Describe a friend from your childhood – IELTS speaking part 2
Describe a friend from your childhood
You should say:
- Who the friend was
- How you met them
- What you did together
And explain how you felt about this friend
“I first met John way back when I was in primary school, and I guess we were both about 8 or 9 years old. I was always very shy as a young kid, and not good at making new friends, but I can still remember clearly that we both had the same Manchester United pencil box, and shared a love of football. We hit it off from the start, getting on like a house on fire, and remained best buddies for the rest of our school days.
We were really like two peas in a pod, and shared a lot of the same interests. We both always loved to be outdoors, as well as sharing a love of football, especially our beloved Man Utd. I still have so many fond memories of us heading off on our bikes for yet another adventure…. or maybe I should say misadventure!
Looking back, I can say that those really were some of the best days of my young life, and will always hold a special place in my heart. I can still clearly remember all those wonderful,long lazy summer days we spent together like it was yesterday.
Although we chose different paths after finishing school, and now attend university in different cities, we still keep in touch regularly, as well as meeting up every now and again,and taking a trip down memory lane.
Idioms
- To hit it off
To become friendly with each other immediately.
“We had a lot of similar interests, and hit it off straight away.”
- To get along like a house on fire
When two people like each other very much and become good friends very quickly.
“I was very anxious to meet my girlfriend’s father for the first time, but we got along like a house on fire.”
- Like two peas in a pod
This means to be very similar in character/looks to each other, and like the same things.
“My brother and I are like two peas in a pod, and like all the same things, as well as looking like each other.”
- To hold a special place in one’s heart
This means that something/someone is very emotionally important to you.
“My hometown always holds a special place in my heart.”
- Like it was yesterday
To remember something very clearly, even though it might have happened a long time ago.
“We met for the first time over 10 years ago, but it only seems like yesterday.”
- To take a trip down memory lane
This means to talk, write or think about something that happened (usually happy) a long time ago.
“I met up with one of my old classmates recently for a coffee, as we enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane.”
Describe a friend from your childhood – IELTS speaking part 3
Do you think it’s important for children to have friends?
“Yes, I think it’s extremely important for children to have friends, and I believe that friendships help children develop necessary life skills, which will have an impact on their later lives.
What’s more, having friends can, I believe, boost children’s self-confidence as well as having a positive effect on a child’s academic performance in school.
On top of that, it’s very important for children to develop different social skills, such as problem solving and listening skills, as well as learning how to deal with conflicts or disagreements. So, yes, learning to form friendships is, I believe, an extremely important part of a child’s development.”
Do children make friends in the same way as adults?
“Well, generally speaking, I think it’s easier for children to make friends than it is for adults. I guess kids don’t put any real thought into making friends, and are often happy to play and form friendships with other children that they have just met for the first time. What’s more, joining in and playing with other children is often encouraged by parents or teachers, and is a very natural thing for a child to do.
In contrast, it’s generally not always as easy for adults to build friendships, and normally a lot of different things have to be taken into account, such as having similar interests, career background, as well as their circle of friends.
Furthermore, I think young children are more willing to put their trust in a new friend. However as they get older I think this changes, and their circle of friends will usually be smaller than when they were younger.”
Do you think it’s important for a friend to be a good listener?
“Yes, I think to be a true friend,it’s extremely important to be a good listener. Being able to listen to a friend effectively means you can better understand them as a person, as well as a friend.
What’s more, being a good listener can also help you to gain some new points of view or insights, especially if you have some problem that you are finding difficult to solve.
Furthermore , being a good and patient listener can help you to better understand people, and build long lasting friendships. So, I think that listening really is an essential part of any conversation.”
What do you think a best friend should be?
“Personally, I think a best friend is someone who you really value above any other friends in your life, as well as being someone you can have fun with, as well as a person whom you are able to trust.
What’s more, a best friend should be someone you can really talk to and confide in about anything. I guess your best friend would be the first person you call when you get good news or want to go out for a bite to eat for example. “
More links to part 2 and 3 example answers
Describe a popular person in your country
Describe a movie that you like
Describe a city you would recommend as a suitable place to live
Describe a traditional product from your country
