Mastering the Art of Describing a Friend Who Shares Your Interests in IELTS Speaking

Describing a friend who shares your interests is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal experiences. In recent years, this topic has frequently appeared in IELTS Speaking exams across various countries, including India, China, and Vietnam. Given its relevance to everyday life, it’s likely to remain a popular subject in future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about friendship and shared interests. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you have many friends who share your interests?
2. How important is it to have friends with similar hobbies?
3. What activities do you enjoy doing with your friends?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you have many friends who share your interests?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Well, I’d say I have quite a diverse group of friends, but there are definitely a few who share my passion for outdoor activities and photography. We often plan weekend trips together to explore new hiking trails and capture stunning landscapes. It’s great to have friends who appreciate the same things and can relate to my enthusiasm for these hobbies.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a friend who shares your interests.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you met
• What interests you share
• And explain why you enjoy spending time with this person

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known for about five years now. We first crossed paths at a local photography club meeting, where we both attended a workshop on landscape photography techniques.

From the moment we started chatting, it was clear that we shared a deep passion for capturing nature’s beauty through our lenses. We both have an eye for unique compositions and love experimenting with different lighting conditions to create captivating images.

Besides photography, Sarah and I discovered that we’re both avid hikers. We often embark on weekend adventures, exploring new trails and seeking out picturesque spots for our photo shoots. It’s remarkable how our shared interests complement each other so well.

What I truly appreciate about spending time with Sarah is her infectious enthusiasm. She always pushes me to try new techniques and step out of my comfort zone. Whether we’re discussing the latest camera gear or planning our next hiking expedition, our conversations are always engaging and inspiring.

Moreover, Sarah has a great sense of humor and an adventurous spirit that makes our outings incredibly enjoyable. We can spend hours trekking through rugged terrain, laughing and sharing stories, all while keeping an eye out for the perfect shot.

In essence, our shared interests in photography and hiking have forged a strong bond between us. It’s refreshing to have a friend who not only understands my passions but also encourages me to grow and improve in these areas.

Friends sharing interests in photography and hiking

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How has your friendship evolved over time?
2. Do you think having shared interests is essential for a strong friendship?

Sample answers:

1. (Band 7-8) Our friendship has definitely deepened over the years. As we’ve spent more time together, we’ve developed a strong sense of trust and understanding. We’ve also broadened our shared interests, exploring new aspects of photography and even taking up rock climbing together. It’s been rewarding to see how our bond has strengthened through our shared experiences and mutual support.

2. (Band 8-9) While shared interests can certainly provide a solid foundation for friendship, I don’t believe they’re absolutely essential. What’s more important, in my opinion, is mutual respect and genuine care for each other. That being said, having common interests undoubtedly enhances a friendship by providing shared experiences and topics for conversation. It can also lead to personal growth as friends inspire and challenge each other in their shared pursuits.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think technology has affected the way people make friends with similar interests?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Technology has undeniably revolutionized the way people connect with like-minded individuals. Social media platforms and interest-based online communities have made it infinitely easier for people to find others who share their passions, regardless of geographical boundaries.

For instance, platforms like Instagram and Flickr have created global communities of photography enthusiasts, allowing them to share their work, exchange tips, and even organize meetups. Similarly, apps like Meetup have facilitated the formation of local interest groups, enabling people to connect over shared hobbies in person.

However, it’s worth noting that while technology has expanded our opportunities for making connections, it’s also important to cultivate these relationships beyond the digital realm. The most meaningful friendships often develop when online interactions translate into real-world experiences and deeper personal connections.

Examiner: Do you think having friends with different interests is important? Why or why not?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Yes, I believe having friends with diverse interests is incredibly valuable. While it’s great to have friends who share our passions, friendships with people who have different interests can broaden our horizons and expose us to new experiences.

These friendships can challenge our perspectives and encourage us to step out of our comfort zones. For example, I have a friend who’s really into classical music, which wasn’t something I was particularly interested in before. Through our friendship, I’ve gained a new appreciation for this genre and even attended a few concerts.

Moreover, having friends with varied interests can lead to personal growth and help us develop a more well-rounded personality. It teaches us to appreciate different viewpoints and can even spark new interests that we might not have discovered otherwise.

Diverse friend group engaging in shared activities

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To hit it off (phrasal verb) – /tə hɪt ɪt ɒf/ – to get along well with someone immediately
   Example: Sarah and I hit it off right away due to our shared love for photography.

2. Like-minded (adjective) – /laɪk ˈmaɪndɪd/ – having similar tastes, attitudes, or interests
   Example: It’s great to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate nature.

3. To have a lot in common (phrase) – /tə hæv ə lɒt ɪn ˈkɒmən/ – to share many similarities or interests
   Example: Despite our age difference, we found we had a lot in common, especially our passion for hiking.

4. To bond over (phrasal verb) – /tə bɒnd ˈəʊvə/ – to form a connection with someone because of a shared interest or experience
   Example: We quickly bonded over our mutual love for landscape photography.

5. Kindred spirit (noun) – /ˈkɪndrɪd ˈspɪrɪt/ – a person whose interests or attitudes are similar to one’s own
   Example: In Sarah, I found a kindred spirit who shares my enthusiasm for outdoor adventures.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a friend who shares your interests:

1. Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to make your response more engaging.
2. Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points and demonstrate your ability to communicate fluently.
3. Practice speaking about your interests and friendships regularly to improve your confidence and fluency.
4. Focus on developing your ideas fully, explaining not just what you share in common but also how these shared interests impact your friendship.
5. Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation, as these factors contribute to your overall speaking score.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate naturally and confidently while showcasing your English language skills. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic and describe a person who motivates you to learn new things in your IELTS Speaking exam.