The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and relationships. One common theme that frequently appears is describing someone who has had a significant impact on your life. In this article, we’ll focus on how to effectively answer the question “Describe a friend who influenced your way of thinking” in the IELTS Speaking exam. This topic allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal relationships and their impact on one’s perspective.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about friends and influences. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:
- Do you have many friends?
- How often do you see your friends?
- What qualities do you value most in a friend?
- Have you ever been influenced by a friend’s opinion?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the last question:
Examiner: Have you ever been influenced by a friend’s opinion?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I have. One of my close friends influenced my decision to start exercising regularly. She’s very health-conscious and encouraged me to join her at the gym. At first, I was hesitant, but after giving it a try, I realized how much better I felt. Now, I exercise three times a week, and it’s had a positive impact on my overall well-being.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely. I can recall a particular instance where a friend’s perspective profoundly impacted my outlook on environmental issues. This friend of mine is deeply committed to sustainability and often engages in thought-provoking discussions about climate change. Through our conversations, I’ve become increasingly aware of the importance of individual actions in addressing global environmental challenges. As a result, I’ve made significant changes to my lifestyle, such as reducing my plastic consumption and opting for more eco-friendly transportation methods. It’s fascinating how a friend’s passion can spark a transformation in one’s own thinking and behavior.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a friend who influenced your way of thinking
You should say:
- Who this friend is
- How you met them
- What kind of person they are
- How they influenced your way of thinking
And explain why this influence was important to you.
Here are sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has significantly influenced my way of thinking. I met Sarah during my first year of university when we were assigned as lab partners in our biology class. From the start, I was impressed by her dedication to her studies and her positive outlook on life.
Sarah is an incredibly motivated person who always strives to see the best in every situation. She’s also very open-minded and loves to learn about different cultures and perspectives. What I admire most about her is her ability to remain calm under pressure and find creative solutions to problems.
Sarah influenced my thinking in several ways. Firstly, she taught me the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even when facing challenges. She also encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try new experiences, which has helped me grow as a person. Additionally, Sarah introduced me to mindfulness practices, which have greatly improved my ability to focus and manage stress.
This influence was important to me because it helped me develop a more balanced and optimistic outlook on life. Thanks to Sarah, I’ve become more resilient in the face of adversity and more open to new ideas and experiences. Her influence has not only improved my academic performance but also enhanced my overall quality of life.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to share with you the profound impact my friend Alex has had on my way of thinking. Our paths crossed serendipitously during a volunteer program at a local animal shelter, where we bonded over our shared passion for animal welfare.
Alex is an extraordinarily compassionate individual with an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. He possesses a remarkable ability to see issues from multiple perspectives, which never fails to broaden my horizons. His unwavering commitment to social justice and environmental causes is truly inspiring, and he consistently challenges conventional wisdom in the most thought-provoking ways.
The influence Alex has had on my thinking has been nothing short of transformative. Firstly, he instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility towards our planet and its inhabitants. Through our numerous engaging discussions, he opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of global issues, from climate change to social inequality. Moreover, Alex encouraged me to question my preconceived notions and approach topics with a more critical and analytical mindset.
Perhaps most significantly, Alex introduced me to the concept of effective altruism, which has revolutionized my approach to charitable giving and career choices. He challenged me to consider how I could maximize my positive impact on the world, leading me to reassess my priorities and make more informed decisions about where to direct my time and resources.
This influence has been immeasurably important to me as it has fundamentally altered my worldview and given me a sense of purpose. Thanks to Alex, I’ve become more socially conscious, analytically minded, and proactive in addressing global challenges. His influence has not only enriched my personal life but has also guided my professional aspirations, inspiring me to pursue a career in sustainable development where I can make a meaningful difference.
Follow-up Questions
After your long turn, the examiner might ask you some follow-up questions. Here are a few examples with sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think it’s common for friends to influence each other’s thinking?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I think it’s quite common. Friends often share their opinions and experiences with each other, which can shape our thoughts and beliefs. When we spend a lot of time with someone, it’s natural that their ideas might rub off on us to some extent.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely. I believe it’s not only common but also an integral aspect of human relationships. Our social circles serve as crucibles for intellectual and personal growth, where ideas are constantly exchanged and refined. This mutual influence is a fundamental mechanism through which we expand our perspectives and challenge our preconceptions. However, the degree of influence can vary greatly depending on factors such as the strength of the friendship, the respect we hold for the friend’s opinions, and our own openness to new ideas.
Examiner: In what ways can a friend’s influence be negative?
Candidate (Band 6-7): A friend’s influence can be negative if they encourage harmful behaviors like smoking or skipping classes. Sometimes, friends might also pressure us to do things we’re not comfortable with, which can lead to bad decisions. It’s important to be able to think for ourselves and not just follow what our friends say or do.
Candidate (Band 8-9): While friendships are generally positive, they can indeed have detrimental effects in certain circumstances. A friend’s influence may become negative when it leads to the erosion of one’s values or compromises personal integrity. For instance, peer pressure might result in engaging in risk-taking behaviors or adopting prejudiced viewpoints. Moreover, a friend’s pessimism or limiting beliefs could stifle one’s ambitions or foster a negative self-image. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy degree of autonomy in our thinking and decision-making processes, even within close friendships, to ensure that the influence we receive aligns with our core values and contributes positively to our personal growth.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think social media has changed the way friends influence each other?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Social media has definitely changed how friends influence each other. Now, we can see what our friends are doing, thinking, and liking all the time. This constant connection means that friends can have a bigger impact on our opinions and choices. For example, if a friend shares a post about a new restaurant, we might want to try it too. However, this can also lead to negative effects like comparing ourselves to others or feeling left out.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Social media has undeniably revolutionized the dynamics of peer influence. It has amplified the reach and frequency of friend-to-friend interactions, creating a virtual ecosystem where ideas and trends can propagate rapidly. This digital landscape has intensified the potential for influence in both positive and negative ways. On one hand, it has democratized information sharing, allowing friends to easily exchange knowledge and inspire positive change, such as promoting environmental awareness or social causes. Conversely, it has also exacerbated issues like the spread of misinformation and the cultivation of unrealistic expectations through carefully curated online personas. Moreover, the algorithmic nature of social media platforms tends to create echo chambers, potentially reinforcing existing beliefs rather than exposing users to diverse perspectives. This new paradigm of influence necessitates a heightened level of media literacy and critical thinking to navigate the complex web of digital social interactions effectively.
Examiner: Do you believe that the influence of friends becomes less important as people get older?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think the influence of friends might change as we get older, but it doesn’t necessarily become less important. As adults, we often have more established views and are less likely to be easily swayed by others. However, friends can still play a significant role in our lives, offering support, advice, and new perspectives. The difference is that as we mature, we might be more selective about whose opinions we value and how much we let them influence us.
Candidate (Band 8-9): The influence of friends throughout one’s life is a nuanced and evolving phenomenon. While it’s true that the nature and extent of this influence may shift as individuals age, I wouldn’t say it becomes less important. In fact, one could argue that it becomes more refined and purposeful. As we mature, we tend to cultivate friendships that align more closely with our values and life goals, resulting in a more curated circle of influence. These relationships often deepen in quality, offering more profound and meaningful exchanges of ideas and support. Additionally, as we navigate complex life stages such as career advancement, parenthood, or retirement, the insights and experiences of our peers can be invaluable resources. The key difference lies in our increased capacity for discernment and our ability to integrate outside influences with our own well-developed perspectives. Thus, rather than diminishing in importance, the influence of friends in adulthood often becomes more targeted and impactful, contributing significantly to our ongoing personal and professional growth.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your responses:
-
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmˈpækt/ (adj. + n.): A deep and significant effect.
Example: Her friendship had a profound impact on my career choices. -
Broaden one’s horizons /ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/ (phrasal verb): To expand one’s range of knowledge, interests, or experiences.
Example: Traveling with my friend really helped broaden my horizons. -
Challenge conventional wisdom /ˈtʃælɪndʒ kənˈvenʃənl ˈwɪzdəm/ (v. + n.): To question commonly accepted beliefs or practices.
Example: My friend often challenges conventional wisdom, encouraging me to think critically. -
Instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (v.): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: My friend instilled in me a love for classical literature. -
Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adj.): Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example: Our friendship has been a transformative experience for both of us. -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (n.): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: Discussions with my friend led to a paradigm shift in how I view environmental issues. -
Cognitive dissonance /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˈdɪsənəns/ (n.): The state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes.
Example: My friend’s contrasting viewpoints often created cognitive dissonance, pushing me to reevaluate my beliefs. -
Synergy /ˈsɪnədʒi/ (n.): The interaction of two or more agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Example: The synergy between our different thinking styles led to innovative problem-solving.
Remember to use these terms naturally and in appropriate contexts to demonstrate your language proficiency effectively.
Examiner’s Advice
As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
- Practice regularly: Engage in conversations on various topics to improve fluency and confidence.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics and practice using them in context.
- Use a range of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your language skills.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points with examples and explanations.
- Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question fully before answering.
- Stay relevant: Always address the question asked and stay on topic.
- Be authentic: Share genuine experiences and opinions rather than memorized responses.
- Manage your time: In Part 2, use the preparation time wisely and aim to speak for the full 2 minutes.
By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the “Describe a friend who influenced your way of thinking” topic and similar questions in your IELTS Speaking test.
For more guidance on IELTS Speaking topics, check out our articles on describing a person who motivates you to pursue your passions and describing a person who inspires you to be more confident.