The IELTS Speaking exam is a vital part of the IELTS test, assessing your English proficiency in a range of situations. The examiner will evaluate your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. The topic “Describe a person who is good at making friends” is commonly encountered in the exam, particularly in Part 2. This article will provide you with sample answers, tips, and an in-depth analysis to help you excel in your Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner asks general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
Common Questions:
- Can you describe your hometown?
- What are your hobbies and interests?
- Do you prefer to spend time with your family or friends?
Sample Answer for Question 3:
“I usually prefer spending time with my friends because we have a lot of common interests, like playing badminton and watching movies. However, I also value quality time with my family, especially during holidays and special occasions. Balancing time between both is crucial for me.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is good at making friends. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do to make friends
- And explain why you think they are good at making friends.
Sample Answer:
“One person who is exceptionally good at making friends is my colleague, Sarah. I met her at my workplace about two years ago. Sarah has this infectious positivity that makes everyone feel comfortable and valued in her presence.
What stands out most about Sarah is her genuine interest in other people. She always remembers small details about their lives, which makes others feel special and appreciated. Moreover, Sarah is always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support whenever needed, which builds strong and trustworthy bonds quickly.
Additionally, her communication skills are excellent. She knows how to keep a conversation going by asking open-ended questions and sharing her own stories in a balanced manner. Sarah’s ability to listen attentively and empathize with others is truly remarkable.
These qualities make Sarah an exceptional friend-maker. She not only initiates friendships easily but also maintains them through her consistent interactions and sincere intentions.”
Additional Questions (Bullet Points):
- How important is it to have many friends?
- Can making friends be learned or is it an inherent ability?
Sample Answers:
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“Having many friends can be incredibly beneficial as it provides a wider support network and different perspectives. However, the depth of friendship is also crucial, as having a few close friends can offer stronger emotional support than numerous acquaintances.”
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“I believe that making friends is a skill that can be learned and developed through practice. While some people may have an inherent talent for it, others can improve by learning effective communication techniques and being more empathetic.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions:
- How does technology influence friendships?
- What role do social events play in building friendships?
- Can people from different generations be good friends?
Sample Answers:
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“Technology has significantly influenced how we form and maintain friendships. Social media platforms allow us to stay connected with friends from all over the world, but they might also reduce face-to-face interactions, which are essential for building strong bonds.”
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“Social events play a crucial role in building friendships as they provide opportunities for people to meet and interact in a relaxed setting. These events can help break the ice and create shared experiences, which are vital for forming lasting friendships.”
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“People from different generations can certainly be good friends. Such friendships can be mutually enriching, offering different perspectives and learning opportunities. The key is respect and open-mindedness towards each other’s experiences and viewpoints.”
Key Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some important vocabulary and structures that can help elevate your speaking response:
- Infectious positivity: (adj + noun) khả năng lan tỏa năng lượng tích cực
- Lend a helping hand: (idiom) giúp đỡ
- Communication skills: (noun phrase) kỹ năng giao tiếp
- Empathy: (noun) sự thấu cảm
- Inherent talent: (adj + noun) tài năng bẩm sinh
- Support network: (noun phrase) mạng lưới hỗ trợ
Example in Context:
“Sarah’s inherent talent for making friends is further amplified by her excellent communication skills and genuine empathy.”
Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps in developing fluency and coherence.
- Enhance Vocabulary: Learn and use advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Work on Pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation can significantly boost your score.
- Stay Relaxed: Being calm helps you think clearly and respond more effectively.
- Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the question to give well-structured and relevant responses.
By integrating these strategies and using the provided sample answers, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly around the topic “Describe a person who is good at making friends.” For further practice, you might find it beneficial to review other related topics like “Describe a person who is an expert in their field” or “Describe a person who is a good problem solver.”