Describing a story heard as a child is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to recall past experiences, use descriptive language, and express emotions. To help you excel in this task, we’ll explore strategies and sample answers across different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about childhood stories. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy reading or listening to stories?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’ve always been fascinated by stories, whether they’re in books or told orally. There’s something magical about being transported to different worlds through narratives. I particularly enjoy fantasy and historical fiction, as they allow me to explore imaginative realms or learn about past events in an engaging way.”
Describe a museum you would like to visit to learn more about historical stories and artifacts that could enrich your speaking responses.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a childhood story:
Describe a story you heard as a child
You should say:
- What the story was about
- Who told you the story
- When you heard it
- How you felt about the story
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The story I’d like to talk about is ‘The Tortoise and the Hare,’ which I heard when I was around 6 years old. It’s a well-known fable about a race between a slow tortoise and a fast hare.
My grandmother told me this story during a summer vacation at her house. I remember sitting on her lap in the evenings, eagerly listening to her soothing voice as she narrated various tales.
The story is about a boastful hare who challenges a tortoise to a race. The hare, confident in his speed, takes a nap during the race, while the tortoise keeps moving slowly but steadily. In the end, the tortoise wins because of his perseverance.
I felt amazed by this story. It taught me that slow and steady can win the race, and that overconfidence can lead to failure. The moral of the story really stuck with me, and I’ve often thought about it when facing challenges in my life.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a captivating story from my childhood called ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein. This poignant tale left an indelible mark on my young mind and continues to resonate with me to this day.
The story revolves around the relationship between a boy and a tree, symbolizing unconditional love and the complexities of human nature. As the boy grows older, the tree selflessly gives him everything it has – from its leaves and branches to its very trunk – to fulfill the boy’s evolving needs and desires.
My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Johnson, introduced us to this story during a literature class when I was about 8 years old. Her expressive narration and the accompanying illustrations brought the characters to life, creating a vivid experience that has stayed with me for years.
The story evoked a whirlwind of emotions in me. Initially, I felt a sense of wonder at the tree’s boundless generosity. However, as the story progressed, I experienced a mix of sadness and frustration at the boy’s seemingly endless demands and his inability to reciprocate the tree’s love. The ending left me with a profound sense of melancholy and reflection.
What struck me most about this tale was its multi-layered nature. On the surface, it appeared to be a simple children’s story, but it delved into deeper themes of sacrifice, the human condition, and the sometimes one-sided nature of relationships. It prompted me to contemplate the meaning of true giving and the importance of gratitude – concepts that were quite advanced for my age at the time.
This story has had a lasting impact on me, shaping my understanding of selflessness and prompting me to reflect on my own relationships and actions. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling in imparting life lessons and fostering emotional intelligence in children.”
Grandmother telling a childhood story
Follow-up Questions:
Examiner: How has this story influenced your life?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“This story has had a significant impact on my approach to challenges. It taught me the value of persistence and not underestimating others. In my academic and professional life, I’ve often reminded myself to be like the tortoise – focused and determined – rather than relying solely on natural talent. This mindset has helped me achieve goals that initially seemed daunting.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The profound impact of ‘The Giving Tree’ on my life cannot be overstated. It has shaped my perspective on relationships and altruism. The story has prompted me to regularly reflect on the balance between giving and taking in my interactions with others. It has inspired me to be more mindful of the sacrifices others make for me and to express gratitude more often. Moreover, it has influenced my approach to environmental conservation, as I’ve come to view nature as a giving entity that we must protect and nurture, much like the tree in the story.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think storytelling has changed in the digital age?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Storytelling has changed a lot with technology. Now, we have e-books, audiobooks, and even interactive stories on tablets and smartphones. These digital formats make stories more accessible to people. Also, social media allows people to share their own stories easily. However, I think traditional storytelling, like parents reading to children, is still important for bonding and developing imagination.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the landscape of storytelling. We’re witnessing a paradigm shift from traditional, linear narratives to more interactive and immersive experiences. Digital platforms have democratized storytelling, allowing anyone with an internet connection to become a storyteller through blogs, vlogs, and social media.
Moreover, the rise of transmedia storytelling – where a narrative unfolds across multiple media platforms – has created richer, more complex story worlds. This approach engages audiences on various levels, encouraging active participation rather than passive consumption.
However, this digital transformation is not without its challenges. The abundance of content can lead to shorter attention spans and a tendency for more superficial engagement. There’s also the risk of losing the intimacy and personal connection that traditional oral storytelling fosters.
That said, I believe the digital age has ultimately expanded the possibilities for storytelling, making it more diverse, accessible, and participatory. The key lies in striking a balance between leveraging new technologies and preserving the timeless art of narrative crafting.”
Describe a piece of music that has special meaning to you to enhance your ability to discuss emotional connections in your IELTS Speaking responses.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Captivating (adjective) /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ – very attractive and interesting
Example: “The captivating story held the children’s attention throughout.”Indelible mark (phrase) /ɪnˈdelɪbl mɑːk/ – a lasting impression or effect
Example: “The fable left an indelible mark on my young mind.”Poignant (adjective) /ˈpɔɪnjənt/ – evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
Example: “The poignant ending of the story brought tears to my eyes.”Whirlwind of emotions (phrase) – a turbulent mix of strong feelings
Example: “The tale evoked a whirlwind of emotions in the audience.”Multi-layered (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈleɪəd/ – having several levels of meaning or complexity
Example: “The multi-layered narrative appealed to both children and adults.”
Interactive storytelling in the digital age
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing a childhood story during your IELTS Speaking test:
Practice recalling details of stories from your childhood. Focus on the plot, characters, and your emotional reactions.
Use a variety of descriptive language to bring the story to life. Include sensory details and vivid adjectives.
Structure your response clearly, addressing all parts of the cue card.
Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary where appropriate, but ensure they’re used naturally and correctly.
Reflect on the story’s impact on you, demonstrating critical thinking and personal growth.
When discussing broader themes in Part 3, try to provide balanced views and specific examples to support your points.
Remember, authenticity is key. Share genuine experiences and opinions to engage the examiner effectively.
Describe a news event that you found interesting to practice discussing current events and their impact, which can be useful for Part 3 discussions about modern storytelling and media.