Of course! "Meeting new people" is a very common and high-potential topic for IELTS Speaking Part 1 and Part 2. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you ace this topic, including vocabulary, sample answers, and useful tips.

Part 1: General Questions

In Part 1, the examiner will ask you simple, personal questions about the topic.

Q1: Do you like meeting new people? (Sample Answer - Band 7-8)

"Yes, I generally do. I find it quite interesting and enjoyable to interact with new individuals. It's a great way to broaden my horizons and learn different perspectives on life. Of course, I'm not always in the mood for it, especially if I'm feeling a bit tired, but on the whole, I'm quite open to it."

Why this is a good answer:

• Directly answers the question: "Yes, I generally do."
• Uses good vocabulary: "broaden my horizons," "different perspectives."
• Shows nuance: It acknowledges that it's not always the case ("not always in the mood," "especially if I'm tired").
• Fluent and natural structure.

Q2: Where do you usually meet new people? (Sample Answer - Band 7-8)

"I'd say I meet new people in a variety of settings. The most common place is probably at university, through group projects or just chatting with classmates. I also occasionally meet new people at social gatherings or parties thrown by friends. And recently, I've started joining a hiking club, which is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people who share a common interest."

Why this is a good answer:

• Gives specific examples: University, social gatherings, hiking club.
• Uses topic-specific vocabulary: "social gatherings," "like-minded people," "common interest."
• Well-organized: Uses "The most common place is...", "I also...", "And recently..." to structure the answer.

Q3: Is it easy for you to make new friends? (Sample Answer - Band 8-9)

"That's a good question. I'd say it's moderately easy for me. I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, so I don't usually strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. However, I'm quite approachable, and if someone shows a genuine interest in talking to me, I'm more than happy to engage and build a rapport. So, while it might not happen instantly, I can definitely form new connections given the right context and a bit of time."

Why this is a good answer:

• Sophisticated vocabulary: "outgoing," "strike up a conversation," "approachable," "build a rapport," "form new connections."
• Shows self-awareness: Acknowledges a personal trait ("I'm not the most outgoing person").
• Explains the "why": It clearly explains the conditions under which it is or isn't easy.
• Uses complex sentences and linking words.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

You will have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes on the following cue card.

Describe a time you met someone for the first time. You should say:

• Who this person was
• Where and when you met them
• What you talked about
• And explain how you felt about meeting this person.

How to Prepare (1 Minute)

Step 1: Understand the Task You need to tell a short story. A good story has a beginning, middle, and end.

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas

• Who? A friend of a friend, a new colleague, a tourist you helped, someone in a club.
• Where/When? Be specific. "At a coffee shop last Saturday," "during my first week at university," "at a language exchange event."
• What did you talk about? The situation, common interests, work/studies, hobbies.
• How did you feel? This is the most important part for a high score. Don't just say "happy." Use more descriptive words.

Step 3: Make Notes (Keywords, not full sentences)

• Who: A girl named Li Wei, a friend's cousin.
• Where/When: A music festival, last summer, rainy day.
• Talked about: Shared love for an indie band, discussed other bands, planned to see a concert together.
• Felt: Nervous at first (big crowd), excited to find a common passion, instant connection, felt less lonely.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

"I'd like to talk about a time I met someone who has since become one of my closest friends. I met her at a music festival last summer.

It was a rather chaotic, rainy day at a huge outdoor festival. I was there alone because my friends had cancelled at the last minute, and to be honest, I was feeling a bit out of place and a little bit lonely. I was trying to find a spot under a tent to wait out the rain when I noticed a girl who looked just as lost as I did. She was looking at the festival map with a confused expression.

I decided to take a chance and strike up a conversation. I simply asked her if she knew where the main stage was, and surprisingly, she didn't either. From that small, slightly awkward beginning, we started chatting. We discovered we were both there to see the same obscure indie band, and that's when we really hit it off. We spent the rest of the afternoon together, exploring the festival, sharing our favourite tracks, and even exchanging social media handles before parting ways.

As for how I felt, initially, I was a bit apprehensive about approaching a stranger. But the moment we found that common ground, our shared passion for music, I felt an instant sense of connection. It was a wonderful feeling to go from feeling isolated to having someone to share the experience with. Meeting Li Wei that day turned what could have been a miserable, rainy afternoon into one of the highlights of my summer. It just goes to show that sometimes the best encounters happen when you least expect them."

Why this is a high-scoring answer:

• Clear structure: Follows the cue card points perfectly.
• Vivid vocabulary: "chaotic," "out of place," "strike up a conversation," "hit it off," "apprehensive," "instant sense of connection," "obscure indie band."
• Descriptive details: Mentions the rain, the map, the cancelled friends. This makes the story engaging.
• Excellent use of idioms and phrases: "hit it off," "it just goes to show."
• Emotional depth: It clearly explains the progression of feelings from "lonely" and "apprehensive" to "connected" and "wonderful."
• Fluent and natural delivery: The sentences flow well and connect logically.

Part 3: Discussion

Here, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic.

Q1: Why do some people find it difficult to meet new people? (Sample Answer - Band 8-9)

"I believe there are several underlying reasons for this. Firstly, personality plays a huge role. Naturally introverted individuals may find social interactions draining and prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings. Secondly, past experiences can be a significant factor. Someone who has had a negative experience, like being rejected or embarrassed, might develop a fear of rejection that makes them hesitant to put themselves out there there again. Finally, in our modern digital age, while technology connects us, it can also create a barrier. People might feel more comfortable interacting behind a screen, which can atrophy their face-to-face social skills, making real-world encounters seem more daunting."

Why this is a good answer:

• Analytical and well-structured: Uses "Firstly," "Secondly," "Finally" to present clear, distinct points.
• High-level vocabulary: "introverted," "draining," "underlying reasons," "fear of rejection," "atroph... social skills," "daunting."
• Provides a deep analysis: It goes beyond the simple "they are shy" answer and explores personality, past experiences, and modern technology.

Q2: In what ways has technology changed the way people meet new people? (Sample Answer - Band 8-9)

"Technology has fundamentally revolutionised this social landscape. On one hand, it has democratised the process. Dating apps and social media platforms allow people to connect with others they would likely never have met in their daily lives, breaking down geographical and social barriers. It provides a convenient low-pressure environment to get to know someone.

On the other hand, this convenience comes with drawbacks. The initial connection is often based on curated profiles and photos, which can be misleading. It also encourages a more transactional approach to relationships, where people are quickly judged and discarded based on a few swipes. Furthermore, it can lead to a paradox of choice, where having too many options makes it harder to form a