IELTS Speaking Part 3
Friendship & Trust
Evaluating Personal Qualities, Maintenance of Bonds, and the Social Importance of Companionship
Topic Vocabulary
Trustworthy
/ˈtrʌstˌwɜː.ði/ (adj)
Able to be relied on as honest or truthful; someone who never breaks confidence.
Selfless
/ˈself.ləs/ (adj)
Caring more for what other people need and want rather than for yourself.
Level-headed
/ˌlev.əlˈhed.ɪd/ (adj)
Calm and able to deal with difficult situations in a sensible way.
Open-minded
(adj)
Willing to consider ideas and opinions that are new or different from your own.
Companionship
/kəmˈpæn.jən.ʃɪp/ (n)
The enjoyment of spending time with other people; the opposite of isolation.
Break confidence
(v phrase)
To tell someone a secret that was told to you in private trust.
Limitations
/ˌlɪm.ɪˈteɪ.ʃənz/ (n)
The defects or weaknesses that everyone has; a true friend accepts these.
Forward-looking
(adj)
Always focusing on the future and planning for positive developments.
*Click cards to hear pronunciation
Qualities of a Good Friend
Honest & Trustworthy
Loyal & Reliable
Sympathetic & Devoted
Selfless & Caring
Open-minded
Level-headed
Supportive in trouble
Respects privacy
The Role of Friendship
- Provides essential companionship and emotional support.
- Accepts you totally, including your limitations.
- Encourages personal growth and new ideas.
- Acts as a “mirror” to help you understand yourself.
Friendship Logic Quiz
Question 1
Which quality describes someone who is sensible and calm under pressure?
Question 2
What does a “true friend” do regarding your weaknesses?
Discussion Practice (Tự luận)
1. Traits to Avoid
“What characteristics do you try to avoid when choosing friends? Explain.”
I generally try to avoid individuals who exhibit high levels of selfishness or those who are prone to breaking confidence. A person who gossips about others is likely to do the same to you, which undermines the foundation of being trustworthy…
2. Maintaining Friendship
“In your opinion, how can we maintain a friendship?”
Maintenance requires consistent effort and mutual respect. Firstly, we must provide emotional support and stand by our friends when they are in trouble. Secondly, it is vital to be tolerant of their limitations and weaknesses…
3. Friendship vs. Family
“What makes friends different from family?”
The core difference is that family is a biological and legal bond we are born into, whereas friendship is a voluntary choice. While family provides the ultimate security, friends offer a unique form of companionship based on shared interests…
4. The “Old Friend” Mirror
“The best mirror is an old friend. How do you understand this?”
I understand this to mean that old friends have seen us grow through different stages of life. Because they are honest and reliable, they can provide a truthful reflection of who we were and who we have become, acting as a “mirror” for our soul.
5. Difference in Personality/Beliefs
“Do different personalities and different beliefs make friendship impossible?”
Not at all. In fact, an open-minded person often finds that friends with different beliefs provide a more enlightening experience. As long as there is mutual tolerance and respect, diversity in a friendship actually enriches one’s life.
6. Money and Friendship
“Do you think borrowing money from a friend can harm the friendship?”
Yes, borrowing money can be a significant trigger for conflict. It introduces a financial power dynamic that can replace the natural harmony of the bond with tension. Generally, it is safer to keep financial transactions and personal attachments separate.
Tri Duc English
© 2024 Educational Material – Topic 47: Friendship & Trust
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