Describe an important old thing that your family has kept for a long time: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it is
How/when your family first got this thing
How long your family has kept it
And explain why this thing is important to your family

19 unique answers with expert feedback

What other family traditions do you have that honor your ancestors?

In addition to the chess board tradition, we also have a family reunion every year where we share stories about our ancestors. We often cook traditional dishes that my great-great-grandmother used to make, which helps us feel connected to our heritage and keeps her memory alive.

How do you think keeping old items affects family relationships?

I believe that keeping old items like the chess board strengthens family bonds. They serve as conversation starters and remind us of our shared history. When we gather around the chess board, it creates a sense of unity and belonging, making us appreciate our family ties even more.

Have you ever thought about creating new traditions with younger generations?

Yes, I think it's important to create new traditions that include younger generations. We have started teaching the younger kids how to play chess using the board. This not only keeps the tradition alive but also helps them learn valuable skills and appreciate the history behind the board.

Band 7

00:00

We have an old clock in our house which was given to my parents by my great-great-grandfather who fought for our nation and he has kept that clock since 1912. That clock has been working for ages without any maintenance. My family got it when my great-great-grandfather died and that clock has been going in our family for generations. My father has almost kept that clock for around 46 years. Now he is 58 by the way. It is very important to our family because it is the most antique item and the price of that clock is around 10 crores. That clock has always been the main importance of our family. We can say that my father's soul resides in that clock because he is very connected to his roots and he thinks that having that clock in the house is good luck for us.

Follow up questions

What other antique items does your family have?

Apart from the clock, we have a few other antique items like a vintage gramophone and some old photographs. These items also hold sentimental value and remind us of our family's history and the stories of our ancestors.

How do you feel about keeping such old items?

I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility in keeping old items like the clock. They connect us to our past and remind us of our heritage. It's important to preserve these items for future generations to understand where they come from.

Do you think younger generations appreciate old things?

I believe it varies from person to person. Some younger individuals appreciate the history and stories behind old items, while others may not see their value. It's essential to educate them about the significance of these antiques to foster appreciation.

Band 7

00:00

The old object which still holds value in my very modern home is the classic sewing machine which has been with us for more than 30 years. It's one of those sturdy mechanical machines that was specially popular in the 1990s, built to last rather than to look decorative. My family bought it when my mother developed a strong interest in sewing and embroidery as a hobby. At that time, she wanted something reliable to make clothes, alter fabrics, as well as experiment with her own designs. Moreover, the machine quickly became a part of her daily routine, producing familiar rhythmic sounds that filled the house almost every evening. Over the years, it has stayed in the same corner of the house, surviving multiple moves and changes. In addition, it has witnessed different phases of our lives, from childhood school uniforms to festival outfits. Even today, it still works perfectly, which says a lot about its quality. I would say it is important to us is because it represents creativity, patience, and self-reliance. As a result, the machine feels less like an object and more like a family memory. Overall, it reminds us of a time when things were made with care, repaired instead of replaced, and valued for the stories they carried.

Follow up questions

What other old items does your family have?

In addition to the sewing machine, my family has a vintage typewriter and some old photo albums. The typewriter belonged to my grandfather and is a reminder of his writing career, while the photo albums capture precious family memories from various occasions.

How do you think old items affect family traditions?

Old items like the sewing machine help preserve family traditions by connecting us to our past. They remind us of the skills and values our parents and grandparents held, and they often inspire us to continue those traditions, such as sewing or crafting, in our own lives.

Why do you think people keep old things?

People often keep old things because they hold sentimental value and represent memories. These items can evoke emotions and stories from the past, serving as a tangible link to family history, traditions, and the experiences that shaped who we are today.

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Band 6-7

00:00

An important old thing that my family has kept for a long time is probably the coconut grinder. The coconut grinder is from Sri Lanka and my family had got it way before from when I was born. It is a traditional device unlike the many devices that are available today. It has been in my family for several years and they still use it. What is different about this grinder is how convenient it is to use. It only takes 5 minutes to grind the entire coconut. My dad recently purchased the modern device that is currently in use and it wasn't as convenient as the traditional device that we use. It was very hard to use and also not a really safe option because it is machine operated and it could easily injure us. So my mom always opts to use the traditional device that is the coconut grinder from Sri Lanka. So my family is really used to using this because of how their grandparents or their ancestors always used them. So I have also gotten used to being able to use the device. So this coconut grinder is essential for us because in the Sri Lankan cuisine there are many dishes that are coconut based and we enjoy a lot of these dishes and frequently consume them. Therefore it is a really good device and that's why it's been in my family for so many ages even though there's been so many developments in it.

Follow up questions

What other traditional items does your family have?

In addition to the coconut grinder, my family has several other traditional items, such as clay pots and wooden utensils. These items have been passed down through generations and hold sentimental value. They remind us of our heritage and the way our ancestors lived.

How do you feel about using modern devices in the kitchen?

While modern devices can be convenient, I often find that they lack the charm and connection to our culture that traditional tools provide. For instance, the coconut grinder is not only functional but also a part of our family history, which makes cooking more meaningful.

Why do you think it's important to preserve traditional cooking methods?

Preserving traditional cooking methods is important because they connect us to our roots and cultural identity. They also teach us valuable skills and recipes that have been perfected over generations. Plus, traditional methods often result in more authentic flavors in our dishes.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, the object that I would like love to describe that and that my family has considered very lucky and preserved it for a long time is the idol of Ganeshji of Lord Ganesha made of gold. It's a very small idol, technically maybe three into one centimeter and it was handed over to my great-grandmother by her father when she was married to my great-grandfather. She had kept it with herself and considered the idol very lucky and she kept it very close to her heart and when her children got married, she handed over the idol of Lord Ganesha to my grandfather and he possessed it for a very long time until he gave it away to my father to keep it safe and sound because it is considered very lucky and whenever we go for an exam or maybe an important day in any of our lives, we...

Follow up questions

Why do you think this idol is considered lucky by your family?

The idol is considered lucky because it has been passed down through generations, symbolizing blessings and protection. Each family member has experienced positive outcomes during important events, reinforcing the belief in its luck. The emotional connection to the idol also adds to its significance.

How do you feel about keeping such a valuable item in your family?

I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility in keeping the idol safe. It represents our family's history and traditions. Knowing that it has brought luck to my ancestors makes me appreciate its value even more, and I am committed to preserving it for future generations.

Are there any other old items in your family that hold special meaning?

Yes, we have several old items, like my grandmother's wedding jewelry and a vintage photo album. Each item tells a story and connects us to our family's past. They are cherished not just for their material value but for the memories and heritage they represent.

Show all 19 answers

Cue 1:What it is

Begin by clearly identifying the old item your family has kept.
Provide a brief description of its appearance and significance.

Example

The important old thing that my family has kept for a long time is a beautiful brass lamp. It has intricate designs carved on its surface and stands about two feet tall. The lamp has a warm, golden hue that adds a special charm to our home.

Cue 2:How/when your family first got this thing

Share the story of how your family acquired the item, including any special circumstances.
Mention who brought it into the family and any relevant historical context.

Example

My grandfather bought this lamp during his trip to Varanasi in the 1960s. He was captivated by its craftsmanship and decided to bring it home as a souvenir. It has been in our family ever since, passed down through generations.

Cue 3:How long your family has kept it

State the duration for which your family has owned the item.
Emphasize its longevity and any changes in its condition over the years.

Example

We have kept this lamp for over 60 years now. Although it has aged and shows some signs of wear, we have always taken great care to preserve it, ensuring it remains a cherished part of our family heritage.

Cue 4:And explain why this thing is important to your family

Discuss the sentimental value of the item and its connection to family traditions.
Explain how it represents your family's history and values.

Example

This lamp is important to our family because it symbolizes our heritage and the values of craftsmanship and tradition. Every Diwali, we light it to celebrate the festival, reminding us of our roots and the stories of our ancestors. It brings us together and keeps our family history alive.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, this brass lamp is not just an old object; it is a treasured family heirloom that connects us to our past and reinforces our family bonds. Its presence in our home serves as a constant reminder of our history and the love that has been passed down through generations.

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 unclear and unengaging. It's important to provide specific details about the item to make your response more interesting.

Tip

Include specific characteristics of the item, such as its age, appearance, and any unique features that make it special.

2: Don't Rush Through Your Answer

Rushing can lead to missing important details and making your speech sound disorganized. Take your time to think through each part of your answer.

Tip

Practice pacing your speech by pausing briefly after each cue to ensure you cover all points clearly.

Neglecting Emotional Connection

Failing to explain why the item is important can make your answer less impactful. Personal stories create a stronger connection with the listener.

Tip

Share a personal story or memory related to the item that highlights its significance to your family.

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