Speaking you can use for Neighbours & Neighbourhood Speaking Part 1:

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