Alright, let’s talk about the IELTS Speaking test—specifically, the part where you have to describe an interesting neighbour. This is one of those topics that can be really fun if you approach it the right way. After all, we’ve all had that one neighbour who stands out—maybe they’re the chatty one, the mysterious one, or the person who always seems to be up to something interesting.

So, in this guide, I’m going to walk you through the cue card task and share some sample answers to help you nail it in your IELTS Speaking test. Plus, I’ll throw in some follow-up questions so you’re fully prepared. Let’s dive in!

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card

The IELTS Speaking Part 2 is where you get a cue card with a topic. You’ll have a minute to jot down some notes, and then you have to talk about it for about 2 minutes. Sounds simple, right? Well, the key is to keep it natural and engaging.

Here’s a sample cue card you might get:

Describe an interesting neighbour

You should say:

• How long you have known this neighbour?
• What sort of person he/she is?
• How often you see him/her?
• And explain why you consider this person to be an interesting neighbour?

Now, let’s check out some sample answers!

Model Answer 1: The Storyteller Next Door

Introduction
When I first moved into my apartment, I barely knew anyone. It felt a bit lonely, to be honest. But that changed when I met Mr. Ahmed, my neighbour from down the hall. He’s this retired history professor with a knack for storytelling, and trust me, he can make even the most boring topic sound fascinating.

How long have I known him?
I’ve known Mr. Ahmed for about three years now, ever since I moved into the building. At first, he just seemed like a quiet old man, but once we started talking, I realized he had a treasure trove of stories to share. 

What sort of person is he?
He’s the kind of guy who can turn a casual chat into a history lesson without you even realizing it. But what I love most is that he never makes it feel like a lecture—it’s always fun, like talking to a friend who just happens to be really, really smart.

How often do I see him?
We usually bump into each other in the evenings when I go for a walk. Sometimes, he invites me over for tea, and we just sit and talk for hours. It’s one of my favourite parts of the week.

Why is he an interesting neighbour?
Besides his incredible knowledge, he has this warm, friendly nature that makes everyone around him feel at ease. He’s the kind of neighbour who genuinely cares about people, and honestly, that’s pretty rare these days.

Conclusion
Living next to Mr. Ahmed has been such a blessing. He’s not just a neighbour—he’s a friend, a mentor, and a reminder that the best stories are found in everyday life.

Model Answer 2: The Life of the Party

Introduction
Living in a big city can feel kind of impersonal, but not when you have someone like Mrs. Gupta next door. She’s the kind of person who makes a neighbourhood feel like home. If there’s a festival, she’s organizing it. If there’s a party, she’s hosting it. She’s basically the heartbeat of our building.

How long have I known her?
I met Mrs. Gupta about a year ago when I moved into my apartment. She was one of the first people to welcome me, and she even brought over some homemade sweets—which, by the way, were amazing.

What sort of person is she?
She’s energetic, warm, and has an incredible sense of humour. She’s also a phenomenal cook, and she loves sharing her food with everyone. I think half the people in the building secretly hope they’ll get invited to dinner at her place.

How often do I see her?
All the time! She’s always out and about, chatting with neighbours or organizing some event. And at least once a week, she calls me over to try some new dish she’s made.

Why is she an interesting neighbour?
She has this incredible way of bringing people together. Whether it’s through food, stories, or just her vibrant personality, she makes everyone feel like they belong.

Conclusion
In a world where people barely know their neighbours, having someone like Mrs. Gupta around makes life a lot more colourful.

Model Answer 3: The Musician Next Door

Introduction
You know that one person who always seems to be doing something cool? That’s Ravi, my neighbour. He’s a musician, and honestly, having him next door is like living beside my own personal concert hall.

How long have I known him?
I met Ravi about two years ago when I moved into the neighbourhood. I actually first noticed him because of his guitar playing—he was just sitting outside, playing the most beautiful tune.

What sort of person is he?
He’s one of those people who’s always upbeat and full of life. Music isn’t just a hobby for him—it’s his passion, and you can feel it whenever he plays.

How often do I see him?
Pretty often! We cross paths at community events, and sometimes, he even hosts little jam sessions in the park, which are always a hit.

Why is he an interesting neighbour?
Besides the fact that he’s insanely talented, he’s also one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. He’s always up for a chat, always willing to teach someone a few chords, and always bringing good vibes wherever he goes.

Conclusion
Having Ravi as a neighbour is a reminder that life is better with a little music. He’s not just someone who lives next door—he’s someone who makes the whole neighbourhood feel alive.

Follow-Up Questions

1. Do you think good neighbours are important? 
   Absolutely! A good neighbour can make a place feel like home, while a bad one can make you want to move out ASAP.
2. What qualities make a good neighbour? 
   Kindness, respect, and a little bit of friendliness go a long way. Nobody wants a noisy, nosy, or unfriendly neighbour!
3. Do most people in your country know their neighbours? 
   It depends! In smaller towns, people are usually close, but in big cities, many don’t even know who lives next door.
4. What makes a strong community? 
   Trust, communication, and a sense of belonging. It’s all about looking out for each other.
5. How do you stay connected with your neighbours? 
   Simple—casual chats, community events, and sometimes just a friendly smile in the hallway can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Good neighbours make life better, period. And in the IELTS test, talking about them can be a great way to show off your fluency. So, think about your own experiences, add some personality to your answers, and you’ll do great. Happy studying!

Check out other IELTS speaking cue card topics

Describe an invention that is useful in daily life

Describe a crowded place you have been to

Describe a product you bought, but returned

Describe a successful businessperson you know

Describe a successful business person you admire

Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic