The IELTS Speaking test evaluates a range of abilities such as fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. One popular subject in Part 2 is describing a person you would like to be friends with. This type of question not only helps examiners judge your descriptive skills but also your ability to elaborate on common human attributes, making it a versatile topic. Mastering this can help you excel in your speaking test.
II. Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiners might ask a variety of questions to gauge your fluency and ability to articulate ideas clearly.
Sample Question: “Can you describe your ideal friend?”
Suggested Answer:
“My ideal friend would be someone who is compassionate, reliable, and has a great sense of humor. Compassion is important because it shows they care about others. Reliability ensures that I can count on them in times of need. Lastly, a good sense of humor makes any situation enjoyable and less stressful.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person you would like to be friends with. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What this person does
- And explain why you would like to be friends with this person
Suggested Answer:
I would like to be friends with Emma Watson, the renowned actress and activist. I first came to know about her through the Harry Potter movies, where she played the character of Hermione Granger. Emma is not only an accomplished actress but also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.
One of the qualities that stand out most about Emma is her intellect and eloquence. She delivered a remarkable speech at the United Nations as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, which really inspired me. Aside from her activism, she has also demonstrated a lot of resilience and dedication, balancing her acting career with strong academic achievements.
I believe having a friend like Emma would be immensely rewarding. Her advocacy work has had a significant impact globally, and I think I could learn a lot from her. Moreover, her ability to move seamlessly between her roles as an activist and an actress is incredibly impressive. Being friends with her would not only provide me with invaluable insights but also inspire me to strive for better in my own endeavors.
Additional Bullet Points:
- Have you met this person in real life?
- Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to meet her in person. However, I have followed her work closely and greatly admire her.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2 to evaluate your critical thinking and the ability to express complex ideas.
Examiner Question: “What qualities do you think make someone a good role model?”
Suggested Answer:
In my opinion, a good role model should possess qualities such as integrity, compassion, and perseverance. Integrity is vital, as it ensures that the person is truthful and trustworthy. Compassion makes them empathetic and considerate towards others, and perseverance highlights their determination and ability to overcome obstacles.
Examiner Question: “Do you think celebrities can have a positive effect on the public?”
Suggested Answer:
Absolutely, I think celebrities have a massive platform that can be used to influence the public positively. For example, many celebrities advocate for important social issues like environmental conservation, mental health awareness, and gender equality. They can bring attention to these causes and drive significant societal changes.
Vocabulary and Phrases to Achieve High Scores
-
Compassionate /kəmˈpæʃənət/ (adj.) – showing sympathy and concern for others.
Example: “She is a compassionate person who always helps those in need.” -
Reliable /rɪˈlaɪə.bəl/ (adj.) – consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
Example: “He is a reliable friend who I can always count on.” -
Articulate /ɑːˈtɪk.jə.lət/ (adj.) – having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently.
Example: “She is very articulate, making her points clearly and persuasively.” -
Advocate /ˈæd.və.keɪt/ (noun) – a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
Example: “He is an advocate for mental health awareness.” -
Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.jəns/ (noun) – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Her resilience helped her overcome many personal challenges.”
III. Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to:
- Practice Regularly: Use a variety of topics, especially common ones like describing a person you admire.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learning synonyms and using more advanced vocabulary can significantly boost your score.
- Stay Coherent: Ensure your answers are well-structured and your ideas flow logically from one to the next.
- Fluency Over Perfection: Focus on speaking fluently and naturally, rather than stressing over grammatical errors.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a friend, mentor, or tutor who can provide constructive criticism.
By practicing consistently and improving your vocabulary and fluency, you can confidently tackle any question the examiner might throw your way. Good luck with your IELTS Speaking test!
For more IELTS related tips, you might find these articles helpful: Describe a time when you were proud of yourself, Describe a friend you like to spend time with.