Working with friends on projects is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. Let’s explore how to deliver a comprehensive and engaging response that demonstrates your English proficiency. Similar to how candidates approach describe a person you think is a good leader, this topic requires structured thinking and clear expression.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you might encounter:
- Do you prefer working alone or with others?
- How often do you work on projects with friends?
- What makes a good team member?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I generally prefer collaborative work because it brings diverse perspectives. When working with others, I find that we can complement each other’s strengths and achieve better results. A good team member should be reliable, communicative, and willing to contribute meaningfully to the project.”
Students collaborating on project in modern office setting
Part 2: Cue Card
Task:
Describe a time when you worked with a friend on a project
You should say:
- Who you worked with
- What the project was about
- How you divided the work
- And explain the outcome of the project
Just as with describe a time when you felt proud of your accomplishments, this response requires careful structuring and detailed examples.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a memorable collaboration with my friend Sarah on a final-year university project. We were tasked with developing a sustainable urban garden design for our Environmental Science course.
Sarah and I complemented each other perfectly – she excelled in botanical knowledge while I specialized in sustainable infrastructure. We strategically divided responsibilities based on our strengths: she focused on plant selection and maintenance plans, while I handled the irrigation system design and resource optimization.
What made this collaboration particularly successful was our effective communication. We held regular brainstorming sessions and maintained a shared digital document to track our progress. We also constructively challenged each other’s ideas, which led to more innovative solutions.
The outcome was remarkably successful – our project received the highest grade in class and was actually implemented by the university as a pilot program. This experience taught me the invaluable benefits of combining different perspectives and skills in a project.”
Team members planning project on whiteboard
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to discussions in describe a time when you helped resolve a conflict, these questions explore deeper aspects of collaboration.
Q: What are the challenges of working with friends on projects?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Working with friends can be complex and multifaceted. While friendship provides a strong foundation of trust, it can also complicate professional dynamics. The main challenge lies in maintaining objectivity and ensuring that personal relationships don’t interfere with project goals. However, these challenges can be effectively managed through clear communication and professional boundaries.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Collaborative synergy /kəˈlæbərətɪv ˈsɪnərdʒi/ (n): The combined effect of working together
- Delegate responsibilities /ˈdelɪgeɪt rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlətiz/ (v): To assign specific tasks to team members
- Constructive feedback /kənˈstrʌktɪv ˈfiːdbæk/ (n): Helpful and specific suggestions for improvement
Tips from an Examiner
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Demonstrate awareness of both advantages and challenges
- Include appropriate idiomatic expressions
- Maintain good pronunciation and fluency
- Show ability to discuss both concrete and abstract aspects of collaboration
Remember, just as with describe a time when you worked with a new team, focus on providing detailed examples and demonstrating your range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
