The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal relationships and memories. One common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a childhood friend they are still in touch with. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss past experiences, express emotions, and describe personal connections. Let’s explore how to effectively approach this topic and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you general questions about friendships and childhood memories. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:
- Do you still keep in touch with your childhood friends?
- How do you maintain long-term friendships?
- What qualities do you value most in a friend?
Let’s focus on the first question and provide a sample answer:
Examiner: Do you still keep in touch with your childhood friends?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I definitely do. In fact, I’m still in close contact with a few friends from my elementary school days. We make a point of catching up regularly through social media and try to meet in person at least once a year. It’s incredibly rewarding to maintain these long-standing relationships and see how we’ve all grown and changed over time.”
Describe a time when you reconnected with an old friend can be an excellent way to showcase your ability to discuss past experiences and emotions in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
For Part 2, you might receive a cue card with the following task:
Describe a childhood friend you are still in touch with.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met
- What you used to do together as children
- Why you have stayed in touch
And explain why this friendship is important to you.Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my childhood friend, Sarah, whom I’ve known since we were both five years old. We first crossed paths in kindergarten and hit it off immediately, bonding over our shared love of drawing and storytelling.
As children, Sarah and I were inseparable. We spent countless hours creating elaborate imaginary worlds, complete with detailed maps and character backstories. Our favorite pastime was concocting wild adventures for our stuffed animals, which often involved daring rescues and magical quests.
We’ve managed to stay connected throughout the years, despite attending different schools and universities. We make a concerted effort to catch up regularly through video calls and try to meet in person at least once a year. Social media has also played a crucial role in helping us maintain our bond, allowing us to share life updates and relive fond memories.
This friendship holds immense significance for me because Sarah has been a constant presence throughout all the major milestones of my life. She knows me inside and out and has seen me evolve from a shy child into the person I am today. Our shared history and mutual understanding create a unique connection that’s truly irreplaceable.
Moreover, our friendship serves as a grounding force in my life, reminding me of my roots and the values we developed together during our formative years. It’s incredibly comforting to have someone who understands your past and continues to support your future endeavors.”
[Image-1|childhood-friends-playing-together|Two young girls playing together in a park|A vibrant image showing two young girls, around 5-6 years old, playing together in a sunny park. They are sitting on the grass, surrounded by colorful toys and drawing materials. Both girls are smiling and engaged in creating something together, illustrating the close bond of childhood friendship.]
Follow-up Questions:
- How has your friendship changed over the years?
- What challenges have you faced in maintaining this long-term friendship?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Our friendship has evolved significantly over the years. While we still share that core connection from childhood, our relationship has matured and deepened. We’ve grown from playmates to confidantes, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. Our conversations now encompass a wider range of topics, from career aspirations to personal growth, reflecting our individual journeys and shared experiences.”
Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 7-8):
“Maintaining a long-term friendship certainly comes with its challenges. The main obstacle we’ve faced is geographical distance, as we now live in different cities. This has made it harder to spend time together in person. We’ve also had to navigate conflicting schedules and differing life paths. However, we’ve overcome these hurdles by prioritizing our friendship and finding creative ways to stay connected, such as regular video calls and planning annual meetups.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think childhood friendships differ from those formed in adulthood?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Childhood friendships and adult friendships differ in several fundamental ways. Firstly, childhood friendships are often characterized by a sense of innocence and simplicity. They’re typically based on shared experiences and common interests, such as playing the same games or attending the same school. These friendships tend to be more spontaneous and carefree.
In contrast, adult friendships are usually more complex and nuanced. They’re often formed around shared values, life goals, or professional interests. Adults generally have a deeper understanding of themselves and what they seek in a friendship, which can lead to more intentional and meaningful connections.
Moreover, childhood friendships benefit from the abundance of free time and proximity that children enjoy, making it easier to form and maintain these relationships. Adult friendships, on the other hand, require more conscious effort and planning due to work commitments, family responsibilities, and other obligations.
Lastly, childhood friendships play a crucial role in social development and emotional learning, while adult friendships often serve as support systems for navigating life’s challenges and personal growth. Both types of friendships are valuable, but they fulfill different needs at various stages of life.”
Describe an enjoyable day spent with friends is another topic that can help you showcase your ability to discuss personal experiences and relationships in the IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner: In what ways do you think technology has impacted long-term friendships?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has undoubtedly had a significant impact on long-term friendships, bringing both advantages and challenges. On the positive side, social media platforms and messaging apps have made it much easier to stay in touch with friends, regardless of geographical distance. We can now share life updates, photos, and experiences almost instantly, which helps maintain a sense of connection.
However, technology can also create a false sense of closeness. While we might be aware of what’s happening in our friends’ lives through social media, these interactions often lack the depth of face-to-face conversations. There’s a risk of friendships becoming superficial if they rely too heavily on digital communication.
Another consideration is that technology has made it easier to reconnect with old friends we might have lost touch with otherwise. This can lead to the rekindling of meaningful relationships that may have otherwise been lost to time and distance.
On the flip side, the constant connectivity provided by technology can sometimes lead to communication overload and the blurring of boundaries between personal and social time. This can potentially strain friendships if not managed carefully.
Overall, while technology has provided valuable tools for maintaining long-term friendships, it’s important to use these tools mindfully and balance digital interactions with meaningful in-person connections whenever possible.”
Describe a memory that makes you smile can be an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to express emotions and describe personal experiences in the IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Inseparable /ɪnˈsep.ər.ə.bəl/ (adjective): Very closely connected and unable to be separated.
Example: “As children, Sarah and I were inseparable, spending every possible moment together.” -
To hit it off (phrasal verb): To like each other and become friendly immediately.
Example: “We hit it off immediately on our first day of kindergarten.” -
To make a concerted effort (phrase): To try very hard to do something, especially when working with others.
Example: “We make a concerted effort to meet up at least once a year, despite our busy schedules.” -
Grounding force (noun phrase): Something that keeps a person in touch with reality or with the most important aspects of their life.
Example: “Our friendship serves as a grounding force, reminding me of my roots and values.” -
To evolve /ɪˈvɒlv/ (verb): To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
Example: “Our friendship has evolved from simple childhood play to a deep, supportive relationship.”
Describe a memory from your childhood that makes you smile is a topic that allows you to combine personal storytelling with advanced vocabulary, which can help boost your IELTS Speaking score.
[Image-2|friends-catching-up-video-call|Two adult friends having a video call|An image showing two adult women, in their late 20s or early 30s, having a cheerful video call. They are seen on separate screens, both smiling and engaged in conversation. The background suggests they are in different locations, emphasizing how technology helps maintain long-distance friendships.]
Examiner’s Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like childhood friendships, consider the following advice:
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Expand on your points with examples, explanations, and personal experiences.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary, but ensure you use it accurately and naturally.
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Demonstrate grammatical range: Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Show your ability to use different tenses and conditional forms where appropriate.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without unnatural pauses or hesitations.
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Show coherence: Organize your thoughts logically and use appropriate linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
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Express and justify opinions: Don’t just describe events or situations. Share your thoughts and feelings about them, and explain why you hold these views.
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Use idiomatic language: Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally into your speech, but don’t overuse them.
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Practice active listening: In Parts 1 and 3, make sure you understand the examiner’s questions fully before responding. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, show your ability to analyze topics from different perspectives and discuss abstract ideas.
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Be authentic: While it’s important to showcase your language skills, remember to be yourself and let your personality shine through in your responses.
Describe a song that brings back special memories can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your ability to connect personal experiences with emotions and descriptive language in the IELTS Speaking test.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high score when discussing topics like childhood friendships.