Similar to describe a difficult choice you had to make recently, discussing the influence of a friend requires thoughtful organization and authentic personal examples.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask:
- Do you have many friends?
- How often do you meet your friends?
- What qualities do you value most in a friend?
- How do you usually keep in touch with your friends?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I have a close-knit circle of friends, though I’d say about five of them are particularly dear to me. We try to meet up at least twice a month, though we stay connected daily through social media and messaging apps. What I value most in friendship is authenticity and mutual support.”
Friends having meaningful conversation at cafe
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a friend who has had a major influence on your life
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met them
- What kind of person they are
- And explain how they have influenced your life
Just as describe a time when you felt motivated to change something, this topic requires reflection on personal transformation.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has been an instrumental figure in shaping my personal and professional growth. We first crossed paths during our university years, where we were both studying environmental science. What stands out about Sarah is her unwavering determination and positive outlook on life.
Sarah is the kind of person who radiates enthusiasm and tackles challenges head-on. Her resilient nature and innovative thinking have always impressed me. She has this remarkable ability to see opportunities where others might see obstacles.
Her influence on my life has been profound and far-reaching. Through her example, I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. When I was hesitant about pursuing a master’s degree abroad, Sarah’s encouragement and guidance were pivotal in my decision to take that leap of faith.
Friends celebrating success and achievement
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question 1: How do friendships change as people get older?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe friendships undergo a significant transformation as we age. While younger friendships often revolve around shared activities and frequent interactions, mature friendships tend to be more focused on quality over quantity. These relationships become more meaningful and nuanced, with friends offering emotional support and valuable life perspectives.”
Similar to describe a time when you felt a sense of accomplishment, discussing friendship evolution requires detailed analysis.
Question 2: What role do friends play in personal development?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Friends play a crucial role in personal development by serving as mirrors of our behavior and catalysts for growth. They can challenge our perspectives, broaden our horizons, and provide constructive feedback. Moreover, friends often inspire us to pursue our goals and help us develop emotional intelligence.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Instrumental (adj.) /ɪnstrəˈmentl/ – playing a crucial role
- Profound impact (phrase) – deep, significant influence
- Cross paths (idiom) – meet by chance
- Unwavering (adj.) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – steady, consistent
- Resilient nature (phrase) – ability to recover from difficulties
- Pivotal (adj.) /ˈpɪvətl/ – crucial, central
These expressions, when used naturally, can help demonstrate sophisticated language use and clear articulation of ideas about friendship and influence.
