This question might pop up in Part 1 of your IELTS Speaking exam. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate your vocabulary and ability to speak about personal relationships. Let’s break down how to answer this question effectively and authentically.
Understanding the Question’s Intent
The examiner isn’t necessarily looking for a right or wrong answer. They want to assess:
- Vocabulary: Your ability to use words related to family, relationships, and personality traits.
- Fluency and Coherence: How smoothly and logically you can express your ideas.
- Grammar: Your control over grammatical structures.
- Pronunciation: How clearly you can articulate your thoughts.
Crafting Your Response
1. Identify the Closest Person
Think about your family dynamics. Who do you share the strongest bond with? It could be a parent, sibling, grandparent, or even a close cousin.
2. Explain Why
This is where you showcase your vocabulary and ability to explain complex emotions. Consider:
- Shared Interests: “My older brother and I are closest because we’re both really passionate about football.”
- Personality Traits: “My mom is the person I confide in the most. She’s incredibly understanding and gives the best advice.”
- Shared Experiences: “My grandpa and I are very close. He’s taught me so much about our family history.”
3. Provide Specific Examples
Don’t just state your reasons, illustrate them with anecdotes:
- Shared Interests: “We love going to football matches together and even have a friendly rivalry going.”
- Personality Traits: “I remember once I was really stressed about exams, and my mom sat with me for hours, helping me create a study plan. Her support means the world to me.”
- Shared Experiences: “Every Sunday, my grandpa and I bake bread together using his grandmother’s recipe. It’s a really special tradition.”
Example Response
“I’d have to say I’m closest to my older brother, Mark. We’ve always been close, even though we have quite different personalities. I’m more introverted, but Mark is the life of the party. But, what connects us is our shared passion for football. We’ve been playing together since we were kids, and we love going to matches together. We have such a strong bond because of it.”
Additional Tips
- Be Honest: Speak from the heart. Don’t feel pressured to invent a relationship.
- Don’t Overthink It: The examiner is more interested in your language skills than your family history.
- Keep it Concise: Aim for a 1-2 minute response.
- Practice: Rehearse speaking about your family beforehand to build your confidence.
By following these tips and practicing your speaking skills, you’ll be well-prepared to answer this common IELTS Speaking question with confidence and fluency.