The IELTS Speaking test evaluates candidates on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Describing a person who is good at making friends is a common topic that can appear in your test. This guide will help you prepare for such a question by providing sample answers, key vocabulary, and useful tips, ensuring you can impress the examiner and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1:
- Can you describe your best friend?
- Do you find it easy to make new friends?
- What qualities do you think are important in a friend?
Sample Answer for a Common Question
Examiner: Can you describe your best friend?
Candidate: Sure! My best friend is named Alex. He is incredibly sociable and has a knack for making everyone feel welcome and valued. His genuine interest in people and his confident, yet humble personality makes it easy for him to form bonds quickly. His ability to listen attentively and offer thoughtful advice has helped me through many difficult times, making him not just a friend but a true confidant.
Part 2: The Long Turn
Cue Card Example
Describe a person who is very good at making friends:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to make friends
- And explain why you think this person is so good at making friends
Sample Answer
Candidate: I’d like to talk about my colleague, Nina. I first met her at a company training event about two years ago. From the moment she walked into the room, she exuded warmth and approachability. Nina has a unique way of connecting with people; she remembers small details about everyone’s lives and follows up with genuine interest. She often organizes coffee breaks and team-building activities, where she makes it a point to engage with new hires and help them feel integrated. What truly sets her apart is her empathetic nature. She listens without judging and offers her support unconditionally, creating an environment where trust can flourish. I think Nina’s ability to be genuinely interested in others and her consistent effort to maintain relationships are what make her so adept at making friends.
Making Friends
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions:
- Why do you think some people are better at making friends than others?
- Do you believe that technology has affected how people make friends?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of having many friends?
Sample Answers
Examiner: Why do you think some people are better at making friends than others?
Candidate: I believe it comes down to a combination of personality traits and social skills. People who are extroverted tend to be more outgoing and comfortable in social settings, which naturally helps them form connections. Additionally, those who possess strong emotional intelligence can read social cues better and respond in ways that foster relationships. Being good at listening, showing empathy, and displaying authenticity are key skills that enable some people to bond faster and more deeply with others.
Examiner: Do you believe that technology has affected how people make friends?
Candidate: Absolutely. Technology, especially social media, has transformed how we make and maintain friendships. On the one hand, it has made it easier to stay in touch with people from all over the world, broadening our social networks. On the other hand, it can sometimes lead to superficial interactions, where the depth of connection is compromised. Additionally, excessive reliance on virtual communication may hinder the development of face-to-face social skills.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Important Vocabulary:
- Sociable /ˈsəʊʃəbl/: friendly and willing to engage with other people.
- Approachability /əˌprəʊʧəˈbɪlɪti/: the quality of being easy to talk to or deal with.
- Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Authenticity /ɔːˌθɛntɪˈsɪti/: the quality of being genuine or real.
- Emotional Intelligence /ɪˌməʊʃənl ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/: the ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions and those of others.
Example Sentences:
- Sociable: “Nina is incredibly sociable, making new friends wherever she goes.”
- Approachability: “Her genuine smile and approachability make people feel comfortable around her.”
- Empathy: “His empathy allows him to connect deeply with others and understand their issues.”
- Authenticity: “People are drawn to her because of her authenticity and genuine interest in their lives.”
- Emotional Intelligence: “He has high emotional intelligence, which helps him navigate complex social situations effectively.”
Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Be Fluent and Coherent: Practice speaking for extended periods on various topics to increase your fluency. Ensure your speech has a logical flow and is not fragmented.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary to express your ideas. Avoid repetition and incorporate synonyms.
- Use Complex Sentences: Demonstrate your grammatical range by using different structures such as relative clauses and conditional sentences.
- Work on Pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation is critical. Pay attention to intonation and stress.
- Practice Regularly: Record yourself speaking, then listen and make note of areas for improvement. Practice with a partner or a native speaker to refine your skills.
Remember: For topics like describing someone who is good at making friends, focus on positive personality traits, relevant anecdotes, and clear examples to substantiate your points.