IELTS Speaking Part 3 Masterclass

Yes, it is. [Point 1] Today, friendships are no longer bound by geographical restrictions. [Extension] The Internet helps us make friends by giving us the tools to find people with similar interests or personal philosophies. [Extension 2] There is a multitude of chatrooms that are dedicated to a particular age group. [Extension 3] Further, the advent of online gaming has completely changed the way we meet people and make friends.

[Point 1] I think childhood friendships, particularly those in the very early years, are quite innocent. [Extension] Young children just want to have a playmate, so they will seek to make friends with whoever is nice and would like to have fun together. But these might not last very long as developing interests may eventually lead them to select a different set of friends. [Point 2] Adults, on the other hand, develop bonds based on shared experiences. [Extension] That is why many adults consider their colleagues or college classmates as their friends since they endured many struggles together.

There are a few reasons why people prefer to make friends on the Internet. [Point 1] One reason has to do with shyness. [Extension] Some people are intimidated by the idea of approaching a total stranger and befriending them. However, that fear is contained online because they are not completely strangers; you may already know their names or interests. [Point 2] Another reason people seek friends online is to expand their social circle. [Extension] For example, you may have a niche hobby that the people around you have no interest in, but someone online does. Then, a new friendship forms and flourishes.

Parents can, and should, decide who their children's friends are. [Point 1] Firstly, parents decide where the family will live, and their children are bound to meet a specific group of kids in the neighbourhood. [Extension] For example, the types of youngsters in a conservative town will differ from those in a metropolitan city. [Point 2] Parents can also make decisions about their children's friends based on their own safety. [Extension] Parents have more life experience, making them capable of discerning which friend will put their child in danger and which friend will care for their child.

Having friends is important for our social and personal development. [Point 1] Having someone to celebrate good times together is a wonderful feeling. [Extension] We want someone there to witness our achievements, cheer when we successfully reach a milestone and join our joy. In fact, spending time with friends generates hormones in our brains that promote happiness. [Point 2] Life is full of peaks and valleys and it cannot be easy when we face difficulties, so we need support during bad times. [Extension] Just having a close friend listen while we vent helps alleviate stress.

[Point 1] I think it is mainly seen in their influence. [Extension] A good friend positively influences your life, meaning that they inspire you to be the best version of you and grow as a person. A bad friend is a negative influence; they bring out the worst in you and urge you to engage in self-destructive activities. [Point 2] Another difference is happiness. [Extension] When you're around a good friend, you feel happy and safe. However, a bad friend will constantly stress you out, use you, and wear you down physically and mentally.

We want to believe that our friendships are forever, but sometimes friends drift apart. [Point 1] One reason is due to natural growth. That means that as we age, we may take different paths in life. [Extension] There are milestones in life that can weaken the bond between friends, such as going to college, getting married, or moving to a new home. [Point 2] Another reason is a significant argument. [Extension] It is natural for friends to disagree. However, a severe fight could cause permanent damage to a friendship. What one says during the fight may alter how one views the other.

I think maintaining a friendship for a long time is challenging, but it can be done. [Point 1] One way is to spend time together. [Extension] This can be done through an elaborate vacation or a simple evening watching a movie together. When we plan an activity with someone else, we signal to them that we care about and value them. [Point 2] Another way to maintain a relationship is to revisit old memories. [Extension] This can be done by flipping through photos and recalling the experiences together. We can also gift objects that remind each other of a memorable event.