IELTS Speaking
names
Practice questions
- 1.What do you know about how your given name was chosen?
- 2.Do you think a person's name can influence the way others see them?
- 3.Are there any names that are especially popular where you live?
- 4.Would you ever consider changing your name? Why or why not?
Model answer
I've been told that my parents spent quite a while choosing my name. They wanted something that was easy to pronounce in both our language and English, because they hoped I would have opportunities to study or work abroad. In the end, they chose a name that belonged to my grandmother, whom they both admired. It was a way of remembering her, but they also liked the meaning, which is associated with kindness and patience. I didn't think much about the story when I was younger. However, as I've grown up, I've come to appreciate the thought behind it. It makes my name feel personal rather than simply being a label. I also like that it connects me to someone in my family whom I never had the chance to meet. Overall, I'm happy with my name. It isn't particularly unusual, so people rarely struggle to say or spell it, but it still has a meaningful story. If I ever have children, I'd probably put similar care into choosing their names, considering both the sound and the significance.
Target vocabulary
given name
A person's first name, chosen or given at birth.
family name
The name shared by members of a family, usually the surname.
meaningful
Having personal importance or a special significance.
easy to pronounce
Simple for people to say correctly.
名字
A name used to identify a person.
namesake
Someone who has the same name as another person, often in their honour.
a family tradition
A custom or practice passed down through generations.