IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Topic: Describe an antique or some other old thing that your family has kept for a long time

Settled in my family’s jewelry box is the old-fashioned, yet astonishing pearl necklace that belonged to my great grandmother. It has been there for quite a long time as a family heirloom on my mom’s side, which, I guess, would become mine when the time comes. Though I haven’t seen neither my Grannie nor my mom wear it, the necklace still holds an underlying meaning and is always treated with greatest care and love.

The pearl necklace is super classic and simple, just like what it represents: pure beauty. The strand was hand-strung with a notch between each pearl to avoid them rubbing against each other. Even though it has been carefully preserved, the shiny surface of each pearl is no longer at its best; instead, a few scratches have appeared and the bright white color has started to get dull. It was on our great grandparents’ wedding that my great grandfather presented his beloved wife this precious gift and it immediately became her favorite. She wore it whenever there was an occasion, which means practically every time she went out. This was proven by the number of pictures we found her wearing the chain years later. My Grannie inherited it after her mom passed away but almost never touched it unless to clean or move it from box to box. She said she wanted to keep its true spirit and the beautiful story behind as it was meant to be. As a result, years has gone by but that delicate pearl chain has always stayed untouched inside the jewelry box and will still be there in many years to come as a sign of respect and reminder of the good old days.

Vocabulary:

• Astonishing (adj) very surprising, amazing

Example: It’s astonishing how much the place has changed.

• Heirloom (noun) a valuable or special possession that has belonged to a family for many years
• underlying meaning (expression) are the real or basic meaning, although they are not obvious or directly stated

Example: The underlying meaning of the book has been ignored.

• inherit (verb) to receive property or money from someone who has died

Example: He inherited the business from his father.

• delicate (adj) attractive with many small details

Example: a delicate floral design always attracts me.

 

QUESTION FOR PART 3

1. Which do you think are better, old things or new things?

Everything has its own value, together with its own meaning, I believe. Old things remind us of our past and tradition, while newer things are embodiment of advancement and innovation. That’s why vintage style has never gone out of date, whether in fashion or interior design. On the other hand, modern devices are providing significant benefits for users. Take iPhone for instance. Every year, a new version is introduced to the world with different features and better applications, which is obviously a plus.

Vocabulary:

• Embodiment (noun) someone or something that is the best possible example of a particular idea, quality, or principle, especially a good one

Example: He is the very embodiment of kindness.

• Out of date (adj) old and no longer suitable for modern processes, purposes, or methods

Example: Out-of-date film for camera was sold to photographers with cheaper price.

2. As well as family photographs, what are some other things that people keep in their family for a long time?

Besides family photographs, heirlooms such as antique jewelries and diaries are probably some of the most popular things that have usually been passed down from generation to generation. Our ancestors often tended to leave something valuable and unique to their successors not only because they wanted to give what would be best for their children but also to remind them of the true owner along with his or her stories. There will be time when our memories about those stories fade away but the piece of antique object is still there as a constant reminder for our families’ tradition and history.

Vocabulary:

Antique (adj) an old object such as a piece of furniture or jewellery that is valuable because it is rare, beautiful, or well made

Pass down (verb) to give knowledge or teach skills to your children or to younger people

Example: These traditional stories have been passed down from parent to child over many generations.

Successor (noun) used about someone who continues the work of someone who came before them

3. What are the benefits (=What is the value/what is the importance) of keeping some old things in the family?

As mentioned above, old things bear great meanings and some stories that are worth sharing about our ancestors. Nothing works better in reviving such historical events in the most authentic and emotional fashion than a part of the events itself. Therefore, these heirlooms play an important part in keeping such stories alive and ensure memories of our great great grandparents will never get lost.

4. Do you think it’s good to recall the past?

People always say “Past is a nice place to visit but certain not a good place to stay”, which I couldn’t agree more. Some might think we should just move on with our lives without looking back since our pasts are full of mistakes and painful experience. However, if it hadn’t been for what we had been through in our journey to the present, where would we have been? Therefore, I believe, sometimes it’s a healthy practice to contemplate yourself, not only about the present or the future but the past as well because you may realize things you might have overlooked when you were less mature as you are right now.

Contemplate (verb) look at or think very carefully about something for a long time

Example: I haven’t got time to sit around contemplating the meaning of life.