Unlocking Nostalgia: How to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Task on School Memories

Describing a cherished school memory is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to recount past experiences vividly while demonstrating a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your school days. Here are some typical questions you might encounter:

1. Did you enjoy your time at school?
2. What was your favorite subject in school?
3. Do you still keep in touch with your school friends?

Let’s consider how to answer the first question:

Examiner: Did you enjoy your time at school?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I did enjoy my time at school. I had many good friends and some interesting classes. The teachers were mostly nice, and I learned a lot during those years.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! My school days were a treasure trove of experiences. I was fortunate to attend a school with a vibrant atmosphere that fostered both academic and personal growth. The camaraderie among classmates and the inspiring guidance from teachers made those years truly unforgettable.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s focus on the main topic with a sample cue card:

Describe a memory from school that makes you smile

You should say:
- What the memory is about
- When it happened
- Who was involved
- And explain why this memory makes you smile

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a funny incident that happened during my high school days. It was during a chemistry class in my second year. Our teacher, Mr. Johnson, was demonstrating an experiment. He mixed some chemicals, and suddenly there was a small explosion with colorful smoke. Everyone was surprised, including Mr. Johnson. He looked shocked for a moment, then started laughing, and we all joined in. It was unexpected and broke the usual serious atmosphere of the class. This memory makes me smile because it shows that even in serious situations, unexpected things can happen, and it’s okay to laugh about them. It also made our teacher seem more human and approachable.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to recount a heartwarming memory from my final year of secondary school that never fails to bring a smile to my face. It revolves around our annual charity fundraiser, which took place in the spring of that year. The event involved the entire student body, but it was spearheaded by our charismatic Student Council President, Sarah.

What made this particular fundraiser stand out was its innovative approach. Instead of the usual bake sales or car washes, Sarah proposed a ‘Teacher Talent Show‘. The idea was met with enthusiasm from both students and faculty. For weeks, there was a palpable buzz of excitement in the school corridors as teachers secretly practiced their acts.

The night of the show was nothing short of magical. We witnessed our stern Math teacher, Mr. Thompson, showcasing his prowess as a magician, leaving us all spellbound. The usually reserved English Literature teacher, Ms. Patel, delivered a powerful slam poetry performance that left many of us in tears. But the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the school principal, Dr. Roberts, donning a tutu and attempting a ballet routine, which had the entire auditorium erupting in laughter.

This memory brings a smile to my face for several reasons. Firstly, it shattered the barriers between teachers and students, allowing us to see our educators in a completely different light. It fostered a sense of community that transcended the usual classroom dynamics. Moreover, the event was a massive success, raising a record amount for a local children’s hospital.

But perhaps most importantly, it taught us a valuable lesson about the power of stepping out of our comfort zones and the joy that can come from embracing vulnerability. Seeing our teachers willingly make themselves the object of good-natured fun for a worthy cause was truly inspiring. This memory serves as a poignant reminder of the positive impact we can have when we come together as a community, and it never fails to uplift my spirits whenever I recall it.”

Students laughing during a school charity fundraiser

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this event change your perception of your teachers?
2. Do you think such events are important for school life? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
“This event definitely changed how I saw my teachers. Before, I thought they were just serious and always focused on teaching. But after seeing them perform and have fun, I realized they’re regular people too, with their own talents and sense of humor. It made me feel more comfortable around them in class after that.”

Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“This event profoundly altered my perception of our teachers. It humanized them in a way that traditional classroom interactions never could. Witnessing their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and showcase hidden talents or even make light of themselves for a good cause fostered a new level of respect and understanding. It bridged the gap between the authoritative figures we saw daily and the multifaceted individuals they truly were. This shift in perspective enhanced the learning environment by making it more relatable and engaging.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think the role of teachers has changed since you were in school?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think the role of teachers has changed quite a bit. When I was in school, teachers mostly just gave lectures and assigned homework. Now, they seem to be more like guides who help students learn on their own. They use technology more and try to make lessons more interactive. Teachers these days also seem to focus more on developing students’ social skills, not just academic knowledge.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, the role of teachers has undergone a significant transformation since my school days. The traditional paradigm of the teacher as the sole purveyor of knowledge has shifted dramatically. In today’s educational landscape, teachers are increasingly taking on the role of facilitators and mentors, guiding students through the learning process rather than simply imparting information.

This evolution is largely driven by the advent of technology and the abundance of information readily available to students. Teachers now focus more on developing critical thinking skills, fostering creativity, and nurturing emotional intelligence. They’re tasked with preparing students for a rapidly changing world, which requires a more holistic approach to education.

Moreover, there’s a growing emphasis on personalized learning, with teachers expected to adapt their methods to cater to diverse learning styles and needs. The integration of digital tools and blended learning approaches has also redefined the teacher’s role in the classroom.

However, it’s important to note that despite these changes, the fundamental essence of teaching – the ability to inspire, motivate, and shape young minds – remains as crucial as ever. If anything, the evolving educational landscape has made the teacher’s role even more pivotal and multifaceted.”

Modern teacher facilitating a group discussion in a classroom

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Treasure trove (noun) /ˈtrɛʒə trəʊv/ – a collection of valuable or delightful things
   Example: “My school years were a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.”

2. Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə/ – to encourage or promote the development of something
   Example: “The school environment fostered both academic excellence and personal growth.”

3. Camaraderie (noun) /ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ – mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together
   Example: “The camaraderie among classmates made school life enjoyable.”

4. Spellbound (adjective) /ˈspɛlbaʊnd/ – having one’s attention held as though by a spell; fascinated
   Example: “We were left spellbound by our math teacher’s magic tricks.”

5. Transcend (verb) /trænˈsɛnd/ – to go beyond the usual limits of something
   Example: “The charity event transcended the usual boundaries between teachers and students.”

6. Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: “The role of teachers has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing school memories:

1. Be specific: Provide detailed descriptions of events, people, and emotions to make your narrative vivid and engaging.

2. Use a range of tenses: Since you’re discussing past events, demonstrate your ability to use various past tenses accurately.

3. Employ idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms to showcase your language proficiency.

4. Show reflection: Don’t just describe events; explain their significance and how they impacted you.

5. Practice storytelling: Regularly practice recounting personal anecdotes to improve your fluency and coherence.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, accuracy, and a wide range of vocabulary and structures.

Student practicing IELTS speaking with a tutor

While reminiscing about school days can be enjoyable, it’s important to approach this topic strategically in your IELTS Speaking test. By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-equipped to describe a memory that makes you smile and achieve a high score. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to describe a memorable day from your childhood or even describe a childhood friend you are still in touch with to broaden your range of responses. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!