FRIENDSHIP

• Questions

  1. What qualities are important in a good friendship?

  2. Do you think childhood friendships are usually stronger than friendships made in adulthood?

  3. How has modern technology changed the way people make friends?

  4. Why do some friendships last longer than others?

  5. Is it better to have a small circle of close friends or a large group of acquaintances?

  6. How do cultural differences influence friendships?

  7. Do you think friendships between men and women are different from friendships within the same gender?

  8. In the future, will people value friendships in the same way as they do today?

Q1: What qualities are important in a good friendship?
Band 7:
I think honesty is the most important quality in a good friendship because it helps people trust each other. Friends should also be supportive, especially during difficult times, because that shows they truly care. Another quality is respect, since people need to accept each other’s differences without judgment. A good friend should also be a good listener, because sometimes you just need someone to hear you out. Finally, a sense of humor helps too, because laughing together strengthens the bond and makes the friendship more enjoyable.

Band 8:
In my opinion, the foundation of a good friendship lies in honesty, trust, and mutual respect. When people are open with each other, they can build a relationship that is genuine and long-lasting. Support is also essential, particularly during tough moments, because it proves that friendship goes beyond convenience. Good communication is another vital quality, as it allows friends to share feelings, solve conflicts, and understand one another. I also think empathy plays a big role, since being able to put yourself in your friend’s shoes helps strengthen emotional bonds. Loyalty is equally important, because it reassures you that your friend will stand by you no matter what. Finally, humor and shared interests make the friendship more enjoyable and sustainable, as they create positive experiences that bring people even closer.

Q2: Do you think childhood friendships are usually stronger than friendships made in adulthood?
Band 7:
Yes, I think childhood friendships can be stronger because they are built over many years and often involve many shared memories. Children spend a lot of time together at school and in their neighborhood, so they grow very close. These friendships can feel more innocent and genuine, since there is usually no personal interest behind them. However, not all childhood friendships last forever because people move away or change as they grow up. Friendships made in adulthood can also be strong, but they may take more time and effort to develop.

Band 8:
Childhood friendships are often considered stronger because they are formed during a period of innocence, where children connect without complicated expectations. Shared experiences in school, play, and family gatherings create lasting bonds that are hard to replicate later in life. These friendships also benefit from time, since many of them develop over several years. At the same time, adulthood friendships can also be meaningful, but they are usually influenced by work, lifestyle, and responsibilities, which sometimes limit the depth of connection. On the positive side, adult friendships often form around shared values and interests, which can make them stable and practical. While childhood friends may feel like family, adult friends can provide different kinds of emotional and professional support. I believe both types of friendships can be strong, but in different ways.

Q3: How has modern technology changed the way people make friends?
Band 7:
Technology has changed friendships a lot because people can now meet through social media and apps. It is easier to stay in touch even if friends live far away. For example, video calls and instant messages make communication faster and more convenient. However, online friendships can sometimes feel less personal because people don’t meet face to face. Some people may also hide their real personality online, which makes trust harder. Still, technology has made it possible for people to connect with others all over the world.

Band 8:
Modern technology has completely transformed the way people build and maintain friendships. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and video calls have made it possible to stay connected across long distances, making geography less of a barrier. Many people now make friends online, often through shared interests or communities, which broadens their social circles beyond traditional settings like school or work. However, digital friendships can sometimes lack depth, since virtual interactions are not always as genuine as face-to-face ones. There is also the risk of misrepresentation, as people can hide or change aspects of their personality online. On the other hand, technology helps maintain old friendships by allowing constant communication, which would have been much harder in the past. Overall, while technology has introduced challenges, it has also created opportunities for friendships that might never have been possible otherwise.

Q4: Why do some friendships last longer than others?
Band 7:
Some friendships last longer because the people involved have strong trust and respect for each other. They are willing to forgive mistakes and give support in difficult times. Friends who share common values or interests often stay close for years. On the other hand, friendships may end when people move to new places or their lifestyles change. Misunderstandings and lack of communication can also cause friendships to break. Long-lasting friendships usually come from effort on both sides.

Band 8:
Friendships that endure over time are usually built on a foundation of trust, loyalty, and consistent effort. When friends share core values and interests, it becomes easier to maintain the bond even as life circumstances change. Mutual respect and open communication also help prevent conflicts from damaging the relationship. Forgiveness plays an important role too, since no friendship can survive without the ability to move past mistakes. By contrast, friendships often fade when people grow apart, either because of relocation, career changes, or evolving priorities. Another factor is reciprocity—if only one person makes an effort, the relationship is unlikely to last. In the end, lasting friendships are those where both sides are willing to adapt, invest time, and value each other equally.

Q5: Is it better to have a small circle of close friends or a large group of acquaintances?
Band 7:
I think it is better to have a small circle of close friends because those people can really be trusted. Close friends give emotional support and understand you deeply. Having too many acquaintances may be fun for social events, but they usually don’t offer much help in serious situations. A small circle also makes it easier to manage your time and relationships. Still, acquaintances can also be useful in networking or making life more interesting. But for me, true friends are more valuable.

Band 8:
Personally, I believe a small circle of close friends is more valuable than having a large number of acquaintances. Close friends offer emotional stability, loyalty, and genuine support, which are difficult to find in casual relationships. With true friends, you can share personal struggles, celebrate successes, and rely on them during difficult times. In contrast, acquaintances are useful for expanding social networks and gaining opportunities, but they rarely provide the same level of comfort. Managing too many superficial connections can also feel overwhelming and less meaningful. However, some people prefer larger circles for social variety and professional benefits. In the end, the quality of relationships matters more than the quantity, and I would choose depth over numbers in friendship.

Q6: How do cultural differences influence friendships?
Band 7:
Cultural differences can influence how friendships are formed and maintained. In some cultures, friends are very open and express their feelings freely, while in others, people are more reserved. Traditions and values also affect how people spend time with friends. For example, in some countries, friends often meet in groups, while in others, one-to-one meetings are more common. Sometimes misunderstandings happen if people don’t understand each other’s culture. But cultural diversity can also make friendships more interesting.

Band 8:
Cultural differences shape friendships in many ways, from communication styles to expectations of loyalty and support. In some cultures, friendships involve frequent social gatherings and open emotional expression, while in others, people may prefer more privacy and indirect communication. These differences can lead to misunderstandings if individuals are not sensitive to cultural norms. However, they also enrich relationships by offering new perspectives, traditions, and ways of thinking. For example, friends from different cultures may introduce each other to new foods, languages, or customs. While cultural gaps can sometimes create challenges, such as mismatched expectations of closeness, they also encourage tolerance and broaden people’s worldviews. In today’s global society, friendships that cross cultures are increasingly common and often very rewarding.

Q7: Do you think friendships between men and women are different from friendships within the same gender?
Band 7:
Yes, I think friendships between men and women can be different. Same-gender friendships often feel more comfortable because people share similar experiences. Friendships between men and women may have different expectations or social pressures. Some people also think these friendships could lead to misunderstandings. But they can still be strong and supportive if both sides respect each other. In the end, the quality of friendship depends more on the people than their gender.

Band 8:
Friendships between men and women can differ from same-gender friendships because of social expectations, cultural norms, and differences in communication styles. Same-gender friendships often feel more natural as individuals share similar life experiences and perspectives. However, friendships across genders can provide balance by offering different viewpoints and emotional support. In some societies, there is still pressure or suspicion around male–female friendships, which can make them harder to maintain. Yet, when both people respect boundaries and value equality, these friendships can be just as strong as any other. In fact, they sometimes enrich people’s lives by breaking stereotypes and fostering mutual understanding. Ultimately, the strength of a friendship depends on trust and respect, not gender.

Q8: In the future, will people value friendships in the same way as they do today?
Band 7:
I think people will still value friendships, but the way they maintain them might change. Technology and busy lifestyles may reduce the amount of face-to-face interaction. More people may rely on online communication to stay in touch. Still, human beings need close relationships for emotional support, so friendships will always be important. The form may change, but the value of friendship will stay the same.

Band 8:
I believe friendships will continue to be valued, but the way they are experienced may evolve with technology and social change. People are already relying heavily on online platforms to maintain relationships, and this trend will likely grow. While digital communication allows convenience, it may also reduce the depth of personal interactions. However, human beings have an innate need for emotional connection, so genuine friendships will always remain important. In the future, people may form fewer but deeper relationships due to busy lifestyles, while maintaining wider circles online. Friendships might also become more global, as technology connects individuals across cultures and distances. Although the tools for interaction will change, the emotional significance of friendship is unlikely to disappear.