IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Objects
Describe an old object that has been in your family for a long time
Describe an old object that has been in your family for a long time
You should say:
- what the object is
- where it is kept
- how long it has been in your family
and explain why this object is valuable to your family.
How to plan your answer
Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.
- 1
what the object is
An old mechanical brass pocket watch passed down from my great-grandfather.
- 2
where it is kept
Safely stored in a glass-fronted display cabinet in our main living room.
- 3
how long it has been in your family
It has been in our family for around eighty years now.
- 4
and explain why this object is valuable to your family.
Valuable because of immense sentimental worth and connection to our family history.
Sample answer
about 242 words · 2 minutesAn old object in my family that holds a special place in my heart is a vintage mechanical pocket watch. It is made of solid brass with an ornate engraving on the back cover, showing a classic landscape scene. As for where it is kept, my parents store it safely inside a glass-fronted wooden display cabinet in our main living room. It sits on a soft velvet cushion alongside a few other precious mementos, so anyone visiting can admire it, though we rarely take it out unless there is a special occasion. This watch has been in our family for over eighty years. My great-grandfather originally bought it back in the 1940s when he started his first job as a teacher. He later passed it down to my grandfather, who then gave it to my father, so it has successfully traveled through three generations so far. The reason this object is so valuable to us is not really about its financial worth, even though it still works remarkably well. Instead, it carries immense sentimental value. It serves as a physical reminder of our family's roots and the hard work of previous generations. Whenever I look at it, I feel a deep sense of connection to my ancestors, especially my great-grandfather, whom I never had the chance to meet in person. Ultimately, I hope to inherit it one day and pass it along to my own children to keep our family history alive.
A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.
Useful phrases
holds a special place in
This old photo album holds a special place in my heart.
glass-fronted wooden display cabinet
We keep our finest china in a glass-fronted wooden display cabinet.
passed it down
My grandmother passed it down to my mother on her wedding day.
immense sentimental value
Although the ring is cheap, it carries immense sentimental value.
a physical reminder of
The trophy is a physical reminder of their hard-earned victory.
Common mistakes
This watch is belonging to my family since 80 years.
This watch has belonged to my family for 80 years.
Use present perfect tense with 'for' to indicate duration from past to present.
It is very valuable because it is cost a lot of money.
It is very valuable because it is worth a lot of money.
'Worth' acts as an adjective here and requires the verb 'to be'.
I want to pass down it to my future kids.
I want to pass it down to my future kids.
When using a pronoun with a phrasal verb, the pronoun goes in between.
Tips for a higher band
- Use descriptive adjectives to paint a clear mental picture of the object for the examiner.
- Connect past events seamlessly using both past simple and present perfect structures.
- Focus on explaining the emotional significance rather than just describing physical details to show depth.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.
- Why do some people like to collect old items?
- Do you think modern mass-produced goods have less value than older handmade objects?
- How can museums help preserve cultural history for future generations?
Now try this cue card
1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.
Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.