The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about childhood experiences, making it crucial for test-takers to be prepared to discuss their favorite childhood activities. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a favorite childhood activity, with a focus on achieving high band scores.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about childhood activities. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. What was your favorite activity as a child?
2. Did you prefer indoor or outdoor activities when you were young?
3. How have children’s activities changed since you were a child?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: What was your favorite activity as a child?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“When I was a child, I really enjoyed playing hide and seek with my friends. We would play in the neighborhood park or in someone’s backyard. It was always exciting to find a good hiding spot and try to stay quiet while the seeker looked for us.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“As a child, I was absolutely captivated by the thrill of playing hide and seek. This classic game wasn’t just a pastime; it was an adventure that transported me and my friends into a world of excitement and strategy. We would eagerly scout out the most ingenious hiding spots in our local park or in the intricate layout of someone’s garden, reveling in the adrenaline rush of remaining undetected while the seeker prowled nearby.”

Describe a childhood game that you still remember for more inspiration on discussing childhood activities.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to childhood activities:

Describe A Favorite Childhood Activity

You should say:

• What the activity was
• When and where you did it
• Who you did it with
• And explain why you enjoyed it so much

Band 6-7 Answer:
“My favorite childhood activity was building sandcastles at the beach. I used to do this every summer when my family went on vacation to the coast. We would spend hours on the beach, and I always looked forward to creating elaborate structures in the sand.

I usually did this activity with my siblings and sometimes with other kids we met at the beach. We would use buckets, shovels, and our hands to shape the sand into towers, walls, and moats. Sometimes we even decorated our castles with shells and seaweed.

I enjoyed this activity so much because it allowed me to be creative and use my imagination. It was also a fun way to spend time with my family and make new friends. The feeling of accomplishment when we finished a big sandcastle was always great, even though we knew the tide would eventually wash it away.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“One of my most cherished childhood activities was the art of sandcastle construction on the beach during our annual family vacations to the coast. This summertime ritual was not merely a pastime; it was a grand adventure that captivated my imagination and fueled my creativity.

I would eagerly anticipate these trips, knowing that the vast canvas of the beach awaited my architectural aspirations. Alongside my siblings and often joined by newfound friends, we would embark on our sandy endeavors, armed with an arsenal of buckets, shovels, and our own dexterous hands.

Our creations were far more than mere piles of sand; they were intricate fortresses complete with towering spires, impenetrable walls, and winding moats. We would adorn our masterpieces with an array of seashells, pebbles, and strategically placed seaweed, transforming them into whimsical seaside palaces.

The allure of this activity lay in its perfect blend of creativity, teamwork, and the sheer joy of being outdoors. It allowed me to channel my imagination into tangible, albeit temporary, structures. The sense of accomplishment that washed over me upon completing a particularly impressive castle was unparalleled, even knowing that the tide would eventually reclaim our creations.

This activity also fostered a spirit of collaboration and friendly competition among us children. We would challenge each other to create the most elaborate designs, spurring each other on to greater heights of creativity.

In retrospect, I realize that building sandcastles was more than just a fun activity; it was a formative experience that nurtured my creativity, taught me the value of teamwork, and instilled in me an appreciation for the ephemeral nature of art and achievement. These are lessons that have resonated with me well into adulthood, making those sandy summer days some of my most treasured childhood memories.”

Children building an elaborate sandcastle on a sunny beach

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this activity help you develop as a person?
2. Do you think children today engage in similar activities?

Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“This activity played a pivotal role in my personal development. It cultivated my creativity and problem-solving skills, as I had to envision complex structures and figure out how to bring them to life with limited resources. Moreover, it enhanced my social skills through collaboration with siblings and new friends, teaching me the value of teamwork and communication. The transient nature of our creations also imparted an early lesson in impermanence and the importance of enjoying the process rather than just the end result.”

Band 8-9 Answer for Question 2:
“While traditional activities like sandcastle building still exist, I believe there’s been a significant shift in children’s activities today. The digital age has introduced a plethora of virtual entertainments that often compete with or replace physical, outdoor activities. However, there’s also been a resurgence of interest in hands-on, creative activities, often with an educational twist, such as coding camps or nature exploration programs. The key difference lies in the intentionality behind these activities, with parents and educators actively seeking to balance screen time with more tactile, real-world experiences.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think childhood activities influence adult personalities?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe childhood activities can have a big impact on adult personalities. For example, children who play team sports often grow up to be good at working with others. Kids who do a lot of creative activities might become more imaginative adults. These early experiences can shape our interests and skills as we grow up.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Childhood activities play a crucial role in shaping adult personalities, acting as a formative crucible for various character traits and skills. The activities we engage in during our formative years often serve as microcosms of adult experiences, allowing children to develop and hone essential life skills.

For instance, collaborative activities such as team sports or group projects can foster a strong sense of teamwork, leadership, and communication skills that translate directly into professional and personal adult relationships. These experiences teach children how to navigate group dynamics, resolve conflicts, and work towards common goals – all vital skills in the adult world.

Similarly, creative pursuits in childhood, be it art, music, or imaginative play, can nurture innovation and out-of-the-box thinking in adulthood. These activities encourage children to explore their unique perspectives and express themselves, potentially leading to adults who are more comfortable with self-expression and creative problem-solving in their careers and personal lives.

Individual activities that require focus and practice, such as reading or learning an instrument, can cultivate patience, discipline, and a growth mindset. These traits often manifest in adults as perseverance and a willingness to tackle complex, long-term projects.

Moreover, the variety of activities a child engages in can contribute to a well-rounded personality. Exposure to diverse experiences in childhood can lead to adults who are more adaptable, open-minded, and capable of approaching challenges from multiple angles.

It’s important to note, however, that while childhood activities significantly influence adult personalities, they are not deterministic. Other factors such as genetics, family environment, education, and life experiences also play crucial roles in shaping an individual’s personality.”

Describe a childhood toy you loved to explore another aspect of childhood experiences.

Examiner: In what ways have children’s activities changed over the past few decades?

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The landscape of children’s activities has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades, reflecting broader societal changes and technological advancements.

Perhaps the most significant shift has been the rise of digital entertainment. Whereas children of previous generations might have spent hours engaged in outdoor play or with physical toys, today’s youth often find themselves immersed in virtual worlds through video games, social media, and digital content consumption. This shift has fundamentally altered the nature of play, making it more solitary in some respects, yet paradoxically more connected on a global scale.

However, it would be overly simplistic to view this change solely through the lens of technology. There’s been a concurrent trend towards more structured and organized activities for children. Parents today often curate a variety of enrichment activities – from coding classes to organized sports leagues – in an effort to provide their children with diverse experiences and skill sets. This stands in contrast to the more free-form, self-directed play that was common in previous decades.

Another notable change is the increased emphasis on educational content in children’s activities. Even leisure activities are often imbued with learning objectives, whether it’s educational apps or STEM-focused toys. This reflects a broader societal focus on academic achievement and future career preparation, even from a young age.

Safety concerns have also reshaped children’s activities. The concept of “free-range” childhood, where children had significant unsupervised time to explore their neighborhoods, has largely given way to more controlled and supervised activities. This shift has impacted the development of independence and risk assessment skills in children.

Lastly, there’s been a growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and outdoor experiences, partly in response to the increase in sedentary, screen-based activities. This has led to initiatives promoting outdoor education, nature exploration, and physical fitness programs specifically designed for children.

In essence, while children today have access to a wider array of activities than ever before, the nature of these activities – and the context in which they occur – has shifted significantly, reflecting our changing societal values, technological landscape, and understanding of child development.”

Comparison of children's activities in the past and present

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Captivating /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Fascinating or attractive
   Example: “Building sandcastles was a captivating activity that stimulated my creativity.”

2. Formative /ˈfɔːrmətɪv/ (adj): Having an important and lasting influence on the development of something
   Example: “Those childhood experiences were formative in shaping my personality.”

3. To nurture /ˈnɜːrtʃər/ (verb): To care for and encourage growth or development
   Example: “This activity nurtured my problem-solving skills from an early age.”

4. Ephemeral /ɪˈfemərəl/ (adj): Lasting for a very short time
   Example: “The ephemeral nature of our sandcastles taught me about impermanence.”

5. To cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill
   Example: “Playing team sports helped me cultivate leadership skills.”

Describe a favorite book you read as a child for more ideas on discussing childhood experiences.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a favorite childhood activity:

1. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and avoid repetition.
2. Employ complex sentence structures: Mix simple and compound-complex sentences to demonstrate linguistic flexibility.
3. Provide specific details: Offer concrete examples and anecdotes to support your points.
4. Show reflection: Discuss how the activity impacted your development or shaped your interests.
5. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about your childhood experiences to improve your ability to speak continuously and coherently.
6. Demonstrate critical thinking: When answering follow-up questions, analyze the topic from different perspectives.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having a good memory of childhood activities, but also about expressing your thoughts clearly, coherently, and with a degree of sophistication. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will significantly enhance your performance.

Describe a moment that made you feel accomplished to further improve your ability to discuss personal experiences in the IELTS Speaking test.