The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal relationships and experiences. One common topic is describing a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about friendships and long-distance relationships. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: How do you usually keep in touch with friends who live far away?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I usually keep in touch with distant friends through social media and messaging apps. We often exchange messages and occasionally have video calls to catch up.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I employ a variety of methods to maintain contact with friends who live far away. Primarily, I utilize social media platforms and instant messaging apps for day-to-day communication. Additionally, I make it a point to schedule regular video calls, which allow for more in-depth conversations and help maintain a stronger connection. Occasionally, I also send handwritten letters or small gifts to add a personal touch to our long-distance friendship.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met
- Why you haven’t seen each other for a long time
- How you would feel if you met this person again
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I haven’t seen in about five years. We met during our first year of university when we were assigned as roommates. We became close friends quickly and spent a lot of time together during our studies.
After graduation, Sarah got a job in another country, which is why we haven’t seen each other for so long. We’ve both been busy with our careers and lives in different places, making it difficult to meet up.
If I met Sarah again, I would feel very excited and happy. I’m sure we would have a lot to catch up on and many stories to share. It would be great to see how she’s changed and to reconnect in person after so long.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to describe my friend Alex, whom I haven’t seen in nearly a decade. We forged a close bond during our high school years, sharing a mutual passion for environmental activism and outdoor adventures.
Our initial encounter was rather serendipitous. We bumped into each other at a local climate change protest and discovered we attended the same school. From that moment on, we became inseparable, organizing eco-clubs and embarking on numerous hiking expeditions together.
The primary reason for our prolonged separation is geographical. After high school, Alex pursued his dreams of studying marine biology in Australia, while I remained in our hometown to study law. Our divergent paths, coupled with the demands of our respective careers and the sheer distance between us, have made it challenging to reunite in person.
If I were to cross paths with Alex again, I would undoubtedly be overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. There would be an initial surge of excitement and joy at seeing a familiar face after so long. I imagine we’d dive headfirst into animated conversations, bridging the gap of time with stories of our adventures and achievements. However, I also anticipate a tinge of nostalgia and perhaps even a hint of melancholy for the years we’ve missed in each other’s lives. Nonetheless, I’m confident that our shared history and common interests would allow us to rekindle our friendship seamlessly, as if no time had passed at all.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has your friend likely changed over the years?
- Do you think it’s possible to maintain the same level of friendship over a long distance?
Band 6-7 Answers:
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“Alex has probably changed quite a bit. He’s likely more knowledgeable about marine biology and may have developed new interests. His experiences in Australia have probably made him more independent and culturally aware.”
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“It can be challenging to maintain the same level of friendship over a long distance, but it’s not impossible. It requires effort from both people to stay in touch regularly and share important moments in their lives.”
Band 8-9 Answers:
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“I imagine Alex has undergone significant personal growth over the past decade. His immersion in marine biology studies and life in Australia has likely broadened his horizons considerably. He may have developed a more nuanced understanding of global environmental issues and possibly even pioneered innovative research in his field. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures in Australia might have shaped his worldview and perhaps instilled in him a more laid-back, ‘Aussie’ approach to life. However, I’m confident that his core values and passion for the environment have remained intact, serving as a foundation for his personal and professional development.”
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“Maintaining the same level of friendship over a long distance is undoubtedly challenging, but I believe it’s attainable with the right approach and mindset. It requires a concerted effort from both parties to prioritize the relationship despite physical separation. Regular communication through various channels, such as video calls, messages, and even old-fashioned letters, can help bridge the gap. It’s also crucial to share significant life events and show genuine interest in each other’s lives. That being said, it’s important to acknowledge that the nature of the friendship may evolve over time. While the frequency of interaction might decrease, the depth and quality of the connection can remain strong or even intensify, as both individuals cherish the limited time they have to connect.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How have social media and technology changed the way people maintain long-distance friendships?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Social media and technology have made it much easier to stay in touch with friends who live far away. We can now send messages instantly, share photos and videos, and even have video calls. This helps people feel more connected despite the distance. However, it can also make some people lazy about putting effort into their friendships, as they might think a quick ‘like’ or comment is enough to maintain the relationship.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The advent of social media and advanced communication technologies has revolutionized the landscape of long-distance friendships. These tools have effectively bridged geographical gaps, allowing individuals to maintain a constant presence in each other’s lives regardless of physical distance.
On the positive side, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have made it incredibly convenient to share life updates, photos, and experiences in real-time. This instant connectivity helps friends feel more involved in each other’s daily lives, fostering a sense of closeness despite being miles apart. Video calling applications, in particular, have been a game-changer, enabling face-to-face interactions that can closely mimic in-person meetings.
However, this technological ease of communication also presents some challenges. The superficial nature of many social media interactions can sometimes create an illusion of closeness without the depth of genuine connection. There’s a risk of friendships becoming passive, with individuals relying on likes and brief comments rather than engaging in meaningful conversations.
Moreover, the constant availability of information about friends’ lives can lead to a phenomenon known as ‘social media envy‘, where individuals may feel inadequate or left out based on the curated versions of life they see online.
In essence, while technology has provided powerful tools for maintaining long-distance friendships, it requires conscious effort and genuine engagement to leverage these tools effectively and nurture meaningful connections. The key lies in using technology as a means to enhance rather than replace the fundamental aspects of friendship, such as empathy, support, and shared experiences.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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To forge a bond (phrasal verb) – /fɔːrdʒ ə bɒnd/ – to form a strong relationship
Example: “We forged a strong bond during our time working on the project together.” -
Serendipitous (adjective) – /ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs/ – occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way
Example: “Our meeting was quite serendipitous; we bumped into each other at the coffee shop.” -
To rekindle (verb) – /riːˈkɪndl/ – to revive or renew
Example: “After years apart, they managed to rekindle their old friendship.” -
To bridge the gap (idiom) – /brɪdʒ ðə ɡæp/ – to connect two things or to reduce the difference between them
Example: “Regular video calls helped us bridge the gap created by the physical distance.” -
To cherish (verb) – /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ – to protect and care for someone or something lovingly
Example: “I cherish the memories we made during our school days.”
Describe a time when you attended a birthday party
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a friend you haven’t seen for a long time:
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to friendships and emotions. This demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to express complex ideas.
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Provide specific details: When describing your friend and your relationship, give concrete examples and anecdotes. This adds authenticity to your response and showcases your ability to elaborate on a topic.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the situation by discussing how the separation has affected your friendship and how you’ve both changed over time.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences, conditionals, and different tenses to display your grammatical range and accuracy.
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Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, with natural pauses and intonation. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help improve your overall fluency.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and demonstrate your language skills. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance and aim for a higher band score.