Of course! "Meeting new people" is a very common and high-yield topic for IELTS Speaking Part 1. It's designed to be a warm-up, so the questions are usually simple and personal.

Here’s a complete guide to help you ace this topic, including sample answers, vocabulary, and tips.

Part 1: Common Questions & Sample Answers

Examiners will usually ask you 2-3 questions related to this topic. Here are the most common ones, with sample answers at different band levels.

Question 1: Do you like meeting new people?

• Band 6.5 - 7.0 Answer (Good):

  "Yes, I generally do. I find it quite interesting to meet new people because it gives me a chance to learn about different life experiences and perspectives. It can be a bit daunting at first, but I usually enjoy the conversation once I get past the initial small talk."

  

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• Band 8.0 - 9.0 Answer (Excellent):

  "Absolutely, I'm quite an outgoing person, so I really value the opportunity to connect with new individuals. For me, it's not just about making small talk; it's about expanding my horizons. Every person has a unique story to tell, and I find it genuinely fascinating to hear about their backgrounds, passions, and what drives them. It keeps my own worldview dynamic and prevents me from getting stuck in a rut."

Question 2: Where do you usually meet new people?

• Band 6.5 - 7.0 Answer (Good):

  "I'd say I meet new people most often in two places: at university, through group projects or club activities, and at social gatherings with friends of friends. Sometimes I also strike up conversations with people at a local café or when I'm travelling."

  

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• Band 8.0 - 9.0 Answer (Excellent):

  "My primary avenues for meeting new people are quite varied. Academically, at university, collaborating on group projects is a natural way to connect with classmates who share similar academic interests. On a more social level, I often meet new people through mutual friends at parties or informal get-togethers. Additionally, I'm a big fan of joining local clubs, like a hiking group or a language exchange meetup, which is a fantastic way to bond with people over a shared hobby."

Question 3: Is it easy for you to make new friends?

• Band 6.5 - 7.0 Answer (Good):

  "I'd say it's moderately easy for me. I'm not the kind of person who can instantly become best friends with someone, but I'm quite approachable. I find that if I show genuine interest in the other person and ask questions, it's usually possible to build a friendly connection over time."

• Band 8.0 - 9.0 Answer (Excellent):

  "It depends on the context, but generally, I'd say I'm quite adept at forming new friendships. I think my key is to be a good listener rather than trying too hard to impress. People appreciate when you show a sincere curiosity about them. However, I'm quite selective about who I call a 'close friend,' as I believe deep friendships require time, shared experiences, and mutual trust to truly develop."

Question 4: What qualities do you think a good friend should have?

• Band 6.5 - 7.0 Answer (Good):

  "I think a good friend should be reliable and trustworthy. You need to know that they will be there for you when you need help. It's also important that they are a good listener and supportive of your goals."

• Band 8.0 - 9.0 Answer (Excellent):

  "In my opinion, the cornerstone of any strong friendship is trustworthiness. A good friend should be someone you can confide in without fear of judgment. Beyond that, I value empathy and a good sense of humour. The ability to understand and share your feelings, and to make you laugh even during tough times, is invaluable. Finally, I believe mutual respect is non-negotiable; a good friend should celebrate your successes and offer honest, constructive advice when you're struggling."

Vocabulary & Phrases to Elevate Your Score

Using a range of less common vocabulary and natural-sounding phrases is key to a higher band score.

Nouns (to describe people and interactions):

• An acquaintance (someone you know, but not well) - e.g., "I have many acquaintances from my old job."
• A companion (someone you spend time with) - e.g., "I'm looking for a travel companion for my next trip."
• A social butterfly (someone who is very outgoing and loves social events) - e.g., "My sister is a real social butterfly; she knows everyone."
• Small talk (casual conversation about unimportant things) - e.g., "I'm not a big fan of small talk; I prefer deeper conversations."
• A kindred spirit (someone you feel a natural connection with) - e.g., "I was so happy to meet a kindred spirit at the conference."

Adjectives (to describe people and situations):

• Outgoing (friendly and sociable)
• Reserved (quiet and not wanting to talk to people)
• Approachable (friendly and easy to talk to)
• Sociable (liking to be with other people)
• Engaging (attractive in a way that interests and holds your attention)
• Intimidating (making you feel frightened or nervous)

Useful Verbs & Phrases:

• To strike up a conversation (to start talking to someone you don't know) - e.g., "It can be hard to strike up a conversation with strangers."
• To hit it off (to immediately like and understand someone) - e.g., "We met at a party and really hit it off."
• To have a lot in common (to share similar interests, experiences, or opinions) - e.g., "We discovered we had a lot in common."
• To click with someone (similar to 'hit it off') - e.g., "I just clicked with my new roommate from day one."
• To be on the same wavelength (to think in a similar way) - e.g., "My best friend and I are always on the same wavelength."
• To get along with someone (to have a friendly relationship) - e.g., "I get along really well with my colleagues."

Tips for a High Score

1. Extend Your Answers (Part 1): Don't just answer "yes" or "no." Add a reason, an example, or a result. The sample answers above show how to do this.
2. Be Natural: Use fillers like "Well...", "You know...", "I mean..." to sound more like a native speaker. This is much better than long, unnatural pauses.
3. Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of saying "I'm outgoing," give a quick example. "I'd say I'm quite outgoing, for instance, I don't mind starting a conversation with someone new at a coffee shop."
4. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Try to include 2-3 of the higher-level words/phrases listed above in your answers. Don't just force them in; make sure they fit naturally.
5. Be Honest (but strategic): You can adapt your answer slightly to sound more fluent. If you're very shy, you can say something like, "I wouldn't say I'm the most outgoing person, but I do appreciate meeting new people when the opportunity arises." This sounds more nuanced than a simple "No."

By preparing your answers with this structure and vocabulary, you'll feel much more confident when the examiner asks you about meeting new people. Good luck