Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe Your Favorite Family Activity

Describing a favorite family activity is a common topic in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.

Describe a place where you go to spend your weekends can be related to family activities, as many people enjoy spending time with their families during weekends. Now, let’s dive into the specifics of describing a favorite family activity.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about family activities. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Sample Question 1: Do you often engage in activities with your family?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. We try to spend time together on weekends, usually having meals or watching movies.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. We make it a point to engage in various activities together regularly. Whether it’s a weekend excursion, a board game night, or simply preparing a meal together, we always find ways to bond as a family.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a favorite family activity you enjoy

You should say:
- What the activity is
- When and where you do this activity
- Who participates in this activity
- Why you enjoy this activity

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

One of my favorite family activities is our annual camping trip, which we’ve been doing for the past five years. We typically embark on this adventure during the summer months, usually in July or August, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities.

Our preferred camping destination is a picturesque national park about a three-hour drive from our home. It’s a vast expanse of wilderness, boasting crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain views. The park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

This cherished activity involves my entire immediate family – my parents, my younger sister, and me. Occasionally, we also invite my grandparents or cousins to join us, which adds an extra layer of fun and bonding to the experience.

The reason I thoroughly enjoy this activity is multifaceted. Firstly, it provides a much-needed escape from our hectic urban lives, allowing us to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. The tranquility of the wilderness is incredibly rejuvenating. Secondly, it’s an excellent opportunity for family bonding. We engage in various activities together, such as hiking, fishing, and stargazing, which foster teamwork and create lasting memories.

Moreover, camping challenges us to step out of our comfort zones. From setting up tents to cooking meals over a campfire, we learn new skills and problem-solving techniques. It’s also a chance for us to share stories and have meaningful conversations without the distractions of everyday life.

In essence, our family camping trips are not just about enjoying nature; they’re about strengthening our familial bonds, creating shared experiences, and making memories that we’ll cherish for years to come.

Family enjoying camping trip in national park

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this activity changed over the years?
2. Do you think you’ll continue this tradition in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Our camping trips have changed a bit. We’ve gotten better at setting up camp and cooking outdoors. I think we’ll keep doing it because it’s fun and relaxing.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Over the years, our camping excursions have evolved significantly. We’ve become more adept at outdoor skills, upgraded our equipment, and explored increasingly challenging terrains. As for the future, I’m confident we’ll continue this tradition. It’s become an integral part of our family identity and a source of anticipation throughout the year.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Sample Question 1: How do family activities contribute to a child’s development?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Family activities are important for children. They help kids learn social skills and build good relationships with family members. These activities can also teach children new things and help them feel more confident.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Family activities play a crucial role in a child’s holistic development. Firstly, they provide a safe environment for children to develop social skills, learn cooperation, and understand the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Moreover, these activities often expose children to new experiences and challenges, fostering resilience and problem-solving abilities. From a psychological perspective, regular family activities contribute to a child’s sense of belonging and security, which are fundamental for healthy emotional development. Additionally, they serve as informal learning opportunities, where children can acquire practical skills and knowledge through observation and participation.

Sample Question 2: Do you think the nature of family activities has changed in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think family activities have changed. With technology, many families spend more time watching TV or using smartphones together. Some traditional activities like board games are less common now.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, the nature of family activities has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily due to technological advancements and shifting societal norms. While traditional activities like board games or outdoor picnics still exist, there’s been a noticeable shift towards digital-centric activities. Many families now engage in video gaming together or have movie nights with streaming services. However, this shift isn’t entirely negative. Technology has also enabled new forms of family bonding, such as video calls with distant relatives or collaborative online projects. Conversely, there’s also been a resurgence of interest in ‘unplugged’ activities, with some families consciously choosing to disconnect from devices and engage in more traditional pastimes. This dichotomy reflects a broader societal negotiation between embracing technological conveniences and preserving traditional family interactions.

Describe a traditional dish you like to cook can be another interesting family activity to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Cherished /ˈtʃerɪʃt/ (adjective): deeply loved; held dear.
   Example: Our annual camping trip is a cherished family tradition.

2. Rejuvenating /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): making one feel younger, more vital, or refreshed.
   Example: The tranquility of nature is incredibly rejuvenating for our family.

3. Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): encourage or promote the development of something.
   Example: These activities foster stronger bonds between family members.

4. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): having many different aspects or features.
   Example: The benefits of our family camping trips are multifaceted.

5. Holistic /həˈlɪstɪk/ (adjective): characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.
   Example: Family activities contribute to a child’s holistic development.

Family cooking a traditional dish together

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing family activities:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the activity.
2. Incorporate personal anecdotes to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
3. Practice speaking about different aspects of family activities, from planning to execution to reflection.
4. Be prepared to discuss both traditional and modern family activities, reflecting on how they’ve changed over time.
5. Use advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, but ensure they sound natural in your speech.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced language, but also about communicating your ideas clearly and coherently. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you become more confident and fluent in your responses.

Describe a photograph that you like could be an excellent way to practice describing visual memories of family activities, which can enhance your descriptive skills for the IELTS Speaking test.