Master IELTS Speaking: Ace the “Describe a Game You Played as a Child” Question

Childhood games often feature prominently in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly in Part 2. The topic “Describe a game you played as a child” has appeared frequently in recent years and is likely to remain a popular choice for examiners. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and valuable tips to enhance your performance.

Describe a wildlife area you visited can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking exam. However, let’s focus on childhood games for now.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about games and childhood. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

Common Questions:

1. Do you enjoy playing games?
2. What kinds of games did you play as a child?
3. Do you think games are important for children’s development?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 2:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“As a child, I was quite enthusiastic about various games. I particularly enjoyed outdoor games like hide-and-seek and tag, which were incredibly popular in my neighborhood. These games were not only fun but also helped me develop physical skills and social connections. Additionally, I was fond of board games like Monopoly and chess, which challenged my mind and taught me about strategy and decision-making.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a game you played as a child
You should say:

• What the game was
• When and where you played it
• Who you played it with
• And explain why you enjoyed playing it

Children playing hopscotch on sidewalk

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“The game I’d like to talk about is hopscotch, which was a popular game in my childhood. I frequently played it during my primary school years, usually during break times or after school. The playground was our favorite spot to draw the hopscotch grid with chalk.

I mostly played this game with my classmates and neighbors. We would take turns throwing a small stone onto the numbered squares and then hop through the course, avoiding the square with the stone. It was great fun and quite challenging at times.

I enjoyed hopscotch because it was a simple yet exciting game that improved my balance and coordination. It also helped me make friends and learn about taking turns and following rules. The competitive aspect of trying to complete the course without making mistakes was thrilling. Overall, hopscotch holds fond memories of my childhood and the carefree times I spent with my friends.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to reminisce about a game that was an integral part of my childhood – hopscotch. This seemingly simple yet captivating game was a staple of my primary school years, serving as a delightful pastime during our break times and after-school hours. The school playground, with its expansive concrete surface, provided the perfect canvas for our chalk-drawn hopscotch grids.

My cohort of classmates and neighbors were my regular companions in this game. We would eagerly take turns tossing a small stone onto the numbered squares, then skillfully maneuver through the course, deftly avoiding the square occupied by the stone. The game required a blend of precision, balance, and strategy, which made it endlessly engaging.

What made hopscotch particularly enjoyable for me was its perfect balance of simplicity and challenge. It served as an excellent medium for honing my physical coordination and balance, skills that proved beneficial in various aspects of life. Moreover, the game was a catalyst for social interaction, teaching valuable lessons about sportsmanship, turn-taking, and adhering to rules.

The competitive element of striving to complete the course flawlessly added an exhilarating dimension to the game. Each successful hop brought a sense of accomplishment, while mistakes were met with good-natured laughter and encouragement from friends.

In retrospect, hopscotch encapsulates the essence of my childhood – a time of unbridled joy, friendship, and simple pleasures. It stands as a cherished memory, symbolizing the carefree nature of youth and the universal appeal of play in children’s development.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this game influenced your life?
2. Do you think children today still play this game?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“The impact of hopscotch on my life has been surprisingly significant. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, it cultivated essential life skills such as patience, perseverance, and the ability to gracefully handle both success and failure. These qualities have proved invaluable in my academic and professional pursuits.

Regarding its popularity today, I believe hopscotch still retains its charm, albeit to a lesser extent. While digital entertainment has undoubtedly encroached on traditional games, hopscotch’s simplicity and the minimal equipment required make it a go-to choice for many educators and parents. Its enduring presence in school playgrounds attests to its timeless appeal and educational value.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Q1: How have children’s games changed over the years?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Children’s games have changed a lot over the years. In the past, kids played more outdoor games and used simple toys. Now, many children prefer video games and digital entertainment. This change is mainly because of technology. However, some traditional games are still popular, especially in schools and parks.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of children’s games over the years has been quite remarkable. Traditionally, games were predominantly physical and outdoor-oriented, often utilizing simple, readily available materials. These games fostered social interaction, physical development, and creativity.

In contrast, contemporary children’s games have undergone a significant shift towards the digital realm. The proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles has revolutionized play, offering immersive, interactive experiences that were unimaginable a few decades ago. This digital transition has its merits, such as enhancing problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.

However, it’s important to note that this shift isn’t absolute. Many traditional games continue to thrive, especially in educational settings and community spaces. There’s also a growing trend of blending traditional and digital elements in games, creating hybrid experiences that combine the best of both worlds.

This transformation in children’s games reflects broader societal changes, including technological advancements, changing family structures, and evolving perceptions of child safety. It’s a fascinating microcosm of how play adapts to societal shifts while still fulfilling its fundamental role in child development.”

Describe a sportsperson or athlete you admire can be an interesting topic to explore in relation to the evolution of sports and games.

Q2: What role do games play in a child’s development?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Games are very important for children’s development. They help kids learn many skills, like teamwork and following rules. Physical games help with fitness and coordination. Games also teach children how to win and lose gracefully. They’re a fun way for kids to learn and grow.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Games play a pivotal role in a child’s holistic development, serving as a powerful medium for learning and growth across multiple domains. On a physical level, games, particularly those involving movement and coordination, contribute significantly to the development of motor skills, spatial awareness, and overall physical fitness.

Cognitively, games are instrumental in enhancing problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills. They provide a safe environment for children to experiment with cause and effect, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Socially and emotionally, games are invaluable tools for teaching children about interpersonal dynamics, cooperation, and conflict resolution. They offer opportunities to practice empathy, learn to manage emotions, and develop resilience in the face of challenges or defeats.

Moreover, games serve as a microcosm of society, introducing children to concepts like rules, fair play, and consequences. They help in the development of self-regulation and impulse control, which are crucial for success in various life aspects.

It’s also worth noting that different types of games contribute uniquely to a child’s development. While traditional games often excel in promoting physical and social skills, educational games can reinforce academic concepts, and digital games can enhance technological literacy.

In essence, games are not merely a form of entertainment but a fundamental aspect of childhood that shapes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development, preparing children for the complexities of adult life.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Integral part (adjective phrase) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl pɑːrt/ – essential or fundamental
   Example: “Hopscotch was an integral part of my childhood experiences.”

2. Reminisce (verb) /ˌremɪˈnɪs/ – to indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events
   Example: “I often reminisce about the games we played as children.”

3. Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – to develop or improve by education or training
   Example: “Playing chess helped cultivate my strategic thinking skills.”

4. Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ – rapid increase in numbers
   Example: “The proliferation of digital devices has changed how children play.”

5. Microcosm (noun) /ˈmaɪkrəkɒzəm/ – a situation or thing regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristics of something much larger
   Example: “Children’s games are often a microcosm of the broader society.”

Children playing digital games on tablets

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing childhood games:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate both common and sophisticated words related to games and childhood experiences.

2. Provide detailed responses: Elaborate on your answers with specific examples and personal experiences.

3. Show enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in the topic through your tone and expressions.

4. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.

5. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the topic from different perspectives and provide thoughtful insights.

6. Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms naturally to showcase language proficiency.

7. Maintain coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically and are well-connected.

8. Be authentic: While aiming for sophisticated language, ensure your responses reflect your true experiences and opinions.

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English are key to improving your speaking skills. Consider recording yourself answering sample questions to identify areas for improvement.

Describe an event you organized could be another interesting topic to practice with, as it allows you to demonstrate your organizational and communication skills.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the “Describe a game you played as a child” question and other similar topics in your IELTS Speaking test.