The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that allow candidates to showcase their ability to describe personal experiences and emotions. One such topic that frequently appears is “describe a memory that makes you smile.” This engaging subject not only tests your language skills but also provides an opportunity to connect with the examiner on a more personal level. In this article, we’ll explore how to excel in answering questions related to this theme across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the speaking test, you may encounter questions that touch on memories and experiences that bring joy. Here are some possible questions an examiner might ask:
- Do you have many happy memories from your childhood?
- What kind of events or experiences usually make you smile?
- How often do you think about happy memories?
- Do you like to share your happy memories with others?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have many happy memories from your childhood?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): “Absolutely! I have a treasure trove of joyful memories from my childhood. One that stands out vividly is the time my family and I went on a camping trip to the mountains. The sense of adventure and the bonding experience with my parents and siblings left an indelible mark on me. I can still recall the scent of pine trees and the sound of the crackling campfire as we shared stories under the starry sky. These kinds of memories never fail to bring a smile to my face when I think back on them.”
In this response, the candidate uses descriptive language and sensory details to paint a vivid picture of a happy childhood memory. The use of phrases like “treasure trove” and “indelible mark” demonstrates a rich vocabulary, while the overall structure of the answer shows good fluency and coherence.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
For the second part of the test, you might receive a cue card related to describing a memory that makes you smile. Here’s an example:
Describe a memory that makes you smile
You should say:
- What the memory is about
- When this event happened
- Who was involved in this memory
- And explain why this memory makes you smileLet’s look at sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Response:
“I’d like to talk about a memory that always brings a smile to my face. It’s about the day I got my first pet, a golden retriever puppy named Max. This happened about ten years ago when I was in middle school. My parents surprised me with Max on my birthday, and I remember feeling incredibly excited and happy.
The memory involves my whole family – my parents, my younger sister, and me. We all went to the pet shop together to pick up Max, and I can still picture the moment I first held him in my arms. He was so small and fluffy, and he kept trying to lick my face.
This memory makes me smile because it marks the beginning of a wonderful friendship with Max. He’s been a loyal companion ever since, and whenever I think back to that day, I’m reminded of the pure joy and love that pets can bring into our lives. It’s a heartwarming memory that never fails to lift my spirits, even on tough days.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’d be delighted to share a memory that unfailingly elicits a smile from me. It revolves around an unexpected act of kindness I experienced during my first solo trip abroad. This serendipitous encounter occurred approximately five years ago when I was backpacking through Europe.
I found myself in a quaint village in the Italian countryside, completely lost and unable to communicate effectively in the local language. As I stood there, visibly flustered and poring over my map, an elderly Italian gentleman approached me. Despite the language barrier, he discerned my predicament and, through a combination of gestures and broken English, offered to guide me to my destination.
What transpired next was a magical afternoon filled with impromptu detours to hidden local gems, animated conversations facilitated by a translation app, and a shared meal at his family-run trattoria. The protagonists of this memory are myself and this magnanimous stranger, who I came to know as Giovanni, along with his warm and welcoming family.
This memory never fails to make me smile because it epitomizes the beauty of human connection that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. Giovanni’s selfless generosity and the genuine warmth of his family reminded me of the inherent goodness in people and the unexpected joys that can arise from being open to new experiences. It serves as a poignant reminder of how a simple act of kindness can profoundly impact someone’s life and create lasting memories. Whenever I recall this experience, it rekindles my faith in humanity and inspires me to pay forward the kindness I received that day.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you usually celebrate happy memories?
- Do you think it’s important to create new happy memories as we grow older?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe it’s crucial to cultivate new joyful experiences as we age. While nostalgia for past happiness is wonderful, actively seeking out and creating fresh memories keeps life vibrant and meaningful. It helps us maintain a positive outlook, fosters personal growth, and provides a rich tapestry of experiences to draw upon during challenging times. Moreover, forging new memories often involves connecting with others or exploring new horizons, which can be incredibly fulfilling and contribute to our overall well-being.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to memories and happiness. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think technology has affected the way we create and preserve memories?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Technology has revolutionized the way we capture, store, and share memories. On one hand, smartphones and social media platforms have made it incredibly easy to document every moment of our lives, creating a vast digital archive of experiences. This accessibility allows us to revisit memories instantly and share them with loved ones across the globe, fostering connections and preserving moments that might otherwise be forgotten.
However, this constant documentation can also have drawbacks. There’s a risk of becoming so focused on capturing the perfect photo or video that we fail to fully immerse ourselves in the present moment. Additionally, the curated nature of social media can lead to a skewed perception of reality, where we compare our everyday lives to others’ highlight reels.
Despite these challenges, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Cloud storage and AI-powered organization of photos and videos have made it easier than ever to preserve and revisit cherished memories. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are also opening up new possibilities for immersive memory experiences, allowing us to relive moments in ways previously unimaginable.
Ultimately, while technology has changed how we interact with memories, the essence of what makes a moment memorable – the emotions, connections, and experiences – remains unchanged. The key is to strike a balance between capturing memories and fully living in the moment.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
-
Indelible mark (adjective + noun) – /ɪnˈdelɪbl mɑːrk/ – A lasting impression or memory
Example: “The experience left an indelible mark on my psyche.” -
Evoke nostalgia (verb + noun) – /ɪˈvəʊk nɒˈstældʒə/ – To bring back sentimental feelings
Example: “The scent of freshly baked cookies always evokes nostalgia for my grandmother’s kitchen.” -
Cherished moment (adjective + noun) – /ˈtʃerɪʃt ˈməʊmənt/ – A highly valued or beloved memory
Example: “Watching my child take their first steps was a cherished moment I’ll never forget.” -
Pivotal experience (adjective + noun) – /ˈpɪvətl ɪkˈspɪərɪəns/ – A crucial or significant event that changes one’s perspective
Example: “My first international trip was a pivotal experience that broadened my worldview.” -
Poignant reminder (adjective + noun) – /ˈpɔɪnjənt rɪˈmaɪndə/ – A touching or emotionally moving memory
Example: “The old photograph served as a poignant reminder of our carefree childhood days.”
By incorporating these phrases and focusing on detailed, personal responses, you can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing memories that make you smile. Remember to practice regularly and describe a memory from your childhood that makes you smile to build your confidence and fluency.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing memories:
-
Practice storytelling: Regularly recount personal anecdotes to friends or family to improve your narrative skills.
-
Expand your vocabulary: Focus on learning descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions related to emotions and experiences.
-
Use sensory details: Incorporate sights, sounds, smells, and feelings to make your descriptions more vivid and engaging.
-
Vary your sentence structure: Mix short and long sentences to maintain the examiner’s interest and demonstrate language flexibility.
-
Show genuine enthusiasm: Let your positive emotions shine through when discussing happy memories to create a connection with the examiner.
By following these tips and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a childhood memory that you cherish or any other topic related to personal experiences in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity and effective communication are key to achieving a high score.