The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about relationships and shared experiences. One common topic is describing a friend who shares similar interests with you. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to discuss personal relationships, common activities, and shared passions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme and provide sample responses for different band scores.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions to warm up the conversation and get you talking about yourself and your friendships. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

Question: Do you have many friends with similar interests to you?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’m fortunate to have quite a few friends who share my interests. We often bond over our love for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and photography. It’s great to have people in my life who understand and appreciate the same things I do. That said, I also value friends with different interests as they broaden my horizons and introduce me to new experiences.”

describe an adventure you would like to take

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Cue Card

Describe A Friend Who Shares Similar Interests With You.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you met
• What interests you share
• And explain why you enjoy spending time with this person

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I met during my first year of university. We were in the same literature class and quickly bonded over our shared love of books.

Sarah and I discovered that we both enjoy reading classic novels, particularly those from the Victorian era. We often spend hours discussing our favorite authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. Apart from literature, we share a passion for creative writing and often attend writing workshops together.

What I appreciate most about spending time with Sarah is her ability to engage in deep, meaningful conversations about books and writing. She always offers insightful perspectives that challenge my thinking and help me grow as a reader and writer. Our shared interests have formed the foundation of a strong friendship that I truly value.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to tell you about my friend Alex, whom I serendipitously met at a local astronomy club meeting three years ago. From the moment we started chatting about constellations, it was clear that we shared an unbridled enthusiasm for all things celestial.

Alex and I discovered that our interests aligned perfectly in the realm of space exploration and astrophysics. We’re both avid stargazers and frequently embark on nighttime excursions to remote areas for optimal viewing conditions. Additionally, we share a fascination with the latest developments in space technology and often attend lectures and seminars on these topics together.

What I find most invigorating about our friendship is the intellectual stimulation it provides. Alex has a knack for explaining complex astronomical concepts in an accessible way, which has significantly enhanced my understanding of the subject. Our discussions often veer into philosophical territory, pondering the nature of the universe and our place within it.

The synergy of our shared passion creates an environment where we continually inspire and challenge each other to expand our knowledge. It’s not just about the shared interest itself, but how it serves as a catalyst for personal growth and deeper understanding. This dynamic makes our time together not only enjoyable but also immensely fulfilling on both an intellectual and personal level.”

Follow-up Questions

1. How important do you think shared interests are in maintaining friendships?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe shared interests are quite important in friendships. They give people common ground and topics to discuss. Having similar hobbies or passions makes it easier to spend time together and understand each other. However, I think other factors like trust and mutual respect are also crucial for a strong friendship.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While shared interests undoubtedly play a significant role in fostering and maintaining friendships, I believe their importance should not be overstated. Common passions serve as an excellent foundation for building rapport and creating shared experiences. They provide a natural catalyst for engaging conversations and activities that can strengthen bonds over time.

However, I would argue that the most enduring friendships are built on a combination of factors, of which shared interests are just one component. Mutual respect, emotional support, and complementary personality traits are equally, if not more, crucial. In fact, some of the most enriching friendships I’ve observed are between individuals with diverse interests who appreciate and learn from each other’s differences.

Ultimately, while shared interests can certainly enhance a friendship, the ability to connect on a deeper, more personal level transcends common hobbies or pursuits. It’s this deeper connection that often determines the longevity and quality of a friendship.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample question and response:

Question: Do you think people with similar interests always make good friends?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Not always. Having similar interests is a good start for friendship, but it’s not the only thing that matters. People also need to have compatible personalities and values to be good friends. Sometimes, even if two people like the same things, they might not get along well for other reasons.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While shared interests can certainly serve as a strong foundation for friendship, I don’t believe they invariably guarantee a successful or meaningful relationship. There are several factors at play when it comes to forming deep, lasting friendships.

Firstly, shared interests provide common ground and facilitate initial connections, which is undoubtedly beneficial. They offer a natural starting point for conversations and shared activities, which can help build rapport and create memorable experiences.

However, true friendship often transcends mere common hobbies or pursuits. Factors such as mutual respect, emotional intelligence, shared values, and complementary personality traits play crucial roles in determining the strength and longevity of a friendship. Two individuals might share a passion for the same sport or music genre, but if they lack emotional compatibility or have conflicting core values, the friendship may struggle to deepen.

Moreover, diversity in interests can actually enrich a friendship. Friends with different passions can introduce each other to new experiences, broaden each other’s perspectives, and foster personal growth. This kind of intellectual and experiential exchange can lead to a more dynamic and fulfilling relationship.

In my experience, the most rewarding friendships are those where there’s a balance between shared interests and complementary differences. This combination allows for both comfortable familiarity and exciting novelty in the relationship, creating a robust foundation for long-lasting friendship.”

describe a person you know who has an interesting hobby

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To enhance your speaking performance, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Unbridled enthusiasm /ʌnˈbraɪdld ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/ (adj. + noun): Uncontrolled excitement or passion
   Example: “We share an unbridled enthusiasm for modern art.”

2. Serendipitously /ˌserənˈdɪpətəsli/ (adv): By happy chance or accident
   Example: “We serendipitously discovered our shared interest in birdwatching.”

3. Synergy /ˈsɪnədʒi/ (noun): The interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements
   Example: “There’s a great synergy between us when we work on projects together.”

4. Invigorating /ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy
   Example: “Our discussions are always invigorating and leave me feeling inspired.”

5. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): Something that causes an important event or change to happen
   Example: “Our shared interest in photography was the catalyst for our friendship.”

describe a gift you gave that had special meaning

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a friend with similar interests:

1. Use a range of vocabulary related to friendships, interests, and personality traits.
2. Employ varied sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses.
3. Speak fluently and coherently, using appropriate linking words and phrases.
4. Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing both the benefits and potential drawbacks of shared interests in friendships.
6. Practice describing different types of friends and interests to improve your versatility.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for natural, confident delivery and show your ability to discuss the topic from various angles.

describe an interesting neighbor you have

Two friends engaged in a shared hobby

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss friends with similar interests in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!