The IELTS Speaking test is a pivotal part of the IELTS examination, evaluating your fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation. Examiners look for how well you can express your ideas naturally and effectively. One common topic that you might encounter is describing a person who is very friendly. This type of question often appears in different parts of the IELTS Speaking test, making it crucial to be well-prepared. In this guide, we will explore how to tackle this topic expertly, with detailed examples and insightful tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you simple questions to introduce the topic. Here are some common questions and suggestions on how to respond.
Common Questions
- “Can you describe a friend of yours who is very friendly?”
- “What characteristics do you think make a person friendly?”
- “How do friendly people usually behave in social situations?”
Suggested Answer
Question: Can you describe a friend of yours who is very friendly?
Answer:
Absolutely! I have a friend named Jake who epitomizes friendliness. He’s incredibly amiable and always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Jake has an uncanny ability to make people feel at ease, thanks to his warm smile and approachable demeanor. Whether it’s a casual conversation or a deep discussion, he listens attentively and genuinely cares about what others have to say. His knack for remembering small details about people’s lives and following up on them makes you feel valued and appreciated. Overall, Jake’s friendliness is infectious, and it’s hard not to feel comfortable around him.
Part 2: Cue Card
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and bullet points. You have one minute to prepare and then you need to speak for 1-2 minutes.
Cue Card Example
Describe a person who is very friendly
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- Why you think this person is friendly
And explain how this person’s friendliness has impacted you.
Answer Example
One of the friendliest people I know is a colleague of mine, Sarah. I first met Sarah when I joined my current company about two years ago. From the outset, she went out of her way to make me feel welcome, introducing me to my new coworkers and guiding me through the initial stages of my job. Sarah is not just friendly, but she’s also incredibly empathetic. She’s the type of person who remembers everyone’s birthdays, brings in treats for the office, and always has a kind word to say.
I think Sarah’s friendliness stems from her genuine interest in people. She has a remarkable ability to connect with others on a personal level, often asking about their families and hobbies. This makes everyone around her feel valued and understood.
Her friendliness has had a significant impact on me. It not only made my transition into the new job much smoother but also taught me the importance of small acts of kindness in building strong relationships. Thanks to Sarah, I’ve become more considerate and proactive in my interactions with others, which has helped me both personally and professionally.
Friendly Person
Follow-Up Questions
- “Do you think friendliness is an important quality in the workplace?”
- “How can friendly behavior influence social dynamics in a community?”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the discussion will become more abstract and two-way, with the examiner probing deeper into the topic.
Sample Discussion
Examiner: Why do you think some people are naturally more friendly than others?
Candidate: That’s an intriguing question. I believe friendliness can be attributed to a combination of personality traits and upbringing. Some individuals are naturally more outgoing and empathetic, intrinsically enjoying social interactions. Additionally, the environment one grows up in plays a critical role. Children raised in nurturing and socially active families tend to develop friendlier attributes.
Examiner: Can you think of certain professions where friendliness is particularly crucial?
Candidate: Absolutely, friendliness is paramount in professions that involve constant human interaction. For instance, in customer service and healthcare, friendliness can significantly impact the experience and satisfaction of clients and patients. Friendly professionals help create a welcoming and caring environment, which can lead to better outcomes and strengthen trust.
Vocabulary and Key Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, utilizing a rich vocabulary and complex structures is essential.
Useful Vocabulary
Amiable (/ˈeɪ.mi.ə.bəl/): friendly and pleasant
- Example: “Jake is known for his amiable personality, always ready to help others.”
Approachable (/əˈproʊ.tʃə.bəl/): friendly and easy to talk to
- Example: “Sarah’s approachable nature makes her the go-to person in our office.”
Empathetic (/ˌem.pəˈθet.ɪk/): showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Example: “Her empathetic approach comforts friends who are going through tough times.”
Key Phrases
Epitomizes friendliness: Perfectly represents the quality of being friendly.
- Example: “Jake epitomizes friendliness with his warm demeanor and helpful attitude.”
Genuine interest in people: Truly cares about others.
- Example: “Sarah’s genuine interest in people is evident in her thoughtful conversations.”
Building strong relationships: Developing meaningful connections.
- Example: “Her constant kindness plays a crucial role in building strong relationships at work.”
Conclusion
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, especially when tasked with describing a friendly person, it’s essential to practice extensively, use a range of vocabulary, and structure your responses coherently. By incorporating detailed examples and emphasizing key phrases, you can greatly improve your chances of achieving a high band score. Remember, friendliness isn’t just a characteristic but a reflection of how you engage with the world, and demonstrating this in your answers will undoubtedly impress your examiner.
For more tips on describing various scenarios in the IELTS exam, explore other helpful guides such as describe a place where you go to relax and unwind or describe a time when you received a handmade gift, which offer further insights into structuring your responses effectively.
Tips for Practice
- Record Yourself: Listen to your pronunciation and coherence.
- Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from teachers or native speakers.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice speaking within the time limits and under similar settings as the real test.
With diligent preparation and strategic practice, you can articulate your thoughts with confidence and get the score you aim for. Good luck!