“Home is where you are loved the most and act the worst” – Marjorie Pay Hinckley.
The topic of ‘Family’ is frequently used in IELTS exams, especially in the Speaking section. Let’s go over some sample answers for three ‘challenging’ questions in Part 3 on the topic of ‘Family’ with Essay King, along with some useful new vocabulary for this topic!
Part 3 – Sample Answers
- In what ways is family life different now from the past?
Family life has changed significantly over the past few decades. Traditionally, families were often larger, and it was common for extended family members to live together or nearby. Today, nuclear families are more common, and people often live farther away from their relatives due to job opportunities and lifestyle choices. Additionally, there has been a shift in gender roles within the family. In the past, men were typically the breadwinners while women stayed home to care for the children and household. Nowadays, it’s more common for both parents to work, and men are more involved in household duties and childcare. Advances in technology have also changed how families interact and spend time together, with digital communication often replacing face-to-face interactions.
- Who plays a vital role in bringing up children, men or women in society? Why do you think so?
Both men and women play vital roles in bringing up children in society. The traditional view that women are primarily responsible for childcare has evolved, recognizing that children benefit from the involvement of both parents. Fathers are increasingly taking active roles in their children’s lives, contributing to their emotional and social development. This balanced approach helps children see both parents as role models and nurturers. The shift towards shared parenting responsibilities reflects societal changes towards gender equality and acknowledges that the unique contributions of both mothers and fathers are essential for a child’s overall development.
- What are some of the pressures on family life today?
Family life today faces several pressures. Economic challenges, such as the high cost of living, education, and healthcare, place financial strain on families. The need for dual incomes often means both parents work, leading to time management issues and less quality family time. Additionally, the rise of digital technology and social media can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions and increased screen time, which can impact family dynamics and communication. There is also societal pressure to achieve a work-life balance, maintain a certain lifestyle, and ensure children’s success in a highly competitive environment, all of which can create stress for parents and children alike.
- Do you think parents discipline children enough these days?
Opinions on whether parents discipline children enough today vary. Some believe that modern parenting styles are too lenient, allowing children too much freedom and not enough structure. This perspective suggests that without clear boundaries and consistent discipline, children may lack respect for authority and develop behavioral issues. On the other hand, others argue that contemporary parenting focuses more on positive reinforcement and understanding the psychological needs of children, which can lead to healthier relationships and better emotional development. Ultimately, effective discipline should balance firmness and empathy, ensuring that children understand consequences while feeling supported and valued.
Useful Vocabulary – family
Family members
- sibling (brother or sister)
- spouse (husband or wife)
- parent (mother/mum or father/dad)
- grandparent (grandmother / grandfather)
- niece / nephew
- aunt / uncle
- cousin
- in-laws (family of spouse)
Adjective + Noun Collocations (adjective + family
- nuclear family (two parents / two children)
- immediate family (parents/grandparents/siblings)
- extended family (aunts/uncles/cousins etc)
- close family
- close knit family (very close)
- single-parent / one-parent family
Noun + Noun Collocations (family + noun)
- family member
- family unit
- family tree
- family man
- family name (surname)
- family values
- family bond / ties
- family gathering / get-together
- family tradition
- family crisis
Verb + Noun Collocations (verb + family)
- to start a family
- to have a family
- to bring up a family (to look after children)
- to raise a family (to take care of children)
- to split up a family
Expressions with ‘get’
- to get / be engaged
- to get / be married
- to get / be divorced
- to get back together
Other expressions with ‘family’
- to follow the family tradition
- keep it in the family
- to be one of the family (like a family member)
- a family of 4/5/6 etc)
- in the family way (to be pregnant)
Useful Linkers / Discourse Markers
- because
- for example
- in terms of
- however
- in this respect
- if you think about
- likewise
- actually
- personally speaking
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