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.
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.
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.
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.
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.