Family: questions and Band 8 answers
The examiner asks three to five short questions on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. These are the 11 questions about family in the BandLadder test bank, with sample answers for the most frequent ones. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
Sample answers
Do you have a small or large family?
I actually come from a rather small family, consisting just of my parents and my younger brother. We have always been a very tight-knit unit, which I think is quite common in my culture. It is nice because we can easily make decisions together without too much fuss.
How much time do you spend with them?
Given that I live away for my studies, I only get to spend quality time with them during the holidays. We make sure to catch up over video calls every weekend, though, to ensure we stay updated on each other's lives despite the distance between us.
What things do you do together?
Our favourite activity is preparing elaborate Sunday lunches where everyone contributes a specific dish. It is a wonderful ritual that allows us to share stories and disconnect from our busy working lives for a few hours, whilst enjoying some home-cooked comfort food together.
What sort of things do you like to do together?
We are particularly fond of going for long scenic hikes in the countryside whenever the weather permits. Being outdoors helps us bond and provides a refreshing change of pace from the urban environment where we normally spend our hectic working weeks in the city.
Do you think anyone in your family has the same talent?
Interestingly, my mother and I both share a natural flair for playing the piano. She taught me the basics when I was quite young, and we often enjoy performing duets during family gatherings, which is a lovely way to showcase our shared musical interest.
How many people are there in your immediate family?
There are four of us in my immediate family, including my parents, my brother, and myself. We have always maintained a very supportive environment at home, which has definitely shaped my character and helped me become the person I am today.
Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.
More family questions to practise
- Who do you get on best within your family?
- Do you have a large extended family?
- Why is family important to you?
- Do you all live in the same house?
- Who is your favourite family member?
Useful vocabulary
- tight-knit
- a group of people with very close relationships
- catch up
- to talk to someone about recent life events
- elaborate
- involving many carefully arranged and complex details
- scenic
- providing views of beautiful natural landscape features
- flair
- a natural ability to do something very well
- immediate family
- a person's closest relatives like parents and siblings
- Provide a direct answer before adding supporting details or personal anecdotes to your response.
- Use a range of natural linking words to connect your ideas smoothly and coherently.
Answer out loud and get a band
The AI examiner asks Part 1 questions like these, listens, and scores fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, with the words that cost you.
Practise Part 1 with the AI examinerOn your phone? Get the BandLadder app.