Speaking Test Part 3:

1. Do you think it is better to grow up with brothers and sisters?

I think that being brought up in a big nuclear family with brothers and sisters is generally positive. It helps children develop important social skills, such as cooperation and communication. Siblings provide companionship too, so you won’t get lonely, and later in life brothers and sisters can be supportive when you have a problem. Having said that, brothers and sisters don’t always see eye to eye, and sibling rivalry can sometimes be a problem.

2. Is it good to have a large extended family?

Generally speaking, I think having lots of relatives is a good thing as it really helps to have a close-knit group of supportive family members in your life. It’s also great if you have kids as they will have lots of cousins to play with, and family members can help you with childcare too. However, unfortunately, it can also create conflicts and rivalries, especially over issues like inheritance, and I know several cases of rifts that have developed in families, with siblings who refuse to talk to each other.

3. What role should grandparents play in bringing up children?

For me, grandparents should play an important role in raising children. They’re usually retired so they have the chance to spend quality time with kids when the parents are busy with work. They also have a lot of life experience and can be a role model that their grandkids can look up to. I think it’s also good for the elderly to have the companionship from spending time with their grandchildren. Sometimes elderly people without children and grandkids can get quite lonely.

4. How has the size of families changed in your country in the last 20 years?

In my country, the size of families has changed significantly in the last 20 years. With changes in the economy and society, nuclear families have become much smaller. These days a lot of couples don’t have children until they’re in their 30’s and often only have one child. I think that in the future, extended families are going to be really small, and kids may not have any aunts, uncles or cousins.

5. What is more important, family or friends?

I think that both family and friends are important, and that it is possible to have a good balance between the two. Both family and friends can be supportive, but I’d say you should be able to rely on family members for help and support when you really need it. I think although having a good circle of friends is nice, having a close-knit family and strong bonds with your brothers, sisters and cousins is key to having a happy life. Only family can offer unconditional love, so ultimately, they are most important.

6. What do you think about single parent families?

I think that single parent families aren't ideal, and can face many challenges, but they can still offer the unconditional love kids really need when they’re growing up. Single parents often have to play many roles and take on many responsibilities, so this can be a struggle, both emotionally and financially. However, single parent families can also be very close-knit and strong, and they can still provide a loving and supportive environment for children.