Part 1 · · 16 samples

Do you have many friends?

Practise this question →

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

  1. Begin with a direct answer about your past social circle.
  2. Explain how the number of acquaintances has changed over time.
  3. Give your view on whether that change is bad.
  4. 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.

Sample answers

Band 6 sample

47 words · Source-reported band

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 can seek it from them and rely on them.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 6 sample

49 words · Source-reported band

To answer your question, I have a lot of friends in my life. One of them is my closest friend, Malika. I also have another close friend named Ryjona. I trust them both and I can share my secrets with them. I'm really happy to have such good friends.

Read full answer & analysis →

Band 6 sample

24 words · Source-reported band

Yes, of course. I have many friends. My friends are Jazira and I like them. They are very nice people. My friends are beautiful.

Read full answer & analysis →