Learning valuable lessons from family members is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This topic frequently appears in Part 2 and allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate personal experiences while showcasing their language skills. Similar to describe an experience that taught you something valuable, this topic requires careful preparation and thoughtful expression.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you live with your family?
- Who do you learn from the most in your family?
- What kinds of things do you learn from your parents?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I currently live with my parents and younger sister. I particularly learn a lot from my father, who has been my role model since childhood. He has taught me numerous invaluable life lessons, especially about perseverance and work ethics.”
Family members engaging in meaningful conversation and learning
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a time when you learned something valuable from a family member. You should say:
- Who this family member was
- What you learned
- How they taught you
- And explain why this lesson was important to you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a significant experience when my grandmother taught me the art of traditional cooking, which is similar to describe a recent memorable family meal.
She’s an extraordinarily skilled cook who has mastered numerous traditional recipes over the decades. During the summer break last year, she systematically taught me how to prepare our family’s secret recipe for traditional dumplings. The process was incredibly enlightening as she not only demonstrated the technical aspects but also shared stories about our cultural heritage.
What made this lesson particularly memorable was her emphasis on patience and attention to detail. She meticulously explained each step, from selecting the finest ingredients to achieving the perfect texture of the wrapper. This experience went beyond just describe a foreign food you want to try; it was about preserving our family traditions.
This lesson was immensely valuable because it connected me to my cultural roots and taught me that cooking is an expression of love and family bonding. It’s now become a cherished skill that I can pass down to future generations.”
Grandmother teaching traditional cooking methods to younger generation
Follow-up Questions:
Q: Do you think traditional skills are important in modern society?
A: “Absolutely crucial, as they help maintain our cultural identity while providing practical life skills. Traditional knowledge often contains wisdom accumulated over generations that remains relevant today.”
Part 3: Discussion
Q: How has the way people learn from family members changed over time?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“These days, people learn differently from their families because of technology. Many young people prefer online tutorials instead of learning directly from relatives. However, some traditional learning still happens in families.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The dynamics of family learning have undergone a significant transformation. While traditional face-to-face teaching still exists, it’s now supplemented by digital communication. Families often share knowledge through video calls and online platforms, similar to how describe a time when you learned a new skill from a friend. This has created a hybrid learning environment that combines traditional wisdom with modern convenience.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Invaluable lesson /ɪnˈvæljuəbl ˈlesn/ (adj + n): extremely useful or valuable
- Pass down /pɑːs daʊn/ (phrasal verb): to transfer knowledge or traditions to younger generations
- Cultural heritage /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (n): traditions and customs inherited from previous generations
- Meticulously /məˈtɪkjələsli/ (adv): with extreme attention to detail
- Cherished /ˈtʃerɪʃt/ (adj): valued and protected as precious
Examiner’s Tips
- Use personal experiences and specific examples to make your answers more authentic and engaging.
- Include descriptive language and advanced vocabulary naturally within your responses.
- Practice linking your ideas smoothly, especially when discussing traditions like describe a time when you attended a traditional event or festival.
- Maintain good eye contact and natural body language while speaking.
- Structure your Part 2 response clearly with an introduction, main points, and conclusion.
