When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to have a variety of personal experiences ready to discuss. One topic that often appears is describing a time when you gave up something important for a friend. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and reflect on personal relationships. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and impress your examiner.
Describe a piece of advice that changed your perspective can be another challenging topic in IELTS Speaking. However, today we’ll focus on discussing sacrifices for friends, which requires similar skills in storytelling and reflection.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about friendship and sacrifices. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
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Do you think it’s important to make sacrifices for friends?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Absolutely. I believe that making sacrifices for friends is a crucial aspect of building strong, lasting relationships. It demonstrates genuine care and commitment, which are fundamental to true friendship. However, it’s also important to maintain a balance and ensure that sacrifices don’t become one-sided or detrimental to one’s own well-being.”
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Have you ever given up something for a friend?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “Yes, I have. In fact, I recall a particularly significant instance where I gave up an opportunity to attend a prestigious summer program abroad to support a friend going through a difficult time. It was a tough decision, but ultimately, I felt it was the right thing to do, and it strengthened our bond considerably.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you gave up something important for a friend.
You should say:
- What you gave up
- Why you gave it up
- Who the friend was
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a time when I gave up my favorite gaming console for my childhood friend, Tom. It happened about three years ago when Tom was going through a tough time after his parents’ divorce. He was feeling really down and isolated.
I knew how much he enjoyed playing video games, so I decided to lend him my gaming console. It wasn’t an easy decision because I really loved playing games myself, especially after a long day at school. But I felt that Tom needed it more than I did at that time.
Tom and I had been friends since elementary school, and we’d always been there for each other. Seeing him struggle made me want to do something to help lift his spirits.
At first, I felt a bit sad about not having my console, but knowing that it was helping Tom feel better made it worthwhile. It actually made me feel good about myself, knowing that I could make a small sacrifice to help a friend in need.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to recount a pivotal moment in my life when I made the decision to forgo a highly anticipated study abroad opportunity in order to support my best friend, Sarah, through a critical period in her life.
The opportunity I relinquished was a semester-long exchange program at a prestigious university in the United States. It was a chance I had been meticulously preparing for, as it aligned perfectly with my academic aspirations and would have significantly bolstered my resume.
However, just weeks before my departure, Sarah’s mother was diagnosed with a severe illness. Sarah, who had been my confidante and support system throughout our university years, was suddenly faced with the daunting task of balancing her studies while also being her mother’s primary caregiver.
Without hesitation, I made the decision to postpone my study abroad plans. I recognized that my presence and support were invaluable to Sarah during this challenging time. Our friendship had always been characterized by mutual support and understanding, and I felt compelled to reciprocate the kindness she had shown me over the years.
Initially, I experienced a mix of emotions. There was a tinge of disappointment at having to delay my plans, but this was overwhelmingly outweighed by a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Knowing that I could be there for Sarah during her time of need gave me a profound sense of satisfaction and reinforced the value I place on genuine friendships.
This experience taught me the true meaning of sacrifice and the immeasurable worth of being there for those we care about. It deepened my understanding of empathy and solidified my belief that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences in life come from putting others first.”
Follow-up Questions
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How did this experience change your friendship?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “This experience profoundly transformed our friendship. It deepened our mutual trust and understanding, creating an unbreakable bond that has withstood numerous challenges since. We’ve become more attuned to each other’s needs and are now even more willing to support one another through thick and thin.”
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Do you think it’s always good to make sacrifices for friends?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “While sacrifices can strengthen friendships, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy balance. Constant self-sacrifice can lead to resentment or burnout. The key is to ensure that sacrifices are reciprocal and don’t compromise one’s own well-being or core values. It’s about finding the right equilibrium between being supportive and maintaining personal boundaries.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s discuss the broader implications of making sacrifices for others.
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In what ways do you think society benefits when people make sacrifices for each other?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “When individuals make sacrifices for one another, it fosters a sense of community and social cohesion. This selfless behavior creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to act similarly, which can lead to a more harmonious and supportive society. Moreover, it builds social capital, strengthening the networks and relationships that form the backbone of a resilient community. Such actions also promote empathy and understanding, bridging divides and reducing conflicts. Ultimately, a society where people are willing to sacrifice for each other tends to be more stable, compassionate, and better equipped to face collective challenges.”
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Do you believe that the concept of sacrifice is viewed differently across generations?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Yes, I do think there are generational differences in how sacrifice is perceived. Older generations, having lived through more challenging times, often view sacrifice as a necessary and noble act. They tend to place a higher value on collective well-being and long-term benefits.
In contrast, younger generations, raised in a more individualistic society, might prioritize personal growth and self-fulfillment. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re less willing to sacrifice; rather, they might be more selective about when and for whom they make sacrifices.
That said, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and individual perspectives can vary greatly within each generation. Factors such as cultural background, personal experiences, and values play a significant role in shaping one’s view of sacrifice.”
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In what ways has technology affected our ability to make sacrifices for others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “Technology has had a profound impact on our capacity for sacrifice, both positively and negatively. On one hand, it has expanded our awareness of global issues and the needs of others, potentially inspiring more acts of sacrifice. Social media and crowdfunding platforms have made it easier to mobilize support for causes and individuals in need.
Conversely, the digital age has also fostered a culture of instant gratification and self-promotion, which can sometimes overshadow the importance of selfless acts. The constant connectivity we experience might make us more aware of others’ needs, but it can also lead to compassion fatigue.
Moreover, technology has redefined what sacrifice means in some contexts. For instance, donating money online might be seen as less of a sacrifice than volunteering time in person. However, technology has also created new forms of sacrifice, such as digital detoxes or giving up personal data for the greater good.
Ultimately, while technology has changed the landscape of how we make sacrifices, the fundamental human capacity for altruism remains. The challenge lies in harnessing technological advancements to facilitate meaningful sacrifices while maintaining the personal connection that often makes such acts truly impactful.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing sacrifices for friends, incorporate these sophisticated terms and expressions:
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Altruism /ˈæl.tru.ɪ.zəm/ (noun): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: “Her decision to give up her vacation to help her friend showed true altruism.” -
Selfless /ˈself.ləs/ (adjective): Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own.
Example: “His selfless act of giving up his ticket so his friend could attend the concert was deeply appreciated.” -
To go above and beyond (phrasal verb): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: “By sacrificing her own plans to support her friend, she really went above and beyond.” -
To put someone first (phrase): To prioritize someone else’s needs or desires before your own.
Example: “True friendship often involves putting your friends first, even when it’s difficult.” -
Empathy /ˈem.pə.θi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Her empathy for her friend’s situation led her to make a significant sacrifice.”
Describe a time when you tried a new hobby can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, allowing you to showcase your ability to narrate personal experiences.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in discussing sacrifices for friends during your IELTS Speaking test:
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Prepare diverse examples: Have multiple stories ready about different types of sacrifices, ranging from small gestures to significant life decisions.
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Focus on emotions: Articulate how you felt before, during, and after making the sacrifice. This demonstrates emotional intelligence and self-reflection.
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Highlight the impact: Discuss how the sacrifice affected your friendship and personal growth. This shows depth of analysis.
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Use sophisticated language: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your responses.
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Practice narration: Work on telling your story coherently, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This improves your fluency and coherence scores.
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Reflect on broader implications: Be prepared to discuss the topic from various angles, including societal impacts and cultural differences in perceiving sacrifices.
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Stay authentic: While it’s important to impress the examiner, ensure your responses remain genuine and true to your experiences.
By following these tips and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle questions about sacrifices for friends in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to balance personal anecdotes with broader reflections, all while showcasing your English language skills.
Describe an exciting adventure you had is another topic that can help you practice your narrative skills, which are also crucial when discussing sacrifices for friends.