Below are the sample questions and answers for IELTS Speaking Part 1 Introduction: ‘Friends’. Each answer by Voxcel is written on Band 9 parameters. Click here to read how to structure your answers in your IELTS speaking test.
Each Topic of Part 1 covers questions of different types, including different tenses, to help you practice in the best way possible.
IELTS SPEAKING TOPICS PART 1 – FRIENDS
- How important are friends in your life?
Answer: Friends are incredibly important; they’re like a second family to me. They provide support during tough times and share in my happiest moments. In fact, I can’t imagine life without them because they bring so much joy and meaning to it.
- Do you have many close friends or just a few? Why?
Answer: I prefer having a few close friends rather than a large circle of acquaintances. Quality matters more than quantity for me. After all, it’s better to have meaningful connections where you truly understand and trust each other.
- How do you usually stay in touch with your friends?
Answer: We mostly keep in touch through text messages or video calls, especially since we’re often busy with our own lives. Occasionally, we’ll meet up for coffee or dinner to catch up. On top of that, social media makes it easy to share updates and photos regularly.
- What qualities do you value most in a friend?
Answer: Loyalty and honesty are non-negotiable for me. A true friend should be someone you can rely on no matter what. At the same time, having a good sense of humor goes a long way because it makes spending time together even more enjoyable.
- Have you ever lost touch with a close friend? Why?
Answer: Yes, unfortunately, I lost touch with a childhood friend after moving to a different city. Life got busy, and we gradually stopped communicating. Looking back, I regret not making more effort to maintain the friendship. It’s something I’d do differently now.
- Would you prefer having lots of acquaintances or a few close friends? Why?
Answer: I’d choose a few close friends any day. While acquaintances are nice to have, deep friendships offer emotional support and understanding that casual relationships simply can’t match. To put it another way, depth trumps breadth when it comes to friendships.
- Can you recall a memorable experience with your friends?
Answer: One unforgettable memory was a road trip we took last summer. We drove to the mountains, sang along to our favorite songs, and stayed up late talking under the stars. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that brought us even closer.
- Do you think friendships change as people grow older? Why?
Answer: Definitely! As people grow older, priorities shift, careers, families, and responsibilities take center stage. Friendships may become less frequent but often deepen over time. As a result, the bond becomes stronger despite seeing each other less often.
- How do you make new friends?
Answer: I usually meet new people through shared activities, like joining clubs or attending events. For example, volunteering or taking a class is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals. Once I find common ground, building a friendship feels natural.
- Are there any challenges in maintaining friendships?
Answer: Time management is the biggest challenge. With work and personal commitments, it’s hard to find time to hang out regularly. However, staying proactive, like sending a quick message or planning ahead, helps keep the connection alive.
- Do you think social media helps or harms friendships? Why?
Answer: Social media has its pros and cons. On one hand, it helps you stay updated and connected, even across distances. On the other hand, it can create superficial interactions or misunderstandings. All things considered, it depends on how you use it.
- If you could describe your ideal friend, what would they be like?
Answer: My ideal friend would be kind-hearted, trustworthy, and fun to be around. They’d be someone who listens without judgment and supports me through thick and thin. Above all, they’d share a similar outlook on life. We’d just clickinstantly.
Note: We have written questions and answers for all the IELTS Speaking Topics of Part 1. Click here to assess them. We aim to help the students as much as possible. We have also written IELTS Speaking Cue Cards, including their Part -3 on the scale of Band 9. However, we don’t promote cramming.
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