Describe a picture or photograph in your family - IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3

Photographs are more than just images as they remind us of loads of memories, awaken a variety of emotions in us and are proof of the past that we can boast to our future generations. Similarly, the IELTS Speaking Part 2 or cue card topic, Describe a picture or photograph in your family, gives us an opportunity to share a part of our lives and prove your speaking proficiency.

In this post, you will not only learn how to answer similar IELTS cue card topics through the three sample answers but you will also find answers to Part 1 and IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions, like ‘name a time when you need to have your picture take’, ‘name a time when you need to take a picture’ or ‘how would you describe this image to a friend?’, etc. supported by relevant IELTS Vocabulary.

Before you start, go through these tips to prepare for Part 2 of IELTS Speaking test and improve your skills and fluency in the guide below!

Now prepare yourself for three Band 9 Sample Answers prepared by IELTS experts on the topic “Describe a picture or photograph in your family” along with vocabulary to boost your knowledge.

Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family – IELTS Cue Card Band 9 Sample Answer 1

Click on the audio below to listen to the sample answer below. Pay attention to the intonation of the words and check this IELTS pronunciation guide.

• Where is this photo in your home?

As I am interested in photography, I have taken thousands of photos. However, the most meaningful photograph to me is the big family portrait that is hung on the wall of my living room and it is the first thing that everyone notices the moment they walk into my house.

• How was this picture taken?

The photograph was taken one year ago on a summer holiday. It was the first time that my family enjoyed the summer vacation together. We decided to go on a trip to Sam Son Beach which is one of the most popular destinations for a summer holiday in my country.

• What is in the photo?

The photo was probably the first picture of my whole family – my parents, my older brother, my little sister, and me. It is such a brilliant photo, with everyone standing on the beach and smiling. A professional photographer captured this moment and his absolutely brilliant skills show in the picture. You can even see the crystal clear water sparkling under the sunlight and the seashore in the background. It was a scorching hot day, and the sky was blue with no clouds, making it a perfect scene to take a photo.

• And explain why this photo is special to you.

The photo is very special to me. Whenever I feel unhappy, just looking at the picture cheers me up right away. I believe that no matter what happens, my parents and my siblings will always stand by me and support me.

Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• What is in the photo?

• Where is this photo in your home?

The photograph that was taken when I was only 4-5 years old with my parents, grandfather, and grandmother is one of my favorite photographs. As a result, it was framed and found its place on the wall of my bedroom.

• How was this picture taken?

I do not have a clear memory of the event at which the photograph was taken but I have seen it thousands of times and still, I look at it with delight and sadness. The photograph is a black-and-white one and later I enlarged it and framed it in my living room. My grandparents and parents make the picture really significant to me.

• And explain why this photo is special to you.

I look with amazement into the picture and sometimes can’t believe I was so small and different at that time. The picture gives me gloomy feelings as my grandfather and mother are no longer with us. In the picture, they seem so lively but I can’t be with them anymore! This photograph is probably my favorite one as it keeps me closer to my grandparents and reminds me of how we were a happy family. Every time I look at this particular picture, it gives a different sensation – a mixture of happiness and sadness. This is a priceless possession to me and I would like to cherish it for the rest of my life.

Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

• What is in the photo?

The photo I am going to talk about captures a moment from a family gathering at our annual Thanksgiving dinner. In the center, my grandparents are seated at the head of the table, adorned with smiles that reflect a lifetime of love and wisdom. Surrounding them are my parents, siblings, cousins, and extended family, all engaged in lively conversation and laughter.

• Where is this photo in your home?

This photo holds a place of honor in our living room, displayed in a beautiful wooden frame on the mantelpiece. Positioned where it draws attention and sparks conversations among guests.

• How was this picture taken?

The picture was taken by my uncle, who has a passion for photography. He captured the moment using his professional-grade camera, carefully framing the shot to include the entire family and capture the essence of the celebration. With his keen eye for detail and timing, he snapped the photo freezing the joy and warmth of the occasion for eternity.

• And explain why this photo is special to you.

This photo is special to me for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a tangible reminder of the love and unity that permeate our family gatherings, especially during holidays. Seeing the smiles on the faces of my loved ones reminds me of the importance of cherishing these moments together. Additionally, as we live in different cities and lead busy lives, this photo symbolizes the precious time we spend reconnecting and creating lasting memories as a family.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family

Improving your IELTS Vocabulary is equally important as practicing IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics, like Describe a picture or photograph in your family. So, let us take a look at the list of words and phrases that you can use while answering this cue card.

• Portrait

Meaning: a painting, drawing, or engraving of a person.
Example: I was mesmerized seeing the portrait gallery in Chennai.

• Destination

Meaning: the place to where a person is going or being sent to
Example: We reached our destination on the train.

• Absolutely

Meaning: with no qualification, limitation, or restriction.
Example: Her puppy is absolutely adorable.

• Crystal clear

Meaning: completely transparent and uncounted.
Example: Although she’s in her thirties, her skin is crystal clear.

• Scorching

Meaning: very hot; severe
Example: She fainted as she stood for a long time under the scorching heat.

• Enlarged

Meaning: having become big or been made larger.
Example: The balloon enlarged when Sam pumped air into it.

• Gloomy

Meaning: dark or poorly lit; causing or feeling depressed.
Example: After the separation, Raj became a gloomy person.

• Priceless

Meaning: invaluable, precious due to rarity.
Example: Her grandmother’s antique jewelry was priceless.

Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family – IELTS Part 3 Follow-up Questions

Given below are some IELTS Speaking Part 3 follow-up questions and sample answers related to the cue card, Describe a picture or photograph in your family.

1 How important is it for families to preserve and share photographs?

Preserving and sharing family photographs is crucial as they serve as visual records of our history, fostering a sense of identity and connection among family members. It helps preserve memories and traditions for future generations.

2 In what ways do family photographs contribute to the emotional bond within a family?

Family photographs capture special moments, creating a tangible link to shared experiences. When revisited, these images evoke emotions and strengthen the emotional bond among family members, reinforcing the sense of togetherness.

3 Can you share an instance where a family photograph played a significant role in your life or the life of someone you know?

Certainly, there was a photo of my grandparents at their wedding that became a cherished family heirloom. It symbolized enduring love and commitment, serving as a source of inspiration for succeeding generations in our family.

4 How have advancements in technology affected the way families document and share their memories through photographs?

Technological advancements have revolutionized the way families document memories. With the ease of digital photography and social media, families can instantly capture and share moments globally, promoting a more widespread and instantaneous exchange of memories.

5 Do you think there are any drawbacks to relying heavily on photographs to preserve family memories?

A: While photographs are invaluable, relying solely on them may lead to a curated version of reality. It’s essential to balance digital documentation with genuine experiences and interactions to ensure a holistic and authentic representation of family life.

6 How would you describe an image to a friend?

While describing an image to a friend or anyone else, I would explain the features and scene presented in the image or photograph. It will help them visualize it. For example, I would say – I just stumbled upon this amazing picture I want to tell you about! It’s a cozy scene in a garden, with autumn colors all around. In the foreground, there’s a wooden bench where four people are sitting—a grandmother, grandfather, mom, and uncle—all smiling and looking so content. It’s like a snapshot of perfect family harmony amidst nature’s beauty.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions on Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family

Here is a list of words and IELTS Speaking phrases that you might find handy while answering the follow-up Part 3 questions in IELTS Speaking for the topic, Describe a picture or photograph in your family.

• Fostering

Meaning: encouraging the growth or development of something

Example: The game was aimed at fostering team spirit among the community members.

• Tangible

Meaning: capable of being touched or felt

Example: Even after seeing tangible proof, the police could not catch the thief.

• Evoke

Meaning: to bring forth or summon a particular feeling, memory, or response

Example: The monastery evokes a sense of peace and calmness.

• Heirloom

Meaning: an item, typically of high value or significance, passed down through generations within a family

Example: This gold heirloom is being passed from one generation to the next.

• Instantaneous

Meaning: occurring or done in an instant; happening immediately

Example: With a click on the mouse, the movie displayed an instantaneous proof of the crime.

• Curated

Meaning: carefully selected, organized, and presented, often with the intention of creating a particular experience or narrative

Example: All our study materials are curated by top-notch experts.

• Stumbled upon

Meaning: to come across something unexpectedly or by chance

Example: Jahangir stumbled upon a treasure trove that his ancestors were looking for.

Tips for Answering Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family

Whether you are describing a picture or answering ‘how would you describe this image to a friend?’, keep the following IELTS Speaking tips in mind that are specific to the cue cards for IELTS Speaking, Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family and the follow up Part 3 questions.

• Focus on Details: When describing a picture or photograph from your family, pay close attention to specific details such as the setting, people, objects, and emotions portrayed. Describe the colors, textures, and expressions captured in the image to create a vivid and engaging description.
• Provide a background to the picture or photograph: Give context to the photograph by explaining when and where it was taken, as well as the significance of the moment captured. Share any relevant background information about the individuals in the picture, their relationships, and the overall atmosphere depicted.
• Use descriptive language and relevant vocabulary: Utilize appropriate IELTS Speaking vocabulary and descriptive language to paint a clear picture in the examiner’s mind. Use adjectives and adverbs to enhance your description and evoke sensory experiences. For example, instead of saying “There are trees in the background,” you could say “Tall, majestic trees with vibrant green leaves tower in the background.”
• Weave a story around the photograph or picture: Go beyond just describing what is visible in the picture and try to tell a story or convey emotions associated with the image. Explore the relationships between the people in the photograph, the significance of the moment captured, and any memories or anecdotes that the picture brings to mind.

To conclude, IELTS Speaking can feel challenging, especially when faced with unexpected Part 2 & 3 questions. However, practising topics, like Describe a Picture or Photograph in Your Family, is a great way to identify areas for improvement, such as managing pauses, avoiding repetition, or using advanced vocabulary. Remember that, with practice, you will become more fluent and confident.

Also Check:

• Describe a picture or photograph in your home – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers
• Describe a Photo of Yourself that You Like- IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Photograph you Like- IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Photograph That You Remember – IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking Cue Cards Suggestions for Exam
• Describe a Photograph that Has a lot of Memories of Yours- IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Photo or Painting you took or Drawn Yourself- IELTS Cue Card