Okay, now let's discuss something we've all been through at some time or another—reconnecting with an old friend. You know, that individual you were once incredibly close with, but life intervened and you fell away. Perhaps it was a childhood friend, a high school pal, or somebody you connected with in some haphazard summer camp. Whatever, reconnecting can be like discovering a long-lost treasure. And if you’re prepping for the IELTS Speaking test, this is a great topic to nail. So, let’s dive in and make it sound like we’re just chatting over a cup of tea.

The IELTS Speaking Test: Keep It Real

First things first, the IELTS Speaking test is not about memorizing a script or speaking like a dictionary. It's about sounding as natural as possible while having a conversation. Part 2, cue card time, is when you have the opportunity to speak 2 minutes on a set topic. Today's topic? "Describe an old friend you re-contacted." Sounds easy, right? Let's break it down with some examples that sound real and authentic.

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 again?
• How you felt about it?

Example 1: The Childhood Buddy

Introduction 
Alright, so imagine this. You're browsing Facebook, going about your business, and then suddenly, boom! You read a name and it immediately reminds you of school. That's what happened to me with my friend Aakash.

Who is he?
We were stuck together like peanut butter and jelly back then. We were seated next to each other during class from Grade 5 until Grade 10, and he was the type of guy who'd assist you with your math homework while making you snort-laugh at his jokes. But, as fate would have it, I relocated to another city for college, and we drifted apart.

How did you get in contact?
Flash forward to a few months back, and there he was, appearing on my Facebook page. I sent him a friend request quicker than you can say "reunion," and before long, we were catching up as if no time had elapsed. We even had that legendary phone call where we mocked all the silly things we used to do when we were little kids—like the time when we attempted to construct a treehouse and resulted in a mess of shattered limbs.

How did you feel?
How did I feel, though? To be honest, it was as if I discovered a part of myself that I didn't know I was missing. Nostalgic, happy, and just plain grateful. We even talked about catching up soon, and I just can't wait.

Example 2: The Friend You Thought You'd Lost

Introduction 
Now, I'd like to describe Priya to you. My ride-or-die from secondary school. From Grade 6 to Grade 12, she and I were inseparable, but then—we have drama, folks—we just had this ginormous blowout in our last year in school. Like, one of those ridiculous spats that to us was a matter of world's end when we had them, and following that, the two of us just dropped all communication.

How did you get in contact?
Life went on. I attended uni, got engrossed in studies, and to be frank, I did not think about her much. But then suddenly, I received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. And guess what? It was Priya. She had discovered my number from a mutual friend and thought of calling me.

How did you feel?
I was a bit apprehensive at first. I mean, it had been years, and we'd ended things on such a bad note. But the moment we began to talk, it was as if no time had elapsed. She even apologized for the argument, and we both laughed about how silly we'd been.

Conclusion 
Getting back together with her was emotional, yes, but also totally happy. It made me realize that there are some friendships worth fighting for, even if it takes a while to come around to.

Example 3: The Unexpected Reunion

Introduction 
Okay, final one. This one is sort of a wildcard. I was at a bookstore a week or so ago, just sitting there, and I hear my name being called. I'm turned around, and there is Rohan—my summer camp friend.

Who is he?
We had met at this science camp in high school and instantly clicked. He was the adventurous sort, always pulling me into some new adventure or other. But after the camp was over, we lost contact.

How did you get in contact?
Running into him at that bookstore was like something out of a movie. We were both surprised and excited. We ended up going for coffee at the time and it was as if no time had elapsed at all. We talked about all the wild things we used to do at camp—like when we attempted to make a rocket out of cardboard and it, well, did not exactly fly.

How did you feel?
How did I feel about it? Honestly, it was one of those moments that just puts a smile on your face. Being with him again made me realize how much fun and carefree life can be.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 - Follow-up Questions

Once you have told your story, the examiner may ask you some follow-up questions. Here's how you could approach them:

1.       What's the role of social media in friendships?
Oh, it’s huge. Social media makes it so easy to stay connected, even if you’re miles apart. It’s like having a little window into your friends’ lives. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you’re trying to track down someone you’ve lost touch with.

2.       Why do people lose touch after graduation?
Life just gets in the way, you know? People move away, change jobs, get caught up with families—it's not that they don't care, it's just that life gets crazy.

3.       Are people in your country friendly with strangers?
Absolutely! We're a very friendly nation. Festivals, town events, even just grabbing coffee at a café—there are so many opportunities to meet new people.

4.       Are old friends more important to older or younger people?
I believe they're valuable to both. For older adults, old friends are reminiscent of memories and nostalgia. For young people, they serve as a reminder of their origins.

5.       Do you remain in touch with your old friends?
I do try! It's not always possible with everybody being so busy, but we do make it a point to catch up every now and then, even if it's just a phone call or a text message.

Wrapping It Up

Meeting up with an old friend is like discovering a favorite sweater you had no idea you owned—it just feels natural. Whether it's a childhood friend like Aakash, a high school friend like Priya, or a camp friend like Rohan, these friendships remind us of who we are and where we've been.

So, if you're preparing for the IELTS Speaking exam, just imagine you're telling a friend a story. Be honest, be personal, and you'll do fine. And who knows, maybe it'll make you want to call an old friend of your own.

Check out other IELTS speaking cue card topics

Describe an invention that is useful in daily life

Describe a crowded place you have been to

Describe a product you bought, but returned

Describe a successful businessperson you know

Describe a successful business person you admire

Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic