The topic of describing your first day at school is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It’s a relatable subject that allows candidates to showcase their storytelling abilities, vocabulary range, and emotional expression. Let’s explore how to effectively address this topic and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about your school experiences. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you remember your first day of school?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, it’s etched in my memory. I was a mix of excitement and nervousness on that day. The anticipation had been building for weeks, and when the moment finally arrived, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. I remember clutching my new backpack tightly as I walked into the classroom, taking in the sights and sounds of my new environment.
Describe a teacher who has influenced you significantly can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to demonstrate your ability to reflect on personal experiences and express gratitude.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe Your First Day At School
You should say:
- When it was
- Where the school was
- What happened on that day
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
Let me take you back to a crisp autumn morning in September 2005. I was six years old, and it was my first day at Greenwood Elementary School, a charming little institution nestled in the suburbs of Manchester.
The day began with a flurry of activity at home. My mother helped me into my new school uniform – a navy blue sweater and grey trousers – which I wore with immense pride. I can still vividly recall the butterflies in my stomach as we approached the school gates.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the headmistress, Mrs. Thompson, whose warm smile instantly put me at ease. She guided us to my classroom, where I met my teacher, Miss Roberts. The classroom was a riot of color, with alphabet charts and children’s artwork adorning the walls.
The day unfolded like a whirlwind of new experiences. We started with introductions, where I mustered up the courage to share my name and one interesting fact about myself. Then, we dove into various activities designed to help us get to know each other. I particularly enjoyed the art session where we drew pictures of our families.
One moment that stands out was during the lunch break. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, but a boy named Tom came up to me and asked if I wanted to play football. That simple act of kindness made me feel instantly more comfortable.
By the end of the day, I was buzzing with excitement. The initial nervousness had given way to a sense of adventure and possibility. I remember bombarding my parents with stories about my new friends and the exciting things we’d done.
Looking back, that day was a significant milestone in my life. It marked the beginning of my academic journey and taught me valuable lessons about adapting to new environments and making connections. The mixture of anticipation, nervousness, and ultimate joy I experienced is something I’ll always cherish.
Colorful elementary school classroom
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How has the education system changed since you were in school?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): The landscape of education has undergone a seismic shift since my school days. One of the most striking changes is the integration of technology in classrooms. When I was in school, we relied heavily on textbooks and blackboards, but now, interactive whiteboards and tablets have become ubiquitous. Moreover, the curriculum has evolved to emphasize critical thinking and practical skills rather than rote memorization. Another significant development is the increased focus on individualized learning, with teachers tailoring their approaches to suit different learning styles and abilities.
Describe a piece of local news that caught your attention recently could be an excellent way to demonstrate your awareness of current events and ability to discuss their impact, which are valuable skills in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How important do you think the first day of school is in shaping a child’s attitude towards education?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I believe the first day of school plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s attitude towards education. It sets the tone for their entire academic journey. A positive first-day experience can instill a sense of excitement and curiosity about learning, which can last throughout their school years and beyond. Conversely, a negative experience might create apprehension or resistance towards education.
The first day is often a child’s initial exposure to a formal learning environment, and it can significantly influence their perception of school and learning in general. A welcoming atmosphere, engaging activities, and supportive teachers can help foster a love for learning and a positive association with school. This initial impression can contribute to a child’s long-term academic motivation and success.
Moreover, the first day of school is crucial for developing social skills and building confidence. It’s often the first time children interact with a large group of peers in a structured setting. Positive social experiences on this day can lay the foundation for healthy relationships and a sense of belonging within the school community.
However, it’s important to note that while the first day is significant, it’s not the sole determinant of a child’s educational journey. Consistent positive experiences and support throughout their schooling are equally important in maintaining and building upon that initial positive impression.
Children and teacher on first day of school
Examiner: Some people argue that children should start formal education earlier. What’s your opinion on this?
Candidate (Band 6-7 response): I think starting formal education earlier has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it can give children a head start in learning and help them develop important skills sooner. This might be especially helpful for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, there are also concerns that starting too early could put too much pressure on young children and take away from their playtime, which is also important for development. I believe the best approach probably depends on the individual child and their readiness for formal education.
Describe a recipe you recently tried could be an engaging topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, allowing you to showcase your vocabulary related to food and cooking while narrating a personal experience.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Etched in my memory (idiom) – Remembered very clearly
Pronunciation: /etʃt ɪn maɪ ˈmeməri/
Example: The moment I first stepped into the classroom is etched in my memory.To take in (phrasal verb) – To observe and understand
Pronunciation: /teɪk ɪn/
Example: I took in all the new sights and sounds of the school.To muster up courage (phrase) – To gather courage
Pronunciation: /ˈmʌstər ʌp ˈkʌrɪdʒ/
Example: I had to muster up courage to introduce myself to the class.A riot of color (idiom) – A vivid and varied display of colors
Pronunciation: /ə ˈraɪət əv ˈkʌlər/
Example: The classroom was a riot of color with all the artwork on the walls.To bombard with (phrasal verb) – To overwhelm with questions or information
Pronunciation: /bɒmˈbɑːd wɪð/
Example: I bombarded my parents with stories about my first day.
Children excited on their first day of school
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing your first day at school:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your experience.
- Incorporate idioms and phrasal verbs naturally into your speech.
- Structure your answer logically, covering all points in the cue card.
- Show a range of emotions and reflect on the significance of the experience.
- Practice speaking about your school experiences to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, describe a thing you complained about successfully can also demonstrate your ability to articulate problems and solutions, which is a valuable skill in the IELTS Speaking test.
By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary and personal reflections, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in this topic and similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test.
