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Describe Your Family: IELTS Cue Card

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Updated on May 22, 2024, 06:58

In the IELTS Speaking test, the cue card is a prompt that helps you structure your response to a specific topic, assessing your ability to speak fluently and coherently. Today, we will discuss the topic "Describe your family." Family shapes who you are and provides support, love, and inspiration. On this page, we will explore sample answers to help you effectively talk about your family.

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1. Describe Your Family: How to Answer?

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a cue card with a topic and give you one minute to prepare your response. You should use this time to make quick notes and organise your thoughts.

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2. Describe Your Family: Sample Answers

We have now gone through how to discuss each point for the cue card topic ‘Describe Your Family’. 
 

Here, we'll explore various responses to the topic, offering insights and examples to help you prepare for your test. 

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3. Describe Your Family: Follow-Up Questions

After the cue card round in the IELTS Speaking test, you will move on to the follow-up question round. In this round, the examiner will ask you more detailed questions related to the topic you just discussed. 

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1.

Describe Your Family: How to Answer?

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a cue card with a topic and give you one minute to prepare your response. You should use this time to make quick notes and organise your thoughts.

 

The best way to answer the cue card "Describe your family" is by breaking it down into small pieces: an introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and a conclusion.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe Your Family
You should say
  • How many members do you have?
  • What do they do?
  • What are they like?

 

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Introduction:

 

  • Introduce your family briefly, mentioning the number of members and your relationship with them.
  • Highlight the role your family plays in your life.
  • Mention why your family is important to you.
     

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Talk about specific experiences demonstrating your family's dynamics, such as family traditions or activities you do together.
  • Share your opinion on how your family has influenced your values and character.
  • Discuss any particular interests or hobbies that are common in your family.
     

Key highlights:

 

  • Emphasise key traits of your family members, such as their personalities and unique qualities.
  • Mention any significant achievements or memorable moments that stand out.
  • Highlight how your family supports each other in various situations.
     

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise the impact your family has had on your life.
  • Express your gratitude or admiration for your family.
  • Conclude with a final thought on the importance of family in your life.
     

Remember to keep your answers concise and relevant, as you only have two minutes to speak.

2.

Describe Your Family: Sample Answers

We have now gone through how to discuss each point for the cue card topic ‘Describe Your Family’. 
 

Here, we'll explore various responses to the topic, offering insights and examples to help you prepare for your test. 

Sample Answer 1
Sample Answer 2
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • I come from a close-knit family of four, consisting of my parents, my younger brother, and myself. 
  • We live together in a cosy home in Pune. My family plays a crucial role in my life, providing constant support and guidance. 
  • They are my source of strength and inspiration.
     

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • One experience that stands out is our Sunday family dinners. 
  • Every week, we gather around the table to enjoy a homemade meal and share stories from our week. 
  • This tradition has strengthened our bond and created many cherished memories. I believe these dinners have taught me the importance of communication and togetherness.
     

Key Highlights:

 

  • My father, Rajesh, is a dedicated professional who also enjoys cooking. 
  • His culinary skills make our meals special and bring a lot of joy to our home. 
  • My mother, Sunita, is the heart of our family. Her kindness and organisational skills ensure that everything runs smoothly.
  • My brother, Aarav, though younger, is incredibly talented and ambitious. He excels in his studies and is passionate about painting, which fills our home with beautiful artwork. 
     

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, my family has profoundly impacted my life, shaping my values and beliefs. 
  • Their love and support have been instrumental in my personal growth. 
  • I feel immensely grateful to have such a wonderful family, and I cherish every moment spent with them. 
  • Family, for me, is the cornerstone of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
3.

Describe Your Family: Follow-Up Questions

After the cue card round in the IELTS Speaking test, you will move on to the follow-up question round. In this round, the examiner will ask you more detailed questions related to the topic you just discussed. 
 

This assesses your ability to express opinions, provide detailed answers, and engage in a more extended conversation. You should be prepared to elaborate on your initial response and discuss related themes in greater depth.

Follow-Up Question 1

Q1. How has your family influenced your personality?
 

Ans 1: My family has significantly influenced my personality. My parents taught me the values of hard work and perseverance. Their encouragement and support have instilled confidence in me. Additionally, my siblings have taught me the importance of teamwork and patience, shaping me into a well-rounded individual.
 

Ans 2: Growing up in a supportive family has made me empathetic and understanding. My mother’s nurturing nature and my father’s discipline have balanced my approach to life. They have also encouraged my interests and hobbies, which have helped me develop a well-rounded personality.

Follow-Up Question 2

Q2. Do you think family relationships are important in today's society? Why or why not?

 

Ans 1: I believe family relationships are crucial in today's society. They provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and stability. In our fast-paced world, having a strong family bond can help individuals navigate challenges and maintain mental well-being.

 

Ans 2:  Yes, family relationships remain important even today. Despite modernisation and changing lifestyles, the fundamental need for love, support, and guidance that family provides remains unchanged. Strong family ties can help people cope with stress and provide a network of support.

Follow-Up Question 3

Q3. How do you and your family spend quality time together?
 

Ans 1: My family and I spend quality time together by having regular family dinners where we discuss our day and share stories. We also enjoy weekend outings, such as picnics or visits to cultural events, which help us bond and create lasting memories.


Ans 2:  We have a tradition of playing board games on Friday nights, which everyone looks forward to. Additionally, we often go for evening walks together, discussing various topics and enjoying each other’s company. These activities strengthen our connection.

Follow-Up Question 4

Q4. What are the common conflicts in families, and how can they be resolved?
 

Ans 1: Common conflicts in families often arise from misunderstandings or differences in opinions. These can be resolved through open communication and mutual respect. It is important to listen to each other’s perspectives and find compromises that work for everyone involved.
 

Ans 2: Disagreements about responsibilities or personal choices are common conflicts. These can be addressed by setting clear expectations and having regular family meetings to discuss any issues. Patience and empathy are key to resolving conflicts effectively.

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FAQs

Q. What topics are covered in the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Topics range from familiar subjects like your home, family, work, studies, and interests in Part 1, to more specific topics provided on a cue card in Part 2, and abstract topics related to Part 2 in Part 3. Topics are designed to cover a broad range of conversational scenarios.

Q. How important is pronunciation in the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Pronunciation is one of the four key criteria and is essential for achieving a good score. Clear and understandable pronunciation is crucial, but having a native accent is not necessary. Focus on clarity, stress, intonation, and rhythm.

Q. Is it acceptable to use informal language during the test?

Ans. While it is important to use appropriate and varied language, using some informal language is acceptable, especially if it is natural and relevant to the context. However, avoid slang and overly casual expressions.