Posted on 28-09-2024 by theylem | 22 views
What qualities do you think are important in a friend?
Sample Answer:
“I believe that trust, honesty, and loyalty are some of the most important qualities in a friend. A true friend is someone you can rely on and who is there for you through both good and bad times. Additionally, a good friend should be able to communicate openly and support you without judgment.”
How do you like to spend time with your friends?
Sample Answer:
“I like to spend time with my friends by doing a variety of activities. Sometimes we just enjoy a casual coffee or dinner together, catching up on life. Other times, we like to go for outdoor activities like hiking, playing sports, or even going to see a movie or attending a concert.”
Do you think it is important to have many friends, or just a few close ones?
Sample Answer:
“I think it’s better to have a few close friends than many acquaintances. Close friendships tend to be more meaningful and deep, as you can share your thoughts and experiences more openly. However, it’s also nice to have a wide social network for different kinds of support and experiences.”
Prompt:
Describe a friend who has been particularly important to you.
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my friend Alex, who has been one of the most influential people in my life. We met during our university years when we were both studying for the same degree. Initially, we bonded over our mutual interest in music and sports, and soon we were spending a lot of time together, studying, playing sports, and going to concerts. Alex has always been a great listener and has given me valuable advice during tough times. What makes him particularly important to me is his unwavering support and his ability to always see the positive side of things, which has helped me become more optimistic and confident in myself.”
Follow-up Question:
Do you think it’s easier to make friends when you are a child or an adult?
Sample Answer:
“I think it’s generally easier to make friends as a child because you’re often surrounded by peers at school or in social activities, and there’s less hesitation in approaching others. As adults, people tend to be busier with work and family, and they can be more selective about who they befriend. However, friendships made during adulthood can sometimes be deeper, as they are often based on shared interests and values.”
Task Prompt:
Here are some reasons why people might lose contact with their friends. Talk together about how significant each of these reasons might be and decide which one is the most common reason for losing touch with friends.
Sample Discussion Points:
“I think moving to a different city or country is a common reason why people might lose contact with friends. Physical distance often makes it difficult to maintain a strong connection, especially if you don’t have regular catch-ups. However, changes in lifestyle, like getting married or having children, can also lead to a shift in priorities. What do you think?”
“I agree that relocation can make it challenging, but I think having a busy work schedule is an even bigger factor. As people progress in their careers, they often find themselves with less free time, making it hard to stay in touch. Also, sometimes arguments or misunderstandings can lead to drifting apart, but I feel that’s less common compared to life changes. What do you think is the hardest to overcome?”
Extended Answer:
“Yeah, it’s true that work schedules and moving can create barriers to maintaining friendships, but I also think different interests or priorities play a role. Over time, people can grow in different directions, and it might not always be intentional—it’s just that they have different focuses in life. However, it’s not impossible to reconnect even after a gap if both parties are willing to make an effort.”
How do you think technology has affected the way people maintain friendships?
Sample Answer:
“Technology has definitely made it easier to stay connected with friends, even those who live far away. Social media, messaging apps, and video calls allow people to keep in touch almost instantly. However, while it helps maintain connections, I sometimes think that it makes friendships less personal. People might send a quick text or like a photo, but that’s not the same as having a genuine, face-to-face conversation. So, while technology is beneficial, it’s important not to let it replace real interaction.”
Do you think friendships change as people grow older? Why or why not?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I do think friendships change as people grow older. When we’re younger, friendships are often based on shared activities or proximity like going to the same school. However, as we grow older, friendships tend to become more about shared values, emotional support, and deep connections. Sometimes, people also become more selective about who they spend their time with, and as their priorities change, their friendships may evolve or fade. It’s a natural part of life’s journey.”
Is it possible for people to be friends with someone they have very different opinions or beliefs from?
Sample Answer:
“I think it’s definitely possible to be friends with someone who has different opinions or beliefs, as long as there is mutual respect and an open mind. In fact, these kinds of friendships can be enriching because they expose you to different perspectives and ideas. However, it depends on how strongly held those beliefs are and whether both friends can agree to disagree without conflict. If the differences are too profound or touch on core values, it might be more difficult to maintain a close friendship.”
Follow-up Question:
What advice would you give to someone who wants to maintain a long-distance friendship?
Sample Answer:
“I would advise them to make a consistent effort to stay in touch. It doesn’t have to be daily, but regular video calls or even simple texts can go a long way. Planning visits or trips together, if possible, can help maintain the bond. Also, sharing common interests like a book, movie, or hobby can create shared experiences, even if you’re not in the same place. The key is to show that you still care and value the friendship, even from afar.”
Unwavering support: Continuous and strong support.
Catch-up: A meeting or conversation to update each other on recent events.
Mutual respect: Respect shared between two or more people.
Shared interests: Common hobbies or passions that connect people.
Drift apart: To slowly lose contact with someone.
Emotional support: Providing comfort and understanding to someone in need.
Bond: A strong connection between people.
Reconnect: To re-establish a connection or relationship.
Personal conversation: A face-to-face or direct communication that involves sharing personal feelings or thoughts.
Life changes: Major changes in one's life, such as moving, marriage, or having children.
Selective: Being careful about choosing or making a choice.
Agree to disagree: To accept that someone has a different opinion and to move on without conflict.
Core values: The fundamental beliefs or principles that guide a person's behavior.
Genuine interaction: Real, meaningful communication or connection.
Physical distance: Being far apart geographically.
Supportive workplace: An environment where employers encourage and help their employees maintain a balance between work and personal life.
Acquaintances: People you know but who are not close friends.
Face-to-face: Directly, in person.