The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts: the Introduction, the Individual Long Turn, and the In-Depth Discussion. In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions about the candidate’s background, such as their family, goals, studies, or job. In Part 2, known as the Cue Card or Individual Long Turn, the candidate is given a topic to speak about for 1–2 minutes. Here, we’ve provided a model answer for the Cue Card topic: Describe an old friend you got in contact with again—a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests.

A Cue Card Test in IELTS Speaking – Describe an Old Friend You Got in Contact with Again

A cue card test, also known as a candidate task card, is the second part of the IELTS Speaking test. The main purpose of this task is to assess whether the candidate can speak fluently and confidently for around 2 minutes without noticeable pauses.

In this part, candidates are given a topic to speak about, and they are expected to prepare for 1 minute before speaking. One common cue card topic is:

Describe an old friend you got in contact with again

You should say:

• Who he or she is

• What he or she is like

• How you got in contact

• And explain how you felt about it

Model Answer 1

Introduction:

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s quite easy to lose touch with old friends, especially school or college mates. Due to my busy job and moving to a different city, I had lost contact with most of my childhood friends.

Who he or she is?

Let me talk about my school friend, Rishi. We studied together from Grade 6 to 10 and even lived in the same colony. We sat on the same bench throughout school, and our fathers both worked as CISF officers at a nearby memorial. Unfortunately, when my father got transferred to a different city, we had to move. During the shift, I lost the diary where I had noted Rishi’s contact details.

What is he like?

Rishi was my closest friend in school. He was always the top student in our class and very disciplined. Many of our classmates were jealous of our friendship because they wanted to be close to him too, but our bond was unique. He was more like a brother to me than just a classmate.

How did you get in contact?

After many years of searching on social media, I finally came across a photo of Rishi on Instagram. He was tagged by someone I recognized, and through that person, I was able to find his Instagram ID. I sent him a friend request, and he accepted it the very next day. He then shared his phone number, and we reconnected.

Explain how you felt about it:

I was overwhelmed with joy when I got his number. We caught up on everything we had missed over the years—our career paths, family updates, and fond memories of school life. It felt like we had never been apart.

Conclusion:

Reconnecting with Rishi felt heartwarming. It’s always a special feeling when you talk to someone who has been an important part of your past.

Model Answer 2

Introduction:

Sometimes, we let go of people due to misunderstandings or anger, even if they were close friends. And in our busy lives, we tend to forget those friendships until something reminds us of them again.

Who he or she is?

I’m going to talk about a friend I recently reconnected with—her name is Sandhya. We were schoolmates from Grade 5 to 12 and often traveled to school together by government bus. One day, she scolded me in front of the whole class for something I didn’t do. I was hurt and stopped talking to her from that day onwards.

What is she like?

Sandhya was a bright student and good in both academics and extracurricular activities. We used to study together, and I always enjoyed her company during exams. She was helpful and had a friendly personality, which made her popular among our classmates.

How did you get her contact?

After finishing school, I got a phone from my dad, but I had already lost her number. Out of the blue, I received a WhatsApp message one day. It was from Sandhya—she had got my number through a mutual friend from our 7th-grade class.

Explain how you felt about it:

She asked me if I still remembered her and apologized for what had happened years ago. Her message made me nostalgic, and we quickly started talking about old memories and everything that had changed. I felt a deep sense of happiness and closure.

Conclusion:

No matter what happens, a true friend remains special. I was really happy to get back in touch with Sandhya and rebuild a lost connection.

Model Answer 3

Introduction:

Sometimes, a friend enters your life unexpectedly and leaves a lasting impact. I had a similar experience a few years ago, and I recently got the chance to reconnect with that person.

Who he or she is?

I’d like to talk about my friend Vikram. I met him at my friend’s sister’s wedding in Thanjavur. I stayed with their family for about 10 days, and Vikram, who is her cousin, also stayed there. We bonded during the wedding celebrations and spent a lot of time together.

When the wedding ended, Vikram dropped me at the bus stop. He gave me his phone number, but my mobile was switched off, so I wrote it down on paper. Sadly, I lost that paper during the journey back.

What is he like?

Vikram is humble, kind, and respectful. He dresses simply and treats everyone equally, which I really admire. Spending time with him felt very comfortable, and I valued his company.

How did you get in contact?

One day, while shopping in a mall, I randomly saw him again in the food court. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was him, but he recognized me and came over. We talked for a while, and he gave me his number again.

Explain how you felt about it:

It was such a pleasant surprise to meet him again! He was in town for business, and we caught up after all those years. I even invited him to my house to meet my parents—they were happy to meet him too.

Conclusion:

Meeting Vikram again reminded me how some friendships, no matter how short-lived, can leave a lasting mark. Reuniting with an old friend always feels special—especially when it happens by chance.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Follow-Up Questions and Model Answers

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and in-depth questions related to the topic from Part 2. Here are some follow-up questions and sample answers for the topic "Describe an old friend you got in contact with again."

1. What is the influence of social media on friendships?

Social media has made it much easier to maintain and rekindle friendships. In today’s busy world, people often stay connected through platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook. These tools help us keep up with each other’s lives, even when we live in different places.

2. Why do people lose contact with each other after graduation?

After graduation, people often get busy with jobs, higher studies, or moving to new cities. Everyone’s priorities change, and as a result, they stop communicating. It’s not intentional—it just happens with time and distance.

3. Do people in your country like to make new friends?

Yes, especially in India, people love making new friends. Whether it’s at work, school, or even on public transport, Indians are generally warm and open to conversations. It’s a part of the culture to connect and socialize.

4. Do you think old friends are more important to the old generation or the young generation?

I believe old friends are valuable to both generations. For the older generation, they bring back cherished memories. For the younger generation, old friends remind them of their roots and early life experiences. Everyone needs someone who knows them deeply.

5. Do you still contact your old friend?

Yes, I do. I have a few close friends from school whom I still keep in touch with. Even though we are all busy with work or family, we make sure to message or call each other at least once a week. Staying connected gives me a sense of comfort.