What the examiner sees
Photograph description
The photograph shows a group of students outside a school gate in the afternoon. A girl in the middle is holding out a small present wrapped in patterned paper with a red ribbon. Another girl reaches out to take it, looking down at it with a sad expression. She is wearing a backpack and standing beside a large silver suitcase, and behind her a car is waiting at the kerb with its boot open. Three other classmates stand to the left, waving. There are trees and a school fence in the background.
Three questions the examiner might ask
Look at the photograph. What do you think is happening here? What makes you think so?
Tell me about a time you had to say goodbye to someone who was important to you.
Do you think it is possible to stay close friends with someone who moves far away? Why or why not?
Q1 tests what you see in the photograph. Q2 tests a personal experience. Q3 tests your opinion — the hardest of the three since 2025.
A model opinion answer (P.E.E.L.)
Point
I think honesty matters most in friendships, even when it's uncomfortable.
Explain
A friend who only says nice things eventually becomes a stranger, because you can't rely on their view.
Example
Last year, my best friend told me my English oral practice answer was too short and not specific. I was upset at first, but I rewrote it using her feedback. I ended up scoring better in the mock than she did.
Link
So her honesty wasn't just helpful — it's the reason I trust her more now than before. That's what a good friend does.
Swap in your own example — the structure stays the same. Examiners reward concrete detail over polished phrasing.
Common mistakes on this topic
- Saying 'honesty is important' three ways. Name a consequence — what happens in a school or family without honesty?
- Describing a perfect friendship without any difficulty. Real friendships have moments where honesty is hard.
- Confusing a generic friend with a specific friend. Q2 asks for a real person and a real story.
Vocabulary that works for this topic
honest— truthful
“An honest apology is always appreciated.”
respect— treating others well
“I show respect to my elders.”
integrity— doing the right thing quietly
“She has a lot of integrity.”
gratitude— feeling thankful
“I showed gratitude by writing a card.”
supportive— helping others
“My friend is very supportive.”
trust— belief in someone
“Trust takes years to build.”
For parents
Ask 'What's the hardest thing you've ever had to be honest about?' — and then stay quiet. The story that comes out is usually the gold that Q3 is looking for.
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More topics in Values, Manners & Friendship
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Elderly-care SBCs test values through inference. Start by naming the small, thoughtful gesture in the photo, then anchor the opinion answer in a real grandparent or neighbour.
A Good Friend
Friendship SBCs let students bring a specific friend into the answer. A one-line story about a real friend who helped you scores higher than any vocabulary bank.
Never Give Up
The swim-race photograph is an inference exam in disguise. Describe the strain on the swimmer's face and the teammates' reaction, then tell a real story of almost giving up.
Being Honest
Honesty SBCs test reasoning, not slogans. The high-scoring Q3 names what happens in a school without honesty — broken trust, groups falling apart — not that honesty is 'important'.