Sample Answer for IELTS Cue Card 40: Describe a family member you spend the most time with

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic: Describe the person you spend the most time with / Describe a family member you spend the most time with

You should say:

• who this person is?
• what kind of person he or she is?
• what you usually do together
• and explain why you spend the most time with this person.

Sample Answer Band 8

(who this person is) I love my Daddy who I have spent the most time with him. Though I have moved to the UK, after my graduation, we exploit the internet to the fullest (as much as possible). I chat with him on Skype, WhatsApp, and also over a prepaid calling card.

(what kind of person he or she is) He is a warm person full of love for me. Though he is friendly, he never hesitated to advise me on important things. He would be so kind to the extent that he won’t even hurt the ants that bit him hard. He never pressured me to score high marks. His helping tendency was well known in our area. He always got the best things for me, from bags to dresses and books.

(what you usually do together) We used to take long walks and play carom billiards (a game similar to billiards played on a table without pockets) whenever we got together. He did pay a visit to the UK. But I could see that he had become old. Though he couldn’t walk for a long time, he never complained about it. He was careful not to let me know of his illnesses. But I figured out (find out) that his left arm had a problem.

(explain why you spend the most time with this person) He is my friend and guide. I feel easy to confide (to tell something personal or secret to somebody you trust not to tell anyone else) anything with him. He would advise me from the bottom of his heart (very sincerely). His sense of humour (your ability to understand funny things) would lighten even the toughest moment. I used to talk to him about my career plans and get his opinion on it. As a retired banker, he taught me how to invest money. And the list is never-ending (never ends or seems as if it will never end).

Vocabulary for IELTS Cue Card: Describe the person you spend the most time with

To the fullest (phrasal verb): as much as possible

Carom billiards – a game similar to billiards played on a table without pockets

Complained (verb) – express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.

Eg: Sara always complained of the chilliness during winters.

Confide (verb) – to tell something personal or secret to somebody you trust not to tell anyone else

From the bottom of his heart – very sincerely

Sense of humour (noun) – a person’s ability to perceive humour or appreciate a joke.

Eg: Tom had a great sense of humour.

Never-ending – never ends or seems as if it will never end

 

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions (Discussion)

How many generations usually live together in your country?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Our country did have a joint family system where up to three generations lived together. But it is no more in place. The latest trend is parents living in India and children living in foreign countries. After the death of one parent, the other lives separately or joins their children abroad. In cases where the children are in India, they choose an apartment near their companies, which would usually be on the outskirts of the city, while the parents will be living separately in their home in the city or town.

Is it important to visit family members?

(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, it is very much important to visit family members. (Explain your reason or reasons) Maintaining a bond with the family members is essential because the family defines our identity. They are very supportive during tough times.

What are the values of family in your country?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) An Indian family is based on the core principle of sacrificing one’s needs for the welfare of the family. Especially, the mother in the family is an embodiment of sacrifice. It is for this reason that women are regarded with great respect in India. There are also other values like respect for elders, affection towards siblings, etc. (Give an example) For example, it is very common in India for an elder brother to contribute a major share for his sister’s marriage. This would be considered as his duty and will not be repaid.

Why is family bonding necessary for happiness in life?

(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) It is family bonding that ensures happiness in life. The love and affection towards our family members will bestow a sense of security. It also gives us a sense of belongingness.

Do you think the support from a friend is different from the support from a family member?

(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, it is different. (Explain your reason or reasons) There will be a reason for a friend to support you. It may be a win-win situation. But a family will offer support without expecting anything in return. So, support from a family is far more superior than support from a friend.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 3

Joint family (noun) – (especially in India) an extended family, typically consisting of three or more generations and their spouses, living together as a single household. Eg: Sneha married Kalpesh and was living in a joint family.

Tough times (noun) – Times of trouble, struggle, or unhappiness.

Eg: John had a tough time after quitting his job.

Sacrifice (noun) – The act of sacrificing something [ sacrificing (verb) – give up (something valued) for the sake of other considerations].

Eg: Sita was aware of the sacrifices that her mother made.

Duty (noun) – a moral or legal obligation; a responsibility

Eg: Ram considered that it was his duty to provide good education to his children.

Win-win situation(noun) – one that is good for everyone who is involved

Eg: ABC company offered work from home facility because it was a win-win situation for the Company and its employees.