PART 1
VISITING RELATIVES
ANSWERS
Do you visit your relatives? (How often?)
(Answer 1)
Yes, I do. I’m a family-oriented person so every now and again I pay a visit to them. I’m living just a few miles away from my relatives’ residence so there’s no reason why I can’t spend time catching up with them.
(Answer 2)
Well, these days not at all since I’m now residing here in Toronto. However, back in the days when I was still living in my country, I didn’t miss any single time visiting them as long as I had the luxury of time. Actually, I do have a very close relationship with my relatives and although I’m many miles away from them, I make an effort to keep in touch with them.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Family-oriented [expression] – it is a principle that expresses the importance of a family more than anything else
Every now and again [phrasal verb] – from time to time; occasionally
Pay a visit to [idiom] – to visit
Catch up [phrasal verb] – to talk with someone you know in order to exchange news or information
Reside [verb] – live in; be situated in
The luxury of time [expression] – excess time; plenty of free time
Keep in touch [phrase] – to contact or communicate with someone
TIPS
i.) FIRST ANSWER: The speaker gave a straight positive answer to the question, then talked about his character towards his family. In order for him to make his answer a bit longer, he then shifted to talking about the distance between his residence and his relatives. It’s a good one, as he’s able to extend his answer a bit more.
ii.) SECOND ANSWER: The speaker provided a negative answer but in order for him to make his answer longer he remembered the time when he’s able to spend more time with his relatives and talked about it. Providing supplemental details to an answer is a must in order to showcase your English communication skills.
What do you do when you visit your relatives?
(Answer 1)
Well nothing in particular, we normally just spend time talking to one another. Just updating each other about our lives. It’s always fun spending time with my relatives as they’re a bunch of vibrant people.
(Answer 2)
Honestly, I rarely see them, so if I have the chance to spend time with them, I treat them in a good restaurant and I let them choose whatever they want to eat. I love all of them so I want to make sure that I can give them nothing but the best.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Nothing in particular [expression] – nothing special
Update someone about something [expression] – to tell someone about the recent news
Bunch of [phrase] – a group of
Vibrant [adj.] – full of energy; positive
Nothing but [phrase] – only
TIPS
i.) FIRST ANSWER: The speaker started very naturally by using a very good expression. Then talked about the common thing that they did. The last sentence is a statement that expressed his feelings about spending time with his relatives. Brief answer!
ii.) SECOND ANSWER: The speaker informed the examiner first about his situation that he couldn’t see his relatives often, then he used the conditional tense to add details to his answer in order not to make his answer very short. The use of conditionals is always good as it helps you boost your mark in the criterion, Grammar & Accuracy.
Do people need to visit their relatives?
I believe it’s a personal choice, it’s not really a need or compulsory since not all are on good terms with their relatives or not everyone has time to pay a visit. As for me, I make sure to see my relatives because this life is about creating better relationships with people most especially with blood relatives.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Personal choice [expression] – a choice; preference
Compulsory [adj.] – mandatory; needed
On good terms [phrase] – friendly with each other
Blood relative [noun] – a person related to another by birth and not by marriage such as siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins
TIP
i.) The speaker did not choose between Yes or No, instead, he naturally expressed his view on the question and answered ‘it’s a personal choice’. This is another way to say it depends and this is the best way to answer that question. Also, notice the vocabulary words or expressions that he used, the words that he used surely helped him get a better mark in the Lexical Resource criterion.
Do you prefer to visit your relatives or friends?
(Answer 1)
To be honest, I prefer the latter because I just feel more at ease with them. I loathe visiting some of my relatives because they’re too nosy about my personal life. I really do feel uncomfortable when I’m asked never-ending questions about love life and career.
(Answer 2)
Undeniably, my relatives because they’re my family. You know, blood is thicker than water. I can express myself more when I’m with them.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Latter [adj.] – the second of two things
At ease [phrase] – relaxed; calm
Loathe [verb] – hate
Nosy [adj.] – curious; prying
Undeniably [adv.] – cannot be denied; unquestionable
Blood is thicker than water [proverb] [phrase] – the family relationship is the most important than anything else
TIPS
i.) FIRST ANSWER: The speaker gave a very honest answer to the question and because of that he was able to express himself more naturally. His answer was very realistic and very relatable. Also, his vocabulary words are advanced! ii.)
SECOND ANSWER: The speaker provided a brief answer but was very on point as he used a proverb that best expressed his choice. If you can use some sayings or proverbs with the right timing then it surely helps you get a better mark.
Develop a story better in Part 2 for
the recent IELTS Speaking CUE
CARD about
Describe A Piece Of Good News.
GET THE LATEST
REVIEWERS FOR PART 2 &
PART 3 Here!
Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge, Oxford
If you want to support my work, you can buy me A CUP OF COFFEE here:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ieltsdragon
Thank you so much!
