Describe a discussion you had with your friend
You should say:
- Who you had the discussion with
- What the discussion was about
- Why you had this discussion
- And explain whether the discussion was successful or not.
Sample Answer:
I recently had a discussion with my friend Sarah. We talked about her plans to start a new business venture in sustainable fashion. The discussion revolved around brainstorming ideas for sourcing eco-friendly materials and marketing strategies to target environmentally conscious consumers.
We had this discussion because Sarah wanted feedback and insights from someone with a business background who also cares about sustainability. She was looking for practical advice on where to find reliable suppliers and how to build a brand that resonates with her target audience.
Overall, I think the discussion was successful. We came up with several actionable ideas, identified potential challenges, and Sarah left feeling more confident about moving forward with her business plan. It was productive in terms of sharing knowledge and providing encouragement, which are crucial in the early stages of starting a business.
Highlighted vocabulary words
1. Venture (n.) – A new business or project that involves risk
🔹 Sarah is excited about her new venture in sustainable fashion.
2. Sustainable (adj.) – Using methods that do not harm the environment
🔹 Many consumers prefer sustainable clothing because it reduces waste.
3. Brainstorm (v.) – To come up with creative ideas through discussion
🔹 We spent hours brainstorming ways to market her new clothing line.
4. Eco-friendly (adj.) – Not harmful to the environment
🔹 She wants to use eco-friendly materials for her fashion brand.
5. Target audience (n.) – A specific group of people a business aims to attract
🔹 Her target audience includes young professionals who care about sustainability.
6. Reliable (adj.) – Trustworthy and dependable
🔹 Finding a reliable supplier is crucial for any business.
7. Resonates (v.) – To connect deeply with someone’s emotions or beliefs
🔹 Her brand’s message resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.
8. Actionable (adj.) – Practical and ready to be put into use
🔹 We came up with several actionable strategies to grow her business.
9. Identify (v.) – To recognize or find something
🔹 During our discussion, we identified key challenges in the supply chain.
10. Crucial (adj.) – Extremely important
🔹 Encouragement is crucial in the early stages of starting a business.
Follow Up – Questions Part 3
1. Why is it important to discuss ideas with friends before making a big decision?
It’s important to discuss ideas with friends because they can offer a different perspective that we might not have considered. Sometimes, when we think alone, we become biased or emotional, but friends can provide objective feedback. Also, if they have experience in a similar situation, their advice can be very valuable. Discussing with friends also helps reduce stress, as we feel more supported when making a big decision.
2. Do you think discussions with friends are more useful than professional advice? Why or why not?
It depends on the situation. If the decision is personal, like choosing a career or handling a relationship problem, friends can be more helpful because they know us well. However, for specialized matters like financial investments or legal issues, professional advice is usually better because experts have more knowledge and experience. Ideally, a combination of both—getting emotional support from friends and factual guidance from professionals—is the best approach.
3. How can a good discussion help in problem-solving and decision-making?
A good discussion helps in problem-solving by bringing in new ideas and different viewpoints. When we talk to others, we can see solutions that we might not have thought of ourselves. It also allows us to analyze the pros and cons of a decision before taking action. Additionally, discussing with someone we trust gives us more confidence in our final choice.
4. What qualities make a discussion successful and productive?
A successful discussion should be open-minded and respectful. Both sides should listen carefully and express their ideas clearly. It’s also important to stay focused on the main topic and avoid arguments. A good discussion should lead to practical solutions or at least a better understanding of the issue. Finally, honesty is key—when people are truthful and supportive, the discussion becomes more valuable.
