IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an argument between two friends

Describe an argument between two friends

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Identify the two friends early to set the scene for the listener.
  2. Use chronological order to describe the build-up and the eventual resolution.
  3. Focus on the emotional shift to make your narrative more engaging and natural.

Band 8 model answer

A couple of years ago, two of my closest friends, Liam and Sarah, had a rather heated disagreement that really caught me off guard. They had been inseparable since university, so seeing them at loggerheads was quite unsettling. The incident took place during a weekend camping trip in the Lake District. We had driven up on a Friday evening, and the tension started brewing while we were trying to pitch our tents in the pouring rain. The argument stemmed from a simple misunderstanding regarding the map-reading duties. Liam, who prides himself on his navigation skills, insisted we were on the right trail, while Sarah was convinced we had taken a wrong turn miles back. It escalated quite quickly from a polite disagreement into a full-blown shouting match, with both of them digging their heels in rather stubbornly. It was really uncomfortable for the rest of us; the air was thick with frustration as we stood there getting soaked. Eventually, the situation was resolved when we stumbled upon a local hiker who confirmed that Sarah was indeed correct about the route. Liam had to swallow his pride, and Sarah, seeing how miserable he looked, immediately softened her stance. They both apologised for losing their tempers, acknowledging that the stress of the weather and the physical exhaustion of the hike had exacerbated the situation. I think the reason they managed to move past it so easily was because their friendship was built on a foundation of mutual respect, and they both valued their bond far more than being right about a map.

260 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

at loggerheads
in a state of strong disagreement or conflict.
brewing
developing or about to happen very soon.
digging their heels in
refusing to change their mind or position.
exacerbated
made a problem or bad situation much worse.
swallow his pride
admit that you are wrong despite embarrassment.
caught me off guard
surprised someone because they were not prepared.
softened her stance
became less strict or angry in opinion.
inseparable
very close friends who spend time together.

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe an argument between two friends"?

Identify the two friends early to set the scene for the listener.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

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