The IELTS Speaking test often explores personal experiences and relationships, with questions about family members being a recurring theme. One particularly intriguing topic is describing a family member who has influenced your life. This subject allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing a meaningful personal connection. Let’s delve into how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your family. Here’s an example question with a suggested response:

Question: “Do you have a large or small family?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I come from a relatively small family by Vietnamese standards. There are just five of us – my parents, my older sister, my younger brother, and myself. While some of my friends have extended families living together, we maintain a close-knit nuclear family structure. This setup has allowed us to develop strong bonds and support each other intimately throughout our lives.”

A small Vietnamese family posing for a portrait

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:
Describe A Family Member Who Has Influenced Your Life.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What this person is like
• How this person has influenced you
• And explain why you think this person has had such an influence on you

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The family member who has had a significant influence on my life is my grandmother. She’s a kind and caring woman in her early 70s, always ready with a warm smile and words of encouragement. My grandmother has influenced me in many ways, particularly through her positive outlook on life and her strong work ethic.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with her, and she always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She taught me the importance of perseverance and never giving up, even when things get tough. Her stories about overcoming hardships during her youth have inspired me to face challenges head-on.

I think she’s had such a big influence on me because of her consistency and the genuine love she’s shown throughout my life. Her unwavering support and belief in me have boosted my confidence and shaped my values. Thanks to her, I’ve learned to appreciate the simple things in life and to always treat others with kindness and respect.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The family member who has profoundly influenced my life is my paternal grandfather, a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on my character and aspirations. At 78, he’s a paragon of wisdom and resilience, with a quick wit that belies his age and a warmth that envelops everyone in his presence.

My grandfather’s influence on me has been multifaceted and far-reaching. His voracious appetite for knowledge and lifelong commitment to learning have inspired my own academic pursuits. He introduced me to the joys of literature at a young age, cultivating in me a love for storytelling and critical thinking. Moreover, his unwavering integrity in both personal and professional spheres has shaped my moral compass and ethical standards.

What sets my grandfather apart, and why I believe he’s had such a profound impact on me, is his ability to lead by example. He doesn’t just preach values; he embodies them in every action. His resilience in the face of adversity, demonstrated when he rebuilt his business after a significant setback, has taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Furthermore, his genuine interest in others and his capacity for empathy have shown me the true meaning of compassion and the value of building meaningful relationships.

In essence, my grandfather’s influence has been a guiding light, helping me navigate the complexities of life with grace and determination. His legacy continues to shape my decisions and inspire my aspirations, making me strive to be not just successful, but also a person of substance and integrity.”

An elderly man sharing wisdom with his grandson

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has your relationship with this family member changed over time?
2. In what ways do you hope to influence others, similar to how this person has influenced you?

Sample Answers:

1. Band 6-7:
   “My relationship with my grandmother has grown stronger over the years. As a child, I saw her more as a caregiver, but now I appreciate her as a friend and mentor. We talk more openly about life, and I often seek her advice on important decisions.”

Band 8-9:
“The evolution of my relationship with my grandfather has been truly remarkable. What began as a typical grandparent-grandchild dynamic has blossomed into a profound friendship and mentorship. As I’ve matured, our conversations have delved into deeper territories, encompassing philosophy, ethics, and life’s big questions. This shift in our rapport has allowed me to gain new perspectives on his life experiences and wisdom, enriching our bond in ways I couldn’t have anticipated in my younger years.”

2. Band 6-7:
   “I hope to influence others by being supportive and encouraging, just like my grandmother. I want to help people believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. I also aim to spread positivity and kindness in my daily interactions with others.”

Band 8-9:
“Inspired by my grandfather’s profound impact, I aspire to cultivate a similar influence on others through a combination of mentorship and exemplary conduct. I aim to foster intellectual curiosity in those around me, encouraging them to embrace lifelong learning and critical thinking. Additionally, I strive to embody the values of integrity, resilience, and compassion in my personal and professional life, hoping to inspire others through my actions rather than mere words. Ultimately, I wish to create a ripple effect of positive change, empowering others to discover their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “How do family relationships typically change as people get older?”

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Family relationships often change as people age. Children become more independent and may move away from home, which can affect how often they see their parents. Older family members might need more care and support, which can bring families closer together. Some relationships might become stronger as people mature and understand each other better.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The dynamics of family relationships undergo a significant transformation as individuals progress through different life stages. As children transition into adulthood, there’s often a shift from dependency to mutual respect and friendship with their parents. This evolution can lead to more meaningful interactions and a deeper appreciation of shared experiences and values.

Simultaneously, the role reversal that occurs when adult children begin to care for aging parents can profoundly alter the family structure. This change can either strengthen bonds through shared responsibility and empathy or create tension due to the challenges of caregiving.

Moreover, as families expand through marriages and births, relationships often become more complex and multifaceted. Grandparents may find themselves in a unique position to offer wisdom and support without the direct responsibilities of parenting, potentially fostering closer intergenerational connections.

Ultimately, the key to navigating these changes lies in maintaining open communication, adapting to new roles, and cultivating empathy for each family member’s evolving needs and perspectives.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Profound influence (adj. + n.) – /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/ – A deep and significant impact
   Example: “My grandfather’s teachings have had a profound influence on my career choices.”

2. Indelible mark (adj. + n.) – /ɪnˈdelɪbl mɑːrk/ – A lasting impression
   Example: “Her kindness left an indelible mark on my character.”

3. To embody (v.) – /ɪmˈbɒdi/ – To represent or express something in a tangible or visible form
   Example: “My aunt embodies the values of hard work and perseverance.”

4. Multifaceted (adj.) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
   Example: “His influence on me was multifaceted, affecting both my personal and professional life.”

5. To cultivate (v.) – /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – To develop or improve through care and effort
   Example: “My mother cultivated my love for literature from an early age.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing influential family members:

1. Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain the how and why behind your statements.
2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to relationships and personal growth.
3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about your family members to improve your ability to speak without hesitation.
4. Show personality: Let your genuine feelings and experiences shine through in your responses.
5. Structure your answers: Use clear organization, especially in Part 2, to ensure you cover all aspects of the question.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Describe a time when you felt truly happy with your family member to add depth to your response. Practice regularly, and you’ll be well-prepared to discuss this topic confidently in your IELTS Speaking test.