The IELTS Speaking Test is a vital component of the IELTS examination that assesses your English-speaking skills. The test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I will provide you with insights into what examiners are looking for and how you can impress them with your responses. In this guide, we’ll focus on one common topic: “Describe A Person Who Is A Good Friend.”
I. Introduction
In the IELTS Speaking Test, Examiners assess various criteria such as Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Among the common topics that frequently appear, describing a person is one of the popular ones. This guide will lead you through potential questions, detailed sample answers, and tips to help you excel.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions Examiners Might Ask
- Can you tell me about your best friend?
- How often do you see your friends?
- What do you usually do with your friends?
Sample Question and Answer
Question: Can you tell me about your best friend?
Answer: Sure! My best friend is John. He is someone who is always there for me, no matter what. We first met in high school, and since then, we’ve been inseparable. John is not only reliable but also very entertaining. He always knows how to make me laugh, even when I am feeling down. We share a lot of common interests, such as playing basketball and video games, which makes our bond even stronger.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is a good friend. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met this person
- What kinds of things you do together
- And explain why you think this person is a good friend
Sample Answer
I would like to describe my best friend Sarah. I first met Sarah during my first year at university. We were both enrolled in the same English literature class, and from the very first day, we hit it off. We have been great friends ever since.
Sarah is someone who is incredibly understanding and supportive. Whenever I face any challenges, she is always there to lend a helping hand or just listen to my concerns. We often spend time together doing various activities. We both enjoy hiking, going to the movies, and trying out new cafes in town.
One of the many reasons I regard Sarah as a good friend is her genuine kindness and willingness to help others. She has taught me a lot about being empathetic and resilient. Sarah’s positive attitude and unwavering friendship have greatly impacted my life, and I am truly grateful to have her as a friend.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers
Examiner: Why do you think some friendships last for many years while others do not?
Answer: Friendships that last for many years are usually built on a strong foundation of trust, mutual respect, and shared values. Communication and understanding are crucial. When both parties are willing to invest time and effort into the relationship, it tends to endure. Conversely, friendships that are based merely on convenience or temporary interests may fade away once the common ground is lost or when life circumstances change.
Examiner: How has the way people make friends changed in recent years?
Answer: The advent of social media and digital communication has significantly changed the way people make friends. In the past, people often met and formed friendships through physical interactions at schools, workplaces, or community gatherings. Nowadays, it’s common to make friends through online platforms and social media networks. This has both advantages and disadvantages. While it allows for a wider network of friends and the ability to stay connected regardless of distance, it may sometimes lead to superficial relationships that lack depth and genuine connection.
A Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve a High IELTS Speaking Score
Important Vocabulary and Phrases:
-
Inseparable (adjective): Always together.
- Example: “We have been inseparable since we first met in high school.”
-
Empathetic (adjective): Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: “Sarah is incredibly empathetic, always listening to my concerns.”
-
Foundation (noun): The basis or groundwork of anything.
- Example: “Friendships that last are built on a strong foundation of trust.”
-
Advent (noun): The arrival or creation of something.
- Example: “The advent of social media has changed how we make friends.”
Useful Grammatical Structures:
- Present Perfect Tense: “We have been great friends ever since.”
- Comparative Structures: “While it allows for a wider network of friends, it may lead to superficial relationships.”
- Complex Sentences: “Friendships that last for many years are usually built on a strong foundation of trust, mutual respect, and shared values.”
Friendship Journey
III. Examiner’s Advice for Speaking Practice
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Practice with friends, record yourself, and evaluate your performance.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Read books, articles, and watch English media to enhance your lexical resource.
- Work on Pronunciation: Pay attention to your pronunciation and work on stress, rhythm, and intonation.
- Engage in Mock Tests: Simulate the speaking test environment to build confidence and improve your fluency and coherence.
By following these tips and making use of the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you can significantly improve your speaking skills and perform well in the IELTS Speaking Test.
For more guidance on describing people and effective communication in IELTS, you can check out these related topics: Describe a person who is good at making friends, Describe a person who is very good at communicating, and Describe a place where you like to spend your evenings.
