Is It Better to Have a Few Close Friends Or a Wide Circle of Acquaintances? C1 Exam Question

Hi everyone, happy new year, welcome to the new podcast, Cambridge Advanced Speaking.

The year 2023 kicks off with a new website, which has a blog with transcripts as well as all the info you need about my Cambridge C1 Speaking Program. And before we start this episode, I’d like to tell you a bit more about how I can help you with this program. 

One-on-One Speaking Program 

Many Cambridge C1 students struggle with finding the right words when speaking English. They cannot think of ideas quickly when asked a question in the exam. As a result, they lack the confidence to face the examiner.

Now, of course, it doesn’t have to be like that.

My name is Kristian and I want to help you get a high mark in the Cambridge C1 speaking exam.

In my one-on-one lessons I’ll show you tips and techniques to build your confidence when speaking. I’ll also show you how to become more flexible and to use more natural spoken English.

My online classes are perfect for anyone who wants to go from a struggling English student to a confident English speaker.

If that’s you, it’s time to take action. Just go to this page, and book your free 30-minute consultation with me in just a few seconds.

I really can’t wait to help you get ready for speaking success!

Introduction

Okay then, that was the promo for my Speaking Program. Now, let’s get on with episode number 3, which is all about the topic of relationships.  

Hi everyone! How are you doing? Today you’re going to learn some natural spoken English that you can use to talk about relationships.

First, I’m going to tell you a thing or two about the phrasal verb GET ON. Then I’m going to answer a question that you might get in part 1 of the Cambridge C1 exam. Next, I will analyse my answer, and finally we’ll end this episode with some useful expressions you can use to talk about relationships. 

All right then, let’s get cracking.

Ready. Set. Go.

Get on

Chapter 5 of the excellent textbook Ready for C1 Advanced – which is all about relationships – starts with a picture of a granddaughter hugging her grandmother. The title of the chapter is: GETTING ON. 

Now, what do you think that phrasal verb means? If you get on with someone, you like them and have a friendly relationship with them. 

Her new boyfriend gets on with her children.

 

I get on very well with all of my nephews.       

But wait, there’s more. As you probably know, many phrasal verbs have different meanings, and this one is no exception.

For starters, get on with also means “continue doing it” or “start doing it”.

After a two-month hiatus I finally got on with my podcast.

This is another example that is true – it’s a real life example and I encourage you to do the same as I do when learning new vocabulary. When you can, make the phrases true for you, all right? 

Ok then, here’s another meaning. If you say how someone is getting on, you are saying how much success they are having with what they are trying to do.

Nina, who is one of my students, is getting on very well in English. She learns very quickly.

Now, according to Collins Dictionary there are 8 different meanings of GET ON, so if you want to learn more, I recommend visiting their website, because, to tell you the truth, we really need to get on now with the topic of today: relationships. 

Cambridge C1 Exam Part 1 question

Okay then, let’s look at a possible part 1 question:

Is it better to have a few close friends or a wide circle of acquaintances?

Before I give you my answer, let’s make sure everyone understands what acquaintance means: An acquaintance is someone who you have met and know slightly, but not well. If you have an acquaintance with someone, you have met them and you know them.

You can also make someone’s acquaintance. When you make someone’s acquaintance, you meet them for the first time and get to know them a little.

I’ve known his sister for 7 years. I first made her acquaintance in 2015 at a business conference in London.  

All right now, let’s get back to the question: 

Is it better to have a few close friends or a wide circle of acquaintances?

Here’s my answer… 

Model answer 

Hmm, frankly speaking, I’d like to have both! However, if I had to choose, I would go for a few close friends. To tell you the truth, when I’m down in the dumps, I really need a close friend to talk to. You see, I don’t like to discuss my problems with people I know only slightly.

 

Mind you, I do realise it might be different for other people, but personally, I prefer to talk /talking to someone who’s always there for me, in good times and bad.

Language analysis

Hmm, frankly speaking, I’d like to have both! However, if I had to choose, I would go for a few close friends. To tell you the truth, when I’m down in the dumps, I really need a close friend to talk to. You see, I don’t like to discuss my problems with people I know only slightly.

 

Mind you, I do realise it might be different for other people, but personally, I prefer to talk /talking to someone who’s always there for me, in good times and bad.

Vocabulary

Okay, let’s end this podcast with some expressions you can use to talk about relationships. 

I’ll give you a three sentences, and you have to complete the gap. Are you ready?

1. The noise from the neighbours is beginning to ___ on my nerves. I’m going to complain if it doesn’t stop soon.
2. His negative attitude has ___ a great strain on our relationship. I’m seriously thinking of leaving him.
3. They set up a partnership in 2020, but the relationship ___ sour when Laura’s risky investments seriously jeopardised the business. (actions may destroy the business, or cause it to fail)
4. His mother had always approved of his girlfriends before, but she never really ___ to Ana.

Now, over to you. Choose one of the expressions and use them to talk about your own relationships, past or present. Here’s my example:

Emma used to really get on my nerves, She was always texting me, even using different messenger apps. She never gave me a moment’s peace. That said, things are fine now – She got a boyfriend, so I guess she has moved on.    

Okay then, that’s the end of the exercise and also the end of this episode.

If you have any questions about the podcast, or any feedback, anything you would like me to add or clarify, then do get in touch with me. You can email me at: kristian@getreadyforsuccess.com – I’d love to hear from you.

Last but not least: you can now find the transcript of this podcast on my new website. Just click on Learning Resources and that will get you to the blog with transcripts. 

All right, that’s all. Take care of yourself, and each other.  

Speak soon!