The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about family members, and “Describe A Family Member You Admire” is a common topic. This theme allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal relationships. Let’s explore how to excel in answering this question across different parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to family members. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: “Do you have a large family?”

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): “Well, I’d say my family is moderately sized. I have two siblings – an older brother and a younger sister. We live with our parents, so there are five of us in total. It’s not a huge family, but it’s definitely lively and there’s always something going on at home.”

This response demonstrates good vocabulary use and provides some additional details without being overly lengthy.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

For this section, here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a family member you admire
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What this person does
• What qualities this person has
• And explain why you admire this person

Here are two sample responses at different band levels:

Band 6-7 Response:

“I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who I really look up to. He’s in his seventies now but still very active. He used to be a high school teacher before he retired.

What I admire most about him is his kindness and wisdom. He always has time to listen to others and give advice. He’s also very patient, especially when teaching his grandchildren new things.

I admire him because he’s overcome many challenges in his life. He grew up in a poor family but worked hard to get an education and become a respected teacher. He’s taught me the value of perseverance and lifelong learning.

His positive outlook on life is inspiring. Even when things are tough, he always finds something to be grateful for. This attitude has really influenced how I approach difficulties in my own life.

In conclusion, my grandfather’s wisdom, kindness, and resilience make him someone I truly admire and hope to be like one day.”

Band 8-9 Response:

“I’d like to talk about my aunt, Sarah, who has been a profound influence on my life. She’s in her mid-forties and works as a pediatrician in a bustling city hospital.

What sets Sarah apart is her unwavering dedication to both her profession and her family. Despite the demands of her job, she always finds time to be there for her loved ones. Her ability to strike a balance between her career and personal life is truly admirable.

One of Sarah’s most striking qualities is her empathy. Whether she’s treating a young patient or offering advice to a family member, she has an innate ability to understand and connect with people on a deep level. This empathy, combined with her medical expertise, makes her an exceptional doctor and a treasured confidante within our family.

I admire Sarah for her resilience in the face of adversity. She’s overcome significant challenges in her career, including working in underprivileged areas and dealing with the emotional toll of treating seriously ill children. Yet, she remains optimistic and passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.

Her insatiable curiosity and commitment to continuous learning are also qualities I strive to emulate. She’s always reading the latest medical journals or attending conferences to stay at the forefront of her field.

In essence, Sarah embodies the qualities I aspire to cultivate in myself – compassion, resilience, and a tireless pursuit of knowledge and excellence. Her impact on both her patients and our family is immeasurable, and she continues to inspire me to push my boundaries and make a positive impact in the world.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing an admired family member

Follow-up Questions:

Examiner: “What qualities do you think are most important in a family member?”

Band 6-7 Response: “I believe the most important qualities in a family member are trustworthiness and supportiveness. It’s crucial to be able to rely on your family and know they’ll be there for you in both good and bad times.”

Band 8-9 Response: “I’d say the cornerstone qualities for any family member are empathy and reliability. The ability to put oneself in another’s shoes fosters understanding and strengthens familial bonds. Coupled with dependability, these traits create a support system that can weather any storm. Additionally, I believe open-mindedness is increasingly vital in today’s rapidly changing world, allowing families to adapt and grow together despite differing perspectives.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Do you think the role of family members has changed in recent years?”

Band 6-7 Response: “Yes, I think family roles have changed quite a bit. In the past, roles were more fixed, with men typically being the breadwinners and women taking care of the home. Now, it’s much more common to see both parents working and sharing household responsibilities. Also, grandparents often play a bigger role in childcare these days.”

Band 8-9 Response: “Absolutely, there’s been a significant shift in family dynamics over recent decades. We’re witnessing a paradigm shift from the traditional nuclear family model to more diverse and fluid family structures. The rigid gender roles of the past have given way to more egalitarian partnerships, with shared responsibilities for breadwinning and caregiving. Moreover, the extended family network has taken on renewed importance, particularly in childcare and elder support, as a response to the demands of modern life. This evolution reflects broader societal changes, including increased gender equality, economic pressures, and changing cultural norms. It’s a double-edged sword though, offering more flexibility but also presenting new challenges in balancing work, family, and personal life.”

Changing family dynamics in modern society

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Profound influence (adj. + n.) – A deep and significant impact
   Example: My grandfather’s wisdom has had a profound influence on my life choices.

2. Unwavering dedication (adj. + n.) – Steady and unchanging commitment
   Example: Her unwavering dedication to her studies impressed all her teachers.

3. Strike a balance (idiom) – To find a compromise between two opposing things
   Example: It’s challenging but important to strike a balance between work and personal life.

4. Innate ability (adj. + n.) – A natural talent or skill
   Example: She has an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

5. Resilience (n.) – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: His resilience in the face of adversity is truly admirable.

6. Insatiable curiosity (adj. + n.) – An endless desire to learn or know more
   Example: Her insatiable curiosity led her to explore various fields of study.

7. Tireless pursuit (adj. + n.) – Continuous and energetic effort towards a goal
   Example: His tireless pursuit of excellence set him apart from his peers.

8. Cornerstone qualities (n. + n.) – Fundamental or essential characteristics
   Example: Honesty and integrity are cornerstone qualities in any successful relationship.

9. Paradigm shift (n.) – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: The internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate and access information.

10. Double-edged sword (idiom) – Something that has both positive and negative effects
    Example: Social media is a double-edged sword, offering connection but also potential for addiction.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a family member you admire:

1. Develop your ideas: Don’t just list qualities; explain why they’re admirable and how they’ve impacted you.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to speak at length without hesitation.

4. Show personality: Share personal anecdotes or examples to make your description more vivid and engaging.

5. Be prepared for follow-up questions: Think about related topics like family dynamics, generational differences, or societal changes affecting families.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing what to say, but how to say it eloquently and naturally. Regular practice with a variety of family-related topics will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.

For more practice, you might want to try describing a person who likes to talk a lot or describing a person who has made a positive change in your life. These topics can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to describe people in detail.

IELTS Speaking practice tips for success

By following these strategies and continuously practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in describing a family member you admire, as well as tackle other family-related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to pass the test, but to improve your overall English communication skills.