Family holidays are a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when discussing personal experiences or memorable events. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature and ability to showcase a candidate’s language skills across various contexts.
Describe a recent family reunion is another closely related topic that often comes up in IELTS Speaking. Understanding how to effectively describe family gatherings can greatly enhance your performance in the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about holidays and family trips. Here are a few potential questions and sample answers:
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Do you enjoy going on family holidays?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find family holidays to be a wonderful opportunity to bond with my loved ones and create lasting memories. It’s a chance to break away from our daily routines and experience new things together, which I find incredibly refreshing and enjoyable.” -
How often do you go on family holidays?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“We make it a point to go on a family holiday at least once a year, usually during the summer. However, we also try to squeeze in a few weekend getaways throughout the year when our schedules align. It’s something we prioritize as a family, as we believe it’s crucial for maintaining strong relationships and recharging our batteries.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a recent family holiday you went on.
You should say:
- Where you went
- Who you went with
- What you did there
- And explain why you enjoyed this holiday
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a family holiday we took last summer to the coastal town of Nha Trang in Vietnam. I went with my parents and my younger sister. We stayed at a beachfront resort for a week.
During our stay, we spent a lot of time on the beach, swimming and sunbathing. We also took a boat trip to some nearby islands where we went snorkeling. One day, we visited the Po Nagar Cham Towers, which are ancient temples with interesting architecture.
I really enjoyed this holiday because it was a good mix of relaxation and exploration. The weather was perfect, and it was great to spend quality time with my family away from our usual routines. The food was also delicious, especially the fresh seafood.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d be delighted to share my experience of a memorable family getaway we embarked on last summer to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang in Vietnam. This idyllic retreat was attended by my parents, my younger sister, and myself, and we indulged in a week-long stay at a luxurious beachfront resort.
Our days were filled with a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. We basked in the warm sunshine on the pristine beaches, taking refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters. A highlight of our trip was an exhilarating boat excursion to some nearby islands, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling. We also delved into the local culture by visiting the Po Nagar Cham Towers, marveling at their intricate architecture and rich history.
This holiday was particularly enjoyable for me as it struck the perfect balance between leisurely activities and cultural exploration. The impeccable weather complemented our outdoor adventures, and I cherished the opportunity to bond with my family in a setting far removed from our daily routines. Moreover, the culinary delights, especially the abundance of fresh, succulent seafood, were a true gastronomic treat that added another layer of enjoyment to our vacation.”
Follow-up Questions
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What was the most challenging part of planning this holiday?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The most demanding aspect of planning this holiday was coordinating everyone’s schedules. With my parents’ work commitments and my sister’s school activities, finding a window that suited us all required some intricate juggling. Additionally, researching and booking activities that would appeal to everyone’s interests while staying within our budget was a bit of a balancing act.” -
How do you think family holidays differ from holidays with friends?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Family holidays and trips with friends each have their unique dynamics. With family, there’s often a greater sense of comfort and shared history, which can lead to more intimate conversations and deeper bonding. However, holidays with friends tend to be more spontaneous and adventure-driven, with possibly more flexibility in plans. Both types of holidays are valuable in their own right, offering different opportunities for personal growth and relationship building.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s discuss family holidays in general. Do you think the concept of family holidays has changed over the years?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe the concept of family holidays has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, family holidays were often simpler affairs, perhaps involving visits to relatives or nearby tourist spots. Nowadays, families are more likely to venture further afield, even to international destinations, thanks to improved transportation and increased disposable income in many parts of the world.
Moreover, the focus of these holidays has shifted. While relaxation is still important, there’s now a greater emphasis on creating unique experiences and educational opportunities for children. Many families choose destinations that offer a mix of cultural exposure, adventure activities, and relaxation.
Another notable change is the influence of technology. While it has made planning and booking holidays easier, it has also introduced challenges in terms of staying present and fully engaged with family members during the holiday itself.”
Examiner: How important do you think it is for families to go on holiday together?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that family holidays are incredibly valuable and play a crucial role in nurturing family bonds. In today’s fast-paced world, where family members often lead busy, separate lives, holidays provide a rare opportunity for quality time and shared experiences.
These trips allow families to step out of their routine and see each other in a different light. Parents can reconnect with their children without the distractions of work, while siblings can strengthen their relationships through shared adventures. Moreover, facing new situations together, whether it’s navigating a foreign city or trying a new activity, can foster teamwork and mutual understanding.
Family holidays also serve as a powerful tool for creating lasting memories. These shared experiences often become cherished stories that are retold for years to come, reinforcing family identity and unity. They provide a common reference point for family members, something they can look back on fondly during challenging times.
Furthermore, holidays can be educational experiences, especially for children. Exposure to different cultures, environments, or ways of life can broaden horizons and promote open-mindedness. This can be particularly beneficial in an increasingly globalized world.
However, it’s important to note that the quality of the time spent together is more important than the destination or the frequency of holidays. Even short, simple trips can be meaningful if they involve genuine engagement and shared enjoyment.”
Describe a meal you had with friends is another topic that can help you practice describing social experiences, which is a valuable skill for discussing family holidays as well.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Idyllic retreat /aɪˈdɪlɪk rɪˈtriːt/ (noun phrase): A perfect, peaceful holiday destination.
Example: “The secluded beach resort was an idyllic retreat for our family vacation.” -
To indulge in /ɪnˈdʌldʒ ɪn/ (phrasal verb): To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something.
Example: “During our holiday, we indulged in various water sports and local cuisines.” -
Picturesque /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ (adjective): Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
Example: “We stayed in a picturesque coastal village with stunning ocean views.” -
To bond /bɒnd/ (verb): To develop a close connection or relationship with someone.
Example: “Family holidays provide an excellent opportunity to bond with loved ones.” -
Gastronomic treat /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk triːt/ (noun phrase): A delightful culinary experience.
Example: “Sampling the local seafood was a real gastronomic treat during our vacation.”
Describe a festival in your culture can provide additional practice in describing cultural experiences, which can be relevant when discussing family holidays that involve exploring new cultures.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a family holiday:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to make your account vivid and engaging.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally into your responses.
- Demonstrate your ability to use different tenses accurately, especially when narrating past events and discussing their impact.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your points and make your description more authentic.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to family holidays, such as their importance or how they’ve changed over time.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently for 2-3 minutes on this topic without long pauses or repetition.
Remember, regular practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly improve your speaking skills. Consider recording yourself and listening back to identify areas for improvement.
Describe a family tradition that you value is another excellent topic to practice, as it can help you articulate the importance of family activities, which is relevant when discussing family holidays.