As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students perplexed by seemingly simple questions in the IELTS Speaking test. One such question is “Is your child at school today?”. While appearing straightforward, this question can actually be a brilliant opportunity to demonstrate your English proficiency. Let’s delve into why this question is asked and how you can craft impressive responses.
Understanding the Intent Behind the Question
The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners aren’t simply interested in a yes or no answer; they want to see how you:
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
- Express yourself clearly and fluently.
- Engage in natural conversation.
So, when you’re asked about your child being at school, the examiner is actually looking for you to showcase your language skills beyond a simple confirmation.
Crafting Engaging Responses
Here’s how you can turn a simple question about your child’s school attendance into an opportunity to shine:
1. Acknowledge the Question Directly
Begin by directly addressing the question. This shows you’ve understood and are acknowledging the examiner’s prompt. For example:
- “Yes, he is. He’s in the third grade now and absolutely loves his teacher, Mr. Smith.”
- “She is! In fact, she was particularly excited about her science project today.”
- “Actually, no. Today is a holiday, so they’re both at home.”
2. Expand Your Response
Don’t stop at a simple yes or no. Use the opportunity to provide additional information, express opinions, or share anecdotes. This demonstrates your fluency and ability to hold a conversation.
- Talk about their school experience: “He’s really enjoying his time in school, especially the extracurricular activities. He recently joined the chess club.”
- Share an anecdote: “She was quite nervous about a presentation she had to give today, but I’m sure she aced it!”
- Discuss future plans: “He’s graduating next year, so we’re already starting to think about universities.”
3. Use Varied Vocabulary and Grammar
This is your chance to showcase your language skills. Instead of repeating “school,” use synonyms like:
- “Attending classes”
- “At his lessons”
- “Studying”
Similarly, incorporate a range of grammatical structures like different tenses, conditional clauses, or relative clauses.
4. Maintain Natural Conversation
While it’s important to demonstrate your English proficiency, remember to maintain a natural flow of conversation. Speak clearly, use appropriate pauses, and engage with the examiner.
ielts speaking test example
Example Responses
Examiner: Is your child at school today?
Candidate 1: “Yes, he is. He’s actually quite excited because they’re going on a field trip to the museum today. He’s been looking forward to it all week.”
Candidate 2: “She is. She’s in secondary school now and is really starting to enjoy subjects like history and literature. It’s wonderful to see her develop her interests.”
Candidate 3: “No, actually, it’s the weekend. We were thinking of taking them to the park later today, weather permitting.”
Key Takeaways
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively. Don’t be afraid to elaborate on your answers, use a range of vocabulary and grammar, and engage in natural conversation. By viewing every question as an opportunity to showcase your language skills, you can confidently ace the IELTS Speaking test.
