Friendship is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when discussing relationships and personal values. Based on recent exam patterns, questions about friendship frequently appear across all three parts of the speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions about friendship include:
- Do you have many friends?
- How do you usually keep in touch with your friends?
- What qualities make a good friend?
- How do you make new friends?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I believe trust and mutual understanding are fundamental to any friendship. In my experience, a true friend is someone who stands by you through thick and thin and offers unwavering support when needed. I particularly value friends who are genuine and authentic in their interactions.”
As demonstrated in describe an important friendship in your life, maintaining long-lasting friendships requires dedication and effort.
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a close friendship you have. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met
- What you usually do together
- And explain why this friendship is important to you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my friendship with Sarah, who has been my closest friend for over a decade. We initially crossed paths during our university orientation week, where we discovered our shared passion for environmental conservation.
What makes our friendship particularly meaningful and enduring is how we’ve grown together through various life stages. We regularly engage in meaningful conversations about our career aspirations and personal growth, and we’ve established a tradition of monthly hiking trips where we can disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature and each other.
Similar to describe a memory from school that makes you smile, our friendship has created countless memorable moments.
The foundation of our friendship lies in our mutual respect and ability to be vulnerable with each other. We’ve supported each other through challenging times, celebrating successes and providing comfort during setbacks.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has technology affected modern friendships?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the dynamics of modern friendships. While it has made it remarkably convenient to maintain long-distance relationships through various platforms, it has also created some paradoxical effects. Social media, for instance, can create a false sense of connection while potentially diminishing the depth of real-world interactions.”
Just as describe a time when you learned a new skill from a friend, technology can facilitate knowledge sharing between friends.
Q: Why do some friendships last longer than others?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Long-lasting friendships typically thrive on shared values and mutual growth. These relationships often demonstrate remarkable resilience because both parties actively invest in maintaining the connection. Moreover, friendships that weather various life transitions and adapt to changing circumstances tend to endure.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Mutual understanding /ˈmjuːtʃuəl ʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ (n): shared comprehension
- Through thick and thin (idiom): during good and bad times
- Unwavering support /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ səˈpɔːt/ (phrase): consistent, steady support
- Foster deep connections /ˈfɒstə diːp kəˈnekʃnz/ (phrase): develop meaningful relationships
- Cultivate lasting bonds /ˈkʌltɪveɪt ˈlɑːstɪŋ bɒndz/ (phrase): build enduring relationships
Similar expressions can enhance descriptions of describe a meal you enjoyed recently with friends.