Describe a couple you know who have a happy marriage (IELTS)

IELTS Speaking Part 2 | A couple who have a happy marriage

Describe a married couple you know well who inspire you

You should say:
  • who they are
  • how you know them
  • why they inspire you
And say what you think their secret to a happy marriage is.
IELTS Speaking | Candidate Task Card

Sample Answer | Describe a couple with a happy marriage

My best friend got married a few years ago, well, actually it’s more like about five years ago now. I’ve known him for almost fifteen years and I’ve known his wife for around seven years now.

They are a typical couple in many aspects. I think they share some interests, but they also have some big differences of opinion now and again. I’ve seen them very much in love, and I’ve witnessed them arguing like cat and dog, but at the end of the day, they are happy together.

I believe that one of the most important things they have, as a couple, is they always respect each other, even when they’re disagreeing or fighting about something they feel strongly about.

They also seem to be very good at compromising; giving and taking a little, when things aren’t exactly how they want things to be, and I think this is something that helps them avoid any major problems in their relationship.

They know each other well, but both still manage to surprise each other just enough to keep their relationship fresh and interesting. I’ve watched them learn about each other and grow together as a couple, and it’s been quite a journey - an inspirational one.

I hope that one day I too can find someone who I gel with as well as they do. They’ve managed to maintain their passion, and sense of self-identity, yet managed to cultivate their identity as a couple as well; their relationship is one of the best I’ve ever experienced, and it is impressive how good they are together.

It’s difficult to say if they have just ‘one secret’ to their relationship. I’m inclined to believe that it’s a lot of little factors, which, independently, might not seem very important, but together help them maintain their relationship in a healthy way.

As I said, they have a lot of respect for themselves and each other, a lot of passion, a sense of purpose as a couple, and a strong sense of belonging together and being stronger together – so it’s a combination of things which makes them work so well as a couple.

Follow-up question:

Do you think that a couple who are happily married is less common now than in the past? [Why? Why not?]

Yes, I do - there are two reasons I can think of. First, because fewer people are getting married generally, and second, because divorce has become so common nowadays, much more so than in, for example, my grandparents' generation.


How would you answer this IELTS speaking Part 2 question about a happy married couple?

Describe a couple you know who have a happy marriage

You should say:
  • who they are
  • how you know them
  • how long they've been married
and explain what you admire about them.

Sample answer

I know a couple who have been married for 20 years and they are still as happy as they were on their wedding day. I think the secret to their happy marriage is communication and mutual respect.

Something I admire about them is that they are always talking to each other, even when they are having disagreements. And they always seem to be able to come to a resolution that works for both of them.

I have learned from them that marriage is not always easy, but it is worth it if you are with the right person.

Let me tell you some more about this couple. They met in college and started dating shortly after. They got married a few years after they graduated, and they have been together ever since. They have two kids, a boy, and a girl, who are both in high school.

Even though they are busy with their careers and their kids, they always make time for each other. They go on dates regularly, and they always seem to find new things to talk about.

Interestingly, their personalities are quite different, but they complement each other perfectly. She is more outgoing and spontaneous, while he is more reserved and thoughtful. But together, they make a great team. They are always there for each other, no matter what.

I think the secret to their happy marriage is that they really communicate well. They are both very good at listening to each other, and they are always willing to compromise when necessary. I have learned a lot from them about what it takes to make a marriage work.

So, if I had to describe a couple who are happily married, this couple would be my first choice. If I was thinking about getting married, this couple would inspire me to go for it! Marriage can be a wonderful thing, as long as you are with the right person. And I think this couple is proof of that.

Follow-up question:

How difficult do you think it is to have such a happy marriage?

It takes both people to make a happy marriage (or any relationship). Finding the right 'partner' is the key, and learning to grow together over time instead of apart. It's a challenge - but not impossible - as the couple I told you about prove.

Similar IELTS Candidate Task Cards

  • Talk about the love story of a couple you know
  • Describe a couple who are happily married
  • Describe a wedding you have been to

Words to describe a happy couple

  • Joyful: The joyful couple laughed a lot, making everyone around them feel cheerful too.
  • Affectionate: They were always affectionate, holding hands and sharing gentle kisses in public.
  • Respectful: Their relationship was peaceful and they were always respectful to each other.
  • Devoted: The couple helped each other through every problem, showing strong devotion to each ther.
  • Blissful: Life was blissful when they were together, enjoying simple things and times.
  • Cherished: They cherished every moment spent with each other.
  • Adoring: You could see their love by the adoring glances at each other.

Words to describe a happy married couple

When we think of happily married couples, words like "in love," "committed," and "supportive" come to mind.

Other words people use to describe a couple who are happily married include:

  • loving
  • caring
  • trustworthy
  • faithful
  • fun
  • stable
  • solid

However, one quality often overlooked is genuine kindness towards each other.

A couple who consistently shows patience, compassion, and understanding in their day-to-day interactions with each other is more likely to have a strong and lasting marriage.

They may apologize quickly after arguments, forgive easily, and always put the needs of their partner before their own. Kind couples find ways to bring joy into each other's lives and create a positive energy in their relationship.

In turn, they can face challenges and difficulties with a sense of joy and contentment. When it comes to marital happiness, kindness truly goes a long way.

How would you describe a couple you know who are happily married?