IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Friends questions and answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions are short and personal: the examiner asks three to five on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. These are the 6 questions about friends in the BandLadder test bank, with Band 8 sample answers for the most frequent ones and useful vocabulary. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 6 questions
  • 6 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

6 answers

Friends questions with sample answers

1

How often do you go out with friends?

I catch up with my close friends at least once a week, usually over dinner or a coffee. We lead quite busy lives, so setting aside a specific evening helps us stay connected and decompress after a demanding work week.

2

Do you prefer to have one particular friend or a group of friends?

Personally, I find a tight-knit group of friends more enjoyable than just having one companion. There is always a lively dynamic when we are all together, and I love how we can share different perspectives during our group discussions.

3

Do you think it's important to keep in contact with friends you knew as a child?

It is certainly meaningful, though I wouldn't call it an absolute necessity. Childhood friends understand your roots and personal history in a way that no one else can, which often makes those long-term bonds feel incredibly special and grounding.

4

How friendly are you with your neighbours?

I have a cordial relationship with the people living next door, though we aren't particularly close. We exchange pleasantries whenever we bump into each other in the hallway and will occasionally help out by collecting each other's parcels.

5

Which is more important to you, friends or family?

Well, my family will always take precedence because of the deep-rooted support system they provide. While friends are essential for my social wellbeing and happiness, family members are the ones I rely on during significant life challenges.

6

What makes a friend into a good friend?

Trust and reliability are the primary qualities that define a genuine friendship. A good friend is someone who shows empathy when things get tough and is honest enough to provide constructive feedback when I am headed in the wrong direction.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

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6 words

Useful vocabulary and tips

  • tight-knit

    a group of people who are very close together

  • cordial

    a friendly but formal way of behaving towards others

  • take precedence

    to be considered more important than something else

  • decompress

    to relax and reduce stress after working very hard

  • grounding

    making someone feel steady and sensible in their life

  • pleasantries

    polite remarks made in social situations to be kind

  • →Give a direct answer first before providing a brief supporting detail or personal example.
  • →Use a range of natural vocabulary to describe your relationships instead of repeating simple words.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in IELTS Speaking Part 1?+

Usually about ten to twelve, over four to five minutes: a few on your work, study or home, then three or four short questions on each of two everyday topics.

How long should a Part 1 answer be?+

Two or three sentences, about 15 to 20 seconds: a direct answer, a reason and one detail. One-word answers cost fluency marks, and long speeches eat into the examiner's time.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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