Describing a time when you made a friend unexpectedly is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary related to relationships and social interactions. Given its relevance to everyday life, this topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain popular in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about friendships and social interactions. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you find it easy to make new friends?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say it depends on the situation. In familiar environments, like at work or in my neighborhood, I find it relatively easy to strike up conversations and form connections. However, in completely new settings, it can be a bit more challenging. I think the key is to be open-minded and genuinely interested in others, which usually helps break the ice and foster meaningful relationships.”
describe a conversation that made you think differently
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card based on the topic:
Describe a time you made a friend unexpectedly
You should say:
- Who this person was
- Where and how you met
- What you did together
- And explain why this friendship was unexpected
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience about an unexpected friendship I formed during a solo hiking trip last summer. The person I met was Sarah, a fellow traveler from Canada who I encountered on a challenging mountain trail in the Alps.
Our paths crossed quite literally when I stumbled on a particularly steep section of the trail. Sarah, who was nearby, rushed to help me up. We struck up a conversation and realized we were both solo hikers heading in the same direction. On a whim, we decided to continue the journey together.
Over the next few days, we tackled the trail’s challenges side by side, sharing our hiking supplies, swapping travel stories, and enjoying the breathtaking alpine scenery. We cooked meals together at campsites, helped each other navigate tricky terrain, and even had a memorable impromptu singing session during a thunderstorm when we were stuck in our tents.
This friendship was unexpected for several reasons. Firstly, I’m usually quite reserved and don’t typically form close bonds quickly, especially while traveling alone. Secondly, Sarah and I came from very different backgrounds – she was a marine biologist, while I work in finance. Despite these differences, we found common ground in our love for nature and adventure.
The spontaneity of our meeting and the intensity of sharing such a challenging experience created a strong bond between us. It taught me the value of being open to new connections and how shared experiences can bridge differences. To this day, Sarah and I keep in touch regularly and have even planned future hiking trips together. This unexpected friendship has truly enriched my life and broadened my perspective on forming connections while traveling.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did this unexpected friendship change your perspective on solo travel?
- Do you think unexpected friendships tend to last longer than those formed in more conventional ways?
Sample Answers:
- Band 6-7: “This experience definitely made me more open to meeting new people while traveling alone. I realized that sometimes the best parts of a trip can be the unexpected connections you make along the way.”
Band 8-9: “This unexpected friendship profoundly altered my approach to solo travel. While I had previously valued solitude and independence, this experience illuminated the potential for meaningful connections and shared adventures. It taught me to strike a balance between self-reflection and openness to new encounters, ultimately enriching my travel experiences.”
- Band 6-7: “I think unexpected friendships can be quite strong because they often form in unique situations. When you share an unusual experience with someone, it can create a special bond that lasts.”
Band 8-9: “In my experience, the longevity of friendships isn’t necessarily determined by how they begin, but rather by the depth of connection and shared values. Unexpected friendships, however, often have a unique advantage. They frequently form in extraordinary circumstances, creating intense shared experiences that can forge strong bonds quickly. This ‘baptism by fire’ can lead to a deep understanding and appreciation of each other, potentially resulting in more resilient long-term friendships.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: “Do you think modern technology has changed the way people form friendships?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe modern technology has revolutionized the way we form and maintain friendships. Social media platforms and messaging apps have made it incredibly easy to connect with people across geographical boundaries, allowing us to form friendships with individuals we might never have encountered otherwise.
On the positive side, technology has expanded our social networks exponentially. We can now maintain contact with friends from different phases of our lives, join online communities based on shared interests, and even form meaningful connections with people we’ve never met in person. This has led to a more diverse and globally-minded approach to friendship.
However, there are also potential drawbacks. The ease of online communication might lead to more superficial connections, as we may not invest the same level of effort or face-to-face time in these relationships. There’s also the risk of echo chambers, where we primarily interact with like-minded individuals, potentially limiting our exposure to diverse perspectives.
Furthermore, the constant connectivity can sometimes create pressure to be always available, which might affect the quality of our interactions. There’s a risk of prioritizing quantity over quality in our friendships.
In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly transformed friendship formation, offering unprecedented opportunities for connection, it’s crucial to use these tools mindfully. Balancing online and offline interactions, and focusing on deepening relationships rather than just expanding our network, can help us harness the benefits of technology while maintaining the depth and authenticity of our friendships.”
describe a trip you are planning to take soon
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Strike up a conversation /straɪk ʌp ə ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən/: To start talking to someone you don’t know.
Example: “I struck up a conversation with the person next to me on the plane.” -
On a whim /ɒn ə wɪm/: Suddenly and without planning.
Example: “On a whim, we decided to explore the old town instead of following our itinerary.” -
Tackle challenges /ˈtækəl ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/: To deal with or attempt to solve problems.
Example: “We tackled the language barrier by using a translation app.” -
Enrich one’s life /ɪnˈrɪtʃ wʌnz laɪf/: To improve the quality of life by adding new experiences.
Example: “Traveling has truly enriched my life by exposing me to different cultures.” -
Foster meaningful relationships /ˈfɒstə ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps/: To encourage the development of significant connections with others.
Example: “Group projects in college helped foster meaningful relationships among classmates.” -
Broaden one’s perspective /ˈbrɔːdən wʌnz pəˈspektɪv/: To expand one’s point of view or understanding.
Example: “Living abroad for a year really broadened my perspective on global issues.”
describe an event where you felt out of place
Examiner’s Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
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Practice narrating personal experiences: Regularly practice telling stories about your life experiences, focusing on clear structure and engaging details.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of words and phrases related to relationships, emotions, and social interactions.
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Work on fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas.
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Demonstrate range: Show your ability to use various grammatical structures, from simple to complex sentences.
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Be specific and detailed: Provide concrete examples and vivid descriptions to support your points.
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Show reflection: Don’t just describe events, but also explain their significance and impact on you.
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Practice with timing: For Part 2, practice speaking for the full 2 minutes to ensure you can elaborate sufficiently on the topic.
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Develop your ideas: In Part 3, aim to provide thoughtful, well-developed responses that go beyond surface-level observations.
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Stay relevant: Always ensure your answers directly address the question asked.
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Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorized answers. Speak naturally and genuinely about your experiences and opinions.
describe a moment when you felt proud of someone else
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect grammar or extensive vocabulary, but about effectively communicating your ideas and experiences. Regular practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you improve your speaking skills and confidence.