Describe a holiday that you would like to take with your family
Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.
Practice it like the exam
Describe a holiday that you would like to take with your family.
You should say:
- where you would go
- who would come with you
- what you would do there
and explain why you think your family would enjoy it.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
263 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
A holiday I'd love to take with my family is a two-week trip to Turkey, based in a seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast. We've never been abroad together because of costs and my parents' work, so it would be a very special occasion.
The whole family would go: my parents, my younger sister, my grandmother, who has always wanted to see the sea, and me. I'd book a hotel with an all-inclusive package, which would make things easier for my parents, since they wouldn't need to worry about cooking or about the bill. The resort I have in mind has a long sandy beach, several swimming pools, a children's club and an evening entertainment programme, so there would be something for everyone.
During the day, we'd relax on the beach and swim, and my sister and I would try water sports like paddle-boarding. Once or twice, we'd take a day trip to see the ancient ruins nearby, perhaps going by boat. In the evenings, we'd have dinner together on the terrace and watch the sunset, and my father could finally enjoy some peace and quiet.
I think my family would enjoy it for a few reasons. My parents rarely take a break, so it would be a welcome change of pace, and my grandmother would love the warm weather and the sea air. My sister would meet children from other countries. Most importantly, we would spend quality time together without distractions like homework or housework. I believe it would give us lasting memories, which are worth much more than any material thing.
What to notice
- It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
- Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
- The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.
We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.
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Useful vocabulary
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a family getaway | a short holiday for the family |
| something for everyone | activities to suit all people |
| all-inclusive | with food and drink included in the price |
| spend quality time together | enjoy each other's company without distractions |
| make lasting memories | create experiences you will remember for years |
| a change of pace | a more relaxed rhythm of life |
Plan it in one minute
Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.
Who or what you could talk about
- A beach resort with something for all ages
- A road trip through several cities
- A visit to mountains or a lake house
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhere you would go
- 25 swho would come with you
- 25 swhat you would do there
- 45 sand explain why you think your family would enjoy it.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Family holidays. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- What are the advantages of going on holiday with the family?
- Why do some people prefer to holiday at home rather than abroad?
- How have holiday habits changed in your country?
- What problems can families face when they travel together?
- Do you think holidays have to be expensive to be enjoyable?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Plans and wishes
- Describe something expensive that you would like to buy in the future
- Describe a foreign language (other than English) that you would like to learn
- Describe a gift that you are planning to give to someone
- Describe a change that you would like to make in your life
- Describe a new hobby that you would like to take up
- Describe a foreign country where you would like to work or live for a while
Part 1 topics on the same subject
Frequently asked questions
How do I talk about future plans in an IELTS cue card?
Say what you would like to do, why, and how you would go about it. Mix future forms: "I'm planning to", "I'd love to", "if I had the chance, I would". A plan you really have gives you more to say than an invented one.
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