Like describe a friend who has influenced your life, talking about an inspiring family member is a common IELTS Speaking topic that tests your ability to express personal experiences and emotions.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you have a large family?
- Who are you closest to in your family?
- How often do you meet with family members?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I come from a relatively close-knit family with five members. I’m particularly close to my elder sister because we share similar interests and she’s always been my role model. We try to meet up at least twice a month for family gatherings.”
Happy family members enjoying dinner together
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe an inspiring family member
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What relationship you have with them
- What they have achieved
- Why you find them inspiring
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my uncle who is a doctor. He’s my mother’s younger brother and we’re quite close. He has worked in rural areas for 15 years, helping poor people. I find him inspiring because he chose to help others instead of making more money in the city.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share about my grandmother, who has been an extraordinary source of inspiration in my life. She overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the first female engineers in her generation. Despite facing gender discrimination and financial hardships, she persevered relentlessly and eventually established her own construction company. What truly makes her inspiring is not just her professional success, but her unwavering commitment to helping other women pursue careers in STEM fields.”
Similar to describe an activity you did that was challenging, discussing personal achievements requires strong descriptive language.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do some people inspire others?
A (Band 8-9): “People often inspire others when they demonstrate exceptional resilience in the face of adversity. Their ability to overcome challenges while maintaining their integrity and helping others creates a ripple effect of positive influence.”
Q: Has the meaning of success changed across generations?
A (Band 8-9): “There has been a paradigm shift in how different generations define success. While previous generations often equated success with financial stability and career advancement, younger people today tend to prioritize work-life balance and personal fulfillment.”
Just as in describe a nature spot where you enjoy spending time alone, personal reflection is key to delivering authentic responses.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Role model /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/ (n): A person looked to by others as an example
- Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (n): Persistence despite difficulties
- Exemplary /ɪɡˈzempləri/ (adj): Serving as a desirable model
- Resilient /rɪˈzɪliənt/ (adj): Able to recover quickly from difficulties
- Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adj): Steady and determined
Female professional sharing expertise with mentee
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Incorporate varied vocabulary and complex structures
- Show genuine emotion when discussing personal relationships
- Practice speaking about different family members to prepare for variations
Like describe a memorable day you spent outdoors, authenticity in delivery is crucial for a high score.
