The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal relationships and influential people in our lives. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a friend who has had a significant impact on you. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal experiences, emotions, and reflections in English. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about friendship and influential people. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you have many close friends?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have a few close friends. We’ve known each other for several years and meet up regularly.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say I have a small circle of close friends. We’ve been through thick and thin together, and I value the depth of our relationships more than having a large number of acquaintances.”

Question: What qualities do you look for in a friend?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think honesty and reliability are important. I also like friends who are fun to be around and share similar interests.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“For me, the cornerstone of any friendship is trust and mutual respect. I gravitate towards individuals who are empathetic and supportive, yet also challenge me intellectually. A good sense of humor is also a significant plus in my book.”

Important qualities in a friend for IELTS Speaking

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you might receive a cue card related to describing an influential friend. Here’s a sample cue card:

Describe A Friend Who Has Influenced Your Life
You should say:
• Who this friend is
• How you met
• What qualities this friend has
• How this friend has influenced you

And explain why you think this friend has had such an impact on your life.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has been a pivotal figure in my personal growth. We first crossed paths during our university orientation week, bonding over our shared passion for environmental conservation.

Sarah possesses an remarkable blend of qualities that I find truly inspiring. She’s incredibly driven and always sets ambitious goals for herself, yet maintains a sense of humility that’s truly refreshing. Her unwavering optimism is contagious, and she has an uncanny ability to find silver linings in even the most challenging situations.

Sarah’s influence on my life has been profound and multifaceted. Her dedication to her studies and career motivated me to raise my own standards academically and professionally. She encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, leading me to participate in public speaking events and environmental campaigns that I would have otherwise shied away from.

Moreover, Sarah’s commitment to sustainability has deepened my own environmental consciousness. She introduced me to various eco-friendly practices and encouraged me to make more responsible consumer choices. This has not only changed my lifestyle but also sparked a passion for environmental advocacy within me.

I believe Sarah has had such a significant impact on my life because she embodies the qualities I aspire to develop in myself. Her positive attitude and proactive approach to life’s challenges have shown me the power of resilience and optimism. Through our friendship, I’ve learned the importance of surrounding oneself with people who inspire growth and bring out the best in you.

In essence, Sarah has been more than just a friend; she’s been a mentor, a motivator, and a catalyst for positive change in my life. Her influence has shaped not only my perspectives but also my actions, contributing significantly to the person I am today.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this friendship changed over time?
2. Do you think friendships formed in adulthood are different from those in childhood?

Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
“Our friendship has grown stronger over time. We’ve been through many experiences together, which has deepened our bond.”

Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
“Our friendship has evolved considerably over the years. While we initially bonded over shared interests, our relationship has deepened into a profound mutual understanding and support system. We’ve weathered various life challenges together, which has solidified our connection and made our friendship more resilient.”

Evolution of friendship over time

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:

Question: How do you think social media has affected friendships in modern society?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Social media has made it easier to stay in touch with friends, especially those who live far away. However, it can also make friendships more superficial as people often only share the best parts of their lives online.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Social media has undeniably revolutionized the landscape of modern friendships, offering both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it has facilitated unprecedented connectivity, allowing us to maintain relationships across vast distances and time zones. This has been particularly valuable for nurturing long-distance friendships and reconnecting with old acquaintances.

However, the impact isn’t entirely positive. The curated nature of social media content often presents an idealized version of people’s lives, which can lead to unrealistic comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Moreover, the ease of online communication might sometimes discourage the deeper, face-to-face interactions that are crucial for developing meaningful relationships.

There’s also the risk of fostering a culture of ‘quantitative’ rather than ‘qualitative’ friendships, where the number of online connections is prioritized over the depth of relationships. This can potentially lead to more superficial interactions and a false sense of social fulfillment.

Ultimately, while social media has expanded our ability to connect, it requires a conscious effort to use these platforms as tools to enhance rather than replace genuine, in-person relationships.”

Question: In what ways can a friend negatively influence someone’s life?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“A friend can be a bad influence if they encourage risky behaviors like drinking or skipping school. They might also make someone feel bad about themselves or pressure them to do things they’re not comfortable with.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“While friendships are generally positive, they can indeed have detrimental effects under certain circumstances. A friend can exert negative influence through various mechanisms:

Firstly, they might encourage destructive behaviors or habits, such as substance abuse, reckless spending, or academic negligence. This can be particularly impactful during formative years when peer influence is at its peak.

Secondly, a toxic friend may undermine one’s self-esteem through constant criticism, belittling, or manipulation. This can erode confidence and hinder personal growth.

Moreover, some friends might foster a culture of complacency, discouraging ambition or self-improvement. This can lead to stagnation in personal or professional development.

There’s also the risk of financial exploitation or emotional dependency, where the relationship becomes unbalanced and potentially harmful.

Lastly, a friend with a negative outlook might perpetuate pessimism or cynicism, potentially altering one’s worldview and approach to life’s challenges.

It’s crucial to recognize these potential negative influences and maintain healthy boundaries in friendships to ensure they remain sources of support and growth rather than hindrance.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an influential friend, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Pivotal figure /ˈpɪvətl ˈfɪɡər/ (noun phrase): A person who plays a crucial role in something.
   Example: “My mentor was a pivotal figure in shaping my career path.”

2. To cross paths /tə krɒs pɑːθz/ (idiom): To meet or encounter someone, often by chance.
   Example: “We first crossed paths at a conference last year.”

3. Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Steady, constant, not changing.
   Example: “Her unwavering support helped me through difficult times.”

4. To step out of one’s comfort zone /tə step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/ (idiom): To do something that is unfamiliar or challenging.
   Example: “He encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try public speaking.”

5. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “Her influence on my life has been multifaceted, affecting both my personal and professional growth.”

6. To embody /ɪmˈbɒdi/ (verb): To represent or express an idea, quality, or feeling.
   Example: “She embodies the qualities of kindness and integrity that I admire.”

Advanced vocabulary for IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an influential friend:

1. Practice personal anecdotes: Prepare stories about your friendships beforehand, focusing on specific examples that illustrate your points.

2. Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses to discuss how the friendship started, its current state, and its potential future impact.

3. Employ descriptive language: Use vivid adjectives and adverbs to bring your descriptions to life.

4. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the impact of the friendship on your life, showing depth of thought.

5. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking without long pauses, but don’t worry about the occasional hesitation as it’s natural in speech.

6. Develop your answers: Provide detailed responses, especially in Parts 2 and 3, to showcase your language skills fully.

7. Stay on topic: Ensure your answers are relevant to the questions asked, using linking phrases to maintain coherence.

By incorporating these strategies and utilizing advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle questions about influential friends in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity in your responses coupled with strong language skills is key to achieving a high band score.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also be interested in learning how to describe a favorite tradition in your family or describe a person who is very positive. These topics can further enhance your ability to discuss personal relationships and experiences in the IELTS Speaking test.