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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 your best friend.

You should say:

• who is he /she
• how you met him /her
• what you do together

and explain why this person is your best friend.

[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:

Introduction:
Thank you very much for this topic, and I am so glad to have been given an opportunity here to talk about my best friend. Well, I consider myself fortunate enough to have a friend like Alex, who happens to be my best friend as well. We have been close for several years, and our bond has only grown stronger over time.

How you met him/ her:
I first met Alex during my first year in college. We were both new students, and we happened to be assigned to the same group for a class project. At first, we were just acquaintances, but as we started working together, we realized that we had a lot in common. We shared similar interests in music, movies, and outdoor activities, which naturally brought us closer.

What you do together:
One of the things I love most about our friendship is the time we spend together. We often go hiking on weekends, as we both enjoy exploring nature. Additionally, we love watching movies and discussing various topics ranging from philosophy to technology. Another activity we frequently do together is playing chess, which has become a friendly competition between us over the years.

And explain why this person is your best friend:
Frankly speaking, what makes Alex my best friend is his unwavering support and kindness for me. He has always been there for me, whether I needed help with studies, personal advice, or just someone to talk to. He is a great listener and never judges me, no matter what I share with him. Moreover, his positive attitude and sense of humour always make any situation more enjoyable. For me, Alex is not just a best friend but also someone I deeply respect and admire.

Model Answer 2: 

When I think of my best friend, the first person that comes to mind is Lily, a person who has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. I am so happy to have her in my life as a friend. We've known each other since childhood, and our friendship has truly stood the test of time. Thank you very much for the opportunity to talk about this best friend of mine.

Lily and I grew up in the same neighbourhood, and we first met when we were about seven years old. We became fast friends after a school event where we were both paired up for a game. Ever since that day, we've been inseparable, sharing not just the mundane, but also the most pivotal moments of our lives.

What makes Lily such an important part of my life is her empathy and understanding. Over the years, she has become my confidante—someone I can turn to for both emotional and practical support. What I appreciate most is her ability to listen without judgment, offering thoughtful advice that always makes me see things from a fresh perspective. Unlike other friendships where the bond is more superficial, Lily and I share a deep emotional connection. We laugh together, we cry together, and most importantly, we grow together.

We are often seen at local coffee shops discussing everything under the sun—from the latest book we've read to future plans and dreams. But it’s not all about serious talks. We also love to go for spontaneous adventures, like long drives to the beach or attending music festivals. Our mutual love for travelling has also led us to explore a few cities together, and each trip only strengthens the bond we share.

For me, Lily represents the kind of friend who not only brings joy and fun into my life but also holds me accountable. She pushes me to be the best version of myself and always supports me in my endeavours, whether it’s academics, career aspirations, or personal growth. She is my sister in spirit!

Vocabulary related to describing your best friend:

This vocabulary section will help you talk about your best friend in a more nuanced and sophisticated way, allowing you to impress the examiner with your range of vocabulary.

Confidante – A person you trust deeply and feel comfortable sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings with.
Inseparable – A term used to describe two people who are always together and have a strong emotional connection.
Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, especially in moments of distress or difficulty.
Supportive – Describes someone who is always there to offer help, encouragement, and emotional backing during tough times.
Unconditional love – A type of love that is limitless, without judgment, and doesn’t depend on any external factors.
Mutual respect – A key element in any strong friendship, where both people value each other’s opinions, values, and boundaries.
Bond – A strong and enduring connection between two people that is often formed over time through shared experiences.
Adventures – Fun, exciting activities or trips that you enjoy doing with your best friend, often full of spontaneity and exploration.
Deep emotional connection – A relationship where both individuals have a profound understanding and trust in one another, which is rooted in shared emotions.
Accountability – The responsibility you share with your best friend in supporting each other to achieve personal goals or stay committed to promises.
Mutual interests – Common activities, hobbies, or passions that both you and your best friend enjoy doing together.
Sister in spirit – A phrase used to describe someone who feels like a sibling in your life, even though you are not related by blood.
Strengthen the bond – The process of deepening the relationship through shared experiences or moments that bring you closer together.
Invaluable – Something or someone that holds so much worth that it is irreplaceable and beyond measure.

Part 3 - Details Discussion:

Discussion Topic 1: Friendship and social connections.

Q. What qualities do you think are important in a good friend?
Answer: In my opinion, a good friend should be trustworthy because we need to know that we can rely on them both in good and bad times. They should also be empathetic, meaning they should be able to understand and share their feelings and understand our feelings. Another important quality is 'loyalty' -  a good friend sticks by our side no matter what. Finally, communication is also crucial—being able to talk openly and honestly helps to strengthen the bond. 

Q. Do you think friendships have become more superficial in today’s world? [Why/why not?]
Answer: Yes, I think friendships have become more superficial than old era, especially with the rise of social media. Nowadays, many people focus more on maintaining an online image rather than nurturing real connections. With social media, it's easy to appear like you're close to someone, but the interactions are often shallow and lack depth. People tend to post the highlights of their lives rather than share their true feelings, which can make friendships feel more like acquaintanceships. However, I still believe that there exist some exceptions to this rule and many people still value deep, meaningful connections.

Q. How important is it to have friends of different age groups?
Answer: I think it’s really important to have friends from different age groups. Older friends can offer wisdom and life experiences, while younger friends can bring fresh perspectives and energy. Having a diverse group of friends helps broaden our understanding of the world and can provide a balanced view of various issues. Additionally, spending time with people of different ages allows us to learn from each other and stay connected to different stages of life. Personally, I have a great range of friends from different age groups and backgrounds and I have always found it useful.

Discussion Topic 2: The role of technology in friendships.

Q. How do you think social media affects friendships in modern society?
Answer: I like to believe that social media can have both positive and negative effects on friendships. On the one hand, it allows people to stay in touch, even if they’re far apart. It’s great for maintaining long-distance friendships or reconnecting with old friends. On the other hand, it can sometimes create a false sense of closeness. Because people often only share the best parts of their lives, social media can lead to misunderstandings or jealousy. In some cases, it might also reduce face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for building strong, genuine bonds.

Q. Can long-distance friendships be as strong as friendships where people see each other frequently? [Why/why not?]
Answer: Yes, long-distance friendships can be just as strong as friendships where people see each other regularly, but it requires effort. The key is communication—keeping in touch through calls, texts, and video chats helps maintain a sense of closeness. However, seeing each other in person does add another layer of connection that’s hard to replicate online. Long-distance friendships might not be as easy, but they can definitely be meaningful if both friends are committed to staying in touch and making the relationship work.

Q. What are some ways to maintain strong friendships in busy and fast-paced lives?
Answer: In today’s busy world, it can be hard to keep up with friendships, but there are ways to make it work. Scheduling regular catch-ups, even if it’s just a quick phone call or video chat, helps keep the connection strong. It’s also important to be understanding of each other’s schedules and not take it personally if someone is too busy to meet up. Another way to maintain strong friendships is by being supportive and showing you care, even with small gestures like sending a message or remembering special occasions. It’s about quality over quantity when it comes to time spent together.

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2
• Describe a friend

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