SPEAKING
Speaking Test Model Answers
3. Family
The topic of family frequently appears in IELTS speaking. In part 1 you may be asked some questions about your family, and in part 2 you may be asked to describe a family member.
1. Do you have a small or large family?
I have a large extended family. My parents had many brothers and sisters so I have a lot of cousins, nephews and nieces.
2. Do you spend a lot of time with your family?
Yes, my family’s bonds are very strong and we like to spend a lot of time together. We usually get together for Sunday lunch - it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together.
3. How often do you see relatives like aunties, uncles or cousins?
I see my aunts, uncles and cousins on my mother’s side quite often. Unfortunately, my father grew apart from his brothers so we hardly ever see my extended family on his side.
4. Are your parents and grandparents from the same country as you?
One of my grandparents immigrated from a neighbouring country, but my other grandparents and my parents were born and brought up here.
5. What do you and your family like to do together?
We enjoy doing various things together, such as going on road trips or going for walks. We also like spending quality time at home and playing board games, or just watching a movie together.
6. Do you have a good relationship with everyone in your family?
Yes, definitely, family ties are important in my family. We’re a close-knit group and if I have a problem I can depend on my family to be supportive and help me deal with it.
7. Who are you closest with in your family?
I am close with my parents and siblings but my older brother and I, in particular, have more shared interests, so we tend to spend the most time together.
8. Is family life important in your country?
Yes, family bonds are a big part of our lives. Also, I think people in my country are quite traditional, and family values are really important.
PART 1
Listen:
Model Answer:
Well, I’ve always looked up to my grandfather, so I can tell you about him.
My grandfather is a retired engineer and worked his entire life in the oil industry. He was one of the chief engineers on many important projects and was known for being conscientious, reliable and hard-working.
Despite his busy work schedule, my grandfather was always able to spend quality time with me and my brothers and sisters when we were growing up. He would take us on picnics, play chess with me, and tell us stories about his travels and adventures. He has always been very supportive, and I have learned a lot from him about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and providing for your family. I’d like to think that I take after him to some degree.
Nowadays, my grandfather is retired, but he still keeps himself busy with hobbies and interests. He has a passion for woodwork, and he spends many hours in his workshop creating quite impressive pieces of furniture and crafts. Like me, he also really enjoys reading, so you’ll often find him absorbed in a book. Actually, we like to read similar books so we’ll often share recommendations, especially for books about history or biographies.
I look up to my grandfather for his achievements, his intelligence and for the importance he puts on family bonds. He’s always been a role model for me and I think he’s set a good example, not just for me, but for my siblings too. I’m really grateful to still have him in my life.
PART 2
Describe a person in your family who you admire.
You should say:
what their relationship is to you
what they have done in their life
what they do now
and explain why you admire them
Listen:
PART 3
1. Do you think it is better to grow up with brothers and sisters?
I think that being brought up in a big nuclear family with brothers and sisters is generally positive. It helps children develop important social skills, such as cooperation and communication. Siblings provide companionship too, so you won’t get lonely, and later in life brothers and sisters can be supportive when you have a problem. Having said that, brothers and sisters don’t always see eye to eye, and sibling rivalry can sometimes be a problem.
2. Is it good to have a large extended family?
Generally speaking, I think having lots of relatives is a good thing as it really helps to have a close-knit group of supportive family members in your life. It’s also great if you have kids as they will have lots of cousins to play with, and family members can help you with childcare too. However, unfortunately, it can also create conflicts and rivalries, especially over issues like inheritance, and I know several cases of rifts that have developed in families, with siblings who refuse to talk to each other.
3. What role should grandparents play in bringing up children?
For me, grandparents should play an important role in raising children. They’re usually retired so they have the chance to spend quality time with kids when the parents are busy with work. They also have a lot of life experience and can be a role model that their grandkids can look up to. I think it’s also good for the elderly to have the companionship from spending time with their grandchildren. Sometimes elderly people without children and grandkids can get quite lonely.
4. How has the size of families changed in your country in the last 20 years?
In my country, the size of families has changed significantly in the last 20 years. With changes in the economy and society, nuclear families have become much smaller. These days a lot of couples don’t have children until they’re in their 30’s and often only have one child. I think that in the future, extended families are going to be really small, and kids may not have any aunts, uncles or cousins.
5. What is more important, family or friends?
I think that both family and friends are important, and that it is possible to have a good balance between the two. Both family and friends can be supportive, but I’d say you should be able to rely on family members for help and support when you really need it. I think although having a good circle of friends is nice, having a close-knit family and strong bonds with your brothers, sisters and cousins is key to having a happy life. Only family can offer unconditional love, so ultimately, they are most important.
6. What do you think about single parent families?
I think that single parent families aren't ideal, and can face many challenges, but they can still offer the unconditional love kids really need when they’re growing up. Single parents often have to play many roles and take on many responsibilities, so this can be a struggle, both emotionally and financially. However, single parent families can also be very close-knit and strong, and they can still provide a loving and supportive environment for children.
Listen:
VOCABULARY
Topic Vocabulary:
bond (noun [c]):
Definition: A connection, relationship, or emotional tie between people.
Example: Strong family bonds are built through shared experiences and communication.
childcare (noun [u]):
Definition: The care and supervision of children, typically provided by someone other than their parents.
Example: Finding affordable and reliable childcare can be a challenge for working parents.
close-knit (adjective):
Definition: Having strong relationships, connections, and bonds between members of a group.
Example: My family is very close-knit, we always help each other out.
companionship (noun [u]):
Definition: The enjoyment of spending time with others, especially friends or family.
Example: Having a pet can provide us with companionship and love.
extended family (noun [u]):
Definition: Relatives like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who are not part of the nuclear family.
Example: My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are all part of my extended family.
family values (noun [pl]):
Definition: Valuing the traditional family situation where a mother, father and children all live together.
Example: Traditional family values are disappearing as single parent families become more widespread.
have [sb.] in your life (phrase):
Definition: To have someone present or involved in your life.
Example: Having my close friends in my life makes a big difference.
look up to (phrasal verb):
Definition: To have respect or admiration for someone.
Example: I really look up to my older brother, because he's always been so successful.
nuclear family (noun):
Definition: A family unit consisting of parents and their children.
Example: My nuclear family consists of my parents, my younger sister, and me.
on my mother's/ father's side(idiom):
Definition: Refers to relatives or family members related through either the mother or, alternatively, the father.
Example: All my relatives on my mother's side have dark hair.
provide for (phrasal verb):
Definition: To take care of someone's needs and wants.
Example: He provides for his wife and two kids.
quality time (noun [u]):
Definition: Spending special time with loved ones where you can make the relationship stronger.
Example: He makes time every evening to spend some quality time with his daughter.
rift (noun [c]):
Definition: A serious disagreement between individuals that causes a break in their relationship.
Example: A rift occurred in the family because of arguments over an inheritance.
rivalry (noun [c]):
Definition: Competition between siblings for attention, recognition, or affection.
Example: My brother and I are both competitive and there was some sibling rivalry when we were kids.
role model (noun [c]):
Definition: Someone who serves as an example to others, often in a positive way.
Example: My grandmother is my role model. She's had a tough life but always manages to stay positive.
set a good example (phrase):
Definition: To behave in a way that shows others the correct way to behave.
Example: I want to lead a meaningful life and set a good example for my children.
sibling (noun [c]):
Definition: A brother or sister.
Example: My sister and I have been best friends since we were kids, we're very close siblings.
supportive (adjective):
Definition: Providing help and encouragement to others.
Example: I was lucky to have supportive parents who helped me to get a very good education.
take after (phrasal verb):
Definition: To resemble or have similar characteristics to someone, often a parent or relative.
Example: I take after my aunt. She's creative and artistic, just like me.
unconditional love (noun phrase):
Definition: When you love someone completely and without any conditions or expectations.
Example: A mother's love for her child is often said to be an example of unconditional love.
