As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I often encounter students perplexed by seemingly simple Speaking test questions. One such question is “What hopes do your parents have for you?”. While it appears straightforward, it requires a nuanced understanding of vocabulary and the ability to articulate personal sentiments effectively. This article delves into how to tackle this question with confidence and achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Question’s Significance
The examiner isn’t merely curious about your parents’ literal hopes; they aim to assess your:
- Vocabulary range: Can you move beyond basic words like “want” and employ terms like “aspire,” “envision,” or “expect”?
- Fluency and coherence: Can you elaborate on your answer naturally and cohesively?
- Grammar accuracy: Can you use complex sentence structures correctly while discussing this topic?
Crafting Your Response
1. Reflect on Your Parents’ Values
Consider what matters most to your parents. Is it academic success, personal happiness, financial stability, or contributing to society?
For instance:
- My parents, being educators themselves, highly value intellectual curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning.
2. Connect their Hopes to Your Life
Explain how their aspirations translate into specific hopes for you.
- They believe a good education is paramount and have always encouraged me to pursue my academic passions.
3. Showcase Your Future Goals
Share your aspirations and how they align with (or differ from) your parents’ hopes. This demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.
- While I respect their emphasis on academic achievement, I also yearn for a career that allows me to make a tangible difference in the world, perhaps in the field of environmental conservation.
4. Utilize a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar
- Verbs: hope, wish, desire, aspire, yearn, envision, foresee, anticipate
- Adjectives: successful, fulfilling, independent, compassionate, driven, well-rounded
- Connectors: Furthermore, Additionally, However, While, Although
5. Example Answer
“My parents have always held high hopes for me. Coming from a family that deeply values education, they’ve consistently encouraged me to pursue knowledge and strive for academic excellence. They envision me having a stable and successful career, perhaps as a doctor or an engineer, which are highly regarded professions in our culture. While I respect their aspirations, my heart leans towards a career path that allows me to contribute to society more directly, possibly in social work or environmental conservation. I believe true fulfillment comes from aligning my passions with a purpose that benefits others.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Preparing for this question can be as simple as:
- Brainstorming: Jot down your parents’ values and hopes for you.
- Talking to yourself: Practice speaking your answer aloud, focusing on fluency and vocabulary.
- Recording yourself: Listen back to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and grammar.
Remember, there’s no “right” answer. The key is to demonstrate your language proficiency while providing a genuine and insightful glimpse into your relationship with your parents and your own aspirations.