Describe Your Best Friend: IELTS Cue Card

IELTS^TM CUE CARD

Describe Your Best Friend: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 08:25

Overview

In this IELTS speaking practice test, we will discuss the topic ‘Describe Your Best Friend’. You need to talk about your best friend, including how you met, what qualities you like in the person, and memorable experiences you've shared with them.

This topic is asked as part of the IELTS exam, which consists of four modules: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The speaking test is divided into three parts: the introduction round, the individual long turn, and the two-way discussion round.

Cue Card/Topic: Describe your best friend.

You should say

Who is he/she?
When and how did you two meet?
How do you spend time together?
And explain why you like this person

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

Aakash, my closest friend, always brings joy and support into my life.
His contagious laughter and optimistic outlook never cease to lift my spirits.

Who is he/she?

Aakash is an individual full of compassion and a desire for adventure, just like me.
We both are enthusiastic about discovering new places and trying out new experiences.

When and how did you two meet?

We met and were assigned to the same dormitory during our freshman year of college orientation.
Our friendship gradually developed over various shared experiences and late-night study sessions.

How do you spend time together?

Aakash and I relish the diverse range of activities that we do together, ranging from hiking in the mountains to exploring new eateries around the town.
We also have a shared passion for attending concerts and visiting art exhibitions.

And explain why you like this person:

I highly regard Aakash's kindness, resilience, and unwavering support.
He always offers me a listening ear and words of encouragement whenever I need them, and I deeply admire him for that.

Conclusion:

For me, Aakash is not just a friend but also an invaluable companion who has brought countless enriching experiences to my life.
I cherish his friendship deeply and eagerly anticipate many more exciting adventures that we shall share.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

Throughout my school years, Akanksha, my best friend, impacted my outlook and personality through her calm resilience and steadfast encouragement.

Who is he/she?

Akanksha is a calm and thoughtful person.
She gets things and gives excellent advice, bringing joy and positivity into my life.

When and how did you two meet?

We met in middle school while working on an environmental project together.
Our friendship grew quickly because we both shared a passion for making a difference.

How do you spend time together?

We still spend a lot of time together, discussing new ideas for projects and finding ways to contribute to our community.
Whether helping at events or just chatting over coffee, every moment with Akanksha is always fun and inspiring.

And explain why you like this person:

I look up to Akanksha for her strength and compassion.
She's always there to support me and remind me to stay optimistic, even when things get tough.
Her determination to improve the world is a constant inspiration for me.

Conclusion:

Akanksha is more than a friend - she's my constant source of support and encouragement.
I'm grateful for her friendship and her positive impact on me.
Here's to many more years of making memories and making a difference together.

Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

Aditya is my guiding star; his warmth and steadfast companionship light my way and give me strength.

Who is he/she?

Aditya is lively, charming, and kind-hearted, always bringing positivity wherever he goes.

When and how did you two meet?

Our journey began during a local charity event, where our shared commitment to giving back to the community brought us together.
From that moment on, our bond only grew stronger.

How do you spend time together?

Aditya and I share a passion for adventure and exploration.
Whether we're embarking on spontaneous road trips, hiking through scenic trails, or enjoying a quiet evening of conversation, every moment with him is filled with excitement and joy.

And explain why you like this person:

I'm drawn to Aditya's authenticity and unwavering support.
He's always there to lift me and offer encouragement, reminding me of the beauty in the world and the strength within each of us.

Conclusion:

Aditya continues to inspire and bring joy to my life, and his friendship is a constant source of comfort and companionship.
I'm grateful for his presence and the memories we've shared, and I look forward to many more adventures together in the years to come.

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Cue Card 2024: Topics, With Sample Answers

Let's take an example of the cue card for the topic 'Describe your best friend.’

Your goal in the cue card section is to provide a detailed explanation of the topic. The ideas given below will help you respond to the question comprehensively for the examiner.

Here's how we can proficiently prepare your answer for this topic:

Introduction

Introduce your best friend by name and your relationship.
Briefly mention the importance of your friendship.
Set the tone for your description by expressing your admiration or fondness.

“James is my best friend, and our bond has been unbreakable for as long as I can recall. He's not only a friend but also a brother to me. I'm excited to share why he holds such a special place in my heart.”

Who is he/she?

Describe your friend's personality or character traits.
Highlight any unique qualities that set your friend apart.
Mention any shared interests or values that strengthen your bond.

“James embodies kindness, integrity, and loyalty. He always prioritises others before himself and is always ready to offer assistance. We both share a love for adventure and enjoy exploring the unknown.”

When and how did you two meet?

Provide details about the circumstances of your first meeting.
Describe the initial connection or bond that formed between you.
Share a memorable or significant moment from your early friendship.

“James and I became friends in middle school while working on a science fair project. His creativity and problem-solving impressed me, and we quickly bonded over our common interests and values.”

How do you spend time together?

Mention everyday activities or hobbies that you enjoy doing together.
Describe the frequency or regularity of your interactions.
Mention any traditions or rituals that you both cherish.

“One of the things we love to do together is explore the outdoors. We enjoy hiking in the mountains, camping under the stars, or taking long walks in the park. Another passion we have in common is music. We often attend concerts or music festivals together as we both love it.”

And explain why you like this person.

Highlight specific qualities or characteristics that you admire in your friend.
Provide examples that illustrate these qualities.
Express the impact that your friend has had on your life.

“I greatly respect James and his loyalty, authentic kindness, and capability always to see the good in people. He has stood by me through the good times and bad, providing me with unwavering support and motivation when I required it the most.”

Conclusion

Summarise the main points of your answer.
Reiterate the importance of your friendship.
Express your appreciation for your friend's presence in your life.

“I cherish James not only as a friend but also as a true companion. We have countless memories together, and I am grateful for his friendship. I eagerly anticipate many more adventures and shared experiences with him.”

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Follow-Up Questions

In our topic ‘Describe your best friend’, here are the possible questions the examiner might ask you during the test:

Q1. What do you think are the most important qualities for friends to have?

Answer 1: Trust and loyalty are essential qualities that friends must possess. The ability to depend on your friends and the assurance that they will support you through thick and thin strengthens the bond between friends.

Answer 2: I firmly believe that empathy and understanding are fundamental qualities for friends to possess. The ability to listen attentively to each other's emotions and comprehend them helps establish a profound bond and nurtures a supportive friendship.

Q2. Which are more important to people, their family or their friends? Why?

Answer 1: While family and friends are important, family is more significant for most people. Family is often seen as the foundation of support and love, providing a unique sense of belonging and security.

Answer 2: It's hard to say which is more important, family or friends, as it varies from person to person. Some people consider family more critical because of the unconditional love and support they provide. In contrast, others prioritise friendships as they offer companionship and understanding that may not always be present within the family.

Q3. What do you think causes friendships to break up?

Answer 1: Misunderstandings and lack of communication are prevalent reasons friendships end. When problems arise and are not discussed openly and honestly, they can lead to resentment and, ultimately, the breakdown of the friendship.

Answer 2: Friendships can end for several reasons, including growing apart over time, conflicting priorities, or betrayal of trust. To prevent misunderstandings from escalating, it's essential for friends to continuously cultivate their relationship and address any issues that may arise.

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FAQs

Q. How to crack the Cue Card task?

Ans. To excel in the Cue Card task, prioritise vital points and structure your response logically. Begin by brainstorming ideas, then select the most relevant ones to discuss. Utilise various connecting words and phrases for coherence. Speak clearly and confidently, aiming to keep within the suggested 2-minute time frame. Practice your response beforehand to refine your delivery.

Q. How to make notes for cue card IELTS?

Ans. first, grasp the main points and task requirements to create notes for an IELTS cue card. Identify the topic and brainstorm related ideas. Then, jot down concise notes or keywords to recall essential details. Employ abbreviations and symbols for efficiency, ensuring clarity. Practice speaking using your notes to enhance fluency and coherence.

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. You can't change the speaking topic in IELTS. Topics are chosen to evaluate your English communication skills. Before speaking, you'll have a few minutes to prepare, so organise your thoughts. Practice talking about various topics beforehand to boost confidence on test day.

Q. Is there a specific structure I should follow when responding to speaking test topics?

Ans. It is recommended to follow a general structure by addressing the topic, elaborating with relevant examples, using connecting words, and concluding concisely. Practising this approach can help you deliver clear and organised responses during the test.

Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test has three parts, but the most important is Part 2. In Part 2, you must speak for 1-2 minutes about a topic on a cue card. This is important because it shows how well you can talk about a topic, use good language, and speak without stopping. Practising this part well can help you get a good score for the whole speaking test.

Q. What can I do if I don’t understand the cue card topic?

Ans. If you're unsure about the cue card topic, follow these steps: First, ask the examiner for clarification or additional information. Second, brainstorm related ideas to discuss. Lastly, remain calm and do your best—perfection isn't expected. Simply use the information you have to deliver your response confidently.

Q. How can I improve my performance in the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. To boost your IELTS Speaking performance: Practice English regularly with a partner, record yourself for feedback, expand vocabulary through reading and listening, aim for natural fluency, and familiarise yourself with test formats using sample questions for confidence and skill improvement.

Q. What is the duration of Part 2 speaking IELTS?

Ans. In Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, you will be given a cue card with a topic to speak about and will have 1 minute to prepare your thoughts. The speaking duration for this part is 3-4 minutes, during which the examiner will ask you to elaborate on the topic for 1-2 minutes.

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Common errors in IELTS speaking encompass avoiding the question, offering brief responses, speaking at an inappropriate pace, repeating words, and needing more varied vocabulary or grammar. To enhance your score, prioritise extensive English-speaking practice beforehand, concentrating on these aspects.

Q. Can I use informal language during my cue card task?

Ans. Generally, it's recommended to utilise formal language in the IELTS speaking test, even during the cue card task. However, it's crucial to maintain a natural tone and avoid sounding overly rehearsed. While some informal language is acceptable, ensure it's suitable for the context and doesn't negatively impact your overall score.

Q. What is the marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test is scored on a band scale of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score. The test is scored based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource (vocabulary), grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each criterion is assigned a score, which is averaged to give an overall band score. It's essential to practice and work on each of these areas to improve your score.

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