Discuss a friend with whom you enjoyed working and studying – Example IELTS Speaking Part 2, 3

1. IELTS Speaking part 2: Describe a friend with whom you enjoyed working and studying

1.1. Topic

To start the discussion, candidates should introduce directly who the person they enjoy working and studying with is. Candidates can mention basic information about that person such as their name, age, and current occupation.

Next, candidates can recount their first meeting, how long they have known each other. In addition, candidates can describe the appearance and personality of the other person, though not focusing too much on this aspect.

Finally, candidates explain why they want to study or work with this person. What qualities do they possess and how do they work?

1.2. Sample 1 – Discuss a friend you enjoyed working and studying with

Since we’ve known each other for ten years, Mai, who also happens to be one of my greatest friends, has always inspired me. She is a real workaholic and study animal, I assure you.

Mai was well-known for her brilliance and exceptional academic ranking during our time in high school. She never had to stay up late studying for an exam because she consistently scored quite well on them. She was a diligent student who aced high school and college with stellar grades, which is why I like her.

She has been tirelessly working as a legal firm officer from nine to five and as a part-time English teacher in the evenings since graduating from university. I’m intrigued by how she manages her time and sustains the energy to juggle two demanding jobs. Regardless, Mai has a profound passion for Japanese cuisine and has always dreamed of opening a small Japanese restaurant.

Mai even considered quitting her legal studies to follow her dream of going for a culinary training program. Despite our close friendship, she had kept me in the dark about her plans until she eventually revealed to me that she had been getting ready to launch her firm.

She had everything organized and had even asked me to her restaurant’s launch when I first learned about her plan. It is the usual Mai. She really always works quietly and conscientiously, and her accomplishments always astound everyone.

She had been working really hard, it turned out, just to make enough money to open her restaurant. I really think that eventually she will be able to franchise her business because of her drive and tenacity. Despite her busy schedule, she consistently manages to strike a work-life balance.

1.2.1. Key Vocabulary

• A real workaholic and study animal: Một con người tham công tiếc việc và học tập thực sự
• Brilliance (n): sáng chói
• Exceptional academic: học thuật đặc biệt
• Consistently (adv): nhất quán
• Diligent (adj): siêng năng
• Ace (v): át chủ bài, đứng đầu
• Stellar (adj): sáng, tốt
• Culinary training program (n): chương trình đào tạo ẩm thực
• Kept sb in the dark about st: giữ bí mật với ai đó về cái gì
• Conscientiously (adv): tận tâm
• Astound (v): kinh ngạc
• Franchise (v): nhượng quyền thương mại
• Tenacity (n): sự bền bỉ

1.2.2. Translated Text

Since we’ve known each other for ten years, Mai, who is also one of my closest friends, has consistently inspired me. I assure you, she is truly a work and study addict.

Mai is renowned for her outstanding academic performance and excellent study achievements during our high school years. She never had to stay up late studying because she always scored highly in exams. She is a diligent student, achieving high grades in both high school and university, which is why I admire her.

She has been working tirelessly as an employee at a law firm from nine to five and as a part-time English instructor in the evenings since graduating from university. I wonder how she manages her time and finds the energy to work diligently in two jobs simultaneously.

However, Mai also has a deep love for Japanese cuisine and has always wanted to open a small Japanese restaurant. Mai even considered quitting law to pursue her dream of studying culinary arts. Despite our close friendship, she kept her plans to herself until she finally revealed to me that she was ready to start her own company.

She has everything arranged and even invited me to attend the opening of her restaurant when I first learned about her plans. That's typical Mai. She truly works quietly and diligently, and her achievements never cease to amaze people.

It turns out she worked very hard just to earn enough money to open her own restaurant. I truly believe that eventually she will be able to franchise her business due to her hard work and perseverance. Despite her busy schedule, she always strives to balance work and life.

1.3. Sample 2 – Describe a friend you enjoyed working and studying with

There are persons in each of our lives that we really admire and look up to. Someone who has had a significant impact on both my life and career is the person I would like to study under or collaborate with.

This individual is Mr. Singh, a renowned scientist and professor who has made outstanding contributions to cosmology and physics. In addition, he has authored multiple scientific works and is regarded as one of the most significant scientists of the 20th century.

In 2008, during his guest professorship at my university, I had the privilege of meeting him. While I wasn’t as familiar with him back then as I am now, his speech left a deep impression on me and made me an admirer for life.

There are many reasons why I admire the idea of working or studying under Mr. Singh. Above all, his contributions to science and his work are profoundly impressive. His research has inspired and motivated me to pursue a career in science. I’m also fascinated by his work and would like to learn more about his studies and theories.

His perspective on science is also novel and encouraging. He genuinely thinks that science has the ability to transform the world in which we live. In addition, he is a superb mentor and instructor who has trained and guided other professionals in the area.

For these reasons, working or studying under Mr. Singh would be an amazing opportunity to learn. Mr. Singh’s theories and research are what I would like to concentrate on if I were to study or work with him. His theories on quantum mechanics would be explained to me. Along with that, I would study his contributions to cosmology and his studies of time and space.

In addition, I would like to know more about his philosophy of science and the ways in which he has applied the scientific method to produce innovative findings.

Last but not least, I’m curious about how he has applied his studies to improve society.

1.3.1. Key Vocabulary

• Collaborate (v): hợp tác
• Renowned (adj): nổi tiếng
• Cosmology (n): vũ trụ học
• Superb (adj): tuyệt vời
• Quantum mechanics (n): cơ lượng tử
• Innovative findings (n): những phát hiện mang tính đổi mới

1.3.2. Translated Text

In everyone's life, there are people whom we truly admire and respect. Someone who has had a significant influence on my life and career is someone I would like to study or collaborate with.

This person is Mr. Singh, a renowned scientist and professor who has made notable contributions to astrophysics and physics. Additionally, he is the author of numerous scientific works and is regarded as one of the most important scientists of the 20th century.

In 2008, when he was a guest professor at my university, I had the fortunate opportunity to meet him. Although I wasn't as familiar with him back then as I am now, his speech left a lasting impression on me and turned me into a lifelong admirer.

There are numerous reasons why I want to work or study under Mr. Singh's guidance. First and foremost, his contributions to science and his work are truly admirable. His research has inspired me and encouraged me to pursue a career in science. I am also fascinated by his work and would like to learn more about his research and theories.

His views on science are also innovative and inspiring. He truly believes that science has the potential to transform the world we live in. Additionally, he is an excellent advisor and mentor who has trained and guided other experts in the field.

For these reasons, working or studying under Mr. Singh's guidance would be a great learning opportunity. I would focus on studying his theories and research if I were to study or work with him. His theories on quantum mechanics would be explained to me. Alongside this, I would study his contributions to astrophysics as well as his research on time and space.

Furthermore, I would like to learn more about his philosophy of science and how he applies scientific methods to make innovative discoveries.

Last but not least, I am keen to understand how he has applied his research to create a better society.

2. IELTS Speaking part 3: Describe a colleague with whom you enjoyed collaborating

2.1. What types of coworkers do people prefer to work with?

I believe that certain individuals find motivation in their positive colleagues at work, and most people prefer to have reliable, cooperative, and helpful coworkers. Anyone can value someone who supports them or helps them overcome challenging situations.

Collaborating with a reliable person can foster mutual trust and boost output. In addition, a strong team player ought to be eager to collaborate and put in a lot of effort when working on tasks with others.

• Foster (v): thúc đẩy
• Mutual trust (n): sự tin tưởng lẫn nhau
• Put in a lot of effort (v): nỗ lực rất nhiều

I think some people are driven to work by their positive colleagues, and most people want trustworthy, collaborative, and helpful coworkers. Everyone appreciates those who support or help them in difficult situations.

Collaborating with a reliable person can foster mutual trust and promote results. Additionally, a strong team member must be ready to collaborate and put in extra effort when working with others.

2.2. In your work, which is more important: developing job-related skills or receiving recognition from your supervisors?

While gaining various work-related talents can enhance your career opportunities, I think receiving praise from your supervisor is always more significant. It has a direct impact on your level of job satisfaction, which positively relates to productivity. Additionally, because appreciating leaders are valued by their peers, their workforces will be more inclined to remain loyal to the business.

• Peers (n): đồng nghiệp
• Workforces (n): lực lượng lao động
• Be inclined to (adj): có xu hướng
• Be loyal to (adj): trung thành với

While acquiring various job-related skills can enhance your career prospects, I believe receiving praise from superiors is more significant. It directly impacts your job satisfaction, which positively affects productivity. Moreover, highly regarded leaders are likely to garner respect from colleagues, fostering greater loyalty within the workforce towards the company.

2.3. Should managers form friendships with their subordinates?

Although I believe that managers should have a friendly relationship with their staff, there should be boundaries. Boundaries are the foundation of most relationships, and friendships are no exception. Establishing limits is, in my opinion, essential to managing friendships at work, regardless of status. Similarly, maintaining manager-employee relationships and avoiding the appearance of partiality require respecting professional and personal boundaries.

• Boundaries (n): ranh giới
• Partiality (n): sự thiên vị

While I believe managers should cultivate friendly relationships with their employees, boundaries are essential. Boundaries form the basis of most relationships, and friendships are no exception. In my view, establishing boundaries is necessary for managing friendships in the workplace, regardless of position. Similarly, maintaining a relationship between managers and employees while avoiding favoritism requires respecting professional and personal boundaries.

2.4. Why should children be kind to their classmates?

There are several reasons why children should show kindness to their classmates.

First of all, being nice and compassionate to others can build strong bonds and a nurturing atmosphere for learning. Being kind to one another fosters mutual respect, trust, and a sense of belonging among peers. Students are more likely to be engaged in studying, feel confident in their skills, and have a favorable attitude toward school when they feel respected and supported by their peers.

Children who show kindness to their classmates also acquire valuable social and emotional skills that will benefit them in many aspects of their lives. Being kind fosters better communication, greater empathy, and the growth of conflict resolution abilities.

• Compassionate (adj): nhân ái
• Nurturing atmosphere (n): môi trường nuôi dưỡng
• Conflict resolution abilities (n): khả năng giải quyết xung đột

Children should treat their classmates with kindness for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, being kind and compassionate towards others can build strong connections and create an encouraging learning atmosphere. Treating each other kindly promotes mutual respect, trust, and a sense of camaraderie among peers. Students tend to engage more in learning, feel confident in their skills, and maintain a positive attitude towards school when they feel respected and supported by their friends.

Children who show kindness to their classmates also gain valuable social and emotional skills, which benefit them in various aspects of life. Being kind enhances better communication, empathy, and conflict resolution abilities.

2.5. What is most important about a colleague’s personality?

Different individuals may prioritize different qualities in their peers when choosing coworkers or classmates.

However, dependability, positivism, open-mindedness, and reliability are some of the most crucial qualities to take into account. Colleagues who are trustworthy and dependable are valuable since they can be relied upon to complete tasks and collaborate well with others.

Colleagues who exhibit openness are valuable because they are willing to consider alternative viewpoints and ideas, fostering a more innovative and creative work environment.

Lastly, as they can raise morale and foster a positive workplace atmosphere, cheerfulness and enthusiasm are valuable.

• Dependability (n): sự đáng tin cậy
• Positivism (n): chủ nghĩa tích cực
• Open-mindedness (n): sự cởi mở
• Reliability (n): độ tin cậy
• Trustworthy (adj): đáng tin cậy
• Raise morale: nâng cao tinh thần
• Cheerfulness (n): sự vui vẻ
• Enthusiasm (n): sự nhiệt tình

Dịch: Các cá nhân khác nhau có thể đánh giá khác nhau về các đặc điểm của đồng nghiệp khi chọn đồng nghiệp hoặc bạn cùng lớp.

Tuy nhiên, tính đáng tin cậy, tích cực, tư duy mở và sự tin tưởng là những phẩm chất quan trọng cần được xem xét. Các đồng nghiệp đáng tin cậy và tin cậy là rất quý giá vì họ có thể được tin cậy để hoàn thành nhiệm vụ và hợp tác hiệu quả với những người khác.

Các đồng nghiệp có tư tưởng cởi mở là rất quý giá vì họ sẵn lòng lắng nghe những quan điểm và khái niệm khác nhau, giúp thúc đẩy không khí làm việc sáng tạo và sáng tạo hơn.

Cuối cùng, vì chúng có thể nâng cao tinh thần và nuôi dưỡng không khí làm việc tích cực, sự vui vẻ và nhiệt tình là rất quý giá.

2.6. Are good colleagues essential in the workplace?

Yes, having supportive colleagues is essential in the workplace.

Colleagues who are encouraging, reliable, and positive can significantly impact both overall work performance and job satisfaction. Kind and supportive coworkers also aid in resolving conflicts and fostering a healthy work environment.

Furthermore, having pleasant coworkers can enhance overall job satisfaction and contribute to a more pleasurable work environment. People are more likely to be motivated, effective, and engaged at work when they enjoy what they do and feel appreciated by their peers.

• Motivated (adj): có động lực
• Effective (adj): hiệu quả
• Engaged (adj): gắn bó

Dịch: Đúng, sự hỗ trợ từ các đồng nghiệp là rất quan trọng tại nơi làm việc.

Các đồng nghiệp khích lệ, đáng tin cậy và tích cực có thể ảnh hưởng đáng kể đến cả hiệu suất làm việc tổng thể và sự hài lòng trong công việc. Những đồng nghiệp tử tế và hỗ trợ cũng giúp giải quyết mâu thuẫn và tạo môi trường làm việc lành mạnh.

Hơn nữa, những đồng nghiệp đáng yêu còn có thể nâng cao sự hài lòng về công việc tổng thể và góp phần vào việc xây dựng một môi trường làm việc vui vẻ. Nhân viên có xu hướng năng động, hiệu quả và cam kết hơn khi họ yêu thích công việc của mình và được các đồng nghiệp đánh giá cao.

2.7. Is the demand for knowledgeable individuals high in workplaces?

It is a widely held concept that information is power and that those with it are frequently respected in a variety of settings, including the workplace. In the ever changing and dynamic business environment of today, having knowledge is undoubtedly an advantageous quality that may help you make an impact.

Being able to exploit the abundance of information at your disposal is something that many businesses value in their workforce. However, education and expertise aren’t the only factors that contribute to success and popularity in the profession. Other elements come into play as well, such one’s ability to communicate, interact with others, and approach work in general.

• Dynamic (adj): năng động
• Exploit the abundance of information: khai thác lượng thông tin dồi dào
• Att your disposal: theo ý của bạn

Dịch: There is a common belief that information is power and those who possess it are often respected in various environments, including the workplace. In today's dynamic business environment, having knowledge is certainly an advantageous quality that can help you make an impact.