Similar to describe a memory from school that makes you smile, discussing meaningful relationships requires careful preparation and authentic expression. Let’s explore how to excel in this common IELTS Speaking topic.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you have many friends?
- What qualities do you value most in friends?
- How do you usually make new friends?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I maintain a close-knit circle of friends, though I’m quite selective about who I let into my inner circle. I deeply value loyalty and authenticity in friendships. These days, I typically make new connections through shared interests or professional networks, which often leads to more meaningful relationships.”
IELTS candidate discussing friendship topics with examiner
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe an important friendship in your life
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met
- What makes this friendship special
- And explain why this friendship is important to you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Just as describe a friend who is good at giving advice, I’d like to talk about my friendship with Sarah, who has been my closest friend for over a decade.
“I’d like to talk about my friendship with Sarah, whom I fortuitously met during my first year at university. We were paired together for a challenging group project in our Economics class. What makes our friendship truly exceptional is the remarkable way we’ve evolved together through various life stages.
Sarah has this innate ability to understand me without words being spoken. Our friendship is characterized by unwavering support and brutal honesty – she’s never afraid to tell me when I’m making a mistake. We’ve weathered numerous challenges together, from career setbacks to personal losses, and each experience has only strengthened our bond.
What makes this friendship particularly invaluable is how we’ve managed to maintain our close connection despite living in different countries for the past few years. We’ve developed innovative ways to stay connected, from virtual coffee dates to online book clubs. This friendship has profoundly influenced my understanding of genuine human connections.”
Student describing meaningful friendship during IELTS test
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my friend Tom, who I met at work three years ago. We became friends because we both like playing basketball and often played together after work. He’s a good friend because he always helps me when I have problems and we can talk about many things together. This friendship is important because we support each other and have fun together.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Just as describe a time when you learned a new skill from a friend, this section explores deeper aspects of friendship.
Q: How have friendships changed in the digital age?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the dynamics of friendship. While technology has made it incredibly convenient to maintain connections across vast distances, it has also potentially diluted the depth of some relationships. Social media platforms have created an illusion of closeness, but genuine friendships still require intentional effort and meaningful interaction.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- To forge a connection – to establish a relationship
- Kindred spirit – someone who shares similar values or interests
- To stand the test of time – to remain strong over a long period
- Through thick and thin – during good and bad times
- To hit it off – to get along well immediately
Similar to describe a meal you enjoyed recently with friends, using these expressions naturally will enhance your speaking performance.
Examiner’s Tips
- Focus on specific examples rather than general statements
- Use a range of tenses appropriately
- Include personal feelings and reactions
- Structure your response logically
- Demonstrate natural hesitation without excessive pausing
Remember, like describe an important lesson you learned as a child, authenticity in your responses will help you connect better with the examiner and achieve a higher score.
