Learning how to effectively answer questions about family in IELTS Speaking is crucial as this topic frequently appears in Part 1. Similar to how to teach ielts general, mastering these responses requires proper preparation and practice.
Common Part 1 Questions About Family
Sample Questions and Model Answers
Q: “Can you tell me about your family?”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I come from a close-knit family of four. My father is a distinguished architect who specializes in sustainable design, while my mother is a dedicated high school teacher. I also have a younger sister who’s currently pursuing her postgraduate studies in marine biology.”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I live with my parents and sister. My father works as an architect, and my mother teaches at a high school. My sister is studying at university now.”
Part 2: Cue Card Topic
Task Card
Describe a family member who you spend a lot of time with.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What you usually do together
- Why you spend time with them
And explain how you feel about spending time with them.
Just as describe a person you know who likes to make things by hand, this topic requires detailed description and personal insights.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my grandmother, who has been a pivotal figure in my life. She’s a remarkably energetic 75-year-old who radiates positivity wherever she goes. We regularly engage in various activities together, from cooking traditional family recipes to tending her meticulously maintained garden.
What makes our time together particularly meaningful is how she seamlessly weaves life lessons into our conversations. She has this extraordinary ability to share wisdom through storytelling, making every interaction a learning experience. I thoroughly appreciate these moments as they’ve helped shape my perspective on life and family values.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: “How have family relationships changed in recent years?”
Similar to discussions about describe an interesting traditional event, this requires analysis of social changes.
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Family dynamics have undergone significant transformation in recent decades. The advent of technology has paradoxically both connected and disconnected family members. While social media and video calls enable families to stay in touch across distances, they’ve also diminished face-to-face interactions. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of dual-income households has fundamentally altered traditional family structures and relationships.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Extended family: Relatives beyond the immediate family
- Nuclear family: Parents and their children only
- Family-oriented /ˈfæm.əl.i ˈɔː.ri.en.tɪd/: Placing high value on family
- To look up to (phrasal verb): To admire or respect someone
- Family values (noun phrase): Principles and ideals passed down through generations
Examiner’s Tips
- Maintain eye contact and natural body language
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Include personal examples to support your answers
- Practice speaking about family regularly, as it’s a common topic across all parts of the test
For more guidance on improving your speaking skills, you might find describe an interesting old person you met helpful for developing descriptive language about people.