18 October 2025 IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 Someone Who Lives Alone With Sample Answer

Part 2 (Cue Card) 

Describe someone you know who lives alone. You should say:

– who this person is
– where they live
– why they live alone

and explain how they feel about living alone.

One person I know who lives alone is my cousin Anita, who works as a graphic designer for an international firm. She resides in a cosy one-bedroom flat in the heart of Bangalore, which she has beautifully decorated with indoor plants, abstract art, and soothing pastel shades. The moment you step inside, you can sense her aesthetic touch — everything is neatly arranged and thoughtfully chosen, which really reflects her creative personality.

She decided to live alone a few years ago when her career started demanding long hours and frequent online meetings. Her family home was quite far from her workplace, and the daily commute was taking a heavy toll on her energy and productivity. Hence, she moved closer to her office to save time and maintain a better work–life balance.

To be honest, the initial phase was a bit of a rollercoaster for her, as she wasn’t accustomed to managing every little thing — from paying bills to cooking meals — all on her own. She used to tell me that the silence in the evenings felt deafening at first. However, over time, she grew to enjoy her own company and started appreciating the freedom that comes with living independently.

Now, she says that her solitude feels empowering rather than lonely, and that it has helped her become more disciplined, organised, and emotionally strong. She often spends her weekends painting, meditating, or binge-watching her favourite series — activities that help her unwind after a hectic week.

What I genuinely admire about her is that she has struck the perfect balance between solitude and social connection. Even though she loves her independence, she frequently invites friends over for dinner or visits her parents during festivals. All in all, living alone has been a blessing in disguise for her.

Part 3 (Discussion)

1. Why do you think more young people today prefer living on their own?
Many young people today prefer living on their own because they want independence and freedom to make their own choices. Living alone allows them to manage their schedules and decisions without any interference from family members. For example, my friend recently moved to a rented flat to focus on her career, and she feels more confident and self-reliant than before. So, the desire for independence is a major reason why living alone is becoming more popular among youth.

2. What kind of skills are important for people who live alone?
Living alone requires both practical and emotional skills. People need to know how to cook, manage finances, clean, and organise their daily routines efficiently. Additionally, emotional resilience is essential to handle loneliness and unexpected challenges. For instance, my cousin moved to a different city for work and had to learn cooking and budgeting quickly, which made her more independent and confident. Therefore, a combination of practical and emotional skills is crucial for anyone living alone.

3. How does living alone in one’s hometown differ from living alone in another city?
Living alone in one’s hometown is usually easier because of familiar surroundings and access to family support. In contrast, living alone in a new city can be challenging as people need to adapt to a new environment and build social connections from scratch. For example, when my friend moved to Mumbai for work, she initially struggled with finding accommodation and managing daily chores, whereas living alone in her hometown would have been much simpler. So, while living in a new city builds independence, it also comes with more challenges.

4. Do you think living alone can make people more responsible?
Yes, living alone often makes people more responsible because they are accountable for their own household, finances, and daily tasks. When no one else is around to manage these responsibilities, individuals have to plan carefully and make decisions on their own. For instance, my colleague had never cooked before moving out, but now she manages meals, bills, and cleaning efficiently. Therefore, living alone naturally encourages responsibility and maturity.

5. What challenges do people face when they live by themselves?

People living alone face practical, social, and emotional challenges. They have to handle chores, pay bills, and deal with emergencies independently, which can be stressful. Moreover, loneliness can affect their mental well-being, especially if they are far from friends or family. For example, my cousin struggled with feeling isolated when she moved to a new city for work, but she gradually adapted by joining hobby groups and meeting new people. Hence, living alone requires coping with both practical and emotional difficulties.

6. How do cultural values influence people’s decisions about living alone?
Cultural values strongly influence whether people choose to live alone. In some cultures, it is customary for children to live with their parents until marriage, so moving out early might be frowned upon. On the other hand, in more individualistic societies, living alone is seen as a sign of independence and personal growth. For instance, in Western countries, young adults often rent apartments on their own, whereas in India, many families still expect children to stay at home until marriage. Therefore, cultural norms play a major role in shaping decisions about independent living.