Could you please help me record this script with your natural speaking speed? Thanks! (The abbreviation "IELTS" (International English Language Testing System) is pronounced as /ˈaɪelts/.)
IELTS Relationships vocabulary
Part 1-style questions
1) Do you see your friends very often?
Yes … we meet up most weekends … we all get on really well and have a lot in common so we’re always happy doing the same things and going to the same places.
2) What do you like about your close friends?
I think we enjoy each other’s company … we see eye-to-eye on most things so we rarely fall out with each other.
3) Have you known each other long?
Most of them yes … although my closest friend Carrie … we struck up a relationship at college and got on like a house on fire … but yes … my other friendships go back years to when we were at school.
Part 2-style task
Describe a person you are very close to. You should say:
• who this person is
• when you met them
• where you met them
and say what it is about them you like so much.
I’d like to talk about my boyfriend … Jose … we got to know each other at University almost 4 years ago … we were in the same department … initially we were just good friends and used to go out in a group with our other friends … when Jose went back to Spain for the holidays we would keep in touch with each other … then one year he invited me to come to Spain with him … and that’s when we fell for each other I think … so you couldn’t really say it was love at first sight as it had been over a year since we’d met … but we really hit it off and by the time we got back to university in September we were able to tell all our friends that we were in a relationship … what do I like about Jose … well he’s very kind … very funny … and very supportive … and we’re really well matched in our interests … he hasn’t popped the question yet though … we’ve talked about getting married and I think we’re both ready to settle down and have children … we’ll just have to wait and see …
Part 3-style questions
1) Do you think marriage is still as important as ever?
Yes … it certainly is in my country … I think the problem for some people is a lack of commitment … all relationships have their ups and downs … but some people prefer to break up rather than working at the relationship.
2) What do you think is the ideal time to get married?
Personally … I think you should wait until you’ve found yourself first … decided if you want a career … perhaps do some travelling … you should do this before tying the knot … although if you fall head over heels in love plans like these can easily be forgotten.
3) Is it important to keep in contact with our friends when we’re in a relationship?
Absolutely … it’s so easy to drift apart from your friends when you fall in love … but I think both partners should try not to lose touch with their friends … that’s the best way to have a healthy relationship with your partner.
Thank you very much, chibitalk!