Family traditions play a significant role in shaping our identities and strengthening bonds within our families. In IELTS Speaking exams, questions about family traditions are relatively common, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe personal experiences, cultural practices, and express opinions on societal values. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to family traditions in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter general questions about family traditions. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you have any special family traditions?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, we do have a few special family traditions. One that’s particularly dear to my heart is our annual family reunion during the Lunar New Year. It’s a time when all our extended family members gather from different parts of the country to celebrate together. We spend the day preparing traditional dishes, exchanging gifts, and sharing stories. It’s a wonderful way to maintain our family connections and pass down our cultural heritage to the younger generations.”
Extended family celebrating Lunar New Year together
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a family tradition that you value.
You should say:
- What the tradition is
- When and how it started
- Who participates in it
- And explain why this tradition is important to you
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a family tradition that I really value, which is our Sunday family dinner. This tradition started about 15 years ago when my parents decided it was important for us to have quality time together every week.
Every Sunday evening, all family members, including my parents, siblings, and sometimes even our grandparents, gather at our home for a special dinner. We take turns cooking, which makes it fun and allows everyone to contribute. During the meal, we share stories about our week, discuss any issues we’re facing, and just enjoy each other’s company.
This tradition is incredibly important to me because it helps maintain strong family bonds. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in our individual lives and lose touch with family. These weekly dinners ensure that we always have time to connect, support each other, and create lasting memories together. It’s a simple tradition, but it has a profound impact on our family’s unity and happiness.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share with you a family tradition that I hold in high regard – our annual family camping trip. This tradition originated about two decades ago when my parents, avid nature enthusiasts, decided to instill their love for the outdoors in their children.
Every summer, without fail, our entire family – including extended members like aunts, uncles, and cousins – embark on a week-long camping adventure in different national parks across the country. We meticulously plan the trip months in advance, dividing responsibilities such as meal planning, activity coordination, and equipment checks among family members.
During the trip, we engage in a variety of activities that foster both individual growth and family bonding. These include hiking challenging trails, learning survival skills, stargazing, and participating in conservation efforts. Evenings are spent around the campfire, sharing stories, discussing life’s big questions, and simply reveling in each other’s company.
This tradition holds immense significance for me for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a powerful antidote to our increasingly digital lives, allowing us to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and each other. Secondly, it provides an opportunity for intergenerational learning and bonding, as older family members share their wisdom and experiences with the younger ones. Lastly, these trips have instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and the importance of environmental conservation, values that I believe are crucial in today’s world.
In essence, this tradition is not just about having fun; it’s about strengthening family ties, creating lasting memories, and passing down important values from one generation to the next. It’s a tradition that has shaped my character and one that I hope to continue with my own family in the future.”
Family enjoying annual camping tradition in nature
Follow-up questions:
- How has this tradition changed over the years?
- Do you think you’ll continue this tradition with your own family in the future?
Sample answers:
How has this tradition changed over the years? (Band 7-8)
“Over the years, our family camping tradition has evolved significantly. When we started, it was a simple weekend trip with basic equipment. Now, it’s grown into a more elaborate affair with better gear and more diverse activities. We’ve also incorporated more educational elements, like workshops on local flora and fauna. Additionally, as family members have moved to different parts of the country, we’ve had to be more flexible with scheduling and sometimes use technology to include those who can’t physically attend. Despite these changes, the core values of family bonding and nature appreciation remain the same.”Do you think you’ll continue this tradition with your own family in the future? (Band 8-9)
“Absolutely, I fully intend to carry on this tradition with my own family in the future. The invaluable lessons and experiences I’ve gained from these trips are something I’m eager to pass on to my children. However, I also recognize that traditions need to evolve to remain relevant and enjoyable. So, while maintaining the essence of connecting with nature and family, I’d be open to adapting the tradition to suit the interests and needs of my future family. This might involve incorporating new technologies for nature exploration or expanding the scope to include international eco-tourism. The key is to preserve the underlying principles of family bonding, environmental awareness, and personal growth while allowing the tradition to organically evolve with each generation.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s talk about family traditions in general. Do you think family traditions are as important today as they were in the past?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe family traditions are still important today, maybe even more so than in the past. In our fast-paced modern world, traditions help keep families connected. They give us a sense of belonging and identity. However, I think the nature of traditions might be changing. For example, some families might have new traditions involving technology, like video calling distant relatives regularly. So while the form might be different, the purpose of bringing family together remains important.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I would argue that family traditions are equally significant, if not more crucial, in today’s society compared to the past. In our increasingly globalized and digitalized world, where individuals often find themselves geographically dispersed and caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern life, family traditions serve as vital anchors, providing a sense of continuity, identity, and belonging.
However, it’s important to note that the nature and expression of these traditions have evolved to reflect contemporary realities. For instance, while in the past, traditions might have centered around large, in-person gatherings, today’s families might maintain connections through virtual means, such as regular video calls or shared online photo albums.
Moreover, in an era where cultural homogenization is a concern, family traditions play a critical role in preserving cultural heritage and passing down values from one generation to the next. They act as a bulwark against the loss of cultural identity in the face of globalization.
That being said, it’s also worth considering that the increased awareness of diverse family structures and cultural practices in modern society has led to a more inclusive understanding of what constitutes a family tradition. This broadened perspective allows for the creation of new, meaningful traditions that resonate with contemporary families, while still fulfilling the fundamental human need for connection and shared experiences.”
Modern family maintaining tradition through virtual gathering
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To hold in high regard (phrasal verb) – /həʊld ɪn haɪ rɪˈɡɑːd/ – to greatly respect or value something
Example: “I hold our family’s holiday traditions in high regard.”To originate (verb) – /əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/ – to come into existence; to have a specific origin or starting point
Example: “This tradition originated from my great-grandfather’s love for storytelling.”To foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage the development of something, especially something desirable
Example: “Our family gatherings foster a sense of unity and belonging.”Intergenerational (adjective) – /ˌɪntəˌdʒenəˈreɪʃənl/ – relating to or affecting several generations
Example: “These traditions provide valuable intergenerational learning experiences.”To instill (verb) – /ɪnˈstɪl/ – to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
Example: “Our family traditions have instilled in me a strong sense of cultural identity.”Antidote (noun) – /ˈæntɪdəʊt/ – something that counteracts an unpleasant feeling or situation
Example: “Our annual family retreat serves as an antidote to the stress of city life.”To evolve (verb) – /ɪˈvɒlv/ – to develop gradually
Example: “Our family traditions have evolved over time to accommodate changing lifestyles.”To preserve (verb) – /prɪˈzɜːv/ – to maintain something in its original or existing state
Example: “We strive to preserve our cultural heritage through our family traditions.”
Examiner’s Advice: To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing family traditions, focus on providing detailed, personal examples. Use a range of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Practice expressing your thoughts fluently and coherently, and be prepared to discuss both the positive aspects and potential challenges of maintaining family traditions in the modern world. Remember to support your opinions with logical reasoning and relevant examples.
describe a traditional craft or skill from your country
For further practice, consider exploring other related topics such as describing a favorite song or piece of music or describing a meal you had in a restaurant recently, as these can often be tied to family traditions and cultural experiences. Additionally, you might want to practice describing an occasion when you did something in a hurry, as this skill can be useful for discussing how modern life sometimes challenges our ability to maintain traditions.