The IELTS Speaking test often includes personal topics that allow candidates to showcase their English language skills while discussing real-life experiences. One such topic that frequently appears is “Describe a time when you supported a friend through a difficult time.” This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this speaking task, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about friendship and support. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: How important is it to have friends?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think having friends is very important. They provide emotional support and make life more enjoyable. Good friends can help us through tough times and share our happy moments too.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I believe that having friends is absolutely crucial for one’s overall well-being. True friendships offer invaluable emotional support and enrich our lives in countless ways. Not only do friends stand by us during challenging times, but they also amplify our joys and contribute to our personal growth.”
Q: What qualities do you think make a good friend?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“A good friend should be trustworthy, supportive, and understanding. They should be there for you when you need them and be honest with you. It’s also important that they’re fun to be around.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my opinion, the cornerstone of a strong friendship is unwavering loyalty and trustworthiness. A truly good friend demonstrates empathy and offers unconditional support during both triumphs and tribulations. They possess the rare ability to provide constructive criticism when necessary, while maintaining a non-judgmental attitude. Additionally, a great friend brings positive energy to the relationship, making every interaction genuinely enjoyable and meaningful.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, then you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a time when you supported a friend through a difficult time
You should say:
• Who the friend was
• What the difficult situation was
• How you supported your friend
• And explain how you felt about being able to help
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I supported my friend Sarah through a difficult period in her life. Sarah and I have been close friends since high school, and we’ve always been there for each other.
About two years ago, Sarah’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. It was a shock to Sarah and her family, and she was really struggling to cope with the news. The situation was emotionally draining for her, and she found it hard to balance her work and personal life while also helping her mother with treatments.
To support Sarah, I made sure to check in on her regularly. I would call her every few days to see how she was doing and if she needed anything. I also offered to help with practical things, like cooking meals for her family or driving her mother to appointments when Sarah couldn’t do it herself.
I felt really good about being able to help Sarah during this tough time. It made me realize how important friendship is and how much of a difference we can make in someone’s life by just being there for them. Seeing Sarah gradually cope better with the situation was really rewarding, and it strengthened our friendship even more.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an instance when I provided crucial support to my close friend, Emma, during an extremely challenging period in her life. Emma and I have shared a deep-rooted friendship since our university days, and we’ve always prided ourselves on our mutual support system.
Approximately 18 months ago, Emma found herself in the midst of a highly stressful situation. She was unexpectedly laid off from her job of five years due to company downsizing. This abrupt change not only jeopardized her financial stability but also dealt a significant blow to her self-esteem and sense of professional identity.
Recognizing the gravity of her predicament, I took it upon myself to offer unwavering support. I made a conscious effort to be consistently available, both as a sounding board for her frustrations and as a source of encouragement. We would often meet for coffee, during which I would actively listen to her concerns and help her brainstorm potential career paths. Additionally, I leveraged my professional network to connect her with potential job opportunities and even assisted in refining her resume and cover letters.
Perhaps most importantly, I strived to maintain a sense of normalcy in our friendship. We continued our regular activities, like our weekly yoga sessions and movie nights, which provided Emma with much-needed distractions and moments of levity amidst her job search stress.
Being able to support Emma through this difficult time was an incredibly fulfilling experience. It reinforced my belief in the power of genuine friendship and the profound impact that empathy and practical support can have on someone’s life. Witnessing Emma’s gradual return to her confident self and eventually securing a new job that she found even more fulfilling was immensely gratifying. This experience not only strengthened our bond but also taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of a strong support system in navigating life’s challenges.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did this experience change your friendship?
- Do you think it’s important to maintain boundaries when supporting a friend?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“This experience made our friendship stronger. We became closer because we went through a tough time together. Yes, I think boundaries are important. You should help your friend, but also take care of yourself and not get too involved in their problems.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This shared experience significantly deepened our friendship. It fostered a newfound level of trust and understanding between us, as we navigated through this challenging period together. The mutual vulnerability we experienced solidified our bond and enhanced our appreciation for each other’s strengths and support.
Regarding boundaries, I believe they are absolutely crucial when supporting a friend. While it’s important to be there for them, it’s equally vital to maintain a healthy balance. Establishing clear boundaries helps prevent emotional burnout and ensures that the support provided is sustainable and effective. It’s about finding the right equilibrium between being a supportive friend and preserving one’s own mental and emotional well-being.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: How has technology changed the way people support each other during difficult times?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made it easier for people to stay in touch and offer support, even when they’re far apart. Social media and messaging apps allow us to check in on friends quickly and easily. Video calls can help people feel more connected when they can’t meet in person.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of emotional support in numerous ways. Digital platforms have dramatically expanded our capacity to offer immediate and consistent support, transcending geographical boundaries. Social media and instant messaging apps enable us to maintain constant connectivity, allowing for real-time emotional check-ins and the swift mobilization of support networks during crises.
Moreover, video conferencing technology has brought a new dimension to long-distance support, providing a more intimate and nuanced form of communication that closely mimics in-person interactions. This has been particularly crucial during global events like the recent pandemic, where physical presence was often impossible.
However, it’s important to note that while technology has undoubtedly enhanced our ability to offer support, it also presents challenges. The ease of digital communication can sometimes lead to a lack of depth in interactions, and the constant connectivity may create pressure to be available at all times. Striking a balance between leveraging technology for support and maintaining meaningful, personal connections remains a key challenge in our digital age.”
Q: Do you think people are generally good at recognizing when their friends need support?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it depends on the person and the situation. Some people are very observant and can easily tell when their friends are struggling. Others might not notice unless their friend directly asks for help. It’s important to pay attention to changes in your friends’ behavior and mood.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The ability to recognize when friends need support is a nuanced skill that varies greatly among individuals. While some people possess a heightened emotional intelligence that allows them to intuitively sense when their friends are struggling, others may struggle to pick up on subtle cues.
I believe that cultural factors play a significant role in this dynamic. In some societies, there’s a strong emphasis on maintaining a facade of strength, which can make it challenging for individuals to openly express vulnerability. This cultural context can inadvertently hinder people’s ability to recognize when their friends need support.
Furthermore, the increasing pace of modern life and the prevalence of digital communication have, in some ways, reduced our capacity for deep, meaningful interactions. This can make it more difficult to discern emotional states accurately.
However, I’ve observed a growing awareness of mental health issues in recent years, which has led to more open discussions about emotional well-being. This shift is gradually improving people’s ability to recognize and respond to their friends’ need for support.
Ultimately, I believe that recognizing a friend’s need for support is a skill that can be cultivated through practice. It involves active listening, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and creating an environment where friends feel comfortable expressing their struggles. As society continues to prioritize emotional intelligence and mental health awareness, I’m optimistic that people will become increasingly adept at recognizing and responding to their friends’ needs for support.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Unwavering support /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ səˈpɔːrt/ (noun phrase): Steady, constant support without any doubt or hesitation.
Example: “Her unwavering support helped me through the toughest times of my life.” -
To stand by someone /tə stænd baɪ ˈsʌmwʌn/ (phrasal verb): To support or remain loyal to someone, especially during difficult times.
Example: “A true friend will stand by you through thick and thin.” -
Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Showing empathy towards your friends can significantly strengthen your relationships.” -
To lend an ear /tə lend ən ɪər/ (idiom): To listen sympathetically to someone’s problems or concerns.
Example: “Sometimes, all a friend needs is for you to lend an ear and listen to their worries.” -
Emotional intelligence /ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ (noun phrase): The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
Example: “Having high emotional intelligence can help you better understand and support your friends.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
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Practice storytelling: Prepare several personal anecdotes about supporting friends or receiving support. This will help you speak more fluently and confidently during the exam.
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Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to friendship and support to showcase your language skills.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your thoughts and provide examples to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas.
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Work on your pronunciation and intonation: Clear pronunciation and natural intonation can significantly improve your speaking score.
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Stay calm and confident: Remember that the examiner is interested in your language skills, not judging your personal experiences.
By following these strategies and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS Speaking task on supporting a friend through difficult times. Remember to practice regularly and stay confident during the exam. Good luck!
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