Describing a time when you felt proud of a family member is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express emotions, narrate events, and use descriptive language. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
How to talk about a time you were proud of a family member in IELTS Speaking is crucial for achieving a high score. By mastering this topic, you’ll be well-prepared for similar questions about family relationships and personal achievements.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about family and pride. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you often feel proud of your family members?
A: Absolutely. I frequently feel a sense of pride in my family members’ accomplishments. Whether it’s my sister excelling in her studies or my father receiving a promotion at work, I’m always thrilled to celebrate their successes. It’s heartwarming to see my loved ones overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member
You should say:
- Who the family member is
- What they did
- When it happened
- And explain why you felt proud of them
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a time when I felt incredibly proud of my younger brother. He’s always been a bit shy and reserved, but last year, he really surprised us all.
It happened during his high school graduation ceremony. My brother was chosen to give a speech as the class representative. At first, he was nervous and unsure about accepting the role, but he decided to challenge himself.
On the day of the ceremony, he stood up in front of hundreds of people and delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech. He spoke about the importance of perseverance and supporting one another. His words were so touching that many people in the audience, including our parents, were moved to tears.
I felt proud of him because I knew how much courage it took for him to overcome his fear of public speaking. It was amazing to see how much he had grown and matured. His speech showed that he had become a confident and thoughtful young man.
This experience made me realize that my brother is capable of great things when he puts his mind to it. I was proud not just of his speech, but of the person he had become.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d be delighted to share an instance when I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in a family member, specifically my grandmother. Her remarkable achievement occurred two years ago when she, at the age of 75, successfully published her first novel.
My grandmother had always been an avid storyteller, regaling us with tales from her youth and spinning imaginative yarns for us as children. However, she had never pursued writing professionally, always putting her family’s needs before her own aspirations.
After my grandfather passed away, she found solace in writing and poured her heart and soul into crafting a novel that drew heavily from her life experiences. The process was arduous and fraught with challenges, from mastering computer skills to navigating the complex world of publishing.
When her book was finally released, it garnered critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of life in post-war Britain and its nuanced exploration of family dynamics. Seeing her name in print and witnessing the profound impact her words had on readers filled me with an indescribable sense of pride.
I felt proud not only because of her literary achievement but also because of the resilience and determination she demonstrated throughout the process. Her success was a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and that age is no barrier to accomplishment.
My grandmother’s journey from storyteller to published author epitomizes the power of perseverance and lifelong learning. Her achievement serves as an inspiration to our entire family, reminding us of the importance of chasing our dreams, regardless of the obstacles we may face.
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you usually celebrate family achievements?
- Do you think it’s important to show pride in family members? Why or why not?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
In our family, we have a tradition of celebrating achievements, both big and small, in a way that resonates with the individual. For significant milestones, we often organize a festive dinner where we invite close friends and relatives. We believe in creating lasting memories, so we might plan a special outing or a weekend getaway. For instance, when my sister completed her Ph.D., we surprised her with a weekend trip to her favorite coastal town. We also have a custom of writing heartfelt letters to express our pride and admiration, which become cherished keepsakes. These celebrations not only honor the achiever but also strengthen our family bonds and inspire others to pursue their goals.
Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial to show pride in family members. Firstly, it serves as a powerful form of emotional support and validation. When we express pride, we’re essentially saying, “I see your hard work, and it matters.” This recognition can be immensely motivating and can boost self-esteem. Secondly, showing pride fosters a positive family culture where achievements are valued and celebrated. It creates an environment where family members feel encouraged to set ambitious goals and persevere through challenges. Lastly, expressing pride strengthens familial bonds. It shows that we’re invested in each other’s success and happiness, which can lead to more open communication and mutual support in all aspects of life.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do cultural differences affect the way people express pride in their family members?
A (Band 6-7): Cultural differences can have a big impact on how people show pride in their families. In some cultures, people are very open about their feelings and might celebrate loudly. They might throw big parties or share their family’s successes on social media. In other cultures, people might be more reserved. They might feel proud inside but not show it as much on the outside. For example, in my culture, we usually just have a nice family dinner to celebrate achievements.
A (Band 8-9): Cultural nuances profoundly influence the expression of familial pride. In individualistic societies, such as many Western cultures, pride is often expressed more overtly and publicly. There’s a tendency to highlight personal achievements and celebrate them with grand gestures or social media announcements. Conversely, in more collectivist cultures, typically found in many Asian and African societies, pride might be expressed more subtly and within the family unit. The focus often shifts from individual accomplishments to how these achievements contribute to the family’s overall status or well-being. Moreover, some cultures emphasize humility, leading to a more understated expression of pride to avoid appearing boastful. It’s also worth noting that generational differences within cultures can lead to evolving expressions of pride, with younger generations often adopting more globalized ways of celebration.
Q: Do you think the way people express pride in their family members has changed over time?
A (Band 8-9): Undoubtedly, the expression of familial pride has undergone significant transformation over time, largely influenced by societal changes and technological advancements. In the past, pride was often expressed more intimately within close-knit family and community circles. Traditional methods like word-of-mouth or family gatherings were the primary means of sharing accomplishments.
However, the advent of social media has revolutionized how we express pride. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have created a global stage for showcasing family achievements, leading to more public and immediate expressions of pride. This shift has both positive and negative implications. On one hand, it allows for wider recognition and support from extended networks. On the other, it can lead to comparison culture and pressure to constantly project success.
Moreover, the changing dynamics of family structures and increased geographical dispersion of families have altered pride expressions. With many families living apart, digital platforms have become essential for sharing proud moments, replacing some traditional face-to-face celebrations.
Additionally, there’s been a shift in what achievements are celebrated. While academic and career successes remain important, there’s growing recognition of diverse forms of accomplishment, including personal growth, mental health victories, and contributions to social causes. This reflects a more holistic understanding of success and pride.
Lastly, in many societies, there’s been a move towards more egalitarian family structures, where pride is expressed more equally across genders and generations, contrasting with more traditional, patriarchal expressions of family pride.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To beam with pride (idiom) – To smile broadly due to feeling very proud
Pronunciation: /biːm wɪð praɪd/
Example: His parents beamed with pride as he received his diploma.Accomplishment (noun) – Something done successfully with effort, skill, or courage
Pronunciation: /əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt/
Example: Graduating from medical school was her greatest accomplishment.To overcome adversity (phrase) – To successfully deal with or overcome a difficult situation
Pronunciation: /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ædˈvɜːsɪti/
Example: She overcame adversity to become a successful entrepreneur.Resilience (noun) – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
Pronunciation: /rɪˈzɪliəns/
Example: His resilience in the face of repeated setbacks was truly admirable.To excel (verb) – To be exceptionally good at something
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsel/
Example: My sister excels in mathematics and has won several competitions.
Describe a special moment with a childhood friend can also be a great way to practice expressing emotions and narrating past events, skills that are crucial when describing proud family moments.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a time you felt proud of a family member:
Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to convey your emotions and the significance of the event.
Provide specific details about the achievement and its context to make your answer more engaging and authentic.
Practice structuring your response logically, using clear transitions between ideas.
Reflect on the impact of the achievement, both on the family member and on yourself, to add depth to your answer.
Be prepared to discuss related topics, such as family relationships, cultural attitudes towards pride, and changes in how achievements are celebrated over time.
Remember, describing something you did in your studies or work that made you feel confident can help you relate to the feelings of pride and accomplishment you’re describing in your family member.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss proud family moments in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score significantly.
IELTS Speaking practice session
Describe a time when you felt very accomplished is another related topic that can help you express positive emotions and personal achievements, which are key skills when discussing proud family moments.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having a wide vocabulary, but also about using language naturally and confidently to express your thoughts and experiences. Regular practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you achieve this fluency.
Lastly, describe something you taught to your friend or relative can provide insights into explaining processes and experiences, which can be valuable when elaborating on a family member’s achievement that made you proud.
By mastering these related topics and incorporating the advice provided, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing proud family moments.