When describing a friend with different interests in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to showcase your ability to discuss relationships and contrasts. This topic frequently appears in IELTS examinations, particularly in Part 2, as it allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express personal experiences and compare different characteristics.
Two friends with contrasting interests engaging in conversation
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you might encounter:
- Do you prefer friends with similar or different interests?
- How do you maintain friendships with people who have different hobbies?
- What activities do you do with your friends?
Similar to describe an important friendship in your life, these questions require thoughtful responses demonstrating personal experience and reflection.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I actually value having friends with diverse interests because it broadens my horizons and introduces me to new perspectives. While we might not share the same hobbies, our differences create interesting conversations and opportunities to learn from each other.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a friend who has different interests from you
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you became friends
- What their interests are
- Why you enjoy their friendship despite your differences
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I met during university orientation. Our friendship initially seemed unlikely given our contrasting interests, but it has proven to be incredibly enriching.
Sarah is passionate about extreme sports and outdoor adventures, while I’m more interested in describe a shop where you enjoy spending time – particularly bookstores and art galleries. She thrives on adrenaline through activities like rock climbing and skydiving, whereas I find joy in quieter pursuits like reading and painting.
What makes our friendship special is how we complement each other perfectly. She has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, trying activities I never would have considered, like hiking in describe a special place in your hometown. Similarly, I’ve introduced her to the world of literature and art exhibitions.
Our different interests have actually strengthened our bond rather than weakened it. We’re constantly learning from each other, and our conversations are never boring because we always have new experiences to share.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
How do different interests affect friendships?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Different interests can make friendships more interesting. People can learn new things from each other and share different experiences. Sometimes it might be hard to find common activities, but good friends can usually work it out.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Different interests can significantly enrich friendships by creating opportunities for mutual growth and learning. When friends have diverse interests, they often challenge each other’s perspectives and broaden their horizons. This diversity can also help develop stronger empathy and understanding, as friends learn to appreciate activities they might not naturally gravitate towards.”
Do you think social media affects how people maintain friendships?
Just as describe a place in your city known for its nightlife has changed how people socialize, social media has transformed friendship dynamics.
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Social media has fundamentally transformed the way we maintain friendships. While it facilitates constant connection and makes it easier to share experiences, it can sometimes create a superficial sense of closeness. However, when used mindfully, it can be an excellent tool for maintaining relationships across distances and different time zones.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Broaden horizons – /ˈbrɔːdən ˈhɒraɪznz/ (phrase) – to expand one’s experiences
- Complementary personalities – /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentəri pɜːsəˈnælɪtiz/ (phrase) – characteristics that work well together
- Step out of one’s comfort zone – /step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/ (idiom) – to try new experiences
- Mutual growth – /ˈmjuːtʃuəl grəʊθ/ (phrase) – development benefiting both parties
- Enrich – /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/ (verb) – to improve or enhance
Examiner’s Tips
- Focus on specific examples rather than general statements
- Use a range of vocabulary to describe personality traits and interests
- Demonstrate the ability to compare and contrast effectively
- Include personal anecdotes to support your points
- Show awareness of how differences can positively impact relationships
Similar to how describe a time when you received a gift that surprised you requires detailed storytelling, this topic needs rich examples and personal experiences to achieve a high score.
