Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Friend Who is a Good Listener

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about relationships and personal qualities. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a friend who possesses a particular trait, such as being a good listener. This article will guide you through answering questions related to this topic, providing sample answers for different band scores and offering valuable tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions about friendship and communication. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you have many friends?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I have a good balance of friends. While I don’t have an enormous circle, I’m fortunate to have a core group of close friends who I can always rely on. I also have a wider network of acquaintances from work and various social activities.”

2. What qualities do you value most in a friend?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“For me, the most essential qualities in a friend are trustworthiness and empathy. I deeply appreciate someone who can keep confidences and offer support during challenging times. Additionally, I value friends who are genuine and authentic in their interactions, as it fosters a more meaningful connection.”

Describe a place where you would like to go for a retreat

3. How do you usually communicate with your friends?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I use different ways to stay in touch with my friends. We often chat through messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. For closer friends, I prefer to make phone calls or meet up in person when possible. It really depends on how busy we are and where we’re located.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe a friend who is a good listener

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What makes them a good listener
- And explain why you think being a good listener is important

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I consider to be an exceptional listener. I’ve known Sarah since our university days when we were roommates in our first year. Over the years, our friendship has grown stronger, largely due to her remarkable ability to listen and offer support.

What makes Sarah such a good listener is her genuine interest in understanding others. When you’re talking to her, she gives you her undivided attention, maintaining eye contact and nodding to show she’s following along. She never interrupts or rushes to give advice; instead, she allows you to express yourself fully. Sarah has a knack for asking insightful questions that help you reflect deeper on your thoughts and feelings.

I believe being a good listener is crucial in any relationship. It builds trust and understanding between people. When someone truly listens, it makes you feel valued and respected. In our fast-paced world where everyone seems to be talking over each other, having a friend who can lend an ear without judgment is incredibly precious. Good listeners like Sarah help create a safe space for open communication, which is essential for maintaining strong, meaningful relationships.”

Friend being an attentive listener in conversation

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I want to talk about my friend John, who’s a really good listener. I met John at work about three years ago, and we quickly became friends.

John is a good listener because he pays attention when I’m talking. He doesn’t look at his phone or get distracted. He also asks questions to understand better, which shows he’s interested in what I’m saying.

I think being a good listener is important because it helps people feel understood. When someone listens well, it makes the conversation better and helps build stronger friendships.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How has technology affected the way people communicate?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized communication in both positive and negative ways. On the one hand, it has made it easier to stay connected with people across long distances through video calls and instant messaging. This has been particularly valuable for maintaining relationships with friends and family who live far away. On the other hand, the constant connectivity can sometimes lead to superficial interactions and a lack of deep, meaningful conversations. There’s also the risk of misinterpretation in text-based communication, as tone and nuance can be lost. Overall, while technology has expanded our ability to communicate, it’s crucial to strike a balance and ensure we’re still fostering genuine, face-to-face connections.”

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Technology has changed how we talk to each other a lot. Now we can easily message or call people anywhere in the world, which is great for keeping in touch with friends who live far away. But sometimes people spend too much time on their phones and don’t talk face-to-face as much. I think it’s important to use technology but also to make time for real conversations with friends.”

2. Do you think listening skills can be improved? How?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe listening skills can be significantly improved with conscious effort and practice. One effective method is to practice active listening, where you focus entirely on the speaker, avoiding distractions and resisting the urge to interrupt or formulate responses while they’re talking. Another technique is to paraphrase what the speaker has said to ensure you’ve understood correctly. This not only improves comprehension but also shows the speaker you’re engaged. Additionally, developing empathy can enhance listening skills by helping you understand the speaker’s perspective and emotions. Lastly, mindfulness exercises can increase overall awareness and concentration, which naturally extends to improving one’s ability to listen attentively.”

Describe a person who has helped you achieve your goals

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Why do some people find it difficult to be good listeners?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“There are several reasons why some individuals struggle to be good listeners. Firstly, in our fast-paced, information-saturated world, many people have developed short attention spans, making it challenging to focus on one person for an extended period. Additionally, some individuals may have a strong desire to share their own opinions or experiences, leading them to interrupt or mentally prepare their response instead of fully engaging with the speaker. Ego can also play a role, with some people feeling that listening puts them in a subordinate position. Lastly, lack of empathy or limited emotional intelligence can make it difficult for some to truly understand and connect with others’ perspectives and feelings.”

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think some people find it hard to be good listeners because they’re often distracted or thinking about other things. Sometimes people are just waiting for their turn to talk instead of really listening. Also, some people might not have learned how to listen well when they were younger. It’s a skill that takes practice.”

2. How can good listening skills benefit someone in their career?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Excellent listening skills can be a significant asset in one’s career across various domains. Firstly, they enhance communication efficiency, reducing misunderstandings and errors that can cost time and resources. In leadership roles, good listeners can better understand their team’s needs and concerns, leading to improved morale and productivity. In client-facing positions, attentive listening helps in identifying customer needs more accurately, resulting in higher satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, those with strong listening skills often excel in conflict resolution and negotiation, as they can grasp different perspectives and find common ground. Lastly, good listeners tend to be more adept at learning and adapting to new information and situations, which is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving work environments.”

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Good listening skills can really help in a job. When you listen well, you understand instructions better, which means you make fewer mistakes. It’s also good for teamwork because you can understand your colleagues better. If you work with customers, being a good listener helps you know what they want. Bosses also like employees who listen well because they’re easier to work with.”

Career benefits of good listening skills

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To boost your IELTS Speaking score, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases into your responses:

1. Empathetic listener /ɪmˈpæθətɪk ˈlɪsənər/ (adj. + noun): Someone who can understand and share the feelings of others while listening.
   Example: “Sarah is an empathetic listener, always able to understand my perspective.”

2. To lend an ear /tə lend ən ɪər/ (idiom): To listen attentively and sympathetically.
   Example: “Whenever I’m going through a tough time, John is always ready to lend an ear.”

3. Active listening /ˈæktɪv ˈlɪsənɪŋ/ (noun): The practice of fully concentrating on what is being said rather than passively hearing.
   Example: “Practicing active listening has greatly improved my communication skills.”

4. To be all ears /tə bi ɔːl ɪərz/ (idiom): To be ready and eager to listen.
   Example: “When my friend has news to share, I’m always all ears.”

5. Attentive /əˈtentɪv/ (adj.): Paying close attention to something.
   Example: “His attentive nature makes him an excellent confidant.”

6. To give someone your undivided attention /tə ɡɪv ˈsʌmwʌn jɔːr ʌndɪˈvaɪdɪd əˈtenʃn/ (phrase): To focus completely on someone without any distractions.
   Example: “When we talk, she always gives me her undivided attention.”

Describe a time when you helped someone in a difficult situation

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a good listener:

1. Practice using a range of vocabulary related to listening and communication. Don’t rely on simple words like “good” or “nice” – use more sophisticated alternatives.

2. Develop your ideas fully. When explaining why being a good listener is important, provide specific examples or scenarios to illustrate your points.

3. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to demonstrate your language proficiency.

4. Work on your fluency by practicing speaking on this topic without long pauses or hesitations. Regular practice with a language partner can be very beneficial.

5. Pay attention to your pronunciation, particularly with words related to listening and communication. Clear pronunciation will help ensure the examiner understands your points fully.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about answering the question, but how you express your ideas. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your responses.

Describe a city you visited that left a strong impression on you

By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of a friend who is a good listener in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your exam!