When it comes to IELTS Speaking, being able to vividly describe a place you like spending time with family is a valuable skill. This topic frequently appears in the exam, particularly in Part 2, and can also lead to related questions in Parts 1 and 3. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about family time and places. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you often spend time with your family?
- Where do you usually go with your family?
- What activities do you enjoy doing together?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:
Sample Answer: “Well, we frequently visit a nearby park on weekends. It’s a serene spot with lush greenery and a small lake. We find it ideal for picnics and outdoor activities, which allows us to bond and unwind together away from our busy schedules.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to this topic:
Describe a place where you like to spend time with your family.
You should say:
- Where it is
- How often you go there
- What you do there
- And explain why you enjoy spending time there with your family
Family enjoying time in a park
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a picturesque coastal town called Brighton, which has become our go-to destination for family getaways. It’s located on the south coast of England, about an hour’s train ride from London.
We try to visit Brighton at least twice a year, usually during the summer and around Christmas. These trips have become a cherished family tradition that we all look forward to.
When we’re there, we engage in a variety of activities. We often start our day with a leisurely stroll along the pebble beach, breathing in the fresh sea air. The iconic Brighton Pier is a must-visit spot where we enjoy traditional fairground rides and indulge in some classic British seaside treats like fish and chips or candy floss. We also love exploring the quirky shops in The Lanes, a maze-like area filled with independent boutiques and cafes.
I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my family in Brighton for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment, catering to everyone’s preferences. The change of scenery from our usual urban environment helps us to disconnect from our daily routines and reconnect with each other. Moreover, Brighton has a laid-back and inclusive atmosphere that makes us all feel comfortable and welcomed.
Perhaps most importantly, our trips to Brighton have become associated with creating lasting memories. Whether it’s watching a stunning sunset together from the beach, laughing at each other’s attempts at arcade games, or simply sharing a meal in a cozy restaurant, these shared experiences strengthen our family bond. It’s a place where we can be ourselves, free from the pressures of work or school, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
In essence, Brighton represents more than just a holiday destination for us. It’s a place where we can recharge, reconnect, and create cherished memories together as a family.”
Follow-up Questions
The examiner might ask these additional questions:
- Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities with your family?
- How has technology affected family time in recent years?
Sample Answer (for question 2):
“Technology has had a profound impact on family time in recent years. On one hand, it has facilitated easier communication, allowing families to stay connected even when physically apart through video calls and messaging apps. However, it has also posed challenges to quality family time. The prevalence of smartphones and social media can lead to ‘phubbing’ – the act of snubbing someone in favor of a mobile phone – during family gatherings. This can detract from meaningful face-to-face interactions. Striking a balance between utilizing technology’s benefits and setting boundaries to ensure genuine connection is crucial for modern families.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How important do you think it is for families to spend time together?
Candidate: “I believe it’s absolutely crucial for families to spend quality time together. In our fast-paced modern world, family time serves as an anchor, providing emotional support and a sense of belonging. Regular interactions help in nurturing relationships, enhancing communication, and building trust among family members. It’s particularly vital for children’s development, as it contributes to their emotional well-being and helps in instilling values. Moreover, shared experiences create lasting memories that strengthen family bonds. However, it’s not just about quantity but quality – even short periods of undivided attention and meaningful engagement can be incredibly beneficial.”
Examiner: Do you think the concept of family time varies across different cultures?
Candidate: “Absolutely, the concept of family time can vary significantly across cultures. In many collectivist societies, such as those in Asia or the Middle East, family time is often seen as a fundamental aspect of daily life. Extended families might live together or nearby, facilitating frequent interactions. In these cultures, large family gatherings and meals are common and often ritualized.
On the other hand, in more individualistic societies, like many Western countries, family time might be more scheduled and nuclear family-focused. There’s often a clearer distinction between ‘family time’ and ‘personal time’.
The activities considered as family time also differ. For instance, in some cultures, family time might revolve around religious or traditional practices, while in others, it could be more centered on leisure activities or shared meals.
It’s important to note that these are generalizations, and there’s significant variation within cultures too. Factors like urbanization, globalization, and changing social norms are continually reshaping the concept of family time across the world. Understanding these cultural differences is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world, as it promotes empathy and cultural competence.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Cherished /ˈtʃerɪʃt/ (adjective): loved and protected with care.
Example: “Our trips to Brighton have become cherished family traditions.”To bond /bɒnd/ (verb): to form a close personal relationship.
Example: “These shared experiences help us bond as a family.”Picturesque /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ (adjective): visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
Example: “We love visiting the picturesque coastal town for our family getaways.”To unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (verb): to relax after a period of work or tension.
Example: “The peaceful atmosphere allows us to unwind and forget about our daily stresses.”Go-to /ˈɡəʊ tuː/ (adjective): regularly or repeatedly chosen, especially in preference to other alternatives.
Example: “Brighton has become our go-to destination for family holidays.”To recharge /riːˈtʃɑːdʒ/ (verb): to regain energy and spirit.
Example: “These family trips give us a chance to recharge our batteries.”Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (phrase): a very significant or deep effect.
Example: “Technology has had a profound impact on how families spend time together.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a place you enjoy with family:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally to demonstrate language fluency.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Use a range of complex sentence structures to showcase your grammatical range.
- Practice speaking about different aspects of family time and places to improve fluency.
- Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to family and social trends in Part 3.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
For more practice on describing places, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a place where you like to go to relax and unwind. This will give you additional vocabulary and ideas that you can adapt for talking about family time.