Sign in Get Started

Describe a family (not your own) that you like and are happy to know

Archived Old Topic

Cue Card

Describe a family (not your own) that you like and are happy to know

You should say:

  • Who they are
  • Where they live
  • How you know them
  • And explain why you like them.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. What do grandparents do to take care of their grandchildren?
  2. What’s the most important quality a parent should have?
  3. What can new parents do to learn about parenting?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've had the pleasure of getting to know the Hernandez family over the years, and I have to say, they're one of the most incredible families I've ever met. What I love about them is how they always put family first, no matter what. They're a tight-knit crew, always supporting each other through thick and thin. I've seen them at family gatherings, laughing and joking around, and it's clear that they genuinely enjoy each other's company. The parents, Carlos and Maria, are high school sweethearts who still hold hands after all these years. They're the kind of couple that makes you believe in love again.

Their kids, Alex and Mia, are both in their early twenties now, but they still have this amazing bond with their parents. They're the kind of kids who will drop everything to help out their family, whether it's running errands for their parents or babysitting their younger cousins. And the way they all pitch in to help with family events is truly inspiring. I've seen them work together to plan birthday parties, holidays, and even family vacations. They're a team, and it's beautiful to see.

What I admire most about the Hernandez family is their unwavering commitment to their values. They're a family that stands by what they believe in, even when it's hard. They're not afraid to have tough conversations and work through challenges together. And at the end of the day, they always come out stronger on the other side. They're the kind of family that makes you want to be a better person, just by being around them.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

tight-knit
closely connected or united
The team was a tight-knit group of friends who had been playing together since high school.
The community was tight-knit, with everyone looking out for each other.
hold hands
to show affection or support by holding hands
The couple held hands as they walked down the street.
The family held hands as they said grace before dinner.
pitch in
to contribute or help out, especially in a group effort
Everyone pitched in to help with the move.
The community pitched in to raise money for the local charity.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do grandparents do to take care of their grandchildren? I think one of the most special things about grandparents is the way they take care of their grandkids. My friend's grandma, for example, is always there to lend a helping hand. Whenever her grandkids come over, she makes them their favorite meals, like homemade pasta or fresh-baked cookies. She also loves to listen to them and offer advice when they need it. She's always been super supportive, whether they're going through a tough time at school or celebrating a big achievement. And what I think is really cool is that she's also super involved in their lives - she attends all their school events, sports games, and recitals. She's always cheering them on and making them feel loved and proud of who they are.

What’s the most important quality a parent should have? In my opinion, the most important quality a parent should have is patience. I've seen my friend's mom deal with some pretty tough situations, like when her kids are fighting or throwing tantrums, and she always manages to stay calm and composed. She takes a deep breath, listens to what they have to say, and tries to understand where they're coming from. She never yells or gets frustrated, even when things get really chaotic. And I think that's what makes her such an amazing parent - she's able to create a sense of safety and security for her kids, even in the midst of chaos. She's always there to offer a listening ear and a comforting hug, and that's something that I think is really essential for kids to feel loved and supported.

What can new parents do to learn about parenting? I think one of the best things new parents can do to learn about parenting is to join a community of other parents. My friend's sister just had a baby, and she joined this online forum for new moms in her area. It's been a total game-changer for her - she's been able to connect with other moms who are going through the same things, ask for advice, and share her own experiences. She's also been able to learn from other moms who have been there, done that, and have some amazing tips and tricks to share. Plus, it's been really helpful for her to have a support system - she can vent about the tough days and celebrate the good ones with people who totally get it. And I think that's something that's really important for new parents to have - a sense of community and connection with others who are on the same journey.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

lend a helping hand
to assist or support someone
Whenever her grandkids come over, she makes them their favorite meals, like homemade pasta or fresh-baked cookies.
tough time
a difficult or challenging period
She's always been super supportive, whether they're going through a tough time at school or celebrating a big achievement.
cheering them on
to encourage and support someone
She's always cheering them on and making them feel loved and proud of who they are.
stay calm and composed
to remain peaceful and in control
She takes a deep breath, listens to what they have to say, and tries to understand where they're coming from.
create a sense of safety and security
to make someone feel protected and comfortable
She's able to create a sense of safety and security for her kids, even in the midst of chaos.
game-changer
something that has a significant impact or effect
It's been a total game-changer for her - she's been able to connect with other moms who are going through the same things, ask for advice, and share her own experiences.
vent about
to express or talk about one's feelings or frustrations
She can vent about the tough days and celebrate the good ones with people who totally get it.

Warning: This is an archived topic from a past exam season. It is now out of date.

Do you want all the latest topics and questions that are on the exam right now?

How many questions are on the exam today?

The IELTS speaking test is constantly changing. Here you can find all of the current questions that are valid from October 2024. None of the questions are old or out of date, and they are all being asked by examiners on tests today.

Part 1

57 Topics

(302 current questions)

Read all the topics

Part 2

73 Cue Cards

(For tests beginning 1 Oct 2024)

See all the cue cards

Part 3

300+ Questions

(Today's real questions)

Get all the questions

Start your IELTS speaking test preparation today

Don't be shocked and surprised by what the examiner can ask you.

Get all the speaking test questions before your test date so you're not left speachless when the examiner asks you a weird question you've never thought of before.

Photo of Sophia Rodriguez

“The content and advice were spot on — I scored 8.0 in IELTS speaking and I'm thrilled!”

Sofia Rodriguez, speaking score: 8.0

Get 15% off with coupon code 15OFF at checkout today