This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 2 Test 2 question:
“Tell me about your best friend at school.”
Sample 1: Having A Best Friend
I am truly fortunate to have a friend at school who has an exceptional sense of empathy. She has an uncanny ability to sense when I’m feeling down and always knows what to say to lift my spirits. Her capacity for understanding and compassion has helped me through some challenging times, making her an indispensable part of my life at school.
Sample 2: Having A Best Friend
My closest companion from my schooling years is a real intellectual. She’s the type of individual who constantly has her nose buried in a book, always eager to quench her thirst for knowledge. Our friendship was largely built on our shared love for learning. We’d spend hours discussing the most recent book we’d read or debating different theories. Her knack for absorbing knowledge and her curiosity truly sets her apart.
Sample 3: Having A Best Friend
One of my companions from my school days was quite a tech enthusiast. He had an incredible understanding of computers and was always the go-to person whenever someone faced an issue with their systems. Our friendship was cemented by countless instances of him helping me troubleshoot my computer problems. His technical acumen was truly admirable, and it was through our interactions that I developed a keen interest in technology as well.
Sample 4: Having A Best Friend
Back in my school days, my closest confidant was an individual of exceptional intelligence. She had a knack for understanding complex concepts and a patience that matched her intellect. Despite my struggles with keeping up academically, she never hesitated to explain things to me, no matter how long it took. Our friendship was a blend of her tutoring me through difficult subjects and me admiring her unwavering patience and intelligence.
Sample 5: Having A Best Friend
During my school years, I had the good fortune of befriending a dedicated football enthusiast. He was an exceptional player, and our friendship blossomed through countless practices and matches. Despite the competitive nature of the game, our bond strengthened, especially when we played together on the school team. His skill on the field was undeniable, but it was the shared joy of the game that truly cemented our friendship.
Sample 6: Having A Best Friend
One of my most cherished friendships at school was with an introverted individual, much like myself. We found comfort in our shared solitude, often spending time in quiet corners of the school, engrossed in our own thoughts. Our friendship was based on mutual understanding, respect for each other’s quiet nature, and shared experiences of navigating through a world that often misunderstood our introversion.
Sample 7: Having A Best Friend
One of my most cherished friendships from my school days was with a friend who lived right next door. Our friendship was marked by the convenience of living so close to each other. We shared countless walks to school, study sessions at each other’s houses, and many spontaneous adventures around our neighborhood. The geographical proximity turned into emotional closeness, making our bond truly special.
Sample 8: Having Closed Friends
In school, I had the privilege of being part of a diverse circle of friends. Each one, with their unique interests and strengths, brought something different to the table. Our shared experiences ranged from academic challenges and sporting triumphs to artistic collaborations and tech innovations. These friendships were not only a source of joy and support but also provided a dynamic environment that fostered personal growth and learning.
Sample 9: Not Having Closed Friends
In my case, it’s slightly different. I moved around a lot during my school years due to my parents’ jobs. So, I found it challenging to maintain strong, lasting friendships. Each school I went to, I made friends, but then we had to part ways. It was bittersweet, but it did teach me to be adaptable and resilient. So, I wouldn’t say I had a best friend, but a series of brief yet meaningful friendships.
Sample 10: Not Having Closed Friends
At school, I was often misunderstood due to my introverted personality. People tended to mistake my quiet demeanor for aloofness, which made it hard for me to form close bonds. It seemed as though no one really liked me enough to become my best friend. While this was a challenging experience, it also taught me a lot about empathy and the importance of not judging a book by its cover.
