IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a family member you admire

Describe a family member you admire

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Choose a family member with a distinct personality to make your descriptions more vivid.
  2. Jot down three specific adjectives or habits that define them during your prep time.
  3. Ensure you link their actions to your own personal development to satisfy the final bullet.

Band 8 model answer

I would like to talk about my older cousin, Elena, who has been a constant source of inspiration for me since I was a child. She is a dedicated environmental scientist based in Edinburgh, where she works for a non-profit organisation focusing on marine conservation. Most of her time is spent analysing water samples or coordinating coastal restoration projects, which sounds incredibly demanding, yet she approaches it with such infectious enthusiasm. What makes Elena truly admirable is her unwavering commitment to her principles. Despite being offered far more lucrative positions in the corporate sector, she chose a career path that aligns with her moral compass, specifically to protect our oceans from plastic pollution. She lives very simply, rides her bicycle everywhere regardless of the weather, and manages to stay optimistic even when faced with the daunting scale of global climate issues. I look up to her because she embodies the rare balance of professional ambition and genuine altruism. Watching her navigate complex challenges with grace has taught me that success isn't just about climbing a career ladder, but about the impact you have on the world around you. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by my own academic or professional stresses, I think about her tenacity and her quiet, steady resolve. She has never pressured me to follow in her footsteps, but simply by existing and doing the work she believes in, she has shaped my perspective on what it means to lead a meaningful life. She remains the person I turn to whenever I need grounded advice or a reminder to stay true to my core values.

266 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

lucrative
Producing a great deal of profit or money.
moral compass
An inner sense of what is right versus wrong.
altruism
The practice of disinterested concern for others' welfare.
tenacity
The quality of being very determined and persistent.
daunting
Seeming difficult to deal with and intimidatingly large.
grounded
Well-balanced and sensible in one's personal attitude.
infectious
Likely to spread to or influence others easily.
resolve
Firm determination to do something difficult or challenging.

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a family member you admire"?

Choose a family member with a distinct personality to make your descriptions more vivid.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

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