Part 1 (Introduction)

1. Can you tell me about your family?
"I come from a close-knit family of five: my parents, my two younger siblings, and me. We are very supportive of one another, and we often spend our weekends together, either cooking meals or going out for a picnic."

2. Do you think it’s important to spend time with family?
"Absolutely. Spending time with family is crucial for building strong relationships and creating a support system. It allows us to share our experiences, celebrate successes, and be there for each other in times of difficulty."

3. Who are you closest to in your family?
"I am probably closest to my mother. We have a very open relationship, and I feel comfortable talking to her about almost anything. She is also a great listener and always gives me wise advice whenever I face a problem."

4. Do you have many friends?
"I have a small circle of friends that I’m very close to. I prefer to have a few meaningful friendships rather than a large group of acquaintances. We share similar interests and values, which makes our bond strong."

5. How often do you meet your friends?
"I meet my friends at least once a week, usually over the weekend. We like to catch up, go for coffee, or sometimes engage in activities like watching movies or playing sports. Even when we’re busy, we try to stay in touch through social media."

Part 2 (Long Turn)

Describe a close friend you have. You should say:

• Who they are
• How you met
• What you do together And explain why they are a close friend.

Response:

"My close friend, Alice, is someone I've known since my first year in university. We met during an orientation event, and we immediately clicked because of our shared interests in music and travel. Over the years, we have built a strong friendship based on trust, honesty, and a lot of shared experiences.

Alice and I spend a lot of time together, whether it's going to concerts, trying out new restaurants, or just hanging out at each other's homes, talking about life. What makes her a close friend is her ability to listen without judgment and to offer supportive advice. She is also incredibly loyal; I know that no matter what happens, she'll always have my back.

The reason why I value our friendship so much is that it feels truly genuine. We don't need to pretend to be someone we're not, and we can always be ourselves around each other. This kind of authentic bond is hard to find, and I feel really fortunate to have her in my life."

Part 3 (Discussion)

1. What qualities do you think are important in a friend?
"I believe a good friend should be trustworthy, supportive, and have a good sense of empathy. Trust is the foundation of any friendship, as it allows you to share your thoughts and feelings openly. Support is equally important; having a friend who stands by you in both good times and bad makes the relationship much stronger. Lastly, empathy enables a friend to understand and share your feelings, fostering a deeper connection."

2. Are friends more important than family?
"That's a difficult question. Both friends and family play essential roles in our lives, but in different ways. Family provides a more permanent and unconditional support system, while friends often bring a fresh perspective and shared interests. I think it depends on the individual and their situation. Some people may rely more on their family, while others might feel that their friends understand them better. Ideally, a balance between both is the best."

3. How can social media influence friendships?
"Social media has both positive and negative effects on friendships. On the positive side, it allows people to stay in touch easily, regardless of their geographical location, and to share updates and memories. However, it can also lead to superficial relationships, where the connection is more about likes and comments rather than meaningful interactions. It's important to not let social media replace face-to-face time, which is crucial for building genuine friendships."

Key Vocabulary and Pronunciation