Of course! Talking about "visiting relatives" is a very common topic in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test. It's a great opportunity to show your fluency and use a range of vocabulary and grammar.

Here’s a complete guide to help you prepare, including sample answers, key vocabulary, and tips.

Part 1: Sample Questions and Answers

The examiner will ask you simple, direct questions. Your answers should be a bit longer than a simple "yes" or "no." Aim for 2-3 sentences per answer.

Question 1: How often do you visit your relatives?

• Good Answer:

  "I try to visit my relatives quite regularly, probably about once a month. Usually, it's for a family dinner on a weekend, which is a nice way to catch up and stay connected."

  

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• Another Good Answer:

  "Not as often as I'd like, to be honest. Most of my relatives live in another city, so I only get to see them a few times a year, especially during big holidays like Chinese New Year."

• Analysis:

  • Direct Answer: "once a month" / "a few times a year."
  • Extra Detail: Explains why (they live far away) or what they do (family dinner, catch up).
  • Vocabulary: regularly, catch up, stay connected, big holidays.

Question 2: Who do you usually visit?

• Good Answer:

  
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  "I most often visit my grandparents. They live just down the street, so it's very convenient. I also really enjoy spending time with them because they have so many interesting stories to tell."

• Another Good Answer:

  "I usually visit my aunt and her family. They have two kids who are about the same age as my cousins, so it's always a fun and lively atmosphere when we get together."

• Analysis:

  • Direct Answer: "my grandparents" / "my aunt and her family."
  • Extra Detail: Gives a reason for the choice (convenience, fun atmosphere, shared interests).
  • Vocabulary: convenient, atmosphere, get together, lively.

Question 3: Do you prefer visiting relatives or having them visit you?

• Good Answer:

  "I think I prefer visiting them. It feels more like a special occasion, and I don't have to worry about cleaning the house or preparing a big meal. Plus, I get to see their home environment, which is always comforting."

• Another Good Answer:

  "To be honest, I don't have a strong preference either way. When they visit me, it's nice to show them around my city. And when I visit them, it's a good excuse for a road trip. Both are great for making memories."

• Analysis:

  • Clear Preference: "I prefer visiting them."
  • Reasoning: Explains the pros and cons of each (no cleaning vs. showing them around).
  • Vocabulary: special occasion, preparing a meal, home environment, making memories.

Question 4: What do you usually do when you visit relatives?

• Good Answer:

  "It really depends on which relatives I'm with. With my grandparents, we might just chat over a cup of tea or watch old family photo albums. But with my cousins, we're more likely to play board games or watch a movie together."

• Another Good Answer:

  "Well, food is always a big part of it! My relatives are amazing cooks, so we almost always share a big home-cooked meal. After that, we'll just hang out in the living room, talk about what's been happening in our lives, and maybe help my grandma with her garden."

• Analysis:

  • Specific Activities: "chat over tea," "play board games," "share a big home-cooked meal."
  • Varied Answer: Shows you can talk about different situations.
  • Vocabulary: photo albums, board games, hang out, home-cooked meal.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

This is where you have 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1-2 minutes on a specific topic.

Cue Card:

Describe a time you visited a relative.

You should say:

• who you visited
• where they live
• what you did during the visit
• and explain how you felt about the visit.

Sample Answer (Structure and Key Points):

(Introduction - Who & Where) "I'd like to talk about a visit I made to my aunt and uncle last summer. They live in a small, coastal town about a three-hour train ride from my city. It's a beautiful place, very different from the hustle and bustle of where I live."

(What you did - Main Body) "The main reason for my visit was to help them with some minor repairs around their house, as they're not as young as they used to be. However, we spent most of our time relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Every morning, we would go for a long walk along the beach, and in the afternoons, we would sit on their porch, drink freshly brewed coffee, and chat about everything and nothing. One evening, my aunt taught me how to make her famous seafood pasta, which was a fantastic experience. We also took a short boat trip to see some local dolphins, which was absolutely magical."

(Explain your feelings - Conclusion) "All in all, it was a wonderfully refreshing trip. I felt a real sense of peace and tranquility there, being away from the noise and stress of my daily routine. But more than that, I felt a deep sense of connection with my family. It wasn't about doing anything spectacular; it was just about spending quality time together, strengthening our bonds. I cherish those memories and I'm already looking forward to my next visit."

Part 3: Discussion

The examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic.

Question 1: In your country, are family gatherings common?

"Absolutely. Family gatherings are a cornerstone of our culture, especially around traditional festivals. For instance, during the Mid-Autumn Festival or Lunar New Year, it's almost expected for the whole extended family to come together. It's a time to honor our ancestors and reinforce family ties."

Question 2: Do you think it's important for families to live close to each other?

"I think it can be beneficial, but it's not absolutely essential. Living close by certainly makes it easier for daily support, like helping elderly relatives or looking after children. However, with modern technology like video calls, families can stay connected regardless of the distance. I believe the quality of the relationship matters more than the physical proximity."

Question 3: How has the role of technology changed the way families interact?

"Technology has had a profound impact, I'd say. On the one hand, it has made communication much easier and more frequent. We can instantly share photos and messages, which helps bridge the gap for families who live far apart. On the other hand, there's a risk that these interactions can become superficial. Nothing really replaces the value of face-to-face conversation and the non-verbal cues you get from being physically present with someone you love."

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

Tips for Success

1. Be Natural: Don't memorize answers. Use the sample answers as a guide to structure your own thoughts.
2. Expand Your Answers: Always add a little extra detail. Instead of "I visit my grandma," say "I visit my grandma because she lives nearby, and we usually bake cookies together."
3. Use Linking Words: Use words like however, furthermore, as a result, for instance to connect your ideas smoothly.
4. Show Emotion: When you talk about how you felt, use descriptive words like happy, warm, grateful, or relaxed. This makes your answer more engaging.
5. Ask for Clarification: If you don't understand a question, it's perfectly fine to ask: "Sorry, could you rephrase that question, please?"

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!