Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe your family - Cue Card # 387
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Individual Long Run - IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe your family.
You should say:
- how many family members you have
- what they do
- what are they like
And explain your relationship with them.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
Thank you very much for the opportunity you have given me to talk about my family. To begin with, my family has got 6 members including me. My father, mother, elder brother and two younger sisters are the roots of my existence and I love them very much.
To start, my mother is the sweetest person and the most kind-hearted woman I have ever seen. She is creative, helpful and loving in nature. She used to work as a teacher in a college but left it when my elder brother came to this world. She still runs a small boutique business along with taking great care of her family.
My father is the cornerstone of our family and works hard to win the bread for our family. He is a great mentor for all of us. He works in a large private company as a Vice President and he is a super dad, our inspiration and guide. He cares and loves all of us and holds himself responsible for our family's well-being. He loves travelling and that’s why we have travelled a lot with him. He is our hero, friend and mentor.
My elder brother (John) is an exemplary young person and a son every parent would dream of having. He is very talented and works in a Bank as a System Analyst. He has a creative soul and art is his passion despite his academic background in computer engineering. He is one of the best friends I have.
My younger sister (Kathy) is two years junior to me and she is my soul mate. She often rivals me but more often inspires me. She is my partner(!) in everything unusual or out-of-the-routine thing I do. Sibling rivalry is something I have learned from her in a positive way. She would sometimes act as if she were my mother!
The little angel and the only mischievous(!) family member is my youngest sister Poly. She is only 9 years old and she fills our home with her angelic smile. She often complains about things just to grab some extra attention from us!
The famous saying ‘Blood's thicker than water’ is quite true as I feel most comfortable and blessed being with my family members. I am sure I am lucky to have such a happy family where everyone has great contributions to help me become the person I am.
Model Answer 2:
Well, I've a relatively small but close-knit family consisting of four members: my parents, my younger brother, and myself. We all share a strong bond, and although we have different personalities and interests, we enjoy spending time together. I am so glad that you allowed me to talk about my family.
First, let me tell you about my parents. My father is a successful businessman who runs his own consulting firm. He is a very hard-working, determined, and disciplined person. He has always been a great role model for me, especially in terms of professional achievements and work ethics. My mother, on the other hand, is a school teacher. She teaches history at a local high school, and she is incredibly patient and kind-hearted. She has always been the nurturing and supportive figure in our home. She is also a great cook, and her culinary skills are something I really appreciate.
Then there is my younger brother, who is currently pursuing his studies in computer science. He is quite tech-savvy, always immersed in the latest gadgets and technologies. We have a playful and sometimes competitive relationship, but we care a lot about each other. Although there is a gap in our ages, we share similar interests, such as playing video games and watching sports together.
As for what they are like, I would say that each of them has a unique and admirable characteristic. My father is focused and pragmatic, my mother is warm and loving, and my brother is ambitious and curious. The atmosphere in our home is always filled with lively conversations, laughter, and mutual respect. We may have our disagreements now and then, but at the end of the day, we always come together to support each other.
The relationship I have with my family is incredibly strong. We are a tight-knit unit, and despite our individual differences, we always make time for each other. We enjoy family gatherings, and whether it's celebrating birthdays, holidays, or just having dinner together, these moments mean a lot to me. I feel extremely lucky to have such supportive, loving, and understanding people in my life. My family has always been my rock, and I am confident that no matter where life takes me, they will always have my back.
The same topic with a slightly different question set:
Describe your family.
You should say:
- what type of family it is
- how many family members you have got
- what they do
and explain how important your family is to you.
Model Answer 1:
Thank you a lot for this wonderful topic as I'm delighted to talk about my family. We have a nuclear family, and it is quite common for people in the city areas to have a nuclear family. Rural areas, in my country, still have many joint families but unfortunately, the tradition is changing rapidly!
My father works as a production manager (PM) in a car manufacturing company and my mum teaches English literature at a girl's school in our area. Both of them are very caring and sincere, and they are quite friendly to us. I am the eldest son (...say, daughter, if you are a girl...) of my parents and I have got a sister who is 18 years old and a brother who has turned 12 recently.
My sister's name is Jill and she is a very talented and inventive individual. She is the top scorer in her class and a creative artist. I love her very much and she is very fond of me. My younger brother, Kyle, is a very good soccer player and he likes to spend time with me. He often says that I am his best buddy and this is something I am really proud of. I am 27 and I work in a private company for the last 3 years and a junior executive. I have now planned to continue my higher studies at a renowned foreign university.
We live in (... say the city and area name...). We have an apartment. We often have guests at our home and my mother cooks a special menu whenever we have guests. We eat our dinner together as a family and share our stories and events with our parents. My father often takes us outside to enjoy movies or to eat at a good restaurant. We enjoy this outing a lot and we look forward to going outside together.
To answer the question 'how important my family is to me'- I would say my family is the whole world to me. I love my parents and my siblings more than anything in this world. They have done (and still doing) a lot for me. My mother is the kindest person I have ever met and her sacrifices for us are unparalleled. As I have grown up now, I know how much it means to a father or a mother to have a child. As the firstborn among our siblings, I was my parent's whole world and the centre of their universe. Similarly, my family is the root of my very existence. I love them and would be ready to do anything and everything for them.
Model Answer 2:
Well, I come from a warm, close-knit family, which I consider to be my strongest pillar of support. My family is a blend of love, understanding, and shared values, and the bond we share is integral to who I am today. I am so happy to have been given this topic that enables me to talk about my family.
My family consists of four members: my parents, my younger sister, and myself. My father is a well-established lawyer, known for his integrity and diligence in his work. He is a highly focused individual, often working late into the evenings, but he still manages to prioritize quality time with us. My mother is a compassionate doctor, who works at a local clinic, helping people in need. Her caring and nurturing nature is something that I have always admired, and she has greatly influenced my outlook on life. My younger sister is currently pursuing her studies in biology at university. Although she is younger than me, she is remarkably mature and intelligent, and she often surprises us with her innovative ideas.
I believe that my family is the cornerstone of my life, and they hold a special place in my heart. Their unwavering support has always provided me with the confidence to chase my dreams and tackle life's challenges. Whenever I face obstacles, I can always count on them for encouragement and guidance. Their love and care have shaped my values and beliefs, and I feel incredibly grateful for the strong foundation they have given me. For me, family is the foundation of everything, and no matter how far apart we may be in physical distance, the bond we share remains strong, constant, and irreplaceable.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Here are some general ideas you can use for the topic of describing your family. You can expand on these ideas and personalize them based on your own experiences and the structure of your response.
1. Nuclear Family – A family consisting of parents and children living together in a single household.
2. Extended Family – A family structure that includes not only parents and children but also other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
3. Single-Parent Family – A family in which only one parent is responsible for the upbringing of the children.
4. Family with Children of Different Ages – A family where the children vary in age, ranging from young toddlers to teenagers.
5. Blended Family – A family in which one or both parents have children from previous relationships but live together as a new family unit.
6. Working Parents – A family where both parents work, and the household manages to balance professional and family responsibilities.
7. Stay-at-Home Parent – A family where one parent stays home to take care of the children and the household while the other parent works.
8. Family with Elderly Members – A family where grandparents or elderly parents live with the nuclear family, offering intergenerational support and connection.
9. Close-Knit Family – A family that shares strong emotional bonds, communicates frequently, and enjoys spending time together.
10. Family with Different Cultural Backgrounds – A family that may consist of members from different cultural backgrounds, creating a rich and diverse environment at home.
11. Large Family – A family with many children or numerous members, often fostering a lively and busy atmosphere.
12. Adoptive Family – A family in which one or more children are adopted and are raised alongside biological children.
These points can serve as a good starting point for your answer. Be sure to personalize the idea by adding specific examples or experiences that are meaningful to you.
Part 3 – Two-way discussion:
Topic: Attitudes to family:
Q. In what ways have families in your country changed in recent years?
Answer: Families in my country have evolved over the last few decades. Traditionally, extended families, including grandparents, uncles, and aunts, would live together or very close to one another, but now nuclear families have become more common. People are moving to cities for work, which has led to more independent family units. Also, the roles within the family have changed significantly, with more women working outside the home and sharing responsibilities with their partners. Additionally, there is more acceptance of diverse family structures, such as single-parent families raising children and os on.
Q. Should husbands and wives have different roles within the family? [Why / why not?]
Answer: I don’t think husbands and wives should have strictly defined roles based on their gender. In today’s world, it’s more important for couples to have an equal partnership where responsibilities are shared according to each person’s strengths and interests, rather than adhering to traditional gender norms. For instance, if the wife enjoys cooking and the husband is good at home repairs, that’s perfectly fine, but it should be a choice, not something dictated by societal expectations. The key is mutual respect, communication, and cooperation.
Topic: Family or friends:
Q. Which are more important to you - your family or your friends? [Why?]
Answer: Umm, this is a tough question because both are incredibly important, but if I had to choose, I would say my family is more important. Family offers unconditional support and love. They are always there, no matter the situation. The bond with family members, especially parents and siblings, is something that can’t be replaced. That being said, I value my friends deeply as well. They provide different kinds of support—emotional and social—that I might not always get from family. So, while family may come first for me, I think it's the balance between the two that enriches life.
Q. What conflicts can arise between a person's family and a person's friends?
Answer: Conflicts can occur when there’s a lack of understanding or boundaries between family and friends. For example, if someone spends too much time with their friends and not enough time with their family, their family might feel neglected or unimportant. On the other hand, if a family disapproves of a person’s friends or romantic relationships, it can create tension. Sometimes, there can be jealousy, especially if friends and family don’t get along or if one group feels like they are competing for the person’s attention.
Topic: Family responsibilities:
Q. What responsibilities do parents have towards their children?
Answer: Parents have a wide range of responsibilities towards their children, and these go beyond just providing food and shelter. First, parents are responsible for ensuring their children’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This means meeting their basic needs, but also nurturing their self-esteem, encouraging their personal development, and teaching them right from wrong. Parents are also responsible for creating a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. Education is another key responsibility; parents should be involved in their children’s learning and help them grow into responsible, well-rounded individuals. Lastly, parents should model positive behaviours and values that children can adopt as they grow up.
Q. What responsibilities do children have towards their parents?
Answer: Children, as they grow older, have a responsibility to respect and appreciate their parents. This includes showing love and care, and being there for them when they need support, especially as parents age. It’s important for children to acknowledge their parents' sacrifices and express gratitude for everything they’ve done. In many cultures, it’s expected that children will take care of their parents as they get older, whether that means providing financial support, offering emotional comfort, or helping them with practical tasks. While children may not have the same level of responsibility as parents, they should still contribute to the family dynamic by being considerate, respectful, and supportive.
Similar Cue Card Topics
Your ability to talk about this Cue Card would enable you to talk about the following Cue Cards as well:
1. Describe a family member.
2. Describe someone you like.
3. Describe someone you are very close to.
4. Describe your relationship with your family.
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