Arun from Thiruvananthapuram wrote about joint and nuclear families. He used “family” in almost every sentence and “old people” for every older relative.

Learn IELTS family and society vocabulary as phrases with their usual partners, not as single words. The 15 phrases below sit in two groups, with three Task 2 questions and three Part 3 questions to practise on.

Is “Old People” the Right Phrase?

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries warns that calling someone “old” can be offensive, and that many people prefer “older”. It calls “elderly” rather formal, and says many people do not like it because it suggests weakness. The table keeps “elderly parents” as a standard collocation, but in your own sentences “older relatives” is a safe choice.

Keep your views balanced and general, and make no claims about particular communities.

Family and Society Words: Family Life

Word or phrase Meaning Example
nuclear family A family of parents and their children living as one unit. Some young couples prefer to live in a nuclear family.
joint family A family in which grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins share one home. In a joint family, grandparents may help to look after the children.
extended family A family group that includes grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. Weddings and festivals bring the whole extended family together.
upbringing The way a child is cared for and taught how to behave. A supportive upbringing can help children feel confident.
generation gap The difference in attitudes between older and younger people. Talking openly can help to bridge the generation gap.
household chores Regular jobs in the home, such as cleaning and cooking. In many homes, partners share the household chores.
elderly parents Parents who are old, who may need help from their children. Some adults look after elderly parents at home.
single-parent family A family in which the children live with one parent. A single-parent family may need extra support with childcare.

Family and Society Words: Society

Word or phrase Meaning Example
gender roles The positions and duties that society expects of men and women. Ideas about gender roles differ between families and generations.
childcare The care of children, especially while parents are at work. Affordable childcare helps parents who work.
family values Beliefs about what is right and important, often learned from family. Many people learn family values from their parents and grandparents.
sense of community The feeling of belonging to a group where you live. Local sports clubs can build a sense of community.
social isolation Having little or no contact with other people. Older people who live alone may suffer from social isolation.
ageing population A population in which the average age is gradually rising. An ageing population may need more healthcare and care homes.
role model A person that others admire and try to copy. A teacher can be a positive role model for students.

How to Avoid Vocabulary Mistakes

Incorrect: “Old people need support from their families.”

Correct: “Older people need support from their families.”

Oxford Learner’s says “old” can be offensive and many people prefer “older”.

Incorrect: “Children should make the household chores before watching television.”

Correct: “Children should do the household chores before watching television.”

Oxford Learner’s gives the example “doing the household chores”.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice: Family and Society

Give yourself five minutes to plan each answer, which is our advice, not an IELTS rule. Then write it using at least four phrases from the tables.

Practice question 1 (written for this post)

Some people believe that older people are better cared for by their families, while others think care homes provide better support. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

  • Living with relatives can keep family bonds strong and reduce social isolation.
  • Care homes have trained staff and medical help that relatives may not provide.
  • Caring for an older relative at home can be tiring for working adults.
  • Some families may combine home life with day-care centres.

Practice question 2 (written for this post)

In some families, both parents work full-time outside the home. Is this a positive or negative development?

  • A second income can pay for better housing and education.
  • Tired parents may have less time and energy for their children.
  • Understanding employers and reliable childcare can reduce the pressure.
  • Children may learn independence earlier.

Practice question 3 (written for this post)

Some people think that parents are mainly responsible for teaching children values, while others believe this is the duty of schools. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

  • Parents give daily guidance and are a child’s first role model.
  • Schools teach cooperation, rules and respect within a group.
  • Teachers and parents working together can give children consistent messages.
  • Children also pick up values from friends and the media.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Family and Social Trends

Part 3 is a discussion of general, abstract issues linked to your Part 2 topic, so practise extended answers on abstract topics and language for giving reasons.

How have families changed in your country?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

I think more young couples now live as a nuclear family, especially if they move to a city for work. In a joint family, grandparents were around to help, so working parents today may have to find childcare outside the home. That’s a big change for everyone.

Who should do the household chores?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

I think the work should be shared, whoever works outside the home. Dividing household chores fairly avoids arguments, and children can help too. Families have different traditions and gender roles, so each household can decide what suits it, as long as it feels fair.

Do children have good role models today?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

Yes, I think so, but it depends on who they look up to. Some celebrities set a poor example, but teachers, sportspeople and relatives can be positive role models too. Parents who live by their family values are probably the strongest influence.

Tip

Say each phrase aloud while describing your own family or neighbourhood.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn family phrases with their usual partners, not as single words.
  • In your own sentences, say “older relatives” rather than “old people”.
  • You do household chores; you do not “make” them.

The bottom line: Next time you write “family” or “old people”, swap in a more exact phrase, such as joint family or elderly parents.