The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about family members, and describing someone who inspires you is a common topic. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the exam. Let’s explore how to effectively describe a family member who inspires you, with examples for different band scores.
Describe a person who taught you the value of kindness can be a great way to approach this topic, as many inspiring family members also teach valuable life lessons.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your family. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you have a large or small family?
A (Band 7-8): I come from a relatively small family. There are just four of us – my parents, my younger sister, and me. Although we’re not a big clan, we’re quite close-knit and spend a lot of quality time together whenever possible.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a family member who inspires you
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What this person does
- What qualities this person has
- And explain why this person inspires you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The family member who truly inspires me is my grandmother. She’s in her late 70s now but still full of energy and enthusiasm for life. My grandmother used to be a high school teacher, and even though she’s retired, she continues to tutor underprivileged children in our community.
One of her most admirable qualities is her unwavering dedication to helping others. She’s always been passionate about education and believes that knowledge is the key to a better future. Despite her age, she volunteers tirelessly at the local community center, organizing reading clubs and assisting with homework.
My grandmother inspires me because of her resilience and positive outlook on life. She’s faced many challenges, including losing my grandfather a few years ago, but she never lets adversity get her down. Instead, she focuses on what she can do to make a difference in people’s lives.
Her kindness and generosity are truly remarkable. She often says that the more you give, the more you receive, and she lives by this principle every day. Seeing how she touches the lives of so many people in our community motivates me to be a better person and to always look for ways to help others.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The family member who profoundly inspires me is my aunt, Sarah. She’s a renowned pediatric surgeon who has dedicated her life to saving children’s lives and pioneering innovative surgical techniques.
What sets my aunt apart is her exceptional combination of intellect and compassion. In her professional life, she’s known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to remain calm under pressure during complex surgeries. However, it’s her bedside manner that truly makes her stand out. She has an innate ability to connect with her young patients and their families, offering not just medical expertise but also emotional support during challenging times.
One of her most admirable qualities is her unwavering commitment to continuous learning. Despite being at the top of her field, she constantly seeks out new research and attends international conferences to stay at the cutting edge of medical advancements. This insatiable thirst for knowledge has led her to develop groundbreaking surgical procedures that have saved countless lives.
My aunt inspires me because she embodies the perfect balance between professional excellence and personal values. She’s achieved remarkable success in her career, yet she remains incredibly humble and grounded. She often tells me that true fulfillment comes from making a positive impact on others’ lives, not from accolades or recognition.
Her work ethic is unparalleled, often working long hours and being on call for emergencies. Yet, she always makes time for family and encourages us to pursue our passions with the same dedication she applies to her work. Seeing how she navigates the demands of her high-pressure career while maintaining strong personal relationships motivates me to strive for a similar balance in my own life.
Family member inspiring IELTS candidate
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How has this person influenced your career choices?
A (Band 8-9): My aunt’s exemplary career has significantly shaped my professional aspirations. Her dedication to making a tangible difference in people’s lives has inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. While I may not follow her exact path in surgery, I’m drawn to fields where I can combine scientific knowledge with a humanitarian approach, much like she does. Her ability to balance a demanding career with personal fulfillment has shown me that it’s possible to achieve professional success without sacrificing one’s values or personal life.
Q: Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models in their family?
A (Band 7-8): Absolutely, I believe having role models within the family is crucial for young people’s development. Family role models provide a tangible example of success and good values that children can observe firsthand. They offer guidance based on shared experiences and cultural context, which can be incredibly valuable. Moreover, family role models are more accessible than public figures, allowing for more personal interactions and mentorship. This close connection can significantly impact a young person’s aspirations and life choices.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think the role of grandparents in families has changed in recent years?
A (Band 6-7): I think the role of grandparents has changed quite a bit in recent years. In the past, grandparents often lived with their children and grandchildren, playing a big part in daily family life. Now, with more people moving away for work, grandparents might live far from their families. However, technology has made it easier to stay in touch, so grandparents can still be involved through video calls and social media. Also, as people are living longer and staying healthier, many grandparents are more active in their grandchildren’s lives, often helping with childcare or sharing their hobbies and skills.
A (Band 8-9): The role of grandparents in families has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, reflecting broader societal changes. Traditionally, grandparents were often integral to the family unit, providing childcare, imparting wisdom, and maintaining cultural traditions. While these aspects remain important, the dynamics have shifted considerably.
In many modern societies, we’re seeing a trend towards more independent living for older generations, with grandparents often maintaining separate households. This shift has been driven by factors such as increased life expectancy, better health in later years, and changing economic conditions. Consequently, the relationship between grandparents and their families has become more flexible and multifaceted.
Technological advancements have played a crucial role in reshaping these relationships. Video calls, social media, and messaging apps have enabled grandparents to maintain close connections with their families, even when geographically distant. This has led to the emergence of what some sociologists term “virtual grandparenting”, where regular digital interactions supplement or sometimes replace physical presence.
Moreover, as retirement ages increase and career paths extend, many grandparents are balancing their own professional lives with their family roles. This has led to a more diverse range of grandparenting styles, from those who are heavily involved in childcare to those who engage more as mentors or occasional caregivers.
Interestingly, in some cultures, we’re seeing a resurgence of multigenerational living, driven by economic factors and a recognition of the benefits of intergenerational support. This trend is redefining family dynamics and often places grandparents in a more central role in daily family life.
Overall, while the practical aspects of grandparents’ roles may have changed, their emotional and cultural significance remains as important as ever, adapting to fit the needs and circumstances of modern family life.
Describe a national holiday in your country could be another interesting topic to explore, as family gatherings often play a significant role in such celebrations.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (adjective + noun): Having a deep and significant effect.
Example: My grandfather’s wisdom has had a profound impact on my life choices.Embody /ɪmˈbɒdi/ (verb): To represent or express something in a tangible or visible form.
Example: My mother embodies the values of hard work and perseverance.Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: My sister’s resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.Unwavering dedication /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/ (adjective + noun): Consistent and unchanging commitment.
Example: My father’s unwavering dedication to his work has always amazed me.Pioneering /ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Introducing new and innovative ideas or methods.
Example: My aunt’s pioneering research in renewable energy has earned her international recognition.
Key vocabulary for IELTS Speaking about family
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a family member who inspires you:
- Use a range of descriptive vocabulary to paint a vivid picture of the person and their qualities.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s inspiring characteristics or actions.
- Explain the impact this person has had on you or others, using sophisticated language structures.
- Practice speaking fluently about your family members, focusing on their positive attributes and influences.
- Develop your ideas fully, ensuring you address all parts of the question in Part 2 and elaborate on your responses in Part 3.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about having good English skills, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and experiences. Describe a city you visited that left a strong impression on you can be a great way to practice these skills in a different context.
By following these strategies and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss a family member who inspires you in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!