Describe Your Family: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

How many members do you have?
What do they do?
What are they like?

20 unique answers with expert feedback

How do your parents influence your career choices?

My parents have a significant influence on my career choices. My father's experience in business and my mother's success in insurance inspire me to pursue excellence in my own career. I often seek their advice and learn from their work ethics, which helps shape my professional aspirations.

What activities do you enjoy doing with your family?

We enjoy spending time together during family dinners and occasional outings. We also have game nights where we play board games or watch movies. These activities help strengthen our bond, despite the generational gap between me and my younger brother.

How do you handle conflicts with your younger brother?

Conflicts with my younger brother are usually resolved through open communication. We try to understand each other's perspectives, and while we may not always agree, we respect each other's opinions. Our parents also encourage us to work through our differences, which helps us grow closer.

Band 6-7

00:00

We are a family of five, including me. It's my mom, dad, my younger brother, and my grandmother. So my dad is a government servant. My mom is a housewife. And my younger brother recently finished his 10th standard board exams. My grandmother has been living with us since a year, because we just shifted to this new house that we were building since a year and a half. My family is like a normal family, a normal Indian family, where there's not only happiness and stuff, but we also have a lot of arguments about it, because everyone can't agree on a single idea. So yeah, there have been arguments, there have been ups and downs in our family, but our family has been united and helps everyone. Every person in the family tries to help anyone in need. My mom is always there, whether it be for examinations, whether it be for any work projects or anything like that, she's always with me. If I'm doing an overnight study, she's always there with a coffee cup. She's ready with a coffee cup. My dad is always like a pillar to the whole house, because he might not be there emotionally with us. He's not that connected, but he is there as a pillar, a strong pillar, who we can all feel dependent on. And yeah, my younger brother is just like a younger brother. Very, very supportive.

Follow up questions

How do you think your family influences your personality?

My family has a significant influence on my personality. My mom's support has made me more confident, while my dad's strength has taught me resilience. My younger brother's carefree nature reminds me to enjoy life, and my grandmother's wisdom has instilled values of respect and patience in me.

What activities do you enjoy doing together as a family?

We enjoy spending time together during family dinners and outings. We often play board games or watch movies on weekends. Celebrating festivals together is also a big part of our family activities, where we cook traditional dishes and share stories, creating lasting memories.

How do you resolve conflicts within your family?

We usually resolve conflicts by having open discussions. Everyone gets a chance to express their views, and we try to find common ground. My mom often mediates, ensuring that everyone feels heard. We believe that communication is key to maintaining harmony in our family.

Band 6-7

00:00

Yeah, my family consists of six members, my father, mother, brother, and my grandparents, my father's mother and father live with us as well. So like every other family, my mom also faces some issues with her in-laws, it is just quite other family next next door family issues. But absolutely we all enjoy spending time with each other. My father is a businessman, he dropped his studies when he was at a very young age and he started business and touch wood, he is going so good and he is my inspiration. I can tell without the studies, without anybody's help, he stood on his leg and today he is helping everyone in the family and my mom is a housewife. She completed her degree, left her studies, she came, she's taking care of me and my family. So my brother is younger one who is studying B.Tech in Bangalore, third year. I love him so much, we always fight, we always annoy each other, but end of the day, he is my brother and I'm his sister. The bonding is so true. And especially coming to my family, they're very supportive, they're very friendly and they always provide whatever I ask. Today I'm sitting here in front of you is definitely because of my parents. I told I wanted to study, they told okay, I told I wanted to enjoy, they agreed. In addition to that, they gave me a lot of freedom, they never questioned me and they give all the freedom, whatever the freedom is I require, I get it. The only thing they expect me to do is not overboarding the freedom. So whatever they gave, I know my limits, I stay in my limits and we make a happy family. I love them so much, without them I am nothing. This is so true, without them I'm nothing, they gave me everything. I was born like a golden spoon, with a golden spoon.

Follow up questions

How do you think your father's business influenced your upbringing?

My father's business taught me the value of hard work and determination. Seeing him succeed without formal education inspired me to pursue my own goals. It instilled in me a sense of responsibility and the importance of being self-reliant, which I carry into my studies and personal life.

What values do you think your family has instilled in you?

My family has instilled values like respect, hard work, and the importance of education. They taught me to be supportive and understanding, especially with my brother. The freedom they provide comes with the responsibility to make wise choices, which has shaped my character significantly.

Can you share a memorable family activity you enjoy together?

One memorable activity is our family game nights. We play board games and share stories, which brings us closer. It's a time filled with laughter and sometimes friendly competition. These moments strengthen our bond and create lasting memories that I cherish deeply.

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Band 6-7

00:00

My family consists of every type of person you might encounter in this world. For example, everyone has those specific type of traits which you won't find in another person. But his traits will be unique in his own way. For example, we are a family of four. My sister, my dad and my mother. My mother is kind of a dominating person. She hates when something does not go according to her plan. Although, sometimes she is wrong. But the sense of superiority drives her so much and we have adapted to her behavior. After that, my dad. My dad is kind of a chill, low-key guy. He only wants to work, come home, watch some YouTube, shorts, comedy movies and chill. He is totally opposite to my mother's behavior. Then there is my sister. She is kind of a hyperactive girl. She loves to go out, she loves to do things which I would never think she would do. Last Sunday, she was doing a push-up and I never expected push-ups from her. Because she is that type of girl who is always working out. She used to perform more of chilling activities or laid-back activities like singing a song, drawing something. But doing push-ups seems a very surprising thing to me. And then there is me. I am kind of a mixture of both calm as well as aggressive.

Follow up questions

How do you think your family's traits influence your personality?

I believe my family's traits have shaped my personality significantly. My mother's dominance has made me more assertive, while my dad's chill nature has taught me to relax and enjoy life. My sister's hyperactivity inspires me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone.

What activities do you enjoy doing with your family?

We enjoy spending time together watching movies, playing games, and sometimes cooking. Family dinners are a big deal for us, where we share stories and laugh. I also like to join my sister in her workouts occasionally, even if it's just for fun.

How do you handle conflicts within your family?

Conflicts usually arise due to my mother's strong opinions. We try to communicate openly, and I often act as a mediator. I listen to everyone's perspective and help find a compromise. It's important to maintain harmony, so we focus on understanding each other.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, first of all, my family consists of four members, Kanti, myself. First of all, I just want to introduce my father. His name is Sunil Kathe. He is currently working at CI Steps Colors. He is in Delhi right now for his work, for his duty. As he is a government servant, and he is serving his duties and responsibilities to India. Second, my mother, who stays with us in Mumbai here. She is a homemaker. But she does some small household chores like stitching the blouses, stitching the kurtis, the Indian wear. And I do have one sibling, who is younger than me. He is currently pursuing, not pursuing, but he is currently diligently preparing himself for competitive exams. So, first I have already told about my father that he is currently in Delhi. He doesn't stay with us, he stays in Delhi for his work. He is very committed towards his work. He is very dedicated towards his work. He doesn't take leaves on any holidays like family.

Follow up questions

How does your father's job influence your family life?

My father's job as a government servant requires him to be away in Delhi, which means we miss him during family time. However, it also instills a sense of discipline and responsibility in our family. We make the most of the time we have together during holidays.

What qualities do you admire in your mother?

I admire my mother's dedication to our family. Even though she is a homemaker, she manages everything efficiently, from cooking to stitching. Her ability to balance household chores while supporting my brother and me is truly inspiring.

Can you tell us more about your sibling's studies?

My younger sibling is very focused on preparing for competitive exams. He spends a lot of time studying and is very determined to succeed. We often help each other with our studies, and I try to motivate him whenever he feels stressed.

Show all 20 answers

Cue 1:How many members do you have?

Begin by stating the total number of family members clearly.
Mention the relationship of each member to you for clarity.

Example

I have a family of five members. There’s my father, mother, younger sister, and my grandmother, who lives with us.

Cue 2:What do they do?

Briefly describe the occupation or role of each family member.
Highlight any interesting or unique aspects of their jobs or responsibilities.

Example

My father is a teacher at a local school, and he loves educating children. My mother is a homemaker, but she also runs a small catering business from home. My sister is still in school, and my grandmother enjoys knitting and telling us stories from her childhood.

Cue 3:What are they like?

Share some personality traits of each family member to give a sense of their character.
Include any hobbies or interests that make them unique.

Example

My father is very patient and always encourages us to pursue our dreams. My mother is warm-hearted and loves to cook delicious meals for the family. My sister is quite cheerful and enjoys painting, while my grandmother is wise and has a great sense of humor.

Conclusion

Example

Overall, my family is very supportive and close-knit. We enjoy spending time together, whether it’s during family dinners or celebrating festivals, which strengthens our bond.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Being Too Brief

Candidates often give very short answers, which can make their responses seem unengaging. This can lead to a lack of detail and depth in their speaking.

Tip

Expand your answers by providing examples or anecdotes about your family members to make your response more interesting.

2: Lack of Structure

Some candidates answer questions in a disorganized manner, making it hard for the listener to follow. This can affect clarity and coherence.

Tip

Organize your thoughts by addressing each cue in order: start with the number of family members, then their jobs, and finally their personalities.

Overly Complex Language

Using complicated vocabulary or long sentences can confuse the listener and may lead to misunderstandings. Simplicity is often more effective.

Tip

Use clear and simple language to describe your family. Focus on being understandable rather than trying to impress with difficult words.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.