The topic “Describe A Special Day You Spent With Your Family” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language effectively.
Describe a time when you felt close to nature can be a related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Both topics involve describing personal experiences and emotions, which are crucial skills for achieving a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your family and special occasions. Here are some potential questions:
- How often do you spend time with your family?
- What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing together?
- Do you have any family traditions for special occasions?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: “How often do you spend time with your family?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I make a point of spending quality time with my family at least once a week, usually on weekends. We try to prioritize family activities despite our busy schedules. Sometimes it’s just a simple dinner together, while other times we plan outings or day trips to bond and catch up with each other’s lives.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a special day you spent with your family
You should say:
- When it was
- Where you went
- What you did
- And explain why it was special to you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a memorable experience I had with my family last summer when we went on a spontaneous road trip to a nearby coastal town. It was a balmy Saturday in July, and we decided on a whim to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
We set off early in the morning, with the sun just peeking over the horizon. The journey itself was half the fun, as we sang along to our favorite songs and played word games to pass the time. Upon reaching the seaside, we were greeted by the invigorating scent of salt in the air and the sound of crashing waves.
Our day was filled with a myriad of activities. We started by exploring the quaint town, wandering through narrow cobblestone streets and popping into charming local shops. For lunch, we indulged in fresh seafood at a picturesque beachfront restaurant, savoring every bite while enjoying the panoramic ocean view.
In the afternoon, we hit the beach, where we built elaborate sandcastles, collected seashells, and even tried our hand at surfing. The day culminated in a breathtaking sunset walk along the shore, with the sky painted in vibrant hues of orange and pink.
This day stands out as special because it was a perfect blend of spontaneity and togetherness. It allowed us to break free from our routine and create lasting memories. The shared experiences and laughter brought us closer as a family, reminding us of the importance of taking time to connect with one another away from the distractions of daily life. It was a day that reinforced our family bond and left us with a treasure trove of happy memories to look back on.”
Family enjoying a special day at the beach
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- Do you think it’s important for families to have special days out together?
- How has technology affected family time in recent years?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe special family outings are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they provide an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and create shared experiences that become cherished memories. These days also offer a much-needed break from the monotony of daily routines, allowing family members to interact in a more relaxed and enjoyable setting. Moreover, such outings can foster better communication and understanding among family members, as they often involve activities that require cooperation and teamwork. Lastly, these special days can serve as a powerful antidote to stress and help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all family members.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think the concept of family time has changed over the generations?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The concept of family time has undergone a significant transformation over the generations, influenced by various societal and technological changes. In the past, family time was often centered around daily activities such as shared meals, household chores, or evening gatherings where stories were exchanged. It was more integrated into the fabric of daily life.
Nowadays, family time has become more scheduled and deliberate. With the rise of dual-income households and increasingly busy lifestyles, many families find themselves having to consciously carve out time for togetherness. This has led to the emergence of planned family activities and vacations as a way to ensure quality time together.
Technology has played a dual role in this evolution. On one hand, it has facilitated connection through video calls and messaging, allowing families to stay in touch even when physically apart. On the other hand, it has also introduced new challenges, with individual family members often engrossed in their personal devices during what would traditionally be considered family time.
Interestingly, recent global events like the pandemic have sparked a resurgence of traditional family time in many households, with families rediscovering the value of simple shared activities at home. This has led to a blend of old and new concepts of family time, where traditional activities like board games or cooking together coexist with modern practices like family movie nights with streaming services or virtual game sessions with extended family members.
In essence, while the form and frequency of family time may have changed, its fundamental importance in maintaining family bonds and fostering a sense of belonging remains as crucial as ever.”
Evolution of family time across generations
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Make a point of (phrasal verb) – to do something intentionally
Phonetic: /meɪk ə pɔɪnt əv/
Example: “I make a point of calling my parents every Sunday.” -
Spontaneous (adjective) – done or occurring as a result of a sudden impulse without premeditation
Phonetic: /spɒnˈteɪniəs/
Example: “Our spontaneous decision to go on a road trip led to an unforgettable adventure.” -
Myriad (noun) – a countless or extremely great number
Phonetic: /ˈmɪriəd/
Example: “The festival offered a myriad of activities for visitors of all ages.” -
Culminate (verb) – reach a climax or point of highest development
Phonetic: /ˈkʌlmɪneɪt/
Example: “The day culminated in a spectacular fireworks display over the lake.” -
Reinforce (verb) – strengthen or support, typically with additional personnel or material
Phonetic: /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/
Example: “These shared experiences help to reinforce family bonds.”
Describe an occasion when you gave a gift to someone is another topic that may require similar descriptive skills and emotional expression as discussing a special family day.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a special day with your family:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to bring your story to life.
- Incorporate idioms and phrasal verbs naturally into your responses.
- Speak fluently and coherently, using appropriate connecting words.
- Show a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
- Demonstrate a wide vocabulary related to family, emotions, and activities.
- Practice narrating personal experiences with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Be prepared to discuss broader themes related to family and society in Part 3.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in being able to adapt your language skills to various topics and questions. Regular practice with a variety of themes will help you develop the flexibility needed to perform well in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a time when you had to let go of something important can also be a valuable topic to practice, as it requires similar skills in expressing personal experiences and emotions.
