Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a family (not your own) that you like - Cue Card # 496
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a family (not your own) that you like.
You should say:
- whose family it is
- how many family members they have
- what are they like
and explain why you like this family.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk something on this great topic. Actually, I am truly happy to know a number of great families, and today, I would like to talk about one such family that I have known for a long time.
The family I am talking about here is none other than the family of a very good friend of mine. I have known them since childhood, when both I and my friend used to attend the same elementary school.
However, even though, both I and my friend became close friends right after meeting each other at our elementary school, I didn’t really have a chance to meet the whole family of my friend until after they had come to watch an annual sports competition of our school, which was actually long time after I had met my friend. Needless to say, immediately after meeting them at my elementary school, I started to like the whole family of my friend, which included his parents, three elder brothers and a couple of younger sisters (yes, my friend has a big family). By the way, one of the remarkable things about my friend’s family is that they always like to spend money on travelling and buying gifts for other people, even though they may not necessarily be that rich.
Anyway, since meeting them for the first time on that day, there had been hardly any week when I didn’t visit them at their place or one of my friend’s family member didn’t visit my family, even though, both my family and my friend’s family live at a fairly long distance from each other.
Well, I like this family, mainly because each and every one of its members treated me like their own. In fact, since meeting them a long time ago, I can’t remember a major festival of my country during which they didn’t buy me a gift or invite me to their place to have a family feast.
Sample Answer 2:
That's an interesting topic, I would say. There are many families I know about, and I am very close to some of these families that I like, but I have never thought that I would have to describe such a family. Well, I think describing Emma and her family would be more convenient and natural for me, as she is one of my best friends and I know her family very well.
Emma has a family with four members: she and her parents, and her sister Paula, who is a doctor. They live only five blocks away from our house, and I have known Emma for more than 15 years as a friend. These days, they often visit our house - perhaps once a week.
The reason Emma is a very good friend of mine is that she is very talented and friendly. The first time I met her, I found her sociable, easygoing, gregarious and cordial. Since then, we have been close friends. I guess Emma is a fine mixture of both of her parents, and that makes her an excellent person. She is my friend for a long and we two have a very close relationship as two close friends.
Her father, Mr Alex, is an architect and works for a large private company. He stays out of town most of the time. When he is not working, he remains busy in his garden. He is quite a devoted gardener, and I must state that he has got the finest garden on our block. He does not speak much, but I had a few conversations with him, and I found him quite intelligent, and he has a sense of humour that makes him more friendly than he appears to be.
Emma's mother is a school teacher, and she teaches English literature in grade 7. She is a beautiful woman who loves every living soul. She is also a great cook. She has a natural talent for cooking a variety of food items, and this makes her very famous among our friends.
Paula, Emma’s sister, is a doctor. She has two children who are both in their elementary schools. As Paula lives with her husband, I have met her only twice and know very little about her.
They make an excellent family that anyone would expect as their neighbour. We often visit Emma's family and have family parties. Our family members have a close and friendly relationship with Emma's family, and surprisingly, Emma's father talks a lot when he is with my father. Probably they love to discuss things together and have common interests and topics to talk about.
Cue Card Answer 3:
Introduction:
Thank you very much for giving me this great opportunity to talk about this topic. I’d like to share details of a family I truly like which is the family of my aunt, Sienna.
Whose family it is:
The family I’m talking about belongs to my aunt Sienna. She’s one of the most inspiring people I know, and her family reflects all the qualities that I deeply admire. I’ve been very close to my aunt ever since I was young, and I’ve had the privilege of spending a lot of time with her family. My aunt’s family is one of those rare families that exude warmth, kindness, and generosity, which makes me look up to them a lot.
How many family members they have:
Aunt Sienna’s family consists of four members: her husband, James, and their two children, Oliver and Lucy. James is a schoolteacher, and my aunt works as a nurse at the local hospital. Oliver is 14 years old, and Lucy is 10. Even though my aunt and her husband have demanding jobs, they always make sure to spend quality time with their children. They’re a very close-knit family, and they enjoy doing everything together, whether it’s cooking meals, going on weekend trips, or simply spending time at home playing board games.
What are they like:
Aunt Sienna and her husband, James, are both incredibly hardworking but also deeply caring. They’ve managed to strike a perfect balance between their professional and personal lives, which I find impressive. Both of them are very involved in their children’s lives - whether it’s helping with school projects or attending their extracurricular activities. Oliver and Lucy, on the other hand, are bright, kind-hearted, and very respectful, which reflects the nurturing environment their parents have created. As a family, they have strong communication and a deep sense of trust, which makes them very supportive of each other.
And exlain why you like this family:
I like Aunt Sienna’s family because of their strong family values. Despite having busy careers, my aunt and her husband always make sure to prioritise their children’s needs, and it’s evident that they spend a lot of time fostering their kids' personal growth and well-being. Another reason I admire them is their ability to stay positive and resilient, no matter the circumstances. They’ve always made me feel welcome in their home, and their ability to remain calm, patient, and understanding in difficult situations has always been a great source of inspiration to me.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a family (other than your own) that you like. To make your answer great, provide details about the family, such as the number of members, their personalities, and the reasons why you admire them. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response:
1. The family of my college friend - John:
One family I really like is the family of my college friend, John. His family consists of his parents and his younger sister. They are all very kind-hearted and welcoming. I admire them because they always make an effort to include me in their family activities, such as weekend get-togethers and holidays. John’s parents are both highly educated and always encourage their children to pursue their dreams. I like this family because of their warmth, generosity, and strong values.
2. The family of my maternal aunt - Paula:
A family I like is the family of my maternal aunt, Paula. Her family consists of her husband, two children, and her mother who lives with them. They are very close-knit, and their home is always filled with laughter. Paula and her husband are very supportive of their children’s education, and they have created an environment where learning and personal growth are highly encouraged. I like this family because they have a strong sense of togetherness, and I feel at home when I visit them.
3. The family of my neighbour - Mr. Anderson:
One family I really admire is the family of my neighbour, Mr. Anderson. He lives with his wife, two children, and their pet dog. The Andersons are extremely friendly and always ready to lend a helping hand. Mr. Anderson is a retired teacher who spends his time gardening, and his wife is a health professional who is very active in the community. I admire this family because they are always looking out for others, and they create a peaceful, caring environment wherever they go.
4. The family of my uncle - Kishor:
The family of my uncle Kishor is another family I really like. He lives with his wife and their three children. They are a busy, hardworking family who always make time for one another. I admire Uncle Kishor and his wife for their dedication to their family and their ability to balance their professional and personal lives. The children are well-mannered and respectful, and they have a close bond with one another. I enjoy spending time with them because they are full of love and energy.
5. The family of my childhood friend - Sarah:
Another family I admire is the family of my childhood friend, Sarah. She has a very supportive and loving family, consisting of her parents and her brother. Her parents have always been involved in her education and personal growth, while also supporting her brother’s athletic endeavours. I admire them because they show a strong sense of responsibility and care for each other. They are always willing to help others, and their hospitality is something I truly value.
6. The family of my colleague - Mark:
The family of my colleague Mark is one I have always admired. Mark lives with his wife and their two teenage daughters. They are a very family-oriented group who enjoys spending time together on weekends, whether it’s watching movies or cooking together. Mark’s wife is very active in volunteering for community programs, and their daughters are both passionate about music and arts. I like this family because of their community involvement and the way they support one another’s interests and passions.
7. The family of my best friend - Lisa:
The family of my best friend, Lisa, is one of the most loving families I know. They are a family of five, including Lisa, her two siblings, and their parents. They have a very open, honest, and communicative relationship, and it’s easy to see how close they are. Lisa’s parents always encourage their children to explore their interests, and they create a nurturing environment at home. I admire this family because of their emotional intelligence, kindness, and willingness to always help others.
8. The family of my aunt - Rita:
The family of my aunt Rita is another one I admire. She lives with her husband and their two children. They are a very artistic family, with both children being passionate about drawing and painting. Rita and her husband support their children's artistic endeavours and often host family art shows. I like this family because they encourage creativity and self-expression, and their home is always full of art and inspiration.
10. The family of my old neighbour - Mrs. Cooper:
One family I fondly remember is the family of my old neighbour, Mrs. Cooper. She lives with her husband and their two grown-up children who have their own families now. They are an extremely respectful and kind-hearted family. Mrs. Cooper, in particular, has always been an excellent listener and has supported me through many challenges. I admire this family for their kindness, wisdom, and their ability to create strong, loving relationships across generations.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a family you like (that is not your own), using descriptive vocabulary can effectively convey their dynamics, individual personalities, and the reasons for your positive regard. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the qualities that make this family appealing to you, making your response engaging and insightful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Affable: – Easy to approach and talk to; friendly.
Example: Each member of the family is incredibly affable and welcoming.
Close-knit: – Having strong relationships with each other and taking a close interest in each other's lives.
Example: They are a very close-knit family, always supporting one another.
Hospitable: – Friendly and welcoming to guests or strangers.
Example: They are known for their generous and hospitable nature.
Strong sense of unity: – A powerful feeling of togetherness and agreement within the group.
Example: They possess a strong sense of unity, facing challenges as a team.
Create a warm atmosphere: – Establish a friendly, welcoming, and pleasant environment.
Example: Whenever you visit, they create such a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Share common values: – Have similar beliefs and principles that guide their behaviour.
Example: I admire that they share such strong common values.
Open and communicative: – Expressing thoughts and feelings freely and honestly with each other.
Example: They have an open and communicative dynamic, which is lovely to witness.
Handle disagreements constructively: – Deal with conflicts in a positive and problem-solving manner.
Example: Even when they disagree, they handle it constructively and respectfully.
A source of inspiration: – Something or someone that motivates or encourages you.
Example: Their resilience and positive attitude are a true source of inspiration.
Embrace individuality: – Accept and respect the unique qualities and characteristics of each family member.
Example: They truly embrace each other's individuality and celebrate their differences.
A strong bond of affection: – A deep and tender feeling of love and care between them.
Example: There's clearly a very strong bond of affection between all of them.
Always there for each other: – Dependably present and supportive in times of need.
Example: They are always there for each other, no matter what.
Resilient in the face of adversity: – Able to recover quickly from difficulties or misfortune.
Example: I've seen them be incredibly resilient in the face of adversity.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a family (not your own) that you like", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a happy family that you know about.
2) Describe someone you like or admire.
3) Describe a relative whom you like a lot.
4) Describe a friend with whom you like to spend your time.
5) Describe a time when you visited someone's house.
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