Describe an Important Old Thing That Your Family Has Kept for a Long Time – IELTS Cue Card

Introduction

In the IELTS Speaking test, cue card topics about memories and family belongings are very common. One such topic is “Describe an important old thing that your family has kept for a long time.”

This question checks your ability to describe an object, explain its history, and express emotions clearly. In this blog, you will find a high-scoring sample answer and well-structured responses to follow-up questions.

You should say:

• What it is

• How and when your family first got this thing

• How long your family has kept it

• And explain why this thing is important to your family

Sample Answer

One important old thing that my family has kept for a long time is a wooden wall clock that belonged to my grandfather.

My family first got this clock about 50 years ago when my grandfather purchased it after getting his first government job. It was considered a luxury item at that time and was placed in the main living room of our house.

We have kept this clock for almost three generations now. Even today, it still works perfectly and hangs on the same wall where it used to be during my childhood.

This clock is very important to my family because it reminds us of my grandfather’s hard work and dedication. It also represents family unity, as every family gathering takes place in the same room where the clock hangs. For us, it is not just a timepiece but a symbol of tradition, memories, and emotional value.

Follow-Up Questions & Answers

1. What kind of old things do people in your country like to keep?

People in my country usually like to keep family jewelry, old photographs, religious books, furniture, medals, and ancestral documents. These items are often passed down from one generation to another as family heritage.

2. Why do people keep old things?

People keep old things mainly because of their emotional value and memories. Some items also have historical importance, while others are kept to honor elders or remember special moments in life.

3. What are the differences between the things old people keep and those young people keep?

Old people mostly keep items related to family history, religion, and tradition, such as letters or old tools. Young people, on the other hand, prefer to keep digital memories like photos on phones, social media posts, or electronic gadgets.

4. What are the differences between the things that people keep today and the things that people kept in the past?

In the past, people kept physical items like books, furniture, and handwritten letters. Today, people mostly store memories digitally in the form of photos, videos, and cloud storage. Modern items are lighter and easier to preserve.

5. What can we see in a museum?

In a museum, we can see ancient tools, paintings, sculptures, traditional clothes, weapons, coins, and historical documents. Museums display objects that represent culture and history.

6. What can we learn from a museum?

From a museum, we can learn about history, culture, scientific progress, and the lifestyle of people in the past. Museums help us understand how civilizations developed and what mistakes or achievements shaped society.

Useful Vocabulary (For Higher Band Score)

• Ancestral property

• Family heritage

• Emotional attachment

• Historical significance

• Well-preserved

• Symbol of tradition

Conclusion

Describing an old family object is an excellent way to show your storytelling skills in IELTS Speaking. Always talk about its history, emotional value, and importance to your family. Use clear structure and simple but meaningful vocabulary.

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