IELTS HUB
Full test with Band 9 answers

Speaking test #668

Part 1 · Interview

4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks about you and familiar topics.

Introduction · Q1

Can you tell me your full name?

Introduction · Q2

Where are you from?

Introduction · Q3

Do you work or are you a student?

Drinking Water · Q1

How often do you drink water?

Oh, I'm definitely a water person. I try to drink at least 8 cups a day to stay hydrated.

Drinking Water · Q2

What kind of water do you like to drink?

I prefer to drink purified or spring water. I just find that it tastes fresher and cleaner.

Drinking Water · Q3

Do you drink bottled water or water from water machines?

I tend to drink bottled water, but I also like to carry a reusable water bottle and fill it up from water machines or fountains when I'm out and about.

Drinking Water · Q4

Do you like to play in water?

Absolutely! I love going swimming or playing water sports. It's such a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat.

Driving · Q1

Do you drive often?

Oh yeah, I'm a pretty frequent driver. I enjoy getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road. It's just something that comes naturally to me.

Driving · Q2

Do you want your children to drive in the future?

Absolutely. I think driving is an important skill to have and it gives you a sense of independence and freedom. Plus, it's convenient to be able to transport yourself wherever you need to go.

Driving · Q3

At what age are people allowed to drive a car in your country?

In my country, you can get your driver's license at the age of 18. I think that's a pretty reasonable age to start driving, as long as you have the proper training and education.

Driving · Q4

Do you think it's difficult to drive a car?

It can be, depending on the individual. Some people just seem to have a knack for it and pick it up quickly, while others may struggle a bit more. I think the key is to stay focused and stay safe on the road. As long as you do that, driving can be a breeze.

Part 2 · Cue card
Experience Past Family valuesLife lessonsKnowledge transfer

You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Describe something useful you learned from a member of your family

You should say:

  • What you learned
  • Who taught you
  • How it has been useful to you
  • Why you think it is important to learn from family members
263 words · 4 paragraphs
Point 1

What you learned

Learning to cook traditional Indian dishes is one of the most useful skills I have acquired from a family member. My grandmother, who is an exceptional cook, taught me the art of preparing authentic Indian meals. She patiently guided me through the intricate steps of making dishes like biryani, curry, and various types of bread.

Point 2

Who taught you

This skill has proven to be incredibly beneficial to me, especially when I moved away from home for higher studies. Being able to cook these traditional dishes not only helped me save money by preparing my meals but also provided a sense of comfort and connection to my roots. Moreover, cooking these dishes has become a way for me to share my cultural heritage with friends and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Point 3

How it has been useful to you

I believe learning from family members is crucial because they possess valuable knowledge and experiences that are passed down through generations. Family members, especially elders, have a wealth of wisdom and skills that cannot be easily acquired elsewhere. By learning from them, we not only gain practical skills but also strengthen the bond within the family and preserve our cultural traditions.

Point 4

Why you think it is important to learn from family members

In today's fast-paced world, where traditions are often overlooked, learning from family members serves as a way to preserve our heritage and values. It is through these teachings that we can keep our traditions alive and pass them on to future generations. Therefore, I consider myself fortunate to have learned the art of cooking traditional Indian dishes from my grandmother, as it not only enriched my life but also helped me stay connected to my roots.

The Band 9 answer in numbers
Words
263
Sentences
12
Words per sentence
21.9
Speaking time
about 2.0 min

Counted at 130 words a minute. The exam gives you one to two minutes.

Part 3 · Discussion

4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks broader questions linked to the cue card topic.

Discussion · Q1

How are the lessons learned from family different from those learned in school?

The lessons we learn from family members often carry a deeply personal touch that formal education simply can't replicate. For instance, while schools provide essential academic knowledge, family imparts values such as empathy and resilience through shared experiences and storytelling. These familial lessons are often rooted in real-life situations, making them more relatable and impactful. Additionally, the emotional support and understanding found within a family can enhance our ability to navigate challenges, something that a classroom environment might not always offer. In essence, while formal education lays the groundwork for intellectual growth, family experiences shape our character and emotional intelligence in invaluable ways.

Discussion · Q2

Do people usually value lessons from family more than those from teachers or mentors?

Absolutely! Many people tend to place a higher value on the teachings from their family members, often viewing them as the cornerstone of their upbringing. This is largely because family members usually have a deeper emotional connection and a more intimate understanding of an individual's background and personality. For instance, parents or grandparents can impart life lessons that are grounded in personal experiences, which often resonate more profoundly than theoretical knowledge from teachers. Additionally, the trust and respect that comes from familial bonds can make their advice feel more relevant and applicable in daily life. However, it's also important to recognize that mentors and teachers can provide invaluable perspectives that complement family teachings, especially in academic and professional contexts.

Discussion · Q3

How do lessons from family influence a person's character and choices?

Family teachings play a pivotal role in shaping an individual's character and decision-making skills. From a young age, children absorb values, ethics, and social norms from their families, which lay the groundwork for their future behaviors and choices. For instance, when parents emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity, it cultivates a strong moral compass in their children, guiding them through various life situations. Moreover, open discussions within the family about challenges and dilemmas can enhance critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to assess situations more effectively. Ultimately, the lessons learned at home often resonate throughout one’s life, influencing not just personal decisions, but also how one interacts with others in society.

Discussion · Q4

Why do you think family can greatly influence what we learn in life?

Family members play a pivotal role in shaping our values, beliefs, and overall outlook on life. From a young age, they are our first teachers, instilling in us essential lessons about morality and social norms. The bonds of kinship create an environment where we feel safe to explore and ask questions, which fosters a love of learning. Additionally, family members often share their own experiences and knowledge, acting as role models that influence our choices and aspirations. Ultimately, the supportive atmosphere they provide can encourage us to pursue our passions and develop our identities.

Discussion · Q5

How might the lessons we learn from our family change as society changes over time?

That's a fascinating question! As society evolves, the lessons we learn from family members often adapt to reflect contemporary values and challenges. For instance, in the past, many families emphasized the importance of hard work and resilience in a more stable job market. However, with the rise of the gig economy and technological advancements, younger generations are learning the value of adaptability and innovation from their parents and grandparents. Additionally, societal shifts towards inclusivity and diversity have led families to impart lessons about empathy and understanding different perspectives. So, while the core values might remain the same, the context and applications of these lessons can change significantly. This evolution ensures that the wisdom passed down through generations remains relevant and resonates with the realities of modern life.

Discussion · Q6

How can families make sure important knowledge is shared well between generations?

To ensure that valuable knowledge is effectively passed down through generations, families can adopt a few engaging strategies. Firstly, storytelling is a powerful tool; sharing personal anecdotes and life lessons during family gatherings can create a rich tapestry of history that younger members can relate to. Additionally, involving children in family traditions and rituals fosters a sense of belonging and helps them appreciate their heritage. Utilizing modern technology, like video recordings or digital family trees, can also make this knowledge more accessible and engaging for the younger generation. Ultimately, the key is to create an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, allowing for questions and discussions that deepen understanding and connection.

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