# Describe a friend you like to talk with: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - People

Describe a friend you like to talk with.

You should say:
- who this friend is
- how you met
- what you usually talk about
- and explain why you like talking with this friend

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

Well, the friend I'd like to talk about is Arjun, who I've known since about six years now. We met at university, actually in the very first week, because we were put in the same group for a chemistry lab and neither of us had any idea what we were doing. We kind of laughed about it together, and after that we started sitting next to each other in lectures.

These days we don't live in the same city, so we mostly talk on the phone, usually on Sunday evenings. And honestly, we talk about almost everything. Sometimes it's quite serious stuff, like our jobs or problems in our families, and sometimes it's completely silly things, like a terrible film we both watched or which of us is the worse cook. He's also really into the history, so he often tells me some strange fact he's read about, and I end up asking him loads of questions.

The main reason I like talking with him is that he's a really good listener. A lot of people, when you tell them a problem, they immediately start giving advices, but Arjun actually lets you finish and asks questions first. So I always feel like he understands what I mean. And also, he's very honest. If he thinks I'm making a mistake, he'll tell me directly, but in a kind way, not in a way that makes me feel stupid.

And another thing is that he has a great sense of humour, so even when I'm stressed about something, after half an hour on the phone with him I feel much more relaxed. I think everyone needs at least one friend like that, someone you can be completely yourself with.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer speaks at length and tells a clear story, from the chemistry lab to the Sunday phone calls. Natural phrases like "really into", "end up asking" and "be completely yourself with" show good range, and the reasons are explained with examples. However, the reasons are added in a list-like way ("And also", "And another thing"), and some errors persist: "who I've known since about six years" (rather than "for about six years"), "giving advices" ("advice" is uncountable) and "really into the history" (no article for a general subject). For Band 8, the speaker would use more precise and idiomatic language, vary the linking, and keep complex sentences error-free.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-a-friend-you-like-to-talk-with).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.