IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe your best friend

Describe your best friend

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Jot down adjectives for appearance to ensure you have enough descriptive language ready.
  2. Group your activities to create a narrative flow rather than just listing random hobbies.
  3. Use the final bullet to explain the emotional significance of the friendship.

Band 8 model answer

I’d love to tell you about my best friend, Sarah, whom I’ve known for roughly fifteen years. We first crossed paths back in primary school when we were assigned as desk partners, and our bond has only deepened since those days. Physically, Sarah is quite striking; she has a mane of unruly, chestnut-coloured curly hair that she’s always trying to tame, and she possesses a very warm, infectious smile that lights up a room. She’s tall and carries herself with an air of quiet confidence that I’ve always admired. What I appreciate most about her is her unwavering integrity and her capacity for active listening. In a world where everyone is clamouring to be heard, she is someone who truly absorbs what you are saying and provides thoughtful, nuanced advice rather than just empty platitudes. She has a grounded nature that keeps me level-headed when I feel overwhelmed. We have a few go-to activities we enjoy whenever our busy schedules align. We often frequent a quaint, independent coffee shop near the canal where we can sit for hours just hashing out our latest career dilemmas or discussing the books we are currently obsessed with. Sometimes, we swap the urban bustle for a long hike in the countryside, as we both find being surrounded by nature incredibly therapeutic. I cherish our friendship because she is the one person who has witnessed my evolution from a shy teenager into the adult I am today. Having someone who holds the entire archive of my personal history—and loves me despite knowing all my quirks—is an irreplaceable anchor in my life.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

crossed paths
happened to meet someone by chance
unruly
difficult to control or keep in order
clamouring
making a loud demand or protest
nuanced
characterised by subtle shades of meaning
platitudes
dull or unoriginal remarks used too often
go-to
the most reliable or favourite option
hashing out
discussing something in detail to reach agreement
anchor
a person who provides stability and support

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 your best friend"?

Jot down adjectives for appearance to ensure you have enough descriptive language ready.

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.

More cue cards: a person