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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Individual Long Run - IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a time when you met someone who you became good friends with.

You should say:

• who you met
• when and where you met this person
• what you thought about this person when you first met

and explain why you think you became good friends with this person.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]

Model Answer 1:

Oh, that's a really interesting topic to talk about, and it reminds me of one of the most serendipitous encounters that led to a lasting friendship during my travels to Japan. In the midst of a foreign land, I crossed paths with someone from my own country, and little did I know that this chance meeting would blossom into a profound friendship.

It was at a bustling train station in Tokyo where I first met Anika, a fellow traveller from my homeland. Both of us were navigating the complexities of Tokyo's railway system, and the shared perplexity at the intricate maps quickly became the icebreaker for our initial conversation.

This encounter happened during a warm summer afternoon. Initially, my thoughts were a mix of surprise and comfort. The surprise stemmed from the unexpected joy of finding a compatriot in a foreign land, while the comfort came from the familiarity of sharing the same language and cultural nuances. Anika, with her infectious enthusiasm, struck me as someone genuinely open to new experiences and connections.

Our shared nationality acted as the catalyst for our initial conversations, but it was our similar interests, values, and shared experience of navigating a foreign culture that cemented our friendship. As we explored Tokyo together, from the historic shrines to the vibrant street markets, we discovered a shared passion for cultural exploration and a similar sense of humour.

Our friendship deepened as we faced the challenges of navigating a foreign language, laughed over cultural misunderstandings, and marvelled at the beauty of blending our traditions with the richness of Japanese culture.

Over the course of our journey in Japan, what started as a chance encounter transformed into a meaningful connection. We exchanged contact information, promising to stay in touch once we returned to our homeland. True to our word, our friendship has endured beyond the borders of Japan, with shared memories becoming the foundation of a lasting camaraderie.

Model Answer 2:

Introduction:
College life, with its whirlwind of activities and diverse individuals, offered me a unique opportunity to forge lasting friendships. One such profound connection was formed during my sophomore year, a chance meeting that laid the foundation for a cherished friendship. For this nice topic, I would share this experience with you.

When and where you met this person:
In the bustling corridors of my college, I encountered Alex, a fellow student whose passion for literature mirrored my own. Our initial interaction, spurred by a shared interest in a campus literary event, evolved into a friendship that would endure the tests of time.

This encounter unfolded during the preparations for a college literary fest. Alex's articulate insights and genuine enthusiasm for literature stood out, making a lasting impression on me. 

What you thought about this person when you first met:
I distinctly remember feeling a sense of kinship, as if our minds resonated on the same wavelength when it came to appreciating the power of words.

And explain why you think you became good friends with this person:
Our friendship burgeoned as we collaborated on various literary projects and shared countless discussions on our favourite books. Beyond our mutual love for literature, we discovered shared values, aspirations, and a similar sense of humour. Alex's reliability, coupled with a genuine curiosity about the world, transformed what began as a college acquaintance into a meaningful connection.

Through the academic challenges, late-night study sessions, and the joys of celebrating shared victories, our friendship solidified. It wasn't just the common interests but the mutual respect for each other's individuality that deepened our bond. Alex became more than a study partner; they became a confidant, someone with whom I could share both the triumphs and tribulations of college life.

Idea Generation for this IELTS Candidate Task Card / Cue Card Question:

Here are some examples of situations where you met someone and later became good friends. You can choose one and expand on it in your answer.  

1. Meeting a friend on the firstday of college:
I met one of my best friends on the first day of college when we were assigned to sit next to each other. Initially, I found him/her to be quiet, but after a few conversations, we realized we had many common interests. Over time, our friendship grew stronger as we studied together and supported each other through tough times.  

2. Becoming friends with a colleague at work:
I met a colleague on my first day at a new job, and we instantly clicked. He/she was very helpful in explaining work processes and made me feel comfortable in the new environment. We bonded over coffee breaks and shared experiences, which eventually turned into a close friendship.  

3. Making a friend while travelling:
I met a fellow traveler during a trip to another country, and we became friends instantly. We explored the city together, tried local food, and shared travel stories. Our shared love for adventure made us stay in touch even after the trip, and we later traveled to more places together.  

4. Meeting a friend at a social event:
I met someone at a wedding/birthday party who later became a great friend. We started talking casually and realized we had similar hobbies and interests. After exchanging contact details, we stayed in touch and started hanging out frequently, strengthening our bond.  

5. Becoming friends with a neighbour:
After moving to a new apartment, I met my neighbor, who turned out to be very friendly and welcoming. We often ran into each other in the building and soon started chatting about common interests. Over time, we started spending more time together, and our friendship grew stronger.  

6. Making a friend through an online platform:
I met a person through an online discussion forum/social media group related to a topic I was passionate about. We started chatting about our shared interests, which led to video calls and, eventually, meeting in person. Our mutual understanding and common hobbies helped us become close friends.  

7. Meeting a friend through a sports club or hobby group:
I joined a sports club/hobby group where I met someone with the same enthusiasm for the activity. We started training/practicing together and encouraged each other to improve. The teamwork and shared passion helped build a strong and lasting friendship.  

PART - 3: Detail Discussion.

Discussion topic: 

Q. How important is it for children to have lots of friends at school?
Answer: Having friends at school is crucial for a child's social and emotional development, but it does not mean that they need a really large number of friends. A few good friends can provide companionship, emotional support, and opportunities for social interaction. They play a vital role in shaping a child's social skills, empathy, and understanding of interpersonal relationships. While the emphasis shouldn't be on the quantity but on the quality of friendships, having a supportive social circle positively contributes to a child's well-being.

Q. Do you think it is wrong for parents to influence which friends their children have? 
Answer: In my opinion, parents naturally have a role in guiding and shaping their children's choices, including friendships. However, influencing to an extent where the child feels restricted or pressured may hinder their ability to develop autonomy and make decisions independently. So I think, striking a balance between guidance and allowing children to choose friends based on their own experiences helps foster healthy social development.

Q. Why do you think children often choose different friends as they get older?
Answer: As children grow older, their interests, personalities, and priorities evolve. They start to develop a clearer sense of identity and may seek friendships with individuals who share similar values or hobbies. Changing school environments, exposure to diverse perspectives, and personal growth contribute to the dynamic nature of friendships. Additionally, as children become more discerning, they may gravitate towards friends who align with their evolving preferences and aspirations.
 

Discussion topic: 

Q. If a person is moving to a new town, what is a good way for them to make friends? 
Answer: Moving to a new town can be challenging, but engaging in community activities is a great way to make friends. Joining local clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations provides opportunities to meet people with shared interests. Attending community events, such as fairs or gatherings, can also facilitate social interactions. Additionally, reaching out to neighbours or colleagues, attending local classes, or participating in online forums related to the new town can be effective strategies to build connections.

Q. Can you think of any disadvantages of making new friends online?
Answer: While making friends online offers the advantage of connecting with people globally, there are potential disadvantages. Online friendships may lack the depth and intimacy of face-to-face relationships. There's also a risk of encountering dishonesty or misrepresentation, as online personas may differ from reality. Additionally, spending excessive time online can lead to social isolation and impact one's mental health. So, I think that it's crucial to balance online connections with in-person interactions to ensure a well-rounded social life.

Q. Would you say it is harder for people to make new friends as they get older? 
Answer: Making new friends can become more challenging as people get older due to factors such as established social circles, busy schedules, and a decrease in opportunities for spontaneous interactions. However, it's not impossible. Engaging in activities, classes, or clubs relevant to personal interests can create avenues for meeting like-minded individuals. Maintaining an open and approachable attitude, along with embracing new experiences, can make it easier to form meaningful connections, even in adulthood.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

Making new friends can be an exciting and memorable experience. When describing a time you met someone who became a good friend, it’s important to express your initial impression, how the friendship developed, and why you value it. Below are some moderately advanced words and phrases that can help you vividly describe this experience:

Acquaintance – A person you know but who is not a close friend.
First impression – The initial thoughts or feelings you have when you meet someone.
Instant connection – A strong, immediate sense of liking or understanding someone.
Bond over – To become close because of a shared interest or experience.
Like-minded – Having similar interests, attitudes, or opinions.
Spark a friendship – To initiate a new friendship.
Hit it off – To immediately become good friends.
Mutual interests – Hobbies or topics that both people enjoy.
Get along – To have a harmonious and friendly relationship.
Trustworthy – Reliable and deserving of trust.
Complementary personalities – Having different but compatible traits.
Warm-hearted – Kind and affectionate.
Supportive – Giving encouragement and help to a friend.
Genuine – Real, sincere, and honest.
Open-minded – Willing to consider new ideas and experiences.
Memorable encounter – A meeting that is special and stays in your memory.
Easy-going – Relaxed and not easily upset or worried.
Instant rapport – A quick and natural sense of connection with someone.
Mutual respect – Admiration and consideration shared between friends.
Empathy – The ability to understand and share someone’s feelings.
Reliable companion – A friend who is dependable and trustworthy.
Grow closer – To develop a stronger bond over time.
Share common ground – To have similar views or interests.
Uplifting presence – A friend who makes you feel happier and more positive.
Form a bond – To create a strong connection between two people.
Comforting – Making someone feel better during difficult times.
Socially compatible – Able to easily get along and interact with each other.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you met someone who you became good friends with", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe how you met your best friend.
2) Describe a time when you met someone with whom you had an interesting conversation.
3) Describe someone you met on a train/bus journey.
4) Describe an interesting conversation you recently had with someone.
5) Describe a time when you made a new friend.
6) Describe a time when you met a friend after a long time.

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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