Family & Friends is a popular theme in IELTS Speaking, often appearing alongside topics like Hometown and Education. Since this topic covers many areas, thorough preparation is key to answering confidently.
In this article, IDP presents useful vocabulary and sample responses to help you develop ideas and impress examiners in IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, and 3.
1. Sample Answers – Family & Friends Topic IELTS Speaking Part 1
Question: How much time do you spend with friends
I don’t have much free time since I work full time. Usually I meet friends once or twice a week for meals or coffee. We also take small trips occasionally to maintain bonds and let off some steam.
Vocabulary highlights:
get together
gossip
every once in a while
let off some steam
Question: Can you describe your family
I live in a nuclear family with my parents and a younger brother. My father works as an engineer in Aligarh and my mother is a homemaker. My brother is currently studying for his bachelor’s in electronic communication.
Vocabulary highlights:
nuclear family
homemaker
doing his bachelor’s
Question: Is friendship very important to you and why
Absolutely. There is no doubt that friends are indispensable. As the saying goes, “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” Friends make life more interesting and offer both material help and words of wisdom during difficult times.
Vocabulary highlights:
indispensable
sense of sharing
tangible
words of wisdom
2. Sample Answers – Family & Friends Topic IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card: Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member
I feel proud of the moment when my mother decided to launch her own business. Even in her forties, she is attractive, compassionate, kind, and attentive. She is both a mother and a friend who offers sage advice and supports me through life’s ups and downs. She is strong-willed, and I admire her unwavering resilience.
Since her grandparents were often away, she faced challenges alone from a young age. Later, she decided to open a boutique despite strong competition. Although the family discouraged her, her tenacity and endurance paid off. Today her business thrives, and I strive to emulate her strength and resilience, truly a real-life “wonder woman.”
Vocabulary highlights:
compassionate
strong-willed
tenacity
endurance
resilient
highs and lows
Cue Card: Talk about your best friend
My best friend Anna and I go way back—we met in our first year of college. Initially I thought she was chatty and impolite. But then I found she was likable and shared many interests with me.
Although our personalities are polar opposites—she is tolerant and outgoing, and I am reserved—we still agree on major life perspectives including work, marriage, and values.
Anna respects and loves me for who I am. Despite her busy schedule, she always lends a sympathetic ear when I am struggling or feeling demotivated.
Vocabulary highlights:
go back a long way
likable
share common interests
polar opposites
tolerant
strike up a conversation
life perspective
3. Sample Answers – Family & Friends Topic IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question: In what ways have families in your country changed recently
Roles within families have changed significantly in recent years. Both spouses are more open to sharing responsibilities, pursuing careers, and participating in household duties. Many parents now prefer small families due to high living costs and career aspirations.
Vocabulary highlights:
spouse
involved in the household
career perspectives
Question: Which is more important to you—family or friends
Both are important, but family holds a special place in my heart. Friends may come and go, but family is always there no matter what decisions I make. At the same time, my friends remain the people I can discuss personal matters with that I may not share in the family circle.
Vocabulary highlights:
dear to someone’s heart
come and go
closest people
share and discuss things
family circle
4. IELTS Vocabulary – Family & Friends Topic
Family Terminology
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
parental guidance / care | support and advice from parents |
sibling rivalry | competition between brothers or sisters |
dysfunctional family | troubled or emotionally unstable family |
overprotective parents | parents who shield children excessively |
extended family | family with multiple generations living together |
nuclear family | parents and children only |
financial support from family | monetary help from relatives |
Friends Terminology
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
connect on a deep level | form a strong emotional bond |
keep in touch | maintain contact |
value something | appreciate or cherish |
emotional support | mental or emotional help |
harmonious relationship | peaceful and respectful connection |
through ups and downs | during both good and difficult times |
Idioms Commonly Used in this Topic
like father, like son – children often resemble their parents
like two peas in a pod – very similar people (often siblings)
a spitting image – a striking resemblance to another family member
the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – children resemble parents in behavior or character
wear the pants in the family / rule the roost – be the decision-maker
born with a silver spoon in their mouth – born into wealth and privilege
blood is thicker than water – family relationships are stronger than others
Confidently Ace the Family & Friends Topic with IDP
Mastering vocabulary and sentence structures for the Family & Friends topic will not only raise your IELTS Speaking score but also enrich your everyday conversations. Using the sample answers and vocabulary from this guide, you can answer confidently and contextually in the exam.
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