Of course! This is a very common and important topic in IELTS Speaking. The key is not just to describe your family, but to tell a story and express your feelings to show a higher level of English.

Here’s a complete guide to answering the question "Describe a family member you like," including vocabulary, structures, and sample answers.

Part 1: The Direct Answer & Key Tips

When the examiner asks, "Tell me about a family member you like." or "Who is your favorite family member?", you should aim for a 1-2 minute answer.

Key Tips for a High Score:

1. Choose Someone Interesting: Don't just pick your mom because she's "nice." Choose someone with a story, a unique personality, or a special role in your life. This gives you more to talk about.
2. Use "Show, Don't Tell": Instead of saying "He is very kind," tell a story. "He once drove two hours in the middle of the night just to help me with a flat tire. That act of kindness always stays with me."
3. Structure Your Answer: Use a simple structure:
   • Introduction: Who they are and your general relationship.
   • Main Body 1 (Appearance & Personality): What they look like and their character traits.
   • Main Body 2 (A Story/Example): A specific memory or example that shows why you like them.
   • Conclusion: How they influence you or what you've learned from them.
4. Use Rich Vocabulary: Go beyond "good," "nice," "kind." Use more descriptive adjectives and phrases.

Part 2: Vocabulary & Phrases to Use

Adjectives for Personality:

• Positive:
  • Supportive: Always encouraging me.
  • Caring / Affectionate: Shows a lot of love.
  • Witty / Humorous: Makes me laugh a lot.
  • Easy-going / Laid-back: Relaxed and not easily stressed.
  • Resilient: Strong and can handle difficulties well.
  • Wise: Gives good advice based on experience.
  • Generous: Always willing to share or help.
  • Patient: Can wait calmly and deal with problems without annoyance.
  • Ambitious: Has a strong desire to succeed.
• Neutral/Descriptive:
  • Reserved: A bit quiet and doesn't share feelings easily.
  • Meticulous: Very careful and pays great attention to detail.
  • Adventurous: Likes to try new and exciting things.

Useful Phrases:

• Introducing:
  • "The family member I'd like to talk about is my uncle."
  • "If I had to pick one, it would definitely be my grandmother."
• Describing their influence:
  • "He has been a huge influence on my life."
  • "She shaped the person I am today."
  • "I really look up to her."
• Giving examples:
  • "A great example of this was when..."
  • "I'll never forget the time when..."
  • "This was particularly evident when..."
• Concluding:
  • "So, all in all, he's not just my uncle; he's also my best friend and mentor."
  • "I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life."

Part 3: Sample Answers

Here are two sample answers. One is about a grandfather (a classic, warm choice) and the other is about a sister (a more modern, dynamic choice).

Sample Answer 1: Describing My Grandfather

(Who, General Impression) The family member I'm incredibly fond of is my maternal grandfather. He’s in his late seventies now, but to me, he’s the wisest and most gentle person I know. He’s always been a pillar of our family.

(Appearance & Personality) Physically, he’s quite striking. He has a full head of white hair and a warm, crinkly smile that appears when he’s amused. He has a very calm and easy-going personality. He’s not the type to get angry or worried easily. Instead, he has a very witty sense of humor and can turn a boring family gathering into a hilarious one with his stories. He's also incredibly resilient; he went through a lot in his life but always maintains a positive outlook.

(A Story/Why I like him) What I admire most about him is his wisdom. He doesn't just give advice; he shares life lessons through stories. A great example of this was a few years ago when I failed an important exam. I was devastated and thought about giving up. Instead of scolding me, my grandfather just sat me down and told me a story about his first business venture, which also failed. He said, "A single failure doesn't define you. It's the courage to try again that matters." That conversation had a profound impact on me and helped me regain my confidence. It taught me the importance of resilience.

(Conclusion/Influence) So, he’s more than just a grandfather to me; he’s my role model. His calm demeanor and positive outlook on life have taught me how to handle pressure and stay optimistic. I feel incredibly fortunate to have him as a guiding force in my life.

Sample Answer 2: Describing My Sister

(Who, General Impression) If I had to choose a family member I really like, it would undoubtedly be my older sister. We’re only two years apart, so we’ve grown up almost like best friends. She’s the person I go to for everything, from serious life advice to just complaining about my day.

(Appearance & Personality) My sister is full of life. She has long, dark hair and an energetic presence that lights up a room. Her personality is the complete opposite of mine. She’s incredibly ambitious and driven. She’s currently studying medicine and works incredibly hard. But what I love most is that she’s also very supportive and caring. She’s not judgmental at all; she always listens to my problems with an open mind.

(A Story/Why I like her) I’ll never forget the time when I was applying for universities. I was so stressed and overwhelmed with the choices. I had a complete meltdown one night. My sister didn't just tell me to "calm down." She stayed up with me until 3 a.m., helping me research different programs, making lists of pros and cons, and encouraging me to follow my passion, not just what was "safe." Her unwavering support during that difficult time meant the world to me. It showed me what true loyalty and family love are.

(Conclusion/Influence) All in all, my sister has been a huge influence on me. She’s taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of having someone in your corner who truly believes in you. I really look up to her, not just because of her academic success, but because of the kind, strong, and compassionate person she is.

Part 4: Follow-up Questions (Part 3 of the IELTS Test)

The examiner will ask deeper questions related to your answer.

• Examiner: "In your country, what role do grandparents play in the family?"
  • Your Answer: "Traditionally, grandparents play a very central role. They are often the ones who pass down family traditions and values. In many families, they help with childcare, which allows the parents to work. They are a source of wisdom and stability for the whole family."
• Examiner: "Do you think family relationships are changing in modern society?"
  • Your Answer: "Yes, I definitely think so. In the past, families often lived together or very close by. Now, because of work and education, people are more spread out. Also, the relationship between parents and children is often more egalitarian now, with less of a strict hierarchy. People communicate more openly."
• Examiner: "What qualities do you think are important in a good parent?"
  • Your Answer: "I believe patience and understanding are paramount. Parents need to be able to listen to their children without being too judgmental. Support is also key—not just supporting their successes, but also being there for them during failures. And I think leading by example is crucial; children learn more from what their parents do than what they say."

By using these structures, vocabulary, and examples, you can give a fluent, detailed, and high-scoring answer to this common question. Good luck with your IELTS preparation