Speaking · Speaking Interview
Friendship Interview
Speaking · Interview
Instructions
This task measures your ability to respond to a range of general and academic questions by producing a coherent, clear spoken response with natural pace, expressive intonation, and varied, accurate language.
You will answer 4 interviewer questions. You will have 45 seconds to answer each question. Initial questions focus on factual information and personal experience, whereas later questions ask you to express and support your opinions.
- Allow microphone access when prompted.
- Use headphones and find a quiet space.
- You will hear the scenario, then each interviewer question. Recording starts automatically when the question audio ends.
- Take a deep breath — and let's go.
Friendship Interview
Answer each interview question aloud
Scenario
You have agreed to take part in a research study about friendship in adult life. You will have a short online interview with a researcher. The researcher will ask you some questions.
Question 1
Thanks very much for your time. I'm researching how adults make and keep friends. How did you meet the people you are closest to?
Show a model answer
Mostly through study and work, which I think is fairly typical. Two of my closest friends I met in my first year at university, and we have stayed in touch ever since. One I met through a running group, which surprised me, because I joined it for the exercise. Very few of my close friendships started recently.
Question 2
Do you find it harder to make new friends now than when you were younger? Why?
Show a model answer
Much harder, and I think the reason is structure. At school and university you see the same people every day without arranging anything, and friendship grows out of that. As an adult you have to schedule it, which feels like effort on both sides. It is not that people are less friendly; there is just less unplanned time together.
Question 3
How do you keep in touch with friends who live far away?
Show a model answer
Mostly messages, with an occasional long video call. I have found that short, frequent contact works better than waiting for a proper catch-up that never gets arranged. We also try to meet in person once a year, even if it takes some planning. Seeing someone face to face resets the friendship in a way messages don't.
Question 4
What do you think makes a friendship last for many years?
Show a model answer
Being willing to pick things up again after a gap without keeping score. Life gets busy, and people who expect constant contact tend to drift away disappointed. Honesty matters too, including being able to disagree. The friendships of mine that have lasted longest are the ones where neither of us has to perform.
What a high-scoring response does
- Answers the question that was asked in the first sentence
- Supports it with a reason and a concrete example
- Keeps talking fluently for most of the 45 seconds
- Sounds natural: clear pronunciation, few long pauses
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