When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about family relationships and personal experiences. One common topic is describing an occasion when you helped a family member or relative. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and discuss interpersonal relationships. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and achieve a high band score.
Describe a memorable family gathering you attended can also be a related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for various family-related questions will help you perform better overall.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your family and helping others. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you often help your family members?
- What kind of help do you usually provide to your relatives?
- How important is it to help family members in your culture?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I frequently lend a hand to my family members. In fact, I’d say it’s a fundamental aspect of our family dynamic. Whether it’s helping my younger sister with her homework, assisting my parents with household chores, or providing emotional support to my grandparents, I always try to be there for them. It’s not just about the tasks themselves, but also about fostering strong relationships and showing that we care for each other.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card for this question:
Describe an occasion when you helped a family member or relative
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What kind of help you provided
- Why they needed your help
- How you felt about helping them
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my grandmother after she had knee surgery. It was about two years ago, and she needed assistance with daily activities during her recovery period.
My grandmother had always been very independent, but the surgery left her temporarily unable to move around easily. I stayed at her house for a couple of weeks to help her with various tasks. I would prepare her meals, help her with basic personal care, and make sure she took her medications on time. I also accompanied her to her physiotherapy sessions and helped her practice her exercises at home.
She needed my help because living alone would have been challenging and potentially dangerous during her recovery. It was crucial for her to follow the doctor’s instructions and do her exercises regularly to regain mobility in her knee.
Helping my grandmother made me feel both useful and grateful. It was satisfying to know that I could make her recovery easier and more comfortable. At the same time, I felt grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with her and repay some of the care she had given me throughout my life. The experience strengthened our bond and gave me a deeper appreciation for the challenges older people face.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an occasion when I provided assistance to my younger brother during a particularly challenging period in his academic life. It was approximately 18 months ago when he was grappling with his university applications and feeling overwhelmed by the process.
My brother, who has always been academically inclined, was facing the daunting task of selecting the right university and program for his future studies. I took it upon myself to guide him through this crucial decision-making process. My assistance primarily involved researching various universities and their programs, helping him craft compelling personal statements, and proofreading his application essays. Additionally, I acted as a sounding board for his ideas and concerns, offering emotional support and encouragement throughout the stressful application period.
He sought my help because, as the first in our family to apply to university abroad, he felt out of his depth. The unfamiliar terrain of international applications, coupled with the pressure to make the right choice for his future, was causing him significant anxiety. My experience of having gone through a similar process a few years earlier put me in a unique position to offer valuable insights and practical advice.
Assisting my brother in this endeavor was an immensely rewarding experience. It gave me a profound sense of fulfillment to be able to leverage my own experiences to ease his journey. Witnessing his growing confidence and seeing him navigate the process with increasing assurance was incredibly gratifying. Moreover, this experience deepened our bond as siblings and reinforced the importance of family support during pivotal life moments. It was a poignant reminder of how sharing knowledge and experiences within a family can have a transformative impact on its members.”
Follow-up Questions
After your response, the examiner might ask additional questions such as:
- Do you think it’s important for family members to help each other? Why or why not?
- How has technology changed the way family members help each other?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial for family members to help each other. Family support creates a strong foundation for personal growth and emotional well-being. When family members assist one another, it fosters a sense of unity and strengthens bonds. This mutual support system can provide a safety net during challenging times and enhance resilience. Moreover, helping within the family cultivates empathy and teaches valuable life skills, preparing individuals to be more compassionate and supportive in their broader social interactions.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think the concept of family support differs across cultures?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“The concept of family support varies significantly across cultures. In many Eastern cultures, there’s often a strong emphasis on extended family support, with multiple generations living together and providing both practical and emotional assistance. This can include financial support, childcare, and care for the elderly.
In contrast, some Western cultures tend to prioritize independence and self-reliance, with family support being more focused on the nuclear family. Here, support might be more about emotional encouragement or occasional help rather than constant practical assistance.
However, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and individual families within any culture may have different approaches. Factors such as urbanization, globalization, and changing societal norms are also influencing these traditional patterns in many parts of the world.”
Q: Do you think there are any drawbacks to relying too much on family support?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While family support is generally positive, excessive reliance on it can indeed have some potential drawbacks. Firstly, it may hinder personal growth and independence. If individuals constantly depend on family for help, they might not develop crucial life skills or the resilience needed to face challenges on their own.
Secondly, it can create unhealthy dynamics within the family. Over-dependence might lead to feelings of guilt, resentment, or obligation, which can strain relationships over time. There’s also the risk of boundary issues, where family members may feel entitled to interfere in each other’s lives excessively.
Moreover, in today’s globalized world, over-reliance on family support might limit opportunities for personal and professional development. For instance, someone might miss out on a career opportunity abroad due to feeling obligated to stay close to family.
Lastly, it’s worth considering the potential burden on the supporting family members. Constant giving without reciprocation or personal space can lead to burnout and negatively impact their own well-being.
That being said, I believe the key lies in striking a balance – appreciating and utilizing family support while also cultivating self-reliance and respect for individual boundaries. This approach can help maintain healthy family relationships while allowing for personal growth and independence.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your responses:
-
Lend a hand – /lend ə hænd/ – To help or assist someone
Example: “I always try to lend a hand when my parents are busy with housework.” -
Foster – /ˈfɒstər/ – To encourage or promote the development of something
Example: “Helping family members fosters stronger relationships and mutual understanding.” -
Pivotal – /ˈpɪvətl/ – Of crucial importance
Example: “My assistance was pivotal in helping my brother navigate the college application process.” -
Grapple with – /ˈɡræpəl wɪð/ – To struggle or contend with
Example: “My sister was grappling with a difficult decision, so I offered my support.” -
Leverage – /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ – To use something to maximum advantage
Example: “I leveraged my experience to help my cousin prepare for her job interview.”
Describe a time you received money from a family member is another topic that explores family relationships and support, which can be useful to prepare for alongside this one.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing helping family members:
- Use a range of tenses accurately to describe past events and their outcomes.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary naturally in your responses.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts in Part 3 by considering different perspectives.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently for 2 minutes for the Part 2 long turn.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Focus on clarity, fluency, and demonstrating a wide range of language skills.
Describe a time you spent time outdoors with friends can be another interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to showcase your ability to describe social interactions and experiences.