Relatives, traditions, and the people who shaped you. 21 questions from A1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
Show questions for
A1Beginner
Is your family big or small?Then: Who do you see most often?
Does anyone in your family live in another city?Then: Do you visit them?
Who is the funniest person in your family?Then: What do they do that makes you laugh?
What do you like to do with family or close friends?
Who in your family is a good cook?
A2Elementary
What did your family usually do on weekends when you were a child?Then: Did you enjoy it?
Have you ever been to a big family reunion?Then: What was it like?
Who is the most similar to you in your family?Then: In what ways?
How often do you call or message someone in your family?
What family celebration do you remember best from your childhood?
B1Intermediate
What is the best advice someone in your family has given you?Then: Have you followed it?
Did your family use to have any special rules at home?Then: Which ones do you agree with now?
If you could ask an older relative one question about their life, what would you ask?
Do you think it’s better to live close to your family or far away?Then: What are your reasons?
Who do you consider family, even if you are not related to them?
B2Upper intermediate
How has the typical family in your country changed over the last fifty years?Then: Do you see these changes as mostly positive?
What are the pros and cons of several generations living in the same home?
Looking back, is there a family tradition you wish you had learned more about?
C1Advanced
Some argue that family is becoming more about choice than about blood. How convincing do you find that view?
How should responsibility for caring for older people be shared between families and the wider society?
How do family expectations shape people’s life choices, and when, if ever, is it right to challenge them?
Role plays
Work with a partner or a tutor. Read the situation together, then each person opens only their own card. Use the phrases to help you.
A2 Elementary
Planning a relative’s birthday
Your grandmother is turning 80 next month. You and your cousin are planning a celebration for her.
Card A: Cousin A
You want a big party at home on Saturday with lots of food. You can cook. You think restaurants are too expensive for a big group.
Card B: Cousin B
You think a quiet dinner at her favorite restaurant is better, because she gets tired easily. You work on Saturdays. Agree on a plan together.
Useful phrases
What about…?
I’m going to…
That’s a good idea, but…
How about Sunday instead?
Who is going to…?
OK, let’s do that.
B1 Intermediate
Calling a school about a young relative
Your sister is away for work, and you are looking after her ten-year-old son this week. He says he needs a signed form for a school trip tomorrow, so you call the school.
Card A: Family member
Explain who you are and why you are calling. You don’t know if you are allowed to sign the form. Ask what you can do, because your nephew really wants to go.
Card B: School office assistant
Normally only a parent or guardian can sign. Ask questions to check who the caller is, then explain the options, for example an email from the parent or a phone call before 9 a.m.