The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about friends and relationships, including describing someone from a different background. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, cultural awareness, and ability to discuss diversity. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about friends and relationships. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you have friends from different cultural backgrounds?

Band 7-8 Answer:
“Absolutely! I’m fortunate to have a diverse group of friends from various cultural backgrounds. Living in a multicultural city has given me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. It’s truly enriching to learn about different traditions and perspectives through my friendships.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a friend who has a different background from you

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met
- What their background is
- And explain how your different backgrounds affect your friendship

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who comes from a very different background than mine. We met during our first year at university when we were assigned as roommates in the dormitory.

Sarah grew up in a small rural town, while I’m from a bustling city. Her family has lived on a farm for generations, and they have strong ties to their local community. In contrast, my family has moved around quite a bit due to my parents’ jobs.

Our different backgrounds have actually strengthened our friendship. Sarah has taught me a lot about agriculture and the challenges faced by rural communities. On the other hand, I’ve introduced her to various aspects of city life and different cultural experiences.

We often have interesting discussions about our upbringings and how they’ve shaped our worldviews. These conversations have helped us broaden our perspectives and become more open-minded. Despite our differences, we’ve found that we share many common values, which has been the foundation of our friendship.

Overall, I believe our diverse backgrounds have made our friendship more enriching and meaningful. We’ve learned to appreciate different ways of life and have grown together as individuals.”

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

“I’d be delighted to describe my friend Akira, whose background differs significantly from mine. We initially crossed paths at an international student orientation event during our postgraduate studies.

Akira hails from a traditional Japanese family in rural Hokkaido, while I grew up in a multicultural household in London. His upbringing was steeped in ancient Japanese customs and values, with a strong emphasis on hierarchy and collective harmony. In contrast, my background is a fusion of Western individualism and the diverse cultural influences of a global city.

The juxtaposition of our backgrounds has been a catalyst for profound personal growth in our friendship. Akira has introduced me to the nuances of Japanese etiquette, the philosophy of ‘wa’ (harmony), and the art of mindfulness in daily life. Conversely, I’ve shared with him the complexities of navigating a multicultural society and the value of assertive communication in Western contexts.

Our different perspectives often lead to thought-provoking debates on topics ranging from work-life balance to social norms. These discussions have challenged our preconceptions and fostered a deeper understanding of cultural relativism. We’ve learned to navigate cultural sensitivities with grace and to appreciate the strengths of each other’s cultural heritage.

Interestingly, our disparate backgrounds have also highlighted universal human experiences that transcend cultural boundaries. We’ve discovered shared values of loyalty, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of family, which have formed the bedrock of our enduring friendship.

In essence, our friendship has become a microcosm of global understanding. It’s a testament to how diversity can enrich relationships, fostering mutual respect and broadening one’s worldview. Through our interactions, we’ve not only learned about each other’s cultures but have also developed a more nuanced appreciation for the complexities of our globalized world.”

Friends from different backgrounds discussing cultures

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: How has this friendship changed your perspective on cultural differences?

Band 7-8 Answer:
“This friendship has significantly broadened my horizons. It’s made me more aware of how cultural backgrounds shape our worldviews and behaviors. I’ve learned to appreciate diverse perspectives and to question my own assumptions about different cultures. It’s truly eye-opening to see how people from different backgrounds can approach the same situation in completely different ways.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“My friendship with Akira has been transformative in terms of my cultural awareness. It’s cultivated a profound appreciation for the subtleties of cross-cultural communication and the importance of cultural context in shaping individual perspectives. This relationship has challenged my ethnocentric views and fostered a more nuanced understanding of cultural relativism. It’s not just about recognizing differences, but also about identifying universal human experiences that bridge cultural divides.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: In what ways can friendships between people from different cultures benefit society?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Friendships between people from different cultures can really help make society more open and understanding. When people become friends with those from other backgrounds, they learn about different traditions and ways of thinking. This can help reduce prejudice and stereotypes. These friendships also encourage people to be more accepting of diversity, which is important in our globalized world. Moreover, these relationships can lead to more creative problem-solving as different cultural perspectives are brought together.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Cross-cultural friendships serve as microcosms of global harmony, offering multifaceted benefits to society. Primarily, they act as catalysts for dismantling stereotypes and fostering empathy on a broader scale. As individuals form bonds across cultural lines, they naturally become ambassadors of cultural understanding within their communities, propagating tolerance and appreciation for diversity.

Furthermore, these friendships cultivate cognitive flexibility and enhance problem-solving capabilities at a societal level. The synergy of diverse perspectives often leads to innovative solutions to complex social issues. In the business world, for instance, companies with culturally diverse teams have been shown to be more creative and adaptable.

Moreover, cross-cultural friendships can strengthen diplomatic ties between nations. People-to-people connections often transcend political boundaries, fostering goodwill and facilitating international cooperation. This grassroots diplomacy can be particularly powerful in times of geopolitical tension.

Ultimately, these friendships contribute to the development of a more cosmopolitan, empathetic, and resilient society – one that is better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of our increasingly interconnected world.”

Diverse group collaborating on a project

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Cultural sensitivity [ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti] (noun): Awareness and respect for cultural differences.
   Example: “Developing cultural sensitivity is crucial in today’s globalized world.”

2. Diverse perspectives [daɪˈvɜːs pəˈspektɪvz] (noun phrase): Different viewpoints shaped by varied backgrounds.
   Example: “Our team benefits from the diverse perspectives each member brings.”

3. Cross-cultural communication [krɒs-ˈkʌltʃərəl kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃn] (noun phrase): Exchange of information between people from different cultural backgrounds.
   Example: “Effective cross-cultural communication is essential in international business.”

4. Broaden one’s horizons [ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz] (idiom): To expand one’s knowledge, experiences, or interests.
   Example: “Traveling abroad can really broaden one’s horizons.”

5. Cultural relativism [ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈrelətɪvɪzəm] (noun): The idea that a person’s beliefs and activities should be understood in terms of that person’s own culture.
   Example: “Studying anthropology taught me the importance of cultural relativism in understanding different societies.”

6. Ethnocentric [ˌeθnəʊˈsentrɪk] (adjective): Evaluating other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one’s own culture.
   Example: “We must be careful not to make ethnocentric judgments about unfamiliar cultural practices.”

7. Multicultural [ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəl] (adjective): Relating to or containing several cultural or ethnic groups within a society.
   Example: “Living in a multicultural city exposes you to a wide range of traditions and customs.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing friends from different backgrounds:

1. Use a range of advanced vocabulary related to culture and diversity.
2. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
3. Discuss both the challenges and benefits of cross-cultural friendships.
4. Show awareness of cultural sensitivity and avoid stereotypes.
5. Use complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions where appropriate.
6. Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing the broader implications of cultural diversity.
7. Practice speaking on this topic to improve fluency and confidence.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing the language, but also showing a thoughtful and nuanced understanding of cultural issues. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

Describe a place in your country known for its historic battles can be another interesting topic to explore, as it allows you to showcase your knowledge of history and culture. Similarly, describe a recent change in your life can help you practice discussing personal experiences and their impacts, which is valuable for the IELTS Speaking test.