The topic “Describe a person you like to spend time with” is a common and recurring theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to describe people, express personal preferences, and discuss relationships. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about people you spend time with. Here are a few potential questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy spending time with other people?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I’m quite a sociable person and I thrive on human interaction. While I do appreciate some alone time for reflection and personal pursuits, I find that spending quality time with others, whether it’s friends, family, or even new acquaintances, really energizes me and adds richness to my life. It’s through these interactions that I often gain new perspectives and create lasting memories.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person you like to spend time with
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What you usually do together
- And explain why you like to spend time with this person
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“The person I’d like to talk about is my best friend, Sarah. We’ve known each other since high school, where we met in our English literature class. We quickly bonded over our shared love of books and poetry.
We usually spend time together on weekends, often meeting up at our favorite coffee shop. We enjoy long conversations about books we’ve read, sharing recommendations, and discussing our lives. Sometimes, we go for walks in the park or attend local book events together.
I like spending time with Sarah because she’s a great listener and always has interesting insights to share. She has a good sense of humor and can make me laugh even when I’m feeling down. We have similar interests, which makes our conversations engaging and fun.
Sarah is also very supportive and encouraging. Whenever I’m facing challenges, she’s always there to offer advice or just lend an ear. I feel I can be completely myself around her, which is really important to me in a friendship.
In summary, Sarah is someone I truly enjoy being around because of our shared interests, her supportive nature, and the genuine connection we have.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to elaborate on my grandfather, whom I absolutely adore spending time with. He’s a sprightly octogenarian with a wealth of knowledge and a zest for life that’s truly infectious.
Our relationship blossomed when I was in my teens and began to appreciate the value of his life experiences. Now, we make it a point to get together at least once a week, usually at his cozy home filled with books and memories.
Our time together is often spent in engaging conversations about history, philosophy, and current events. He has an uncanny ability to draw parallels between past events and contemporary issues, which never fails to broaden my perspective. We also enjoy tending to his small vegetable garden, where he imparts practical wisdom about patience and nurturing growth.
What draws me to spending time with my grandfather is his remarkable blend of wisdom and curiosity. Despite his vast knowledge, he’s always eager to learn about new technologies or modern trends from me. His open-mindedness and willingness to adapt are truly inspiring.
Moreover, his storytelling prowess is unparalleled. He has a knack for bringing historical events to life through personal anecdotes and vivid descriptions. These stories not only entertain but also instill in me a deeper appreciation for my family history and cultural heritage.
In essence, every moment spent with my grandfather is an opportunity for personal growth and meaningful connection. His influence on my life is profound, shaping my values and worldview in ways that I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: “Has your relationship with this person changed over time?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. Our relationship has evolved significantly over the years. As I’ve matured, our interactions have become more nuanced and multifaceted. While he’s always been a source of wisdom, I find that now we engage in more substantive debates and exchange ideas on a more equal footing. This evolution has deepened our bond and made our time together even more enriching.”
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important to spend time with people from different generations?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Undoubtedly. Intergenerational interactions are incredibly valuable for fostering mutual understanding and bridging generational gaps. They provide a unique opportunity to gain diverse perspectives, challenge our own preconceptions, and cultivate empathy. Such relationships can be mutually beneficial, with younger generations offering fresh insights and technological know-how, while older generations share wisdom and historical context.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “In your opinion, what qualities make someone a good person to spend time with?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think there are several important qualities that make someone good to spend time with. Firstly, they should be a good listener and show interest in what you have to say. It’s also important that they have a sense of humor and can make you laugh.
Another key quality is reliability – you want to be able to count on them to show up when they say they will. It’s also nice if you share some common interests, as this can lead to enjoyable conversations and activities.
Lastly, I believe a good person to spend time with should be supportive and understanding. They should be there for you during both good and bad times, offering encouragement or comfort as needed.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“In my view, the qualities that make someone exceptional company are multifaceted and interconnected. Foremost among these is emotional intelligence – the ability to perceive, understand, and manage both their own emotions and those of others. This quality underpins many other desirable traits, such as empathy, active listening, and the capacity to provide thoughtful insights.
Intellectual curiosity is another crucial attribute. Someone who is genuinely interested in learning about various subjects and exploring new ideas can stimulate engaging discussions and broaden one’s horizons. This curiosity often goes hand in hand with open-mindedness, allowing for respectful exchanges of diverse viewpoints.
Authenticity is also paramount. A person who is true to themselves and transparent in their interactions fosters trust and deeper connections. This authenticity often manifests in a genuine interest in others’ well-being and a willingness to be vulnerable.
Lastly, a good sense of humor and the ability to find joy in everyday situations can make interactions more enjoyable and help navigate challenging times. This doesn’t necessarily mean being the life of the party, but rather having the capacity to lighten the mood and maintain a positive outlook.
Ultimately, the ideal person to spend time with possesses a balance of these qualities, creating an environment of mutual growth, support, and enjoyment.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Sociable /ˈsəʊʃəbl/ (adjective): Enjoying spending time with other people.
Example: “I consider myself quite sociable and enjoy meeting new people.” -
Thrive on (phrasal verb): To enjoy or be successful in a particular situation.
Example: “She thrives on social interaction and always looks forward to gatherings.” -
Zest for life (idiom): Great enthusiasm, energy, and excitement for living.
Example: “His zest for life is contagious; he makes every day an adventure.” -
Infectious /ɪnˈfekʃəs/ (adjective): (Of a feeling, attitude, etc.) Likely to spread to and affect others.
Example: “Her enthusiasm for the project was infectious, motivating the entire team.” -
Draw parallels (phrase): To show that two or more things are similar or related.
Example: “The professor often draws parallels between historical events and current affairs.” -
Broaden one’s perspective (phrase): To expand one’s understanding or viewpoint.
Example: “Traveling has really helped broaden my perspective on different cultures.” -
Impart /ɪmˈpɑːt/ (verb): To communicate or transmit (information, knowledge, etc.).
Example: “Grandparents often impart valuable life lessons to their grandchildren.” -
Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.
Example: “Her research has had a profound impact on our understanding of climate change.”
Tips from an Examiner
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Practice regularly: Engage in conversations on various topics to improve fluency and confidence.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of descriptive words and idiomatic expressions.
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Structure your answers: Use clear organization in your responses, especially for Part 2.
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Provide specific examples: Support your points with personal experiences or observations.
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Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the topic through your tone and body language.
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Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question fully before answering.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers; elaborate and explain your thoughts.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures: Showcase your language skills by using complex sentences and different tenses.
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Stay on topic: While it’s good to elaborate, ensure your answers remain relevant to the question.
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Be authentic: Share your genuine thoughts and experiences rather than trying to give “perfect” answers.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to communicate effectively and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.
For more insights on IELTS Speaking topics, you might find it helpful to describe a person who has influenced your lifestyle. Additionally, to broaden your vocabulary and practice describing different scenarios, consider exploring how to describe a memorable experience you had in the countryside or describe a place where you go to enjoy the fresh air. These exercises can help you become more versatile in your speaking skills and prepare you for a wide range of potential topics in the IELTS Speaking test.