IELTS Speaking Part-3 Family

Family Dynamics

In a typical family, who plays the leading role?

Traditionally, the stereotype is that the father plays the leading role as the breadwinner and the decision-maker for the family. This role is often associated with high social status and responsibility. Meanwhile, mothers were traditionally seen as housewives responsible for domestic duties like cleaning and babysitting. However, in modern society, there is a growing emphasis on freedom and equality. Women are achieving success in various fields and are no longer relegated to monotonous household chores as they were in the past. Thus, family roles are becoming more balanced and less defined by traditional stereotypes.

In your country, what kinds of family members usually live together?

Despite the growing trend towards nuclear families, extended families are still common. Typically, a family unit includes both parents and one to three children living together. In some cases, grandparents may also live with the family to assist with childcare while parents are at work. Less commonly, multiple generations might reside in a multi-story house, including uncles, aunts, and their families. However, having many family members living together can sometimes lead to problems due to the high number of people in one household.

Do young and middle-aged people live with old people?

Unlike in many Western countries where older adults are often placed in nursing homes, people in my country generally feel a strong sense of duty to care for their elderly family members. As a result, it is common for younger and middle-aged generations to live with older family members. This arrangement can be beneficial as it allows children to receive special care from their grandparents, gain invaluable hands-on experience, and develop a good code of conduct.

What would children do to make their parents proud?

Children often make their parents proud through good performance at school and respectful behavior towards teachers and elders. Parents take great pride in their children's academic achievements and positive feedback from others. Additionally, helping with mundane household tasks, such as sweeping the floor or washing dishes, is seen as a way for children to show appreciation and contribute to the family, which can also make parents proud.

Is family important in your country?

Yes, family is highly valued in my country. It is considered the cornerstone of social and emotional support. Strong family bonds are often prioritized, and family gatherings and traditions play a significant role in daily life. Respect for family members, especially elders, is a key cultural value, and there is a strong sense of duty towards maintaining close family ties.

How has the size of the family changed in the last few decades in your country?

In recent decades, there has been a noticeable shift from extended to nuclear families. Traditionally, extended families, including multiple generations and relatives, lived together. However, modern lifestyles, urbanization, and economic factors have contributed to smaller family units. Many people now prefer to have fewer children and live independently, leading to a decline in the size of families.

How do you think the family will change in the future?

In the future, families are likely to continue evolving with changing social and economic conditions. There may be a further increase in nuclear families and a greater emphasis on individual autonomy. Technological advancements and global mobility might also influence family structures, leading to more diverse family forms, including blended families and intergenerational living arrangements. Additionally, there might be a growing need for support systems and services to address the needs of both working parents and the elderly.

What role do grandparents play in the family in your country?

Grandparents often play a crucial role in the family by providing childcare and emotional support. They may live with their children and grandchildren or be actively involved in their lives, offering wisdom, guidance, and help with daily tasks. Grandparents are typically seen as important figures who contribute to the upbringing of grandchildren and maintain family traditions and values.

Who do you think should be responsible for the care of the elderly, the family or the government?

The responsibility for the care of the elderly ideally should be a shared one. Families have a traditional and moral duty to care for their elderly members, providing emotional support and daily assistance. However, the government also plays a critical role by providing social services, healthcare, and financial support to ensure that elderly individuals receive adequate care and resources. A balanced approach that combines family involvement with government support can offer the best outcomes for elderly care.

Why is the number of joint families decreasing in modern times?

The decrease in joint families can be attributed to several factors:

1. Urbanization: As more people move to cities for better job opportunities, they often live in smaller, nuclear family units due to space constraints and lifestyle changes.

2. Economic Factors: The cost of living has increased, making it challenging for extended families to live together comfortably.

3. Changing Values: Modern values emphasize individualism and personal space, leading many to prefer smaller, independent family units.

4. Employment and Mobility: With increasing career demands and geographical mobility, family members may live far apart, reducing the likelihood of joint family arrangements.

Vocabulary:

• Cornerstone (n): An important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends.

• Urbanization (n): The process of making an area more urban or city-like.

• Nuclear family (n): A family unit consisting of two parents and their children.

• Blended family (n): A family consisting of a couple and their children from previous relationships.

• Autonomy (n): Independence or freedom in one's actions or decisions.

• Intergenerational (adj): Involving or affecting different generations within a family.

• Breadwinner (n): The person who earns the money to support the family.

• Monotonous (a): Boring because it is always the same.

• Extended family (n): A family that includes relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.

• Nuclear family (n): A family unit consisting of two parents and their children.

• Bound by duty (phrase): Obligated to fulfill certain responsibilities.

• Hands-on experience (phrase): Direct involvement or practical experience in something.

• Code of conduct (n): A set of rules outlining the proper practices and behaviors for an individual or group.