Chúng ta cùng tìm hiểu câu hỏi, từ vựng, sample part 1 & 2 về chủ đề Friends nhé.

Speaking part 1 topic Friends

1. In your free time, would you prefer to be alone or to be with friends?

It depends on the situation. But if I have quite a lot of spare time, of course, I prefer to be with my intimate friends because they are my source of encouragement, inspiration and affection.

spare time /sper taɪm/ n thời gian rảnh
intimate /ˈɪntɪmət/ adj thân thiết, thân mật
encouragement /ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒmənt/ n sự khích lệ, động viên
inspiration /ˌnspəˈreɪʃn/ n nguồn cảm hứng
affection /əˈfekʃn/ n sự yêu mến

2. How much time do you spend with friends?

I don’t really have much free time since I’m in full-time employment. So normally, I get together with friends once or twice a week for meals or coffee to gossip. We also go on small trips every once in a while to maintain bonds and let off some steam.

get together /ɡet təˈɡeðər/ v phr tụ họp, tụ tập, gặp nhau
gossip /ˈɡɑːsɪp/ v chuyện phiếm, nói chuyện phiếm
every once in a while /ˈevri wʌns ɪn ə waɪl/ idm thỉnh thoảng, đôi khi
bond /bɑːnd/ n mối quan hệ, liên hệ
let off some steam /let ɔːf sʌm stiːm/ idm giải tỏa căng thẳng, xả hơi

3. What kind of friends do you prefer?

I find myself attracted to people who are honest, loyal and know how to behave with others. I always avoid making friends with people who have a superiority complex. Therefore, I only have a handful of friends who share the same interests as mine and value these traits.

honest /ˈɑːnɪst/ adj thành thật, trung thực
loyal /ˈlɔɪəl/ adj trung thành
superiority complex /suːˌpɪriˈɔːrəti kɑːmpleks/ n mặc cảm tự tôn
trait /treɪt/ n đặc điểm, nét tiêu biểu
a handful of /ə ˈhændfʊl əv/ n phr một số lượng nhỏ

4. Is friendship very important to you and why?

Of course, to me, there is no doubt that friends are indispensable. As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”. Not only could they make our lives more interesting, but friends also help us develop a sense of sharing whether they are tangible things or just motivational words of wisdom, especially when we have difficult moments in life.

there is no doubt that /ðer ɪz nəʊ daʊt ðæt/ phr chắc chắn
indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ adj không thể thiếu được
a sense of sharing /sens əv ʃerɪŋ/ n phr ý thức sẻ chia
tangible /ˈtændʒəbl/ adj hữu hình
words of wisdom /wɜːrdz əv ˈwɪzdəm/ n phr lời khôn ngoan

5. Do you have many friends?

Answer: Actually no, I don’t have many friends mainly because I’d have to spend a lot of time in order to keep in touch with all of them. I prefer spending my time maintaining a good friendship. Especially with those who wouldn’t complain so much about their lives and being negative or pessimistic. I have two very good friends whom I really care about.

mainly because /ˈmeɪnli bɪˈkɒz/ phr chủ yếu là vì...
keep in touch /kiːp ɪn tʌtʃ/ v phr giữ liên lạc
negative /ˈneɡətɪv/ adj tiêu cực
pessimistic /ˌpesɪˈmɪstɪk/ adj bi quan
complain /kəmˈpleɪn/ v than phiền
maintain /meɪˈnteɪn/ v duy trì

6. How often do you see or meet your friends?

Answer: I try to meet my friends at least once a month, which may not seem much, but that seems to be enough for me to keep each other updated about our lives by talking about the issues that are affecting our lives on a daily basis. With the passage of time, we have got busy and can't meet each other every day or even every other day despite the fact that we really enjoy spending time together.

On a daily basis: Hàng ngày, thường ngày.

7. Is there anything special about your friends?

Answer: I am not sure what “special” really means in this context, but all of my friends are pretty “special” to me because we all take care of us each other in whichever “capacity” it is possible. But, if you are asking to name any particular “skill” or “quality”, I would say that one of my friends has great “cycling” skill while another one is a “champion” of inter-city “chess” playing tournament.

on a daily basis /ɒn ə ˈdeɪli ˈbeɪsɪs/ phr hàng ngày, thường ngày

8. Are your friends mostly your age or different ages?

Answer: My friends are mostly of the same age group even though I wouldn’t mind having friends from a different age category as well. However, I choose to stick with friends of my age mainly because it becomes rather easy to relate with each other as we all tend to talk, behave and think pretty much the same way.

tournament /ˈtɔːnəmənt/ n giải đấu
age group /ˈeɪdʒ ɡruːp/ n phr nhóm tuổi
age category /ˈeɪdʒ ˌkætəɡəri/ n phr nhóm độ tuổi

9. What you did with your friends last time you met them?

Answer: It rarely happens that all of our friends are managing to meet and get together at the same time and at the same spot because of our busy life schedule, but when it does happen, we try to make the best use of the occasion. So, the last time when we all got together, we went to one of our favourite restaurant in our home town to enjoy a great meal.

relate with /rɪˈleɪt wɪð/ v phr đồng cảm, dễ kết nối với ai
make the best use of /meɪk ðə best juːs əv/ v phr tận dụng tốt nhất
occasion /əˈkeɪʒn/ n dịp, cơ hội

10. What do you think makes a great friend?

Answer: Well, I think it is important for a friend to be thoughtful and considerate. If I make friend with someone who only cares about themselves, especially if they are arrogant and narcissistic I would immediately be put off and try to disconnect from the conversation. A great friend will offer you practical advice, will glue your feet to the ground while being supportive in your decisions.

thoughtful /ˈθɔːtfl/ adj chu đáo, biết quan tâm
considerate /kənˈsɪdərət/ adj biết nghĩ cho người khác
supportive /səˈpɔːtɪv/ adj mang tính hỗ trợ, động viên

11. Are friend important to you?

Of course, friends are essential to me as they provide emotional support, companionship, and the opportunity for social interaction. I must say that they play a significant role in my life and contribute to my overall happiness and well-being.

essential /ɪˈsenʃl/ adj thiết yếu, rất quan trọng
emotional support /ɪˈməʊʃənl səˈpɔːt/ n phr sự hỗ trợ tinh thần
well-being /ˌwel ˈbiːɪŋ/ n sức khỏe tinh thần và thể chất

12. What do you and your friend do together?

With my friends, we engage in various activities depending on our shared interests. This may include going out for meals or coffee, watching movies, playing sports or games, exploring new places, or simply spending quality time chatting and catching up.

shared interests /ʃeəd ˈɪntrəsts/ n phr sở thích chung
quality time /ˈkwɒləti taɪm/ n phr thời gian chất lượng
catch up /kætʃ ʌp/ v phr trò chuyện để cập nhật tình hình

12. Do you have many friends?

I must say that I have a small circle of close friends whom I trust and rely on. I mean quality matters more to me than quantity, as strong and meaningful friendships are more valuable than having a large number of acquaintances.

small circle /smɔːl ˈsɜːkl/ n phr vòng bạn bè nhỏ
rely on /rɪˈlaɪ ɒn/ v phr dựa vào, tin cậy vào
acquaintance /əˈkweɪntəns/ n người quen xã giao

13. Do you prefer one friend or many friends?

Frankly speaking, I appreciate the dynamic of having both. What I mean is that having a few close friends allows for deeper connections and a support system, while having a broader circle of friends provides the opportunity to interact with different personalities and perspectives.

frankly speaking /ˈfræŋkli ˈspiːkɪŋ/ v phr nói thật là
deeper connection /ˈdiːpə kəˈnekʃn/ n phr sự kết nối sâu sắc hơn
perspective /pəˈspektɪv/ n góc nhìn, quan điểm

14. What kind of people do you like to have as a friend?

I have to say that I highly value friends who are sincere, trustworthy, and supportive. I mean people who possess good communication skills, empathy, and a positive outlook on life would greatly make my life better while enhancing my mental health.

sincere /sɪnˈsɪə(r)/ adj chân thành
trustworthy /ˈtrustwɜːði/ adj đáng tin cậy
positive outlook /ˈpɒzətɪv ˈaʊtlʊk/ n phr cái nhìn tích cực

15. What kind of friend do you want to meet in the future?

Hopefully, I could make friends with those with mutual interests and goals, and those with whom I can grow and learn together. In fact, finding friends who provide mutual support and encouragement is always wonderful for me.

mutual interests /ˈmjuːtʃuəl ˈɪntrəsts/ n phr sở thích chung
mutual support /ˈmjuːtʃuəl səˈpɔːt/ n phr sự hỗ trợ lẫn nhau
encouragement  /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/ n sự động viên, khích lệ

16. Do you think you are a good friend?

Well, while I believe that I always try to be sincere and positive, nobody is perfect. Through trial and error, I strive to be understanding, caring, and reliable in my friendships, and I hope that my friends perceive me as a dear companion.

reliable /rɪˈlaɪəbl/ adj đáng tin cậy
companion /kəmˈpæniən/ n người bạn đồng hành
trial and error /ˌtraɪəl ən ˈerə(r)/ n phr quá trình thử và rút kinh nghiệm

17. Do you prefer to spend time with friends or alone?

Actually, both spending time with friends and enjoying solitude have their distinctive merits. I mean it really depends on the circumstances and my current mood. Friendships provide social connections and enjoyment, while alone time allows for self-reflection and personal growth.

distinctive merits /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv ˈmerɪts/ n phr những lợi ích riêng biệt
self-reflection /ˌself rɪˈflekʃn/ n phr sự tự nhìn nhận, suy ngẫm về bản thân
solitude /ˈsɒlɪtjuːd/ n sự ở một mình, khoảng thời gian riêng tư

18. Do you like to spend time with friends?

Definitely, I really cherish the time I am around my friends. To me, engaging in activities together, sharing laughter, and building meaningful connections are some of the most fulfilling experiences in life.

cherish /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ v trân trọng
meaningful connection /ˈmiːnɪŋfl kəˈnekʃn/ n phr sự kết nối có ý nghĩa
fulfilling /fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/ adj đem lại cảm giác hài lòng, viên mãn

Xem thêm bài mẫu Part 1 ở đây nữa nha:

IELTS Speaking Sample Answer topic Entertainment

IELTS Speaking Sample Answer topic Newspapers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Sample answers (New)

Speaking Part 2 Friend

Describe a friend that you remember from childhood

Cue card

Describe a friend that you remember from childhood.

You should say about:

- Who this friend is;

- What you remember from this friend;

And explain how he/she influences you.

Suggested answer

Honestly speaking, when someone asks me about a friend that I remember from childhood, the only person that I can recall vividly is Linh, who was my next door neighbor and also my classmate.

I really admire Linh for several reasons. Firstly, she was not only an excellent student but she was also very helpful. Despite being extremely intelligent, she spent more time than anyone of us in the class to study no matter it was a compulsory or an elective subject. She was very hard-working and she was among the students who had the most outstanding in-class performance. Moreover, she often gave me a tutorial if I had any difficulties in study. She also encouraged me a lot and even sends me her learning materials if I want to have further understanding of the lesson.

I and Linh also had a lot of fun together. We lived next to each other so we used to take turns to give each other a ride to school, played at each other’s home or went to the park together. We talked about many things in this world for example our interests, hobbies or even shared about our crush. Linh was also the only one with whom I could hang out with the consent of my parents. At that time, she was my soul sister, a person who I could rely on and trust.

Though it has been years since I last met her; however, we still keep in touch with each other and Linh is forever my best childhood friend!

Vocabulary

compulsory /kəmˈpʌl.sɚ.i/ adj bắt buộc (với môn học)
elective /iˈlek.tɪv/ adj tự chọn (với môn học)
in-class performance /ɪn- klæs pɚˈfɔːr.məns/ n phr cách thể hiện trong lớp học
learning material /ˈlɝː.nɪŋ məˈtɪr.i.əl/ n phr tài liệu học tập
soul sister /soʊl ˈsɪs.tɚ/ n phr người chị em thân thiết
have further understanding of /hæv ˈfɜːðər ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ ɒv/ v phr hiểu sâu hơn về cái gì
take turns to /teɪk tɜːnz tuː/ v phr lần lượt làm gì
with the consent of /wɪð ðə kənˈsent ɒv/ phr với sự đồng ý của
a breath of fresh air /ə breθ ɒv freʃ eə(r)/ n phr một luồng sinh khí mới
hit it off right away /hɪt ɪt ɒf raɪt əˈweɪ/ v phr có mối quan hệ tốt với ai ngay từ đầu
inseparable /ɪnˈsepərəbl/ adj không thể tách rời
two peas in a pod /tuː piːz ɪn ə pɒd/ idm rất giống nhau (như hai hạt đậu)
feel down /fiːl daʊn/ v phr cảm thấy buồn

 Structures

have further understanding of

(hiểu sâu hơn về cái gì)

Whenever I want to have further understanding of the lesson, Harry would always the one who was ready to give me a tutorial.

take turns to

(lần lượt làm gì)

In the exam room, we will take turns to answer the questions then we can be free.

with the consent of

(với sự đồng ý của)

With the consent of my family, I can stay at my friends’ houses when there is nobody at home.

keep in touch

(giữ liên lạc)

Though Hanh moved to German ten years ago, we still keep in touch and chat almost every week.

Describe an old friend you enjoy talking with

You should say:

  • Who this person is
  • How you knew him/her
  • What you usually talk about

And explain why you want to talk to this person

* Outline

Introduction

Giới thiệu về người bạn cũ mà bạn thích trò chuyện.

Nhắc đến tên người đó, ví dụ: "Hôm nay, tôi muốn nói về một người bạn cũ tên là Luke."

Nói sơ qua về mối quan hệ giữa bạn và người đó: "Tôi đã biết anh ấy từ thời đi học, và mỗi lần trò chuyện với anh ấy luôn mang lại cảm giác tươi mới."
Story

-Lần đầu gặp gỡ:

Gặp nhau ở trường cấp ba, Luke là học sinh mới.

Kể lại tình huống quen nhau (chia sẻ ghi chú, giúp đỡ nhau...).

-Điểm chung giúp hai người trở nên thân thiết:

Cùng yêu thích những câu chuyện hài hước và kiến thức thú vị.

Trở nên thân thiết như "hình với bóng".

-Hiện tại dù xa cách nhưng vẫn giữ liên lạc:

Luke chuyển về Mỹ để làm việc.

Hai người vẫn cố gắng trò chuyện thường xuyên.
Opinion

-Chủ đề thường trò chuyện:

Công việc, gia đình, kế hoạch trong tương lai.

Hồi tưởng lại những kỷ niệm vui thời đi học.

-Lý do thích trò chuyện với người này:

Luke là người lắng nghe tốt, có thể đưa ra lời khuyên hữu ích.

Trò chuyện với anh ấy rất tự nhiên, thoải mái, không gượng ép.

Anh ấy luôn biết cách nói đúng điều cần thiết vào đúng thời điểm, giúp tôi cảm thấy tích cực hơn.

-Kết luận:

Luke là người bạn nhắc nhở tôi về những kỷ niệm đẹp, đồng thời vẫn luôn đồng hành cùng tôi trong hiện tại.

Tôi luôn trân trọng những cuộc trò chuyện với anh ấy.
Conclusion

Tóm tắt lại lý do thích trò chuyện với người bạn này

* Sample

I would like to talk about my old friend, Luke. He was born and raised in the U.S. He has been someone I’ve known since my school days, and honestly, chatting with him always feels like a breath of fresh air.

We first met in high school- he was the new kid in class, and I remember offering to share my notes with him. We hit it off right away because we both had a love for goofy jokes and random trivia. Over time, we become inseparable, like two peas in a pod. Even though life has taken us in different directions- he moved back to the U.S for work- we still manage to catch up whenever we can. 

Most of the time, we talk about what has been going on in our lives- work stuff, family dramas, and exciting plans. But what I love most is our throwback chats. We can spend hours laughing over silly things we did in school and embarrassing moments we swore we’d never bring up again. He is also a great listener, a shoulder to cry on, so if I’m ever feeling down or stuck, she’s the first person I’d call to ask for advice. 

I think what makes our conversations so special is how effortless they feel. Luke just gets me- he knows when to joke, when to offer advice, when to let me ramble. Plus, he has this knack for saying the right thing at the right time, which always leaves me feeling more positive. Talking to him is like therapy, but way more fun. 

Honestly, he is that friend who reminds me of the good old days while still being there for the present. And that’s why I will always cherish our talks.

Highlight Vocabulary

(like) a breath of fresh air /ə breθ ɒv freʃ eə(r)/ n phr (như) một luồng sinh khí mới
hit it off right away /hɪt ɪt ɒf raɪt əˈweɪ/ v phr có mối quan hệ tốt với ai (từ lần đầu gặp)
inseparable /ɪnˈsepərəbl/ adj không thể tách rời
two peas in a pod /tuː piːz ɪn ə pɒd/ idm rất giống nhau (như hai hạt đậu)
feel down /fiːl daʊn/ v phr cảm thấy buồn
have a knack for sth /hæv ə næk fɔː(r) ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ v phr có khả năng đặc biệt / rất giỏi (trong việc gì)
therapy /ˈθerəpi/ n sự trị liệu
a shoulder to cry on /ə ˈʃəʊldə(r) tuː kraɪ ɒn/ n phr người dễ tâm sự, chỗ dựa tinh thần
goofy jokes /ˈɡuːfi dʒəʊks/ n phr hài nhảm nhí, vui nhộn
random trivia /ˈrændəm ˈtrɪviə/ n phr những câu đố ngẫu nhiên, kiến thức vụn vặt

Speaking Part 3 Sample

1. Where do young people like to meet? 

Answer Young people like to meet in casual and fun places.
Reason They prefer affordable and relaxing spots.
Example Cafes, parks, malls, or even online platforms.
Consequence These places help them socialize comfortably.

Well, it depends on the vibe they’re going for. These days, a lot of young people like to meet at cafes—it’s super trendy, and you can chill over coffee without spending too much. If they’re feeling more social, they might go to a park or a shopping mall, especially if there’s a food court or some fun activities like an arcade. 
Of course, online meetups are huge now, too. Gaming platforms, virtual hangouts, or even social media groups have become common places for young people to connect. But I’d say, if they’re looking for face-to-face interaction, it’s usually somewhere casual and affordable—places where they can relax and have a good time without any pressure. 

food court /fuːd kɔːt/ n phr quầy thức ăn, khu ẩm thực
arcade /ɑːˈkeɪd/ n trò chơi máy thùng / khu vui chơi
online meetups /ˌɒnˈlaɪn ˈmiːtʌps/ n phr gặp mặt trực tuyến (video call,…)
platform /ˈplætfɔːm/ n nền tảng
casual /ˈkæʒuəl/ adj bình thường / không quá sang trọng
affordable /əˈfɔːdəbl/ adj vừa túi tiền

2. What do young people talk about when they meet up? 

Answer Young people talk about topics based on their interests and age.
Reason Teens prefer casual chats, while young adults discuss goals.
Example Teens talk about school, hobbies; adults discuss careers, plans.
Consequence Conversations range from lighthearted to deep and reflective.

When young people meet up, their topics of conversation often vary depending on their age, interests, and social circles. For instance, teenagers are likely to talk about school, friendships, or hobbies like music, sports, or gaming. Their conversations might be more lighthearted and focused on shared activities or trends, such as social media or fashion. 
In contrast, young adults often discuss more mature and goal-oriented topics. They might talk about their careers, education, or future plans, such as traveling or starting a business. While teenagers lean more toward casual and spontaneous discussions, young adults are more likely to have deeper, reflective conversations, especially about relationships or personal growth. 

meet up /miːt ʌp/ v phr gặp gỡ
lighthearted /ˈlaɪtˌhɑː.tɪd/ adj vui vẻ, không thuộc vấn đề nghiêm trọng
goal-oriented topics /ɡəʊl ˈɔːrientɪd ˈtɒpɪks/ n phr các chủ đề liên quan tới định hướng
lean more toward sth /liːn mɔː(r) təˈwɔːdz ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ v phr thích cái gì đó hơn

3. Do you think people should be honest when talking with friends?

Answer Yes, honesty is important in friendships.
Reason It builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Example Telling a friend the truth can help them improve.
Consequence However, honesty should be balanced with kindness.

I believe honesty is crucial when talking with friends, but it should be paired with tact and empathy. Being truthful helps build trust and strengthens the foundation of the friendship. For example, if a friend is making a mistake, an honest conversation can help them see things from a different perspective. 
However, it’s also important to consider how the truth is delivered. Being blunt or overly critical can hurt someone’s feelings, even if the intention is good. So, it’s about striking the right balance—being honest while also being considerate of their emotions. 

In comparison, some people argue that withholding the truth occasionally might be better, especially if it prevents unnecessary conflict or discomfort. For instance, small white lies, like complimenting a friend’s cooking even if it’s not perfect, can sometimes maintain harmony. So, honesty is clearly needed, but it’s essential to approach it in a way that doesn’t harm the friendship. 

be paired with /biː peəd wɪð/ v phr đi đôi với
see things from a different perspective /siː θɪŋz frəm ə ˈdɪfrənt pəˈspektɪv/ v phr nhìn mọi việc từ một góc độ khác
blunt /blʌnt/ adj thẳng thừng quá mức
strike the right balance /straɪk ðə raɪt ˈbæləns/ v phr cân bằng, hài hòa
white lies /waɪt laɪz/ n phr lời nói dối vô hại

4. On what occasions do people talk with strangers? 

Answer People talk to strangers in necessary or social situations.
Reason It helps pass time, connect, or get information.
Example Conversations happen while traveling, at events, or asking for help.
Consequence These talks can be brief or lead to new connections.

People often talk with strangers in situations where interaction is necessary or socially expected. For instance, they might strike up a conversation while traveling, such as on a plane or train, especially if they’re seated next to someone for a long period. It’s a way to pass the time and make the journey more enjoyable. 
Another common occasion is at social events, like weddings, conferences, or community gatherings. In these settings, people often feel encouraged to meet new individuals and exchange small talk as part of the event’s purpose. 
In comparison, casual encounters, like asking for directions or chatting with a barista at a coffee shop, tend to be more functional and brief. These interactions are usually centered around a specific need rather than building a relationship. 

strike up a conversation /straɪk ʌp ə ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃn/ v phr bắt chuyện
exchange small talk /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ smɔːl tɔːk/ v phr nói chuyện phiếm
casual encounter /ˈkæʒuəl ɪnˈkaʊntə(r)/ n phr cuộc gặp mặt thông thường/ thường ngày

5. On what occasions should one remain silent? 

Answer Silence is necessary in formal or sensitive situations.
Reason It shows respect, prevents conflict, and allows reflection.
Example Ceremonies, meetings, or during emotional conversations.
Consequence Staying quiet can demonstrate maturity and understanding.

There are times when staying silent is more appropriate than speaking. For example, during formal occasions like ceremonies, meetings, or religious services, silence is a sign of respect and helps maintain order. Similarly, in moments of conflict or tension, remaining quiet can prevent saying something regrettable and allows time for reflection. 
Silence is also important when someone is sharing their thoughts or feelings, as it shows attentiveness and respect for their perspective. In certain cultural or social contexts, staying silent can even convey humility or understanding better than words. Knowing when to hold back demonstrates emotional maturity and sensitivity to the situation. 

formal occasions /ˈfɔːml əˈkeɪʒnz/ n phr những dịp/ sự kiện trang trọng
regrettable /rɪˈɡretəbl/ adj đáng tiếc
attentiveness /əˈtentɪvnəs/ n sự chú ý
hold back /həʊld bæk/ v phr kìm lời lại / giữ lại

Trên đây là một số câu hỏi Part 1 và câu Part 2 theo chủ đề Friends, các bạn cùng tham khảo nhé.

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