IELTS Speaking Practice: Relationships (Band 9 Example)
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (Relationships)
Q1: Do you spend much time with your family?
A: Absolutely! My family is an integral part of my life, and we share an incredibly close bond. Despite my hectic schedule, I make it a priority to carve out quality time with them. We believe in fostering open communication and mutual support, which has brought us even closer over the years. In fact, I would say that our relationship is based on a foundation of trust, respect, and understanding.
Vocabulary/Idioms:
– Integral part
– Close bond
– Quality time
– Foster open communication
– Foundation of trust
Q2: Are friends as important to you as family?
A: While family is irreplaceable, I genuinely believe that friendships hold a unique place in one’s life. True friends are like family we choose for ourselves, and they offer a different yet equally fulfilling level of companionship. I cherish friends who’ve been with me through thick and thin, those who lend a listening ear and offer unconditional support when needed. In my view, maintaining a balance between familial and social relationships is crucial to a well-rounded life.
Vocabulary/Idioms:
– Irreplaceable
– Cherish
– Through thick and thin
– Unconditional support
– Well-rounded life
Q3: Who do you rely on more, family or friends?
A: Honestly, it depends on the situation. For emotional resilience and life decisions, I lean on my family, as they know me inside out. However, for day-to-day advice or career-oriented discussions, I tend to rely on my closest friends. They often provide me with a fresh perspective and candid/honest advice, which is invaluable. I’d say that my relationships with both groups complement each other perfectly.
Vocabulary/Idioms:
– Emotional resilience
– Know me inside out
– Fresh perspective
– Candid/honest advice
– Complement each other
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a close friend you have. You should say:
– Who this person is
– How you met
– What you like about them
– And explain why you consider them a close friend.
Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about my friend Liam, who I consider one of my dearest friends. We crossed paths during university, and it didn’t take long for us to hit it off. Liam has an outgoing personality, combined with an uncanny ability to make anyone feel at ease. What I admire most about him is his unwavering loyalty and his penchant for positivity, even in challenging situations. We’ve had each other’s backs through all kinds of ups and downs, and he’s one of those rare individuals who can be brutally honest yet remarkably compassionate.
Beyond that, we share many common interests, particularly a love for hiking and the outdoors. These shared experiences have deepened our friendship over the years. I consider him a close friend because, in addition to his positivity, he has an incredible knack for listening without judgment. He offers sound advice, and I never feel alone in facing any adversity. Ultimately, Liam embodies the qualities I value most in a friend: trustworthiness, sincerity, and an unwavering sense of loyalty.
Vocabulary/Idioms:
– Hit it off
– Outgoing personality
– Unwavering loyalty
– Brutally honest
– Remarkably compassionate
– Have each other’s backs
– Without judgment
– Trustworthiness
– Knack for listening
– Embodies
Part 3: Discussion (Relationships)
Q1: How do people in your country usually meet new friends?
A: In my country, friendships are often cultivated through shared experiences, whether academic, professional, or even within community events. While social media has made connecting easier, most people still prefer to develop friendships through genuine face-to-face interactions. Activities like volunteering, participating in sports, or joining clubs foster camaraderie and help people bond over common interests. Personally, I think that these real-life interactions are more meaningful and enduring than virtual connections.
Vocabulary/Idioms:
– Cultivated
– Face-to-face interactions
– Foster camaraderie
– Bond over common interests
– Enduring
Q2: Do you think friendships change as people get older?
A: Absolutely. As people mature, their friendships often evolve to reflect their changing priorities and circumstances. For example, friendships during youth tend to be more carefree and centred on social activities, while later in life, friendships often hinge on emotional support and understanding. In addition, life changes like careers, marriages, and even moving to new cities can test friendships. Those that survive tend to be deeply rooted and resilient, characterized by mutual respect and a strong emotional connection.
Vocabulary/Idioms:
– Mature
– Evolve
– Carefree
– Hinge on
– Deeply rooted
– Resilient
Q3: Why do some friendships not last?
A: There are myriad reasons why some friendships fizzle out over time. Sometimes, it’s due to diverging life paths or differences in core values. In other cases, a lack of effort to keep in touch or misunderstandings can strain a friendship. Additionally, people grow and change, and sometimes those changes don’t align with the trajectory of the friendship. In the end, maintaining a lasting friendship requires commitment, compromise, and adaptability from both sides.
Vocabulary/Idioms:
– Myriad
– Fizzle out
– Diverging life paths
– Core values
– Strain
– Don’t align
– Trajectory
– Compromise
– Adaptability
