Describing a time when you felt like a child again is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking exams. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to recount personal experiences vividly while demonstrating a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to childhood and memories. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you enjoy doing things that make you feel like a child?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. Sometimes I like to do things that remind me of my childhood, like playing simple games or watching cartoons. It helps me relax and forget about adult responsibilities for a while.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find great joy in occasionally indulging in activities that transport me back to my childhood. Whether it’s frolicking in a park, engrossing myself in a classic animated film, or even partaking in impromptu games with friends, these moments serve as a delightful respite from the complexities of adult life. They not only help me unwind but also reinvigorate my spirit with a sense of carefree happiness.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you felt like a child again.
You should say:
- When and where it happened
- What you were doing
- Who you were with
- And explain why you felt like a child again
Band 6-7 Answer:
I remember feeling like a child again last summer when I visited an amusement park with my friends. We went to a famous theme park in our city that had just opened a new roller coaster. As soon as we entered the park, I felt excited like I used to when I was young. We ran from ride to ride, laughing and screaming on the roller coasters. The cotton candy and games reminded me of my childhood visits to fairs. I felt carefree and happy, just enjoying the moment without worrying about work or responsibilities. It was a great day that made me feel young again.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I vividly recall an enchanting experience that transported me back to my childhood, which occurred during a serendipitous visit to a newly opened amusement park last summer. My close-knit group of friends and I had spontaneously decided to explore this whimsical wonderland on a balmy Saturday afternoon.
As we stepped through the gates, I was immediately engulfed by a wave of nostalgia. The kaleidoscope of colors, the tantalizing aroma of cotton candy, and the cacophony of joyous screams from the rides catapulted me back to my carefree childhood days.
We eagerly embarked on a thrilling journey, darting from one attraction to another with unbridled enthusiasm. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the park’s newest roller coaster – a behemoth of twists and turns that simultaneously terrified and exhilarated us. As we ascended the first climb, my heart pounded with a mixture of fear and excitement, reminiscent of my first roller coaster ride as a child.
Throughout the day, we indulged in classic fairground games, savoring the sweet taste of victory when we won oversized stuffed animals. We gorged ourselves on an array of treats – from sticky cotton candy to gargantuan ice cream sundaes – without a care for calorie counting or dietary restrictions.
What made this experience truly transformative was the complete abandonment of adult worries and responsibilities. For those precious hours, we were liberated from the shackles of work deadlines, bills, and societal expectations. We laughed with reckless abandon, screamed at the top of our lungs, and reveled in the sheer joy of the moment.
This day stands out in my memory as a poignant reminder of the importance of occasionally embracing our inner child. It reinvigorated my spirit and rekindled a sense of wonder that I had nearly forgotten amidst the hustle and bustle of adult life.
Follow-up Questions
- How did this experience change your perspective on adulthood?
Band 6-7 Answer:
This experience made me realize that it’s important to have fun sometimes, even as an adult. I learned that taking breaks from work and responsibilities can help reduce stress and make life more enjoyable.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This transformative experience served as a profound reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance between adult responsibilities and childlike wonder. It enlightened me to the fact that embracing moments of unadulterated joy and spontaneity can significantly enhance our overall well-being and productivity. This realization has prompted me to consciously incorporate more playful elements into my daily routine, fostering a healthier work-life equilibrium and a more vibrant approach to tackling adult challenges.
- Do you think adults should try to feel like children more often?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think adults should try to feel like children sometimes. It can help them relax and enjoy life more. Doing fun activities or playing games can make adults happier and less stressed.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I firmly believe that adults should actively seek opportunities to reconnect with their inner child. This practice can serve as a powerful antidote to the stresses and pressures of modern adult life. By periodically immersing ourselves in activities that evoke childlike wonder and joy, we can enhance our creativity, boost our emotional resilience, and gain fresh perspectives on problem-solving. Moreover, these moments of lightheartedness can significantly improve mental health, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling approach to navigating the complexities of adulthood.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How has the concept of childhood changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think childhood has changed a lot recently. Kids these days spend more time with technology like smartphones and tablets. They play fewer outdoor games compared to the past. Also, children now have busier schedules with more classes and activities. This makes childhood different from how it used to be.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The concept of childhood has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily due to technological advancements and shifting societal norms. Today’s children are digital natives, growing up in an era where smartphones, tablets, and social media are ubiquitous. This has led to a more connected yet potentially isolated childhood experience.
Moreover, there’s been a noticeable shift towards a more structured and achievement-oriented childhood. Many children now have packed schedules filled with extracurricular activities, tutoring sessions, and organized sports, leaving less time for unstructured play and spontaneous exploration. This intensification of childhood reflects societal pressures for early success and competitiveness.
Additionally, concerns about safety have resulted in a decline in independent mobility for children. The free-range childhoods of previous generations, where kids roamed neighborhoods unsupervised, have largely given way to more controlled and supervised experiences.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s also been an increased awareness of children’s rights and mental health needs. This has led to more child-centric approaches in education and parenting, potentially fostering a more nurturing environment for childhood development.
Question: In what ways can adults benefit from occasionally behaving like children?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Adults can benefit in several ways by sometimes behaving like children. It can help them relax and reduce stress. Playing games or doing fun activities can make adults happier and more creative. It also helps them see things from a different perspective and solve problems in new ways. Behaving like a child occasionally can also improve relationships with family and friends.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Adults can reap numerous benefits from occasionally channeling their inner child. Firstly, it serves as an excellent stress-relief mechanism. Engaging in playful activities can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, leading to reduced anxiety and improved mood.
Secondly, embracing childlike curiosity and wonder can significantly boost creativity and problem-solving skills. When adults approach situations with the open-mindedness and imagination characteristic of children, they often discover innovative solutions to complex problems. This fresh perspective can be particularly valuable in professional settings, fostering out-of-the-box thinking and enhancing adaptability.
Moreover, indulging in childlike behavior can improve social connections and strengthen relationships. Shared moments of pure joy and laughter can create lasting bonds and deepen existing relationships, be it with family, friends, or colleagues.
Additionally, reconnecting with one’s inner child can lead to increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It allows adults to tap into long-forgotten aspects of their personality, potentially leading to personal growth and a more holistic sense of self.
Lastly, occasional childlike behavior can serve as a powerful antidote to the monotony and rigidity often associated with adult life. It injects a sense of spontaneity and excitement into daily routines, potentially leading to a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Nostalgic /nɒˈstældʒɪk/ (adj): Feeling or inspiring a wistful affection for the past.
Example: Visiting my old school made me feel nostalgic for my childhood days. -
Whimsical /ˈwɪmzɪkəl/ (adj): Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.
Example: The amusement park had a whimsical atmosphere that transported us back to our childhood. -
Carefree /ˈkeəfriː/ (adj): Free from anxiety or responsibility.
Example: As children, we lived a carefree life without worrying about adult responsibilities. -
To rekindle /riːˈkɪndl/ (v): Revive or renew (something that has been lost).
Example: Playing in the park rekindled my childhood memories of endless summer days. -
Spontaneity /spɒntəˈneɪəti/ (n): The quality of being natural and unconstrained.
Example: Embracing spontaneity in our daily lives can bring back the joy we felt as children.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like feeling like a child again, consider the following tips:
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Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture with your words. Use adjectives and adverbs to bring your experiences to life.
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Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Phrases like “turning back the clock” or “walking down memory lane” can add sophistication to your speech.
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Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to recount experiences in a engaging and coherent manner. Focus on structure, including a clear beginning, middle, and end to your anecdotes.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words related to childhood, emotions, and experiences. This will help you express yourself more precisely and impressively.
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Show reflection: Don’t just describe events, but also explain their significance and how they made you feel. This demonstrates depth of thought and analytical skills.
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Be authentic: While it’s important to use advanced language, make sure your responses remain genuine and personal. Authenticity can make your answers more compelling and memorable.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about using complex language, but about communicating your ideas clearly, fluently, and confidently.
Describe a time when you helped a stranger in need can be another interesting topic to practice your speaking skills. It allows you to demonstrate your ability to narrate a personal experience while showcasing your vocabulary related to empathy and social interactions.
As you prepare for your IELTS Speaking test, remember that topics like describe a memorable event that happened in your city can also provide excellent opportunities to showcase your language skills and cultural awareness. Practice incorporating these various themes into your preparation to ensure you’re ready for any topic that may arise during the exam.