(Update 2024) Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn’t like – IELTS Speaking Part 2

“Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn’t like” is not a tough topic, but to be able to answer this topic correctly, you need a good vocabulary and the ability to develop natural ideas.

In this article, readingielts.com will share with you sample answer topic “Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn’t like” to help you prepare for the IELTS Speaking Part 2.

Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn’t like

Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn't like
Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn’t like
Describe a time you were friendly to someone you didn’t like audio

Cue card

You should say:

  • When and where it happened;
  • Who he/she was;
  • Why you didn’t like this person;
  • And explain why you were friendly to him/her on the occasion

Sample answers

I’d like to talk about a time when I was chatting with my friends but someone interrupted. I have two friends, Lisa and Sarah, who live practically within spitting distance of me. We hang out together a lot, so we often share some interesting things with each other. Several months ago, we had a meet-up at a coffee shop. Lisa took her new boyfriend who I met for the first time.

I told them that I was planning to take part in a novel-writing competition for sci-fi novels about alien civilizations. The mention of aliens made Lisa’s boyfriend chime in. He said he didn’t believe in the existence of an alien civilization.

I think it’s kind of rude to interrupt others in a conversation, especially because he was being such a wet blanket. But out of politeness, I kept smiling and listening to him. He claimed that even though there are photos of aliens and UFOs on the internet, they are all either blurry or photoshopped. He just kept talking until Lisa hinted to him that he really didn’t need to argue about something that the whole world doesn’t have an answer to. Well, then he stopped but he was making a face.

Honestly, he seemed to be a stubborn and petty person, so I didn’t like him at all. But since he’s my best friend’s boyfriend, I decided to be the bigger person there and not talk back. After all, you can never go wrong by being kind.

Some IELTS Speaking part 2 cue-cards you may like :

IELTS Speaking Part 3 : Follow up Questions

1. Why are people friendly with people they don’t like?

Some people are friendly with people they don’t like because they need to maintain a civil, polite relationship with them. This is especially true in situations where other people are involved. For example, if a husband and wife get divorced, they will likely continue to be friendly towards each other for the sake or their children. If two employees have a falling out, they will continue to be polite since they work together.

2. What kinds of people are usually friendly?

People who are usually friendly are those who are in careers that require them to deal with people on a daily basis. The best example of this would be teachers and nurses. Teachers and nurses work with people of all ages every day, and often these people are vulnerable. They need to be very friendly in order to make people feel at ease. Plus, some people are more naturally friendly than others if they are more extroverted. They are more outgoing and enjoy being around people.

3. What are the differences between being friendly

I would say that the main difference between being friendly and being polite is enthusiasm. People who are being polite may exchange pleasantries and have a conversation, but they will not discuss their personal lives or get too excited. On the other hand, if someone is being friendly they are more likely to share personal details and speak with enthusiasm and emotion. Being friendly means that you are more comfortable with the person to whom you are speaking.

4. What do you think of the people who are always straightforward?

I like people who are always straightforward because I appreciate their honesty and efficiency. These types of people will always tell you the truth, and are never afraid to share their honest opinion. Sometimes straightforward people may be perceived as blunt or rude, however I would say that is a misconception. Straightforward people are not trying to be rude, they are trying to be honest. Some people may also have trouble reading social cues, so they act very straightforward all the time.

5. What do you think of a person who seems so nice and friendly no matter what happens?

I suppose that people who can keep their cool, no matter what’s going on, are very respectable. Although to be honest, I’m always a little suspicious when people are nice and friendly even if they’re dealing with rude people. It makes me wonder if they’re actually that nice, or if they’re just being polite. Either way, I really respect people who can continue to be kind even if they’re in a tense situation.

6. When would you be friendly to someone you don’t like?

I think I would have to be friendly to someone I didn’t like if I was on the clock. You know, when you’re at your job, you’re expected to be nice to the people you interact with, no matter what. It’s a measure of your professionalism. And it’s definitely not professional to lash out at someone or lose your temper while you’re at work. Otherwise, I would be nice to someone I didn’t like if I was trying to make a good impression on the other people around us.

You can find out more information about IELTS Speaking Part 2 at the British Council website:

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests/speaking/part-2

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