The IELTS Speaking test often includes personal topics that require you to reflect on your relationships and future aspirations. One of the most frequent prompts in recent exams is to describe a family member who you want to work with in the future, a task that tests your ability to combine personal anecdotes with professional vocabulary. In this guide, we provide a Band 9 model answer and a comprehensive breakdown to help you succeed.

The Cue Card

Describe a family member who you want to work with in the future. You should say:
• Who this person is
• What kind of work you would like to do with them
• Whether you have ever worked together before
And explain why you want to work with this person specifically.

Band 9 Sample Answer

To be honest, I’ve always been a bit wary of the old adage “never mix business with pleasure,” but if there is one person who could make me break that rule, it would definitely be my older brother, Marcus. Marcus is a seasoned software architect who recently launched a boutique tech consultancy focusing on sustainable “green” software solutions. If I were to look ahead five years, I’d love to join forces with him as a project manager or a marketing strategist. I’ve always admired his entrepreneurial spirit, and given that I’m currently finishing my degree in international business, I feel like our skill sets would complement each other perfectly. We haven’t actually worked together in a professional capacity yet, though we did spend a summer during our teenage years volunteering for a local charity where we organized a massive fundraising event. Even back then, I noticed how seamlessly we communicated; it was almost like we had a form of professional shorthand. The main reason I’m so keen to collaborate with him is the foundation of mutual trust we’ve built over a lifetime. In the cutthroat world of business, having a partner who has your back unconditionally is a rare commodity. Moreover, Marcus is a natural mentor; he has this incredible ability to remain composed under pressure, which is a trait I’m still trying to cultivate. I truly believe that by working together, we could build something that isn’t just profitable, but also socially responsible. It wouldn’t just be a career move; it would be about building a shared legacy while leveraging our unique bond to overcome the inevitable hurdles of the corporate world.

Band 7 Sample Answer

I would like to talk about my cousin, Sarah, who I really want to work with in the future. Sarah is a very talented graphic designer, and she has her own small studio in the city center. I am currently studying digital marketing, so I think we could start a creative agency together. I have never worked with her in a real job, but we sometimes help each other with small projects. For example, I helped her write some content for a website last year, and she designed a logo for my personal blog. I want to work with her because she is very creative and hardworking. Also, we get along very well and rarely have any arguments. I think that working with a family member is good because you already know their personality and their work ethic. If we worked together, I could focus on finding clients and managing the social media, while she could focus on the artistic side of the business. It would be a great way to support each other and grow a business that we both care about. I believe that Sarah’s experience and my new ideas would be a winning combination for a successful startup.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The Band 9 answer flows naturally without any noticeable effort to find words. The speaker uses sophisticated discourse markers like “To be honest,” “given that,” and “Moreover” to connect ideas logically. The transition from describing the person to explaining the “why” is smooth, mirroring the General Overview of IELTS Speaking Test requirements for a high-level response. The speaker also avoids repetitive fillers, using pauses only for emphasis or to reflect on the next point, which is a hallmark of native-level fluency.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary is precise and topic-specific. Phrases like “boutique tech consultancy,” “professional shorthand,” and “cutthroat world of business” demonstrate a high level of lexical sophistication. The speaker also uses idiomatic language correctly, such as “never mix business with pleasure” and “having a partner who has your back.” This variety shows the examiner that the candidate can handle complex topics with ease, similar to the depth required when you describe a course that you want to learn during the exam.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

A wide range of structures is used, including the second conditional (“If I were to look ahead…”) and the present perfect (“we’ve built over a lifetime”). The sentence structures are varied, mixing short, punchy sentences with longer, complex ones containing relative clauses (“Marcus is a natural mentor; he has this incredible ability…”). There are zero grammatical errors, and the use of the subjunctive mood adds a layer of formality and precision that is often missing in lower-band responses.

Pronunciation

While the text cannot demonstrate audio, a Band 9 speaker would use word stress and intonation to convey meaning. For instance, emphasizing “unconditionally” or “socially responsible” highlights the speaker’s emotional connection to the topic. The rhythm of the speech would be consistent, with clear vowel sounds and proper elision between words, which is essential for hitting the top marks in pronunciation. Candidates should check out the IELTS English Speaking Course for more drills on native-like intonation.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example Sentence
Entrepreneurial spirit	A mindset focused on innovation and business growth.	My sister has a true entrepreneurial spirit; she’s always starting new projects.
Synergy	The interaction of two forces to produce a greater effect.	There is a natural synergy between our different skill sets.
Steer the ship	To lead or manage an organization or project.	I would trust my father to steer the ship during a financial crisis.
Mutual trust	Confidence and belief shared by two or more people.	Working with family requires a high level of mutual trust.
Complementary skills	Different skills that work well together.	We have complementary skills; he is technical, and I am creative.
Cutthroat	Fierce, intense, and often ruthless.	The tech industry can be a cutthroat environment for new startups.
Hands-on experience	Knowledge gained through doing something rather than just reading.	I want to gain hands-on experience in the fashion industry.
A rare commodity	Something that is very valuable and not easily found.	Loyalty in business is often a rare commodity these days.
Shared legacy	Something handed down or achieved together for the future.	Building this company would be our shared legacy for the next generation.
Composed	Calm and in control of one’s emotions.	She remains composed even when deadlines are tight.
Join forces	To collaborate or work together towards a common goal.	We decided to join forces to launch a new eco-friendly brand.
In a professional capacity	Related to one’s work or career rather than personal life.	I have never dealt with my uncle in a professional capacity before.

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Second Conditional for Hypothetical Situations: “If we were to open a restaurant together, I think it would be a huge success.”
• Present Perfect Continuous for Ongoing Feelings: “I have been thinking about collaborating with my brother for several years now.”
• Relative Clauses for Detail: “My mother, who has over twenty years of experience in accounting, would be the perfect CFO.”
• Modal Verbs for Possibility: “Working together might present some challenges, but it could also strengthen our bond.”
• Passive Voice for Professional Context: “The business was founded by my grandfather, and it is now being managed by my aunt.”
• Inversion for Emphasis: “Not only is he a brilliant engineer, but he is also a very patient teacher.”
• Gerunds as Subjects: “Collaborating with a family member requires a clear set of boundaries.”
• Perfect Infinitives: “I would have liked to have started this business sooner if we had the capital.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

What are the advantages of working in a family business?

One of the primary benefits is the inherent level of trust and loyalty that exists among family members. Unlike in a standard corporate setting where employees might be driven solely by their own career advancement, family members often have a vested interest in the long-term survival and reputation of the business. This leads to a more stable work environment and a “shared vision.” Furthermore, communication is often more direct and efficient because family members understand each other’s temperaments and communication styles. This can be very similar to when you describe a time when you helped your family member; the emotional connection often translates into a stronger work ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile.

What problems might arise when working with family members?

The most significant drawback is the potential for personal conflicts to spill over into the professional arena. If there is a disagreement at the dinner table, it might affect decision-making in the boardroom the next morning. Additionally, “nepotism” can be a major issue; if family members are promoted over more qualified external candidates, it can lead to low morale and resentment among other staff. There is also the risk of a lack of diversity in thought; if everyone has the same background and upbringing, the business might struggle to innovate or adapt to new market trends. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance becomes nearly impossible when your colleagues are also the people you spend your weekends with.

Should family members be treated differently than other employees?

In my opinion, from a strictly professional standpoint, the answer is a resounding no. For a business to thrive, performance should be the only metric for success. If a family member is underperforming, they should receive the same constructive criticism as any other employee. Treating them preferentially can be toxic for the company culture. However, alternatively, one could argue that the level of “informal support” might naturally be higher. While the formal rules should be identical, the emotional support system is inevitably different. The key is to have clear, written contracts and job descriptions to ensure that everyone knows their roles and expectations, regardless of their last name.

Is it common in your country for people to work with their family?

Yes, it is extremely common, particularly in the SME sector. Many of the most successful enterprises in my country started as “mom-and-pop shops” and have grown into large corporations while remaining family-owned. There is a strong cultural emphasis on filial piety and supporting one’s kin, so it’s quite natural for children to inherit their parents’ trades. Whether it’s a small local restaurant or a large manufacturing plant, the family unit is often seen as the most reliable economic building block. This tradition helps keep wealth within the family and ensures that the business values are passed down through generations, much like how one might describe a time when you felt proud of a family member for their professional achievements.

How can a family business maintain a professional atmosphere?

Maintaining professionalism requires a conscious effort to separate “home life” from “office life.” One effective strategy is to implement formal communication channels, such as weekly meetings and official emails, rather than relying on casual conversations. It’s also vital to have external board members or consultants who can provide an objective perspective and mediate in case of family disputes. Setting clear boundaries—such as a rule not to talk about business during family gatherings—is essential for mental health. By treating the business with the same rigor as an external corporation, family members can ensure that their personal bond remains a strength rather than a liability. You can find more on this in our lessons on IELTS Speaking: Behaviour & Patience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing Only on the Past: The prompt asks about someone you want to work with in the future. Don’t spend the whole two minutes talking about a project you did five years ago.
• Being Too Vague: Avoid saying “I want to work with my dad because he is nice.” Instead, specify the industry, the role, and the specific professional qualities he possesses.
• Sounding Like a Robot: This is a personal topic. Use natural intonation and show some enthusiasm. If you sound bored, the examiner will find it harder to award a high score for pronunciation and fluency.
• Ignoring the “Why”: The explanation of why you want to work with them is often where you can use the most advanced vocabulary. Don’t rush through this part.
• Repetitive Vocabulary: Try to avoid using the word “work” in every sentence. Use synonyms like “collaborate,” “join forces,” “partner with,” or “pursue a venture.”
• Over-complicating the Story: You don’t need a complex plot. A simple, realistic scenario—like opening a cafe or starting a tech firm—is much easier to describe fluently than a convoluted business merger.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Record and Review: Record yourself speaking for two minutes on this topic. Listen back and count how many times you used “and” or “um.” Try to replace these with better transition words.
• Brainstorm “Professional” Traits: Make a list of adjectives that describe a good colleague (e.g., diligent, visionary, pragmatic) and try to apply them to your chosen family member.
• Use a Mirror: Practice your delivery in front of a mirror to ensure your body language and facial expressions match the tone of your story.
• Time Yourself: Use a stopwatch to ensure you can speak for at least 1 minute and 40 seconds. If you finish too early, expand on the “why” section.
• Check the Latest Topics: Stay updated with the IELTS Speaking Topics Jan–Apr 2026 to see if this or similar family-related cards are currently in rotation.

Mastering the cue card to describe a family member who you want to work with in the future is all about balancing personal warmth with professional ambition. By using the Band 9 answer as a template and incorporating the advanced vocabulary and grammar structures provided, you will be well on your way to achieving your target score. For more in-depth preparation, visit the IELTS Official Website or explore our comprehensive IELTS Speaking Tips to refine your performance further.