Part 1 · · 16 samples

Do you have many friends?

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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 7 sample

50 words · Source-reported band

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 group of males going on adventures or just chilling out. Being with them makes every moment special.

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Band 7 sample

48 words · Source-reported band

I don't have a lot of friends, just a few closer ones who truly understand me. We usually spend time together after work, often on Fridays. I believe that having a small number of meaningful friendships is enough. The choice of companionship doesn't necessarily require a large group.

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Band 7 sample

51 words · Source-reported band

Of course, I have a lot of friends, and I love to spend time with them. But they all live in another city, which is my hometown. I live in the capital of Uzbekistan. When I go to my hometown, we meet together, have a party, and play ball or something.

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