Describing an important conversation with a friend is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. It’s a versatile topic that has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about conversations and friendships. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: How often do you have conversations with your friends?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I talk to my friends quite often, usually a few times a week. We chat on the phone or meet up for coffee when we have time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I make it a point to stay in touch with my friends on a regular basis. We communicate daily through various channels, such as messaging apps and social media. Additionally, I prioritize face-to-face interactions, so I try to meet up with different friends at least once or twice a week for more meaningful conversations.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe An Important Conversation You Had With A Friend
You should say:
- Who you had the conversation with
- When and where the conversation took place
- What the conversation was about
- And explain why this conversation was important to you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about a pivotal conversation I had with my close friend, Sarah, about two years ago. This heart-to-heart discussion took place late one evening at a quiet café near our university campus.
Sarah and I had been friends since high school, but we’d been growing apart since starting college. That night, we decided to address the elephant in the room and talk about the changes in our friendship. We openly discussed our feelings of disconnection and the challenges we’d been facing in maintaining our bond.
What made this conversation particularly significant was its raw honesty. We both acknowledged our shortcomings and expressed our desire to rekindle our friendship. Sarah confided in me about her struggles with anxiety, which had been affecting her social life. In turn, I shared my own insecurities about making new friends and feeling left behind.
This conversation was immensely important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it marked a turning point in our friendship, allowing us to clear the air and start afresh. Secondly, it taught me the value of open communication and vulnerability in relationships. Lastly, it reinforced the idea that true friendships can withstand challenges and even grow stronger through difficult conversations.
The outcome of this discussion was transformative. We made a conscious effort to prioritize our friendship, setting up regular catch-ups and supporting each other through our college years. This experience not only salvaged our relationship but also provided me with valuable insights into effective communication and the importance of nurturing long-term friendships.
Two friends having a deep conversation in a cafe
Follow-up Questions:
- How did this conversation change your friendship?
- Do you think it’s important to have such serious conversations with friends?
Band 6-7 Answer:
This conversation made our friendship stronger. We started spending more time together and understanding each other better. I think it’s good to have serious talks with friends sometimes because it helps solve problems and makes the friendship deeper.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This conversation proved to be a catalyst for positive change in our friendship. It fostered a deeper level of trust and understanding between us, allowing us to support each other more effectively through our college years and beyond. I firmly believe that such candid discussions are crucial in any meaningful friendship. They serve to clear misunderstandings, align expectations, and strengthen emotional bonds. While they may be challenging, these conversations often pave the way for more authentic and resilient relationships.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: Why do you think some people find it difficult to have serious conversations with their friends?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Some people might find serious conversations hard because they’re afraid of conflict or hurting their friend’s feelings. They might also worry about making the friendship awkward or uncomfortable.
Band 8-9 Answer:
There are several factors that can contribute to this reluctance. Firstly, many individuals harbor a fear of vulnerability, as opening up about serious matters can make them feel exposed or judged. Additionally, there’s often a concern about potential conflict or damaging the friendship, especially if the topic is sensitive or controversial. Some people may also lack the communication skills necessary to navigate such conversations effectively, leading to avoidance. Moreover, in today’s fast-paced world, where superficial interactions are common, many have become accustomed to keeping things light and may feel uncomfortable delving into deeper topics. Lastly, cultural norms and personal upbringing can play a role, as some individuals may have been conditioned to avoid discussing certain subjects openly.
Question: How has technology affected the way people communicate with their friends?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made it easier to stay in touch with friends through messaging apps and social media. We can talk to friends anytime, anywhere. But sometimes it means we have fewer face-to-face conversations.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized friend-to-friend communication in multifaceted ways. On the positive side, it has dramatically increased connectivity, allowing friends to maintain contact across vast distances and time zones through instant messaging, video calls, and social media platforms. This has fostered a sense of constant connection and made it easier to share experiences in real-time.
However, this technological shift has also brought about some challenges. The ease of digital communication has, in some cases, led to a decline in the quality and depth of interactions. Many people now opt for quick, surface-level exchanges rather than engaging in more meaningful, face-to-face conversations. Additionally, the prevalence of social media has created new dynamics in friendships, sometimes leading to comparison, misunderstanding, or a false sense of closeness.
Furthermore, the constant availability facilitated by technology can create pressure to be always reachable, potentially blurring boundaries in friendships. While technology offers tools for connection, it also requires conscious effort to use these tools in ways that enhance rather than detract from the quality of our friendships.
Friends using smartphones in a park
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pivotal conversation /ˈpɪvətl kɒnvəˈseɪʃn/ (adj. + n.): A very important or significant discussion that changes a situation.
Example: Our pivotal conversation about our career goals changed the direction of our friendship. -
Heart-to-heart /hɑːt tə hɑːt/ (adj.): An intimate, sincere conversation.
Example: We had a heart-to-heart talk about our relationship issues. -
To address the elephant in the room (idiom): To talk about an obvious problem that everyone is aware of but reluctant to discuss.
Example: We finally addressed the elephant in the room regarding our drifting apart. -
To confide in someone /kənˈfaɪd/ (v.): To tell someone secret or personal information, trusting them to keep it private.
Example: She confided in me about her family problems, showing how much she trusted our friendship. -
To clear the air (idiom): To discuss and resolve misunderstandings or disagreements.
Example: We needed to clear the air about the misunderstanding that had caused tension between us. -
To rekindle /riːˈkɪndl/ (v.): To revive or renew something, especially a relationship or feeling.
Example: The honest conversation helped us rekindle our friendship. -
Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adj.): Causing a major change or improvement.
Example: Our discussion had a transformative effect on how we communicated with each other. -
To foster /ˈfɒstə/ (v.): To encourage the development of something, especially something positive.
Example: Open communication fosters trust and understanding in friendships.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing important conversations with friends:
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to communication and relationships.
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Provide detailed examples: When describing the conversation, give specific details about the setting, emotions, and outcomes.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the importance and impact of the conversation.
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Use appropriate tenses: Practice using past tenses accurately when recounting the conversation.
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Maintain fluency: Speak confidently and smoothly, using connecting words to link your ideas.
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Express emotions: Use vocabulary that conveys feelings and personal significance.
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Practice with variety: Prepare to discuss different types of important conversations to be ready for any question.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to improve your performance.
Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic jam can also be an interesting topic to practice your speaking skills, as it allows you to describe a common yet potentially frustrating experience. This can help you develop your ability to express emotions and narrate events effectively.
