Of course! Here is a comprehensive guide to answering Part 1 questions about "relatives" for your IELTS speaking test. This includes common questions, sample answers with different levels, and useful vocabulary and tips.

Part 1: Relatives - Common Questions

The examiner will ask you 4-5 general questions about this topic. The goal is to have a natural, fluent conversation.

1. Do you get along well with your relatives?
2. Which of your relatives are you closest to?
3. Do you see your relatives often?
4. What do you usually do when you get together with your relatives?
5. Is family important in your country?
6. Did you used to see your relatives often when you were a child?

How to Answer Effectively

• Be Specific: Instead of just saying "my cousin," you can say "my cousin, Lily, who lives in Shanghai."
• Give Examples: Don't just say "we have fun together." Explain how you have fun. "We usually have a big family dinner and play board games."
• Extend Your Answers: A good answer is 2-3 sentences long. It shows you can develop a thought.
• Be Natural: Use conversational language. It's a chat, not a formal speech.

Sample Answers (Band 6.5 - 7.0 Level)

These answers are fluent, use good vocabulary, and provide a clear, personal response.

Question 1: Do you get along well with your relatives?

Answer: Yes, absolutely. I'm quite fortunate to have a very close-knit family, so we all get on really well. We might have the occasional disagreement, like any family, but we always make an effort to stay in touch and support each other.

• Vocabulary: close-knit family, get on well, occasional disagreement, stay in touch, support each other.

Question 2: Which of your relatives are you closest to?

Answer: I'd say I'm closest to my maternal grandmother. She's incredibly wise and always has the best advice. We share a similar sense of humour, and I love listening to her stories about the past. She’s been a huge influence on my life.

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• Vocabulary: maternal grandmother, incredibly wise, sense of humour, a huge influence.

Question 3: Do you see your relatives often?

Answer: Not as often as I'd like, to be honest. Most of my relatives live in different cities, so we usually only manage to get together during big holidays like the Spring Festival or for family birthdays. But we make sure to video call each other regularly.

• Vocabulary: Not as often as I'd like, manage to get together, big holidays, video call.

Question 4: What do you usually do when you get together with your relatives?

Answer: It's always a lively affair! We typically start with a big, delicious meal, which is a central part of our gatherings. After eating, the adults will chat and catch up on the latest news, while the younger ones, including me, might play some card games or just watch a movie together. It’s a great way to relax and reconnect.

• Vocabulary: a lively affair, catch up on the latest news, reconnect.

Sample Answers (Higher Band 7.0+ Level)

These answers show more sophisticated language, better sentence structure, and deeper reflection.

Question 1: Do you get along well with your relatives?

Answer: For the most part, yes. I come from a fairly large and extended family, so dynamics can be a bit complex at times. However, we all share a strong sense of loyalty and have a genuine appreciation for one another, which helps us navigate any minor friction that might arise.

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• Vocabulary: For the most part, extended family, dynamics can be complex, strong sense of loyalty, genuine appreciation, navigate any minor friction.

Question 2: Which of your relatives are you closest to?

Answer: Without a doubt, my uncle on my father's side. He's more like a mentor to me than just a relative. We share a lot of common interests, especially when it comes to technology and philosophy, and our conversations always challenge my perspective. He’s been a pillar of support for me as I've grown up.

• Vocabulary: Without a doubt, mentor, share common interests, challenge my perspective, a pillar of support.

Question 3: Do you see your relatives often?

Answer: It’s a bit of a mixed bag. My immediate family is very close, and we see each other weekly. However, my more distant relatives, like my second cousins, live abroad, so physical reunions are few and far between. Fortunately, social media has made it so much easier to maintain those connections and feel involved in each other's lives on a daily basis.

• Vocabulary: a mixed bag, immediate family, few and far between, maintain those connections.

Question 4: What do you usually do when you get together with your relatives?

Answer: Our gatherings tend to revolve around food and tradition. My relatives are fantastic cooks, so there's always a huge spread of home-cooked dishes, each with its own story. Beyond the eating, it’s a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family bonds. We'll often share old photos and reminisce, which is a priceless way to pass down our family heritage to the younger generation.

• Vocabulary: revolve around food and tradition, a huge spread of home-cooked dishes, strengthen family bonds, reminisce, priceless, pass down our family heritage.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

Types of Relatives:

• Immediate family: parents, siblings, spouse, children.
• Extended family: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces.
• In-laws: mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, etc.

Describing Relationships:

• Positive: close-knit, get along well, have a strong bond, be on good terms, supportive, affectionate, tight-knit.
• Neutral/General: see each other, get together, catch up, have a family gathering.
• (To describe a less close relationship): We're not particularly close, but we're on civil terms.

Activities with Relatives:

• Have a family reunion / get-together.
• Catch up on news.
• Share stories / reminisce.
• Have a big meal / feast.
• Celebrate a birthday / holiday.
• Watch a movie / play games.
• Go for a walk / hang out.

Final Tips for Success

1. Prepare, but don't memorize. Think about your own family. The answers should sound like you.
2. Smile and be enthusiastic. Talking about family is a personal topic. Show that you enjoy it.
3. Use linking words. Words like however, for example, in addition, and because make your answers flow better.
4. Ask a question back (if appropriate). For example, after answering "Do you see your relatives often?", you could add, "What about you? Do you have a large family?" This can turn the monologue into a more dynamic conversation.

Good luck with your test!