How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describing a Memorable Time with Friends

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and relationships. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a memorable time spent with friends. This article will provide you with valuable insights and sample answers to help you excel in this type of question.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about friendship and social activities. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy spending time with friends?
2. How often do you meet up with your friends?
3. What activities do you usually do with your friends?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Well, I enjoy a variety of activities with my friends. We often get together for meals, either at restaurants or cooking at someone’s home. Additionally, we like to catch up over coffee or go for walks in the park. On weekends, we sometimes plan day trips to nearby towns or engage in outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. Occasionally, we also attend cultural events such as concerts or art exhibitions together.”

Describe a meal you had with friends for more ideas on discussing social gatherings with friends.

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe a memorable time you spent with your friends

You should say:
- When and where it happened
- Who you were with
- What you did together
- And explain why it was memorable for you

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a memorable time I spent with my friends last summer. It was a weekend camping trip to a nearby lake. I went with three of my closest friends from university – John, Sarah, and Mike.

We arrived at the campsite on Friday evening and set up our tents. The next day, we went hiking in the morning and then had a barbecue for lunch. In the afternoon, we went swimming in the lake and played some beach volleyball. In the evening, we sat around the campfire, roasted marshmallows, and shared stories.

This trip was memorable because it was the first time we had all gone camping together. We had a lot of fun and got to know each other better. The beautiful scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the lake made it even more special. It was a great way to relax and forget about our studies for a while.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount a truly unforgettable experience I shared with my friends last summer. It was a meticulously planned weekend camping expedition to a picturesque lake nestled in the mountains, about a three-hour drive from our city. I embarked on this adventure with three of my closest confidants from university – John, Sarah, and Mike.

We set off on Friday afternoon, arriving at the campsite just as the sun was beginning to set. We efficiently pitched our tents and set up our base camp. The following day was filled with a plethora of activities. We began with an invigorating hike through the surrounding forest, marveling at the diverse flora and fauna. Upon our return, we prepared a sumptuous barbecue lunch, showcasing our culinary skills. The afternoon was spent frolicking in the crystal-clear waters of the lake and engaging in a rather competitive game of beach volleyball.

As dusk fell, we gathered around a crackling campfire, toasting marshmallows and regaling each other with anecdotes from our past and aspirations for the future. The night sky, unpolluted by city lights, provided a breathtaking backdrop of stars.

This expedition stands out in my memory for several reasons. Firstly, it marked our inaugural camping trip as a group, allowing us to bond in a completely new environment. The serene beauty of nature surrounding us served as a stark contrast to our usual urban setting, providing a much-needed respite from academic pressures. Moreover, the trip fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s strengths and quirks. It was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and camaraderie that has etched itself indelibly in my mind.”

Follow-up questions:

1. What made this experience different from other times you’ve spent with friends?
2. How do you think such experiences strengthen friendships?

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):

“I firmly believe that shared experiences like this camping trip play a crucial role in fortifying friendships. Firstly, they provide an opportunity for friends to step out of their comfort zones and face challenges together, which can foster trust and mutual reliance. In our case, setting up camp and navigating the hiking trails required teamwork and communication, strengthening our bond.

Moreover, these experiences create shared memories that friends can reminisce about for years to come, serving as a foundation for inside jokes and nostalgic conversations. The uninterrupted quality time spent together allows for deeper, more meaningful conversations that might not occur in day-to-day interactions.

Additionally, being in a new environment often brings out different aspects of people’s personalities. Seeing friends in various situations – whether it’s problem-solving during a hike or sharing stories by the campfire – can lead to a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of each other.

Lastly, overcoming challenges or simply enjoying positive experiences together can create a sense of collective achievement, further cementing the connection between friends. In essence, these shared adventures become the building blocks of lasting, robust friendships.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

1. How have friendships changed in the digital age?
2. What role do you think shared experiences play in maintaining friendships?
3. Do you think it’s possible to have close friends from different cultural backgrounds?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe friendships have undergone significant changes in the digital age. On one hand, social media and messaging apps have made it easier to stay in touch with friends, especially those who live far away. We can share updates, photos, and experiences instantly, which helps maintain connections.

However, there are also drawbacks. Some people argue that digital communication has led to more superficial friendships, with less face-to-face interaction. There’s a risk of spending more time curating our online presence than nurturing real-world relationships.

Despite these challenges, I think the digital age has also created new opportunities for friendship. Online communities allow people to connect with others who share their interests, regardless of geographical boundaries. This can lead to meaningful friendships that might not have been possible in the past.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The digital age has undeniably revolutionized the landscape of friendships in myriad ways. On the positive side, social media platforms and instant messaging apps have drastically reduced the barriers of distance and time, enabling us to maintain connections with friends across the globe with unprecedented ease. This constant connectivity allows for the sharing of life’s moments, both significant and mundane, fostering a sense of ongoing involvement in each other’s lives.

However, this digital revolution is not without its pitfalls. There’s a growing concern that the quality of interactions has been compromised in favor of quantity. The ease of digital communication may lead to a superficial exchange of information rather than deep, meaningful conversations. Moreover, the curated nature of social media profiles can create unrealistic expectations and even feelings of inadequacy among friends.

Another notable shift is the blurring of boundaries between different social circles. In the past, we might have had distinct groups of friends from various aspects of our lives. Now, these groups often converge on social media platforms, leading to a more interconnected but potentially more complex social dynamic.

Despite these challenges, the digital age has also opened up new avenues for friendship formation. Online communities and interest groups have made it possible to forge connections based on shared passions and ideologies, transcending geographical and cultural barriers. These digital platforms can serve as a springboard for friendships that eventually transition into the real world.

In conclusion, while the digital age has undoubtedly altered the fabric of friendships, it’s crucial to strike a balance between leveraging technology to enhance connections and preserving the depth and authenticity of traditional face-to-face interactions. The key lies in using digital tools to supplement rather than supplant real-world relationships.”

Friends using smartphones while together

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Unforgettable experience /ʌnfəˈɡetəbl ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ (adj. + noun): An event or occurrence that cannot be forgotten.
   Example: “The concert was an unforgettable experience that I’ll cherish forever.”

2. Picturesque /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ (adj.): Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
   Example: “We stayed in a picturesque village in the countryside.”

3. To embark on /ɪmˈbɑːk ɒn/ (phrasal verb): To start or begin a journey or new experience.
   Example: “We embarked on our adventure early in the morning.”

4. Plethora /ˈpleθərə/ (noun): A large or excessive amount of something.
   Example: “The festival offered a plethora of activities for all ages.”

5. To foster /ˈfɒstə/ (verb): To encourage or promote the development of something.
   Example: “These group activities foster teamwork and cooperation.”

6. Stark contrast /stɑːk ˈkɒntrɑːst/ (noun phrase): A very obvious or noticeable difference.
   Example: “The modern building stood in stark contrast to the historic architecture around it.”

7. To etch indelibly /etʃ ɪnˈdelɪbli/ (verb phrase): To impress or fix permanently in one’s memory.
   Example: “The breathtaking landscape etched itself indelibly in our minds.”

Describe a memorable day from your childhood for more ideas on discussing significant past experiences.

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

1. Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to practice speaking English, even if it’s just talking to yourself in the mirror.

2. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.

3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your ideas.

4. Work on your fluency: Try to speak smoothly without long pauses. It’s okay to use fillers like “well” or “you know” occasionally, but don’t overuse them.

5. Pay attention to pronunciation: Practice pronouncing difficult words and focus on stress and intonation.

6. Stay on topic: Make sure your answers are relevant to the question asked. It’s okay to briefly mention related ideas, but always bring your response back to the main point.

7. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, don’t memorize answers. Examiners can tell if you’re reciting a rehearsed speech.

8. Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to describe memorable experiences with friends in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.