Mastering the Art of Describing an Old Friend: IELTS Speaking Success Guide

Describing an old friend you still keep in touch with is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme often appears in Part 2 of the speaking exam, where candidates are required to give a longer, more detailed response. Understanding how to approach this topic can significantly boost your confidence and performance in the test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about friendships. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you have many friends?
2. How often do you meet your friends?
3. Do you prefer to have a few close friends or many casual friends?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I personally prefer having a small circle of close friends rather than a large group of acquaintances. I find that deeper connections are more fulfilling and allow for more meaningful interactions. With close friends, I can share my thoughts and feelings more openly, and we can support each other through life’s ups and downs. That said, I do enjoy socializing with a wider group occasionally, but my core group of friends remains small and tight-knit.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe an old friend you still keep in touch with

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met
- What you usually do together
- And explain why you still keep in touch with this person

Two old friends meeting and catching up

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my old friend Sarah, who I’ve known since high school. We met during our first year when we were assigned as lab partners in chemistry class. Initially, we bonded over our shared struggle with the subject, but our friendship quickly grew beyond that.

Now, even though we live in different cities, we make an effort to stay connected. We usually catch up through video calls every couple of weeks, sharing updates about our lives and reminiscing about old times. When we do meet in person, which happens a few times a year, we love to try new restaurants or go for long walks in the park.

I think we’ve remained close because we share a lot of history and have similar values. Sarah has always been there for me during tough times, and I’ve done the same for her. Our friendship has stood the test of time and distance, which I believe is quite rare and special.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to delve into my enduring friendship with Sarah, a relationship that has weathered the test of time since our high school days. Our initial encounter was rather serendipitous – we were paired as lab partners in our notoriously challenging chemistry class. What began as a mutual commiseration over complex formulas and perplexing experiments blossomed into a profound connection that transcended our academic struggles.

Despite the geographical distance that now separates us, we’ve made a concerted effort to maintain our bond. We religiously schedule bi-weekly video calls, which serve as a virtual bridge between our lives. These digital rendezvous are not mere casual catch-ups but rather in-depth exchanges where we delve into the intricacies of our personal and professional lives, often reminiscing about our shared past with a mixture of nostalgia and humor.

Our in-person meetings, though less frequent, are eagerly anticipated events that occur a handful of times each year. We have a penchant for culinary exploration, often seeking out new gastronomic experiences in undiscovered eateries. Alternatively, we find solace in lengthy, meandering walks through local parks, where the natural backdrop serves as a perfect setting for our heartfelt conversations.

The longevity of our friendship, I believe, can be attributed to our shared history and aligned core values. Sarah has been an unwavering pillar of support during my life’s tumultuous periods, and I’ve reciprocated in kind. Our ability to maintain such a strong connection despite the challenges of distance and evolving life circumstances is a testament to the depth and resilience of our friendship – a rare and cherished bond in today’s fast-paced world.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How has your friendship changed over the years?
2. What do you think are the key ingredients for a long-lasting friendship?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Our friendship has undoubtedly evolved over the years, mirroring our personal growth and life experiences. In our younger days, our interactions were more frequent and often centered around shared activities and mutual friends. As we’ve matured, our conversations have become more profound, touching on life’s complexities and our individual aspirations. While we may not communicate as often due to our busy schedules, the quality of our interactions has deepened significantly. We’ve developed a heightened sense of empathy and understanding for each other’s life choices, even when they differ from our own. This evolution has strengthened the foundation of our friendship, making it more resilient and meaningful.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to friendships and relationships. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do you think technology has affected friendships in modern times?
2. Do you believe it’s possible to maintain close friendships over long distances?
3. What role do you think friendships play in a person’s overall well-being?

Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that maintaining close friendships over long distances is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding in today’s interconnected world. The advent of sophisticated communication technologies has significantly bridged the gap created by physical distance. Video calls, instant messaging, and social media platforms allow friends to share experiences in real-time, creating a sense of presence despite being miles apart.

However, sustaining long-distance friendships requires more than just technological tools. It demands a mutual commitment to keeping the relationship alive, emotional intelligence to understand and support each other from afar, and the ability to adapt to changing life circumstances. Regular communication, albeit not necessarily daily, is crucial to maintain the connection. This could involve scheduling regular catch-ups, sharing significant life events, or even engaging in shared online activities.

That being said, long-distance friendships do face unique challenges. The lack of physical presence can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or feelings of disconnection. Time zone differences and busy schedules can make coordinating difficult. However, these obstacles can be overcome with patience, understanding, and creative problem-solving.

In my experience, some long-distance friendships can even grow stronger due to the effort both parties put into maintaining the connection. The joy of reuniting after long periods apart can also reinforce the bond. Ultimately, while proximity certainly makes friendships easier to maintain, distance is not an insurmountable barrier for those truly committed to preserving their connection.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To weather the test of time (idiom) – to endure or remain strong despite difficulties
   Pronunciation: /ˈweðər ðə test əv taɪm/
   Example: Their friendship has weathered the test of time, lasting for over 30 years.

2. To delve into (phrasal verb) – to examine or investigate thoroughly
   Pronunciation: /delv ˈɪntu/
   Example: We often delve into deep discussions about our personal goals and aspirations.

3. To blossom into (phrasal verb) – to develop or mature into something
   Pronunciation: /ˈblɒsəm ˈɪntu/
   Example: Our initial acquaintance blossomed into a lifelong friendship.

4. Unwavering (adjective) – steady or constant; not changing
   Pronunciation: /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/
   Example: Sarah has been an unwavering source of support throughout our friendship.

5. To mirror (verb) – to reflect or correspond to
   Pronunciation: /ˈmɪrər/
   Example: The evolution of our friendship mirrors our personal growth over the years.

IELTS Speaking vocabulary flashcards

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing an old friend:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally into your responses. Practice using synonyms to avoid repetition.

2. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.

3. Maintain fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Use fillers like “Well,” or “You see,” if you need a moment to think.

4. Show personality: Share genuine thoughts and feelings about your friendship. This adds authenticity to your response.

5. Practice regularly: Record yourself answering sample questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect English, but about communicating effectively and confidently. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance and achieve a higher band score.

For more insights on IELTS Speaking topics, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a trip you took with close friends, which can complement your discussion about maintaining friendships. Additionally, learning to describe a special family tradition you follow can provide valuable vocabulary and structures for discussing long-term relationships and shared experiences.