Sample answer
Yes, of course. I have many friends here. Their names are Abraham and Akbar. They are very funny. I can share my secrets with them. I value my friends; they are very supportive and close to me.
Part 1 · Band 4
Do you have many friends?
Source-reported band score · 37 words
Answer analysis
Fluency & Coherence
The ideas progress clearly from having many friends to naming Abraham and Akbar, then describing their humour, trustworthiness and support. This sequence gives the answer a simple, complete shape, though the points are mostly delivered as separate statements. Because this is text only, fluency cannot be scored. Practise speaking this answer in 20 seconds, then repeat it in 30 seconds with one brief explanation of why you value your friends.
Lexical Resource
Phrases such as “share my secrets” and “very supportive” are relevant and communicate the relationship clearly. The vocabulary is generally basic, however, and “friends” is repeated several times. To extend your range without making the answer sound unnatural, replace one repetition with “they” and add a precise description, such as “easy to talk to,” if it is true for you.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
The short sentences, including “They are very funny,” are grammatically clear, and the semicolon in “I value my friends; they are very supportive and close to me” correctly connects two complete thoughts. Most of the answer uses simple sentence patterns, so the range is limited. Try linking one idea with “because” or “and,” while keeping the sentence easy to say and accurate.
Pronunciation
Pronunciation cannot be assessed from this text, so this is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “supportive” (sup-PORT-ive) and “secrets” (SEC-rets), then group the phrase as “I can share my secrets / with them.” Record yourself saying the answer, listen back, and check whether those stressed syllables and thought groups are clear.
A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.
- Answer the question directly, then give one or two details, as in the response’s sequence from having friends to describing Abraham and Akbar.
- Reduce repetition by using “they” after introducing your friends, and add one specific quality only if it accurately describes them.
- Practise combining two short ideas with “because” or “and,” then check that the longer sentence still sounds natural when spoken.
Plan your answer
Try your own response before reading the samples.
Ideas to explore
- Contrast having many acquaintances in the past with having fewer now.
- Explain that a smaller social circle does not necessarily feel like a negative change.
- Describe lasting closeness as the quality that makes someone a true friend.
Suggested structure
- Begin with a direct answer about your past social circle.
- Explain how the number of acquaintances has changed over time.
- Give your view on whether that change is bad.
- End with the reason: the people who stayed close are your true friends.
Useful vocabulary & examples
- a lot of acquaintances
- many people you know but may not be close to
I used to have a lot of acquaintances from different parts of my life.
- diminish over time
- become smaller or less numerous gradually
The number of people I see regularly has diminished over time.
- stay close to someone
- continue to have a strong relationship with someone
A few friends have stayed close to me over the years.
- true friends
- people regarded as genuinely close and dependable friends
I value the true friends who have remained part of my life.
Compare answers on this topic
Band 9
I used to have a lot of acquaintances whom I frequently hung out with. However, that number has diminished over the years. Nevertheless, I don't think this is inherently bad. On...
Band 8
I have a few close friends rather than many. I prefer quality over quantity because true friends are the ones who support and understand me.
Band 7
Yes. I have a few close friends that I obviously love spending time with. They are like family to me, always. Therefore, through the good times and the bad weather, we are a gro...
Band 6
I have more than 10 friends, and I'm not sure if I should say this many. However, I had more than 30 friends in my neighborhood. I like all of my friends, and if I need help I c...
Band 5
I have more than 10 friends, and I'm not sure if I should say this, but I have maybe 20 friends. I like all of my friends. Then I next play...
Band 4
I have more than 10 friends, and I'm not sure if that's a lot. I've had as many as 20 friends in the past. I like all of you, my friends, and I'm always here to help. I can take...