This week, you will train to answer Part 1 questions about the topic of ‘neighbours’. As always, this sample response was scripted by an active IELTS examiner.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 1 questions Where are you from? Do you live in a big city or a small town? Do you live in a quiet or busy area? Let’s talk about neighbours. Do you have any neighbours? Do you know your neighbours well? How long have you been neighbours with these people? Do you consider yourself a good neighbour?

🧑‍🎓Target language: metropolis -a very large and densely populated city “It’s a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology, rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲 “I live in a relatively busy area of Tokyo. It’s a commercial district with a lot of shops, restaurants and offices, which means there’s always a lot of activity and movement throughout the day.”

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

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Transcript

Where are you from?

I am originally from Tokyo, Japan. It’s a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology, rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.

Do you live in a big city or a small town?

I currently live in a big city. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million people.

Do you live in a quiet or busy area?

I live in a relatively busy area of Tokyo. It’s a commercial district with a lot of shops, restaurants and offices, which means there’s always a lot of activity and movement throughout the day.

Let’s talk about neighbours. Do you have any neighbours?

Yes, I do have neighbours. Living in an apartment building means that I’m surrounded by several other residents on the same floor and throughout the building.

Do you know your neighbours well?

I wouldn’t say I know them very well, but we are on friendly terms. We exchange greetings regularly and occasionally have brief conversations when we meet in the common areas or elevator.

How long have you been neighbours with these people?

I’ve been living in my current apartment for about three years now, so I’ve been neighbours with most of these people for the same duration.

Do you consider yourself a good neighbour?

Yes, I believe I am a good neighbour. I make sure to be considerate of others by keeping noise levels down, maintaining a tidy living space, and being polite and respectful in my interactions. I think these small actions contribute to a positive living environment for everyone.

Thank you.