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IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 · Current season: 6.25-7.13 Predicted · Updated 2026-07-08

Part 2 Cue Card

Describe an old friend you had lost contact with and recently reconnected

You should say:

  • Who he/she is
  • Why you lost contact
  • How you got in contact again
  • And explain how you felt after getting in contact again

You will have one to two minutes to talk about this topic.

Part 3 Discussion Questions

  • Is it better to have a lot of friends than just a few friends?
  • Would having just a few friends limit your horizons?
  • Do you think you are good at maintaining good relationships with others?
  • Why do old friends lose touch with each other?
  • Why do people need to make new friends?
  • Why do we have to give up some old friends?
Visual warm-up

See the topic before you speak

Use the images as idea prompts. Describe what you notice, connect it to your experience, then answer the real question.

Visual speaking prompt 1 for the topic describe an old friend you had lost contact with and recently reconnected
Prompt 1Notice three concrete details, then answer without writing a script.
Visual speaking prompt 2 for the topic describe an old friend you had lost contact with and recently reconnected
Prompt 2Change the viewpoint or example and record a second, more specific answer.
Listen · compare · repeat

Model answers, heard side by side

Start with the simpler answer, switch bands to hear how the same task can be developed, then record a personal response. These are teaching examples, not official answers or score guarantees.

Part 2 — Model Answer

Part 2 cue-card response

Band 6 model

I recently reconnected with an old friend called Sam. We were at school together and used to play on the same football team. After we left school we lost contact because we went to different towns for work and both got busy with new jobs and family life. I found him by searching on a social media site and sent a short message. He answered and we arranged a quick phone call. After talking I felt happy and a bit surprised; it was nice to hear his voice again and to remember the good times we had.

Speaking criteria note: The Band 7 answer gives richer detail, uses a wider range of vocabulary and connectives, and adds concrete examples (video call, cooking) which make it more natural and engaging.

Part 3 — Model Answers

Is it better to have a lot of friends than just a few friends?

Band 6 model

I think it depends. Having a lot of friends is fun for parties and social events, but having just a few close friends gives you deeper support. Some people prefer many acquaintances; others like a small circle. Both ways can be good.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 explains trade-offs and recommends a balanced view, using more complex sentences and varied vocabulary.

Would having just a few friends limit your horizons?

Band 6 model

Having only a few friends can sometimes limit you because you meet fewer opinions and experiences. But deep friendships can still open your mind if you talk a lot and try new things together. It depends on how open you are.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 balances the potential limitation with ways to counter it, offering concrete actions and more sophisticated language.

Do you think you are good at maintaining good relationships with others?

Band 6 model

I try to keep in touch with family and a few friends. I’m usually reliable, but I sometimes forget to message people when I’m busy. I think I’m okay but I could be better at calling more often.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 shows self-awareness and gives specific strategies for maintaining relationships, which demonstrates a higher level of communicative competence.

Why do old friends lose touch with each other?

Band 6 model

Old friends lose touch for simple reasons: moving away, busy jobs, different families and interests. Sometimes people just drift apart and there is no big argument, it just happens slowly.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 gives a fuller explanation, mentions life transitions and the role of technology, and uses more nuanced vocabulary.

Why do people need to make new friends?

Band 6 model

People make new friends to have fun, to get support, and because life changes. When you move to a new place you need new people to talk to. New friends can help you settle in.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 expands the reasons beyond practical needs, linking new friendships to personal growth and opportunities with more precise language.

Why do we have to give up some old friends?

Band 6 model

We sometimes have to give up old friends because we grow apart or their behaviour becomes hurtful. If someone is toxic or dishonest it’s better to move on. It’s sad but necessary sometimes.

Speaking criteria note: Band 7 provides a balanced, mature view about boundaries and self-care, using more refined vocabulary and structure.

How to answer Describe an old friend you had lost contact with and recently reconnected IELTS Speaking questions

For the Describe an old friend you had lost contact with and recently reconnected cue card, use the preparation minute to build a route through the talk. Choose a clear subject, add two specific moments or details and end with why it matters. Then use the linked Part 3 questions to practise broader explanation and comparison.

Cue-card prompts:

  • Who he/she is
  • Why you lost contact
  • How you got in contact again
  • And explain how you felt after getting in contact again
  1. Opening: identify the person, place, object or event.
  2. Development: describe two details or moments in a logical order.
  3. Extension: explain a reason, result, comparison or problem.
  4. Reflection: finish with why the subject is memorable or important.

Question-by-question approach

Practice questionUseful answer move
Is it better to have a lot of friends than just a few friends?Answer directly, give a reason and add one natural personal detail.
Would having just a few friends limit your horizons?Give a direct answer, one reason and a short example without memorising a script.
Do you think you are good at maintaining good relationships with others?State a likely view, explain the reason and add one condition or example.
Why do old friends lose touch with each other?Answer with one main cause, then support it with a concrete example.

Vocabulary focus

Useful language already demonstrated in the model answers includes use precise words from your own answer. Learn the meaning and a natural word partnership, then use each item in a different answer instead of copying a complete script.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Giving a memorised response that only partly answers the question.
  • Adding difficult vocabulary without checking meaning or collocation.
  • Restarting after every error instead of correcting briefly and continuing.
  • Reading the model answer before recording your own first attempt.

Describe an old friend you had lost contact with and recently reconnected practice FAQ

How should I use the Describe an old friend you had lost contact with and recently reconnected cue card preparation minute?

Write keywords for an opening, two or three details and a final reflection. Do not try to write complete sentences.

Do I have to cover every cue-card bullet?

The prompts help you organise the talk. Covering them is useful, but a coherent one-to-two-minute response matters more than mechanically ticking off each line.

How are Part 3 questions connected to Part 2?

They develop the same broad theme through reasons, comparisons, social effects or future possibilities, so answers normally need more explanation than Part 1.