Describing a childhood activity you enjoyed in your free time is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to reflect on past experiences, use appropriate vocabulary, and express emotions. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. What activities did you enjoy as a child?
2. How has your free time changed since you were young?
3. Do you think children today have different hobbies compared to when you were a child?

Here’s a sample answer for the first question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“As a child, I was absolutely fascinated by building things with Lego blocks. I would spend countless hours creating elaborate structures and imaginary worlds. It was not just a hobby but a creative outlet that allowed me to express my imagination and improve my problem-solving skills.”

describe an activity from your primary school days that you remember fondly

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe An Activity You Enjoyed In Your Free Time As A Child
You should say:

• What the activity was
• When and where you did it
• Who you did it with
• Why you enjoyed it so much

And explain how this activity has influenced you.

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“When I was a child, I really enjoyed playing hide-and-seek with my friends in our neighborhood. We usually played this game on weekends or during summer vacations. Our favorite spot was the local park near our homes, which had lots of trees and bushes perfect for hiding.

I played this game with my childhood friends from the same street. There were about five or six of us, and we’d take turns being the seeker. I loved this game because it was exciting and fun. The thrill of finding a good hiding spot or successfully finding all my friends was unbeatable.

This activity taught me important skills like teamwork and problem-solving. It also helped me become more observant and patient. Even now, I find these skills useful in my daily life and work.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“As a child, I was utterly captivated by the art of origami. This intricate Japanese paper-folding technique became my go-to activity during my free time, typically in the tranquil afternoons after school or on leisurely weekends. I would often immerse myself in this craft in the cozy corner of my bedroom, surrounded by an array of colorful paper and instructional books.

While origami can be a solitary pursuit, I frequently engaged in this pastime with my elder sister, who shared my enthusiasm. Together, we would challenge ourselves to create increasingly complex designs, from simple cranes to elaborate modular structures.

The allure of origami lay in its perfect blend of artistry and precision. I was thoroughly engrossed by the way a flat sheet of paper could be transformed into a three-dimensional object through a series of precise folds. The sense of accomplishment upon completing a difficult piece was immensely satisfying.

This childhood hobby has had a profound impact on my personal development. It honed my fine motor skills, enhanced my spatial awareness, and cultivated patience and perseverance. Moreover, the meditative aspect of folding paper has become a stress-relief technique I still employ today. The problem-solving skills I developed through origami have proven invaluable in my academic and professional life, illustrating how a simple childhood activity can shape one’s future in unexpected ways.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this activity influenced your choice of career or hobbies as an adult?
2. Do you think children today still enjoy this activity? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:

“The intricate art of origami has had a profound influence on my career trajectory and current hobbies. As an architect, I find that the spatial reasoning and structural understanding I developed through paper folding have been invaluable in my work. The ability to visualize three-dimensional forms from flat surfaces is a skill I honed through years of origami practice, which now translates directly into my architectural designs.

Moreover, the patience and precision required in origami have instilled in me a meticulous approach to my work. I often find myself applying the principles of folding and unfolding to solve complex design problems, thinking outside the box to create innovative structures.

As for my hobbies, I’ve expanded my interest in paper art to include more advanced forms such as kirigami and modular origami sculptures. These pursuits continue to challenge my creativity and provide a meditative escape from the demands of my professional life, much as origami did in my childhood.”

describe a time when you tried something new and liked it

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to childhood activities:

1. How do you think childhood activities impact a person’s development?
2. In what ways have children’s leisure activities changed over the past few decades?
3. What role should parents play in choosing their children’s free-time activities?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:

“Childhood activities play a crucial role in shaping an individual’s development across multiple dimensions. Firstly, these activities serve as a cornerstone for cognitive development. Whether it’s solving puzzles, reading books, or engaging in imaginative play, these pursuits stimulate neural connections and enhance problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity.

Secondly, free-time activities are instrumental in social and emotional development. Team sports, group projects, or even simple playground games teach children how to collaborate, communicate, and resolve conflicts. These experiences are invaluable in developing empathy, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills that are essential throughout life.

Moreover, childhood activities often serve as a testing ground for interests and talents. A child who enjoys drawing might develop into an artist, while one who likes taking apart toys might become an engineer. These early experiences can spark lifelong passions and even influence career choices.

Physically, active childhood pursuits contribute to motor skill development, coordination, and overall health. Whether it’s climbing trees, riding bicycles, or playing sports, these activities lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

Lastly, the skills and habits formed during childhood leisure activities often translate into adult life. Time management, dedication, and the ability to focus on tasks are all qualities that can be cultivated through childhood hobbies and carry forward into professional and personal life.

In essence, childhood activities are not mere pastimes but powerful shapers of personality, skills, and future potential. They provide a rich tapestry of experiences that contribute significantly to holistic human development.”

describe a time you spent time outdoors with friends

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Captivating /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Very attractive and interesting
   Example: “The captivating world of origami drew me in as a child.”

2. Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːrs wʌnˈself/ (phrasal verb): To become completely involved in something
   Example: “I would immerse myself in creating intricate paper designs for hours.”

3. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To try to develop or improve
   Example: “This hobby helped me cultivate patience and attention to detail.”

4. Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (noun phrase): A very significant or deep effect
   Example: “My childhood passion for origami had a profound impact on my career choice.”

5. Hone /həʊn/ (verb): To improve or perfect, especially a skill
   Example: “Practicing origami regularly helped me hone my fine motor skills.”

describe a favorite game you played as a child

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a childhood activity:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition.
2. Employ complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions naturally.
3. Provide specific details and examples to support your points.
4. Show a range of tenses, especially when talking about past experiences and their impact on the present.
5. Maintain fluency by practicing speaking on various topics regularly.
6. Develop your ideas fully, explaining not just what you did, but how it made you feel and why it was significant.

Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in being able to communicate your thoughts clearly and engagingly. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

describe a memorable time you had with your family

Children playing outdoor games with friends

By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary and complex structures, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in describing your childhood activities in the IELTS Speaking test.