Speaking Part 3: Friends

In this section, we will discuss some common Part 3 questions about friends. I will provide model answers and use the "longer answers" technique, which was covered in detail in a previous lesson (link to the lesson).

1. Is it important to have friends?

Absolutely, having friends is incredibly important. Personally, I highly value the friendships I have developed over the years and cherish the time I spend with them. Just yesterday, for instance, I met up with a couple of my old school friends, and we had a wonderful time reminiscing about the past. Without friends, life would be mundane and most people would experience a sense of loneliness.

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

I believe that the most crucial qualities for friends to possess are shared interests and honesty. Since friends are individuals we spend a significant amount of time with, it is vital that we enjoy engaging in similar activities or discussing common topics. Additionally, trust is the cornerstone of a good friendship; therefore, honesty becomes indispensable. Personally, I would find it difficult to befrien d someone who lacks common interests, reliability, or trustworthiness.

3. How important do you think it is for a person to spend some time alone?

I consider it essential for individuals to allocate some time to be alone, even if it is just a few minutes each day. These moments of solitude provide valuable opportunities for self-reflection and introspection. Modern life can be overwhelmingly fast-paced, and our minds require moments of stillness to keep up. For me, having a bit of "me time" daily is crucial; I may go for a coffee or find a peaceful spot to enjoy reading the newspaper. Without regular periods of solitude, I believe my sanity would be at stake!

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Study task:

Here are some good words and phrases that I used in my answers:

1. Value: I certainly value the friends that I've made.
2. Cherish: I cherish the time I spend with my friends.
3. Reminiscing: We had a wonderful time reminiscing about the past.
4. Mundane: Without friends, life would be mundane.
5. Sense of loneliness: Most people would feel a sense of loneliness.
6. Crucial: The most crucial qualities for friends to possess.
7. Indispensable: Honesty becomes indispensable.
8. Reliable: Someone who is reliable.
9. Cornerstone: Trust is the cornerstone of a good friendship.
10. Befriend: I would find it difficult to befriend someone.
11. Allocate: It is essential to allocate some time to be alone.
12. Self-reflection: These moments of solitude provide valuable opportunities for self-reflection.
13. Introspection: Moments of solitude allow for introspection.
14. Fast-paced: Modern life can be overwhelmingly fast-paced.
15. Stillness: Our minds require moments of stillness.
16. Sanity: Without regular periods of solitude, my sanity would be at stake.

Try incorporating some of these words and phrases into your own answers when discussing friends in the Speaking test.