Describe a friend you have known for a long time
Describe a friend you have known for a long time.
You should say:
- who they are
- how and when you met
- what you usually do together
And explain why your friendship has lasted so long.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Contrast how you were when you met with how things are now. It naturally uses a range of tenses.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| Who they are | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How and when you met | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What you usually do together | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain why your friendship has lasted so long. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
I'd like to talk about my friend Sara, who I've known for about fifteen years.
We met on the first day of secondary school, when the teacher sat us next to each other alphabetically. At first we had almost nothing in common; she was loud and sporty, and I was quiet and loved books. But we were both terrible at maths, so we started helping each other with homework, and gradually we became inseparable.
These days we live in different cities, so we don't see each other as often as we'd like. We have a video call most Sunday evenings, and whenever she comes back to visit her family, we spend a whole day together, usually walking somewhere and eating far too much.
I think our friendship has lasted because we've always been honest with each other, even when it's uncomfortable. We've also accepted that we've both changed a lot since we were twelve. We don't need to talk every day, but when something important happens, she's the first person I call.
About 172 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- almost nothing in common
- became inseparable
- as often as we'd like
- far too much
- even when it's uncomfortable
- the first person I call
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- What makes a good friend?
- Is it easier to make friends as a child or as an adult?
- Can online friendships be as strong as face-to-face ones?
- Why do some friendships end?
- Do people have fewer close friends nowadays?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.