Similar to describe a time when you reconnected with an old friend, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to describe relationships and emotions while showcasing advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask:
- Do you keep in touch with old friends?
- How do you usually contact your friends?
- Is it important to maintain old friendships?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I make a conscious effort to maintain connections with old friends through various channels. While social media is convenient, I prefer meaningful conversations over phone calls or in-person meetings to nurture these valuable relationships.”
People reconnecting through social media platforms
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a person you have reconnected with after a long time. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you lost touch
- How you reconnected
- How you felt about meeting them again
For those interested in describe an old friend you reconnected with, here’s a model answer:
Band 6-7 Response:
“I want to talk about my high school friend Sarah. We lost touch after graduation because we went to different universities. We reconnected through Facebook last year, and it was nice to catch up. When we met, I felt happy to see her again.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’d like to share my experience of reconnecting with my former classmate, Emma, whom I had completely lost touch with for nearly a decade. Our paths diverged when she relocated overseas for her postgraduate studies, and despite our best intentions, the geographical distance and our demanding schedules gradually eroded our communication.
Last summer, we serendipitously crossed paths at a professional conference in Singapore. The moment of recognition was absolutely surreal – we both stood there, momentarily speechless, before breaking into genuine laughter. What followed was an intense catch-up session that lasted well into the evening, where we bridged the gap of those missing years.
The experience was profoundly moving as we discovered that despite the years apart, our core connection remained intact. It was remarkably uplifting to find that some friendships truly stand the test of time.”
Two friends having an emotional reunion after years apart
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do people lose touch with their friends?
Similar to describe a song you listen to when you feel sad, this question requires emotional insight and personal reflection.
Band 8-9 Response:
“In today’s fast-paced world, people often drift apart due to various factors. The demands of modern life, including career obligations and family responsibilities, can consume our time and energy. Additionally, geographical mobility for education or work opportunities can create physical barriers to maintaining relationships. However, I believe the underlying issue often lies in not prioritizing relationship maintenance and taking friendships for granted.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- To drift apart (phrasal verb) – /drɪft əˈpɑːt/ – to gradually become less close to someone
- Serendipitous encounter (adj + noun) – /ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs ɪnˈkaʊntə/ – a fortunate accidental meeting
- To rekindle a friendship (phrase) – /riːˈkɪndl ə ˈfrendʃɪp/ – to revive a relationship
- To bridge the gap (idiom) – /brɪdʒ ðə ɡæp/ – to connect or reduce the difference between two things
Examiner’s Tips:
- Use a variety of tenses to show your grammar range
- Include specific details and personal anecdotes
- Express emotions authentically
- Maintain good fluency while incorporating advanced vocabulary
- Structure your response logically with clear progression
Like describe a place where you go to enjoy the fresh air, ensure your description is vivid and engaging while maintaining natural delivery.
