Describing a childhood game that you still remember is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to recall past experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language. Given its personal nature and relatability, it’s likely to remain a common subject in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about childhood games. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Sample Question: “What games did you enjoy playing as a child?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“When I was young, I really liked playing hide-and-seek with my friends. We would take turns hiding and finding each other in the neighborhood. It was always exciting and fun.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“As a child, I was particularly fond of hide-and-seek. This classic game not only provided endless entertainment but also helped develop our problem-solving skills and spatial awareness. We would spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of our neighborhood, coming up with ingenious hiding spots.”
describe a memorable day from your childhood
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe A Childhood Game That You Still Remember
You should say:
- What the game was
- When and where you played it
- Who you played it with
- And explain why you still remember this game
Sample Answers:
Band 6-7 Answer:
“The childhood game I still remember is called ‘Hopscotch’. I used to play it when I was around 8 years old, usually after school with my classmates. We would draw the hopscotch pattern on the playground using chalk. The game involved throwing a small stone onto the numbered squares and hopping through them while avoiding the square with the stone. I remember this game because it was fun and helped improve my balance and coordination. We played it almost every day, and it brings back happy memories of my childhood friends.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The childhood game that remains etched in my memory is ‘Hopscotch’, a timeless classic that captivated my friends and me during our primary school years. We would eagerly gather in the school playground during lunch breaks, armed with colorful chalk to meticulously draw the intricate hopscotch pattern on the asphalt.
The game entailed tossing a small, flat stone onto numbered squares and then nimbly hopping through the course, deftly avoiding the square containing the stone. It required a delicate balance of physical agility and strategic thinking, as we had to plan our moves carefully to outmaneuver our opponents.
What makes this game particularly memorable is the sense of camaraderie and friendly competition it fostered among us. We would spend countless hours perfecting our techniques, cheering each other on, and reveling in the simple joy of play. The game served as a catalyst for forming lasting friendships and creating a shared experience that we still reminisce about to this day.
Moreover, Hopscotch inadvertently helped us develop important skills such as hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and even basic arithmetic as we counted the squares. It’s fascinating to reflect on how such a seemingly simple game could have such a profound impact on our physical and social development.
The vivid memories of laughter echoing across the playground, the feel of chalk dust on our hands, and the exhilaration of successfully completing a difficult course continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia. This game stands out in my recollection not just for its entertainment value, but for the life lessons it imparted about perseverance, fair play, and the importance of enjoying the journey as much as the destination.”
Children playing hopscotch on a school playground
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this game influenced your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Playing Hopscotch has influenced my life by teaching me about teamwork and following rules. It helped me make friends and stay active as a child.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Hopscotch has had a surprisingly profound influence on my life. It instilled in me a love for physical activity and honed my ability to focus under pressure. The game’s requirement for precision and balance has translated into a general approach to life where I strive for accuracy and equilibrium in my endeavors. Moreover, the social aspect of the game cultivated my interpersonal skills, teaching me the value of healthy competition and good sportsmanship, traits that have proven invaluable in my personal and professional life.”
- Do you think children today still play traditional games like this?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think some children still play traditional games, but not as much as before. Many kids prefer video games and digital entertainment nowadays.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While traditional games like Hopscotch still persist in some communities, there’s been a noticeable shift in children’s play preferences. The digital revolution has undeniably altered the landscape of childhood entertainment, with many youngsters gravitating towards video games and mobile apps. However, there’s been a recent resurgence of interest in traditional games, partly driven by parents and educators recognizing their developmental benefits. This juxtaposition of old and new play forms creates an interesting dynamic in modern childhood experiences, potentially offering the best of both worlds.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers:
- How have children’s games changed over the past few decades?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Children’s games have changed a lot in recent years. In the past, kids played more outdoor games and used simple toys. Now, many children prefer video games and digital devices. They spend more time indoors playing on computers or smartphones.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The evolution of children’s games over the past few decades has been nothing short of revolutionary. We’ve witnessed a seismic shift from predominantly physical, outdoor activities to more sedentary, screen-based entertainment. Traditional games that fostered face-to-face interaction and physical dexterity have been largely supplanted by immersive digital experiences.
This transformation is multifaceted, influenced by technological advancements, changing societal norms, and shifting parental priorities. While digital games offer unprecedented access to information and can enhance cognitive skills like problem-solving and quick decision-making, they often lack the tangible social and physical benefits of traditional play.
However, it’s important to note that this change isn’t universally negative. Many modern games incorporate educational elements and can connect children across vast distances, fostering a kind of global playground. The challenge lies in striking a balance, harnessing the benefits of both traditional and modern play to ensure children’s holistic development.”
describe a favorite book from your childhood
- What role do you think games play in a child’s development?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Games are very important for children’s development. They help kids learn new skills, make friends, and have fun. Games can teach children how to follow rules, work in teams, and solve problems. They also help with physical development when children play active games.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Games play a pivotal role in a child’s developmental journey, serving as a cornerstone for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. They act as a microcosm of the adult world, allowing children to explore and navigate complex social dynamics in a safe, controlled environment.
Cognitively, games challenge children to strategize, problem-solve, and think critically. Whether it’s a simple board game or a complex video game, each presents unique cognitive challenges that stimulate neural pathways and enhance mental agility.
Socially, games are a crucible for interpersonal skills. They teach children about teamwork, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. Through play, children learn to negotiate rules, take turns, and respect others’ perspectives – all crucial skills for future social interactions.
Emotionally, games provide a platform for children to experience and manage a range of feelings, from the elation of victory to the disappointment of defeat. This emotional education is vital for developing resilience and emotional intelligence.
Physically, active games contribute to motor skill development, hand-eye coordination, and overall fitness. Even in the digital age, motion-based video games and augmented reality applications are finding ways to incorporate physical activity into play.
In essence, games are not mere pastimes but powerful tools for shaping well-rounded individuals. They provide a holistic learning experience that prepares children for the complexities of adult life, underscoring the importance of preserving play in childhood education and development.”
Children engaged in an educational board game
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Etched in my memory (idiom) – Firmly remembered; impossible to forget
Example: The image of us playing hopscotch is etched in my memory.Captivate (verb) /ˈkæp.tɪ.veɪt/ – To hold the attention of someone by being extremely interesting, exciting, pleasant, or attractive
Example: The game captivated us for hours on end.Inadvertently (adverb) /ˌɪn.əˈvɜː.tənt.li/ – Without intention; accidentally
Example: We inadvertently learned important life skills through the game.Profound impact (phrase) – A very significant or deep effect
Example: This simple game had a profound impact on our development.Evoke a sense of nostalgia (phrase) – To bring back sentimental feelings about the past
Example: Thinking about hopscotch evokes a sense of nostalgia for my childhood.Seismic shift (phrase) – A dramatic change or transformation
Example: There’s been a seismic shift from physical games to digital entertainment.Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
Example: The transformation of children’s games is multifaceted, influenced by various factors.Pivotal role (phrase) – A vitally important or essential function
Example: Games play a pivotal role in a child’s development.
describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time as a child
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a childhood game:
Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture with your words. Use adjectives and adverbs to bring your memories to life.
Show emotion: Convey the feelings associated with the game. This adds depth to your response.
Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, give concrete examples and anecdotes.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally into your speech.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about your childhood memories to improve your ability to speak fluently on this topic.
Connect to broader themes: Try to link your personal experience to wider issues about childhood, education, or social change.
Structure your answer: Especially in Part 2, organize your thoughts logically, covering all points on the cue card.
Reflect and analyze: In Part 3, go beyond description and offer thoughtful analysis on the role of games in society and child development.
Remember, the key is to practice regularly, expanding your vocabulary and improving your ability to express complex ideas fluently. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
