Of course! Describing a family member is a very common and important topic in the IELTS Speaking test. It allows you to showcase your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to tell a story.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare, including a sample answer, key vocabulary, and tips for different parts of the test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this part, the examiner will ask simple, direct questions. Keep your answers concise and natural.

Examiner: "Let's talk about your family. Can you tell me about them?" You: "Sure, I come from a small family. There's my mum, my dad, and me. I'm an only child, so I was quite spoiled growing up!"

Examiner: "Is there anyone in your family you are particularly close to?" You: "Yes, definitely. I'm very close to my mum. We share a lot in common, and she's always been my biggest supporter. We talk almost every day, about everything from work to our favorite TV shows."

Examiner: "What do you like to do together?" You: "We enjoy cooking together on weekends. It's a great way to relax and chat. She's an amazing cook, and I've learned so many of her recipes. We also love going for long walks in the park near our house."

Part 2: Long Turn (The Cue Card)

This is the most structured part. You have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes.

Cue Card:

Describe a family member who you admire.

（图片来源网络，侵删）

You should say:

• who this person is
• what they are like
• what you have done together
• and explain why you admire them.

(You have 1 minute to make notes. Here’s a good way to structure your notes):

• Who: My grandmother (paternal).
• What like:
  • Kind, patient, incredibly strong.
  • Optimistic, always sees the good in people.
  • Very wise, gives great advice.
• Done together:
  • Grew up with her, she lived with us.
  • Taught me to cook traditional dishes.
  • Told me stories about her life (hardships, resilience).
  • Gardening together in her small backyard.
• Why admire:
  • Faced many difficulties (e.g., raised my dad alone) but never complained.
  • Her positive attitude is contagious.
  • Taught me the value of hard work and family.
  • Her love is unconditional.

Sample Answer (2 minutes):

"I'd like to talk about my grandmother, my dad's mum. She's the person I admire most in the world, and she has had a profound influence on who I am today.

In terms of her personality, she is one of the kindest and most patient people I know. She has this incredible ability to stay calm and positive, no matter what life throws at her. Even when things were tough, she would always have a warm smile and some encouraging words. She’s also very wise, not in a bookish way, but from a lifetime of experience.

I spent a lot of time with her when I was growing up because she lived with us. I have so many fond memories of our time together. She taught me how to cook many of our family's traditional dishes. I remember standing on a little stool in the kitchen, watching her chop vegetables with amazing speed. She would tell me stories about her life—how she grew up in a small village and worked incredibly hard to raise my dad on her own after my grandfather passed away. These stories weren't just about hardship; they were about resilience and hope. We also used to spend hours in her little garden, where she grew beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. It was our special time together.

The main reason I admire her so much is her strength and unwavering optimism. She has faced more challenges than most people, but she never let bitterness or negativity take over her life. Instead, she focused on what she had—her family, her health, and her ability to find joy in small things. She taught me that true strength isn't about never falling down; it's about always getting back up with a smile. Her love and guidance have shaped my values, and I truly hope I can be half as strong and compassionate as she is."

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Here, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to your Part 2 answer.

Examiner: "In general, do you think it's important for families to spend a lot of time together?" You: "Absolutely. I think it's crucial for building strong family bonds. In our fast-paced modern lives, everyone is so busy with work and school, but carving out time to connect, even if it's just for a meal, helps create a sense of belonging and security. It’s where we learn our core values and feel supported."

Examiner: "Has the role of the family changed in your country over the last few decades?" You: "Yes, definitely. Traditionally, in many cultures like mine, you had multi-generational families living under one roof. While that still happens, it's becoming less common as young people move away for education or career opportunities. There's also a shift towards more nuclear families. However, I think the underlying values of respect for elders and the importance of family remain strong, even if the living arrangements have changed."

Examiner: "Do you think children learn more from their family or from their teachers at school?" You: "That's an interesting question. I believe they learn different things. Teachers are essential for academic knowledge, critical thinking, and social skills in a structured environment. But family is where a child learns their first lessons in morality, empathy, and how to interact with the world. It’s the family that provides the foundational values and emotional security that a child needs to succeed in all areas of life, including school. So, I'd say it's a complementary relationship, not a competition."

Key Vocabulary & Phrases to Use

To get a higher score, aim for less common vocabulary and natural-sounding phrases.

Describing Personality:

• Admirable: admirable, inspiring, respectable
• Positive: optimistic, cheerful, upbeat, has a great outlook on life
• Strong: resilient, tough, strong-willed, determined, steadfast
• Kind: compassionate, caring, thoughtful, warm-hearted, nurturing
• Wise: insightful, sagacious (a bit formal), has a wealth of experience, gives sound advice

Describing Your Relationship:

• "We have a very close bond."
• "She's been a great role model for me."
• "I look up to her a lot." (This is a very natural and common phrase)
• "She's always been there for me."
• "We share a special connection."

Describing Actions & Memories:

• "I have so many fond memories of..."
• "One thing I really cherish is..."
• "She taught me the value of hard work / honesty / perseverance."
• "We bonded over..."
• "She shaped who I am today."

Tips for Success:

1. Be Specific: Instead of saying "she was nice," say "she was incredibly kind and always thought of others before herself."
2. Tell a Story: People remember stories. Use the "what you have done together" part to tell a short, specific anecdote.
3. Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of saying "she was strong," describe a situation where she showed her strength (e.g., "When my dad lost his job, she didn't panic. She just calmly started making phone calls and looking for solutions.").
4. Connect Your Ideas: Use linking words like "moreover," "furthermore," "in addition," "however," "as a result" to make your speech flow better.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice: Record yourself answering the cue card. Listen back to check your fluency, pronunciation, and grammar. Time yourself to make sure you can speak for 2 minutes without running out of things to say.