Describe a family member who you admire.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who is it?
What's their relationship with you?
Why do you admire this person?

24 unique answers with expert feedback

What qualities of your mom do you admire the most?

I admire her kindness, patience, and unwavering support. She always knows how to uplift me and encourages me to pursue my dreams. Her ability to listen without judgment makes her a confidante, and her selflessness inspires me to be a better person.

How has your relationship with your mom influenced your life choices?

My mom's guidance has shaped my values and decisions. Her emphasis on education and hard work motivated me to strive for success in college. I often seek her advice when faced with challenges, knowing her perspective is invaluable.

Can you share a memorable experience with your mom?

One memorable experience was when she surprised me with a home-cooked meal after my first semester at college. It made me feel so loved and appreciated. We spent the evening talking and laughing, which reminded me of the strong bond we share.

Band 6-7

00:00

A family member I admire more is my own sister and her name is Divya. Initially I won't like her but when I started growing up her activities attracted me so much. The one thing I admired more about her is her problem solving skills and her persistence. She just got placed at TCS at her 4th attempt so that's the one thing that I keep on thinking about her. If you don't know about TCS it's Tata Consultancy Services and it's one of the best multinational company in India and she just got placed there at her 4th attempt. One thing I love about her is her encounter towards a problem and how she finds a solution towards the problem she just faced. And if you don't know about her, she just got a straight first in her secondary schoolings. Everyone in our family just like her because no one can match her studying levels and her decision making skills. The fascinating thing about her is she just studies a week before exam and scores a straight first in secondary schoolings.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think are important for success?

I believe qualities like persistence, problem-solving skills, and adaptability are crucial for success. My sister exemplifies these traits, especially her ability to face challenges head-on and find solutions, which has greatly contributed to her achievements.

How do you think family influences our ambitions?

Family plays a significant role in shaping our ambitions. They provide support, encouragement, and sometimes even serve as role models. In my case, my sister's determination inspires me to pursue my goals and strive for excellence in my own life.

Can you share a time when you faced a challenge like your sister?

Yes, I faced a challenge during my exams when I struggled with a particular subject. I learned to approach the problem systematically, just like my sister does. I sought help, studied hard, and eventually improved my grades, which taught me the value of perseverance.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Firstly, I can say it's my mom. She's the only person that admires me. And the relationship is, we are like friends. Actually, she's my mother, but we be as a friend. I love her so much. She's very caring. I do share everything to her. She used to tell me many advices. When I was young, she used to say, yes, you can do it. Then, my father. He's a motivator, another motivator for me. Then my brother. That's all.

Follow up questions

What specific qualities do you admire in your mom?

I admire her caring nature and her ability to listen. She always supports me and gives me the confidence to pursue my dreams. Her advice has shaped who I am today, and I appreciate how she balances being a mother and a friend.

Can you share a memorable piece of advice your mom gave you?

One memorable piece of advice she gave me was to always believe in myself. She said that self-confidence is key to overcoming challenges. This advice has stuck with me and has helped me in many situations, especially during tough times.

How does your relationship with your brother compare to your relationship with your mom?

My relationship with my brother is more playful and competitive. We joke around a lot and share interests, but my mom provides emotional support and guidance. While my brother motivates me in a different way, my mom is my confidante and best friend.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I admire Mr. Muniruddin. He is my grandpa. I admire him because he is the only person who thinks about the future and make the assets according to their future needs. He not only spends the money in an efficient way but also he saves the money for the future instance. He is around 78 years old but now also he has ability to do work. He does not even spend at least 2 to 3 hours a day to make waste. He sits in a shop and runs a business. He does not even take a small break. He is really smart and thinks a far ahead when compared to us. He not only directs people and financial but also he has a good knowledge in culture and ethics. He prays 5 prayers a day and not only prays he used to fast 30 days fast in a month without missing a day. We don't even have tried to fast for 30 days but in the age of him no one can do this. He is a fantastic.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think are important in a family member?

I believe qualities like kindness, wisdom, and resilience are important. A family member should be supportive and understanding, while also being able to guide us through tough times. My grandpa embodies these qualities, which is why I admire him so much.

How do you think your grandpa's values have influenced your life?

My grandpa's values of hard work and saving for the future have greatly influenced me. I've learned the importance of planning ahead and being responsible with my finances. His dedication to his work and faith inspires me to strive for excellence in everything I do.

Do you think it's important to have role models in our lives?

Yes, having role models is crucial as they provide guidance and inspiration. They can motivate us to achieve our goals and instill values that shape our character. My grandpa is a perfect example of a role model, showing me the importance of integrity and perseverance.

Band 6-7

00:00

So my mother is my admiring family member. She is a mentor for me. I have learned so many things from her. She taught me to respect elders and she also taught me about the good manners in our day to day. As I was, as when I grown up. So during my upbringing she worked hard for me. Every day she cooked food. She prepared tiffin, lunch box for me when I start for my college. It was early morning college, 6am to 7am. Almost I used to start 7am. She took my homework. She is making sure if I am studying well and if I am not having any doubts or any concerns. Along with my mother, she is also my teacher. She is a teacher. She teaches students, other students. So she used to take my studies as well. So under her guidance I felt like I am improving and I am on the right track with my studies and my personal development. So with this I was able to score good marks in my examinations and due to that I got a campus placement. So in my family I am only the only one daughter. So she has never felt that if you are only one daughter then she will just pamper me or she will not scold me anytime. It was never like that.

Follow up questions

What qualities of your mother do you admire the most?

I admire her dedication and hard work. She always puts in the effort to ensure I have everything I need, whether it's for my studies or personal growth. Her ability to balance her responsibilities as a teacher and a mother is truly inspiring.

How has your mother's influence shaped your future goals?

My mother's influence has instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of education. Because of her support, I aim to pursue a successful career and possibly follow in her footsteps by helping others through teaching or mentoring.

Can you share a specific lesson your mother taught you that you still remember?

One specific lesson that stands out is the importance of respect. She always emphasized treating others with kindness and understanding, which has helped me build strong relationships and navigate social situations effectively.

Show all 24 answers

Cue 1:Who is it?

Begin by introducing the family member clearly, mentioning their name and role in your family.
Provide a brief background about their life or career to give context.

Example

The family member I admire the most is my elder sister, Priya. She is a software engineer and has always been a source of inspiration for me.

Cue 2:What's their relationship with you?

Explain your relationship with this person, highlighting any special bonds or memories.
Mention how long you have known them and any significant experiences you have shared.

Example

Priya is my sister, and we have grown up together in a close-knit family. We share a special bond, and I have always looked up to her since childhood, especially during my studies.

Cue 3:Why do you admire this person?

Discuss specific qualities or achievements that make this person admirable.
Share personal anecdotes that illustrate why you hold them in such high regard.

Example

I admire her for her determination and hard work. Despite facing numerous challenges in her career, she never gave up. For instance, she worked late nights to complete her projects while also helping me with my studies during my exams.

Conclusion

Summarize your feelings about this family member and their impact on your life.
Conclude with a statement about how you hope to emulate their qualities in your own life.

Example

In conclusion, my sister Priya is not just a family member but also a role model for me. I aspire to be as dedicated and resilient as she is in my own life.

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: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It may leave the examiner unclear about who the person is and why they are admirable.

Tip

Be specific about the family member's qualities and achievements. Use clear examples to illustrate why you admire them.

2: Don't Rush Your Answer

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear pronunciation and missed details. It may also make your response sound less thoughtful.

Tip

Take your time to think before you speak. Use pauses to organize your thoughts and ensure clarity in your delivery.

Avoid Generic Reasons for Admiration

Giving generic reasons like 'they are nice' or 'they help me' can make your answer sound unoriginal. It lacks depth and personal connection.

Tip

Share personal stories or specific instances that highlight why you admire this family member. This adds depth and makes your answer more memorable.

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Answer

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

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

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Answer

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Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

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Anonymous student Band 7

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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Answer

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