Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Special Moment with a Childhood Friend

Describing a special moment with a childhood friend is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language effectively. Let’s explore how to approach this topic and maximize your speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about friendship and childhood memories. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you still keep in touch with your childhood friends?
2. What kinds of activities did you enjoy doing with your friends as a child?
3. How important do you think childhood friendships are?

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

Examiner: How important do you think childhood friendships are?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I believe childhood friendships are incredibly significant in shaping our personalities and social skills. These early relationships lay the foundation for how we interact with others throughout our lives. They teach us crucial lessons about trust, loyalty, and conflict resolution in a relatively safe environment. Moreover, childhood friends often share formative experiences that create lasting bonds and cherished memories that we carry into adulthood.

Children playing together outdoors

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a special moment you shared with a childhood friend.
You should say:

• Who this friend was
• What the special moment was
• Where and when it happened
• Why this moment was special to you

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about a special moment I shared with my childhood friend, Tom. We’ve known each other since we were five years old and lived on the same street.

The special moment happened when we were both 12 years old. It was during our summer vacation, and we decided to build a treehouse in my backyard. We spent about two weeks planning and building it.

The most memorable part was when we finally finished the treehouse. We climbed up and sat there, looking at the view of our neighborhood. It was a sunny afternoon, and we felt really proud of what we had accomplished.

This moment was special because it was the first big project we had done together. We learned how to work as a team and solve problems. It also gave us a secret place where we could hang out and talk about anything.

Even now, when I think about that treehouse, I feel happy. It reminds me of the good times I had with Tom and how important our friendship was during our childhood.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to reminisce about a truly special moment I shared with my childhood friend, Sarah. We had been inseparable companions since our early days in primary school, bonding over our shared love for adventure and creativity.

The moment that stands out vividly in my memory occurred during a family camping trip when we were both 11 years old. Sarah’s family had joined mine for a weekend getaway in the nearby national park. On the second evening of our trip, we decided to embark on a nocturnal expedition to observe the stars.

As we lay on a grassy clearing, gazing up at the vast expanse of the night sky, we witnessed a spectacular meteor shower. The celestial display was absolutely mesmerizing, with streaks of light darting across the darkness. We spent hours pointing out constellations, sharing our dreams, and marveling at the wonders of the universe.

This moment was profoundly special to me for several reasons. Firstly, it marked a turning point in our friendship, as we opened up to each other about our hopes and fears in a way we never had before. Secondly, it ignited a passion for astronomy in both of us, which we pursued together throughout our teenage years. Lastly, the sheer beauty of the natural phenomenon we witnessed created an indelible memory that has stayed with me ever since.

Whenever I reflect on this experience, I’m filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the deep connection I shared with Sarah. It serves as a poignant reminder of the magical quality of childhood friendships and the lasting impact they can have on our lives.

Two friends stargazing during camping

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has your friendship with this person changed over the years?
2. Do you think childhood friendships are different from adult friendships? Why or why not?
3. What qualities do you think are important in a childhood friend?

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):

I firmly believe that childhood friendships differ significantly from adult friendships in several key aspects. Firstly, childhood friendships are often characterized by a level of innocence and simplicity that’s hard to replicate in adulthood. Children tend to form bonds based on shared experiences and common interests without the complexities of adult life interfering.

Moreover, childhood friendships play a crucial role in our social and emotional development. They provide a safe space for learning important life skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, and compromise. In contrast, adult friendships, while valuable, often serve different purposes, such as networking or providing emotional support during life’s challenges.

Another notable difference is the intensity and time commitment involved. Children typically have more free time to dedicate to nurturing their friendships, often spending hours playing together or engaging in shared activities. Adult friendships, on the other hand, frequently have to contend with competing priorities such as work, family obligations, and other responsibilities.

Lastly, I’d argue that childhood friendships have a unique capacity to shape our personalities and worldviews. The friends we make in our formative years can profoundly influence our interests, values, and even our future paths in life. While adult friendships can certainly be impactful, they generally don’t have the same foundational effect on our character development.

In essence, while both types of friendships are valuable, childhood friendships hold a special place in our lives due to their formative nature and the pure, unencumbered joy they bring during our early years.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think technology has affected the way children form friendships today?

Candidate (Band 6-7):

I think technology has had a big impact on how children make friends nowadays. On one hand, it’s made it easier for kids to stay in touch with their friends through social media and messaging apps. They can talk to each other even when they’re not together in person.

But there are also some downsides. Sometimes kids spend too much time on their devices and don’t play outside or have face-to-face interactions as much. This might make it harder for them to develop social skills.

Also, social media can create pressure for children to compare themselves to others, which wasn’t really an issue before. Overall, I think technology has both positive and negative effects on childhood friendships.

Candidate (Band 8-9):

Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized the landscape of childhood friendships in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, digital platforms have expanded the scope of children’s social networks, allowing them to forge connections with peers from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations. This global connectivity can broaden their horizons and expose them to different cultures and perspectives.

Moreover, technology has facilitated continuous communication, enabling children to maintain bonds even when physically apart. This can be particularly beneficial for those who might struggle with face-to-face interactions due to shyness or social anxiety.

However, the pervasive influence of technology on childhood friendships also raises some concerns. The virtual nature of many interactions may impede the development of crucial social skills such as reading body language and facial expressions. There’s also the risk of children becoming overly reliant on digital validation, with likes and comments potentially supplanting more meaningful forms of social affirmation.

Furthermore, the anonymity afforded by online platforms can sometimes foster negative behaviors like cyberbullying, which can have severe psychological impacts on young, developing minds.

In conclusion, while technology has undeniably transformed the landscape of childhood friendships, offering new avenues for connection and communication, it’s imperative that we guide children to strike a balance between their digital and real-world social interactions to ensure healthy social development.

Children using technology to socialize

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Reminisce about (verb) /rɛmɪˈnɪs/: To indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events.
   Example: I love to reminisce about the carefree days of my childhood.

2. Inseparable companions (noun phrase) /ɪnˈsɛp(ə)rəb(ə)l kəmˈpanjən/: Very close friends who are always together.
   Example: Throughout our school years, Sarah and I were inseparable companions.

3. Vividly (adverb) /ˈvɪvɪdli/: In a way that produces powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
   Example: I can vividly recall the moment we first met.

4. Embark on (phrasal verb) /ɪmˈbɑːk ɒn/: To start or begin a journey or undertaking.
   Example: We decided to embark on an adventure in the forest.

5. Mesmerizing (adjective) /ˈmɛzməˌraɪzɪŋ/: Capturing one’s complete attention as if by magic.
   Example: The sunset over the ocean was absolutely mesmerizing.

6. Profoundly (adverb) /prəˈfaʊndli/: Very deeply or extremely.
   Example: This experience profoundly impacted our friendship.

7. Indelible memory (noun phrase) /ɪnˈdɛlɪb(ə)l ˈmɛm(ə)ri/: A memory that cannot be forgotten or erased.
   Example: Our camping trip left an indelible memory in both our minds.

8. Poignant reminder (noun phrase) /ˈpɔɪnjənt rɪˈmaɪndə/: Something that evokes a keen sense of sadness or regret.
   Example: The old treehouse stands as a poignant reminder of our childhood adventures.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a special moment with a childhood friend:

1. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture with your words. Use adjectives and adverbs to bring your story to life.

2. Show emotion: Express how the moment made you feel. This adds depth to your narrative and demonstrates your ability to communicate feelings in English.

3. Use a variety of tenses: While narrating your story, switch between past simple, past continuous, and past perfect to show the sequence of events accurately.

4. Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Use relevant idioms or phrasal verbs to make your speech more natural and fluent.

5. Provide details: Don’t just state facts; elaborate on why things were important or how they impacted you.

6. Practice coherence: Ensure your story flows logically from one point to the next. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas.

7. Reflect on the experience: In Part 3, be prepared to discuss broader themes related to childhood friendships and how they compare to adult relationships.

Remember, the key to success is not just what you say, but how you say it. Speak clearly, maintain good eye contact with the examiner, and show confidence in your ability to communicate in English.