Describing childhood outdoor games is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to recall past experiences, use descriptive language, and express emotions. Understanding how to approach this topic effectively can significantly boost your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about outdoor games to warm you up. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
- Did you play many outdoor games as a child?
- What was your favorite outdoor game?
- Do you think children today play enough outdoor games?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“My favorite outdoor game as a child was definitely hide-and-seek. I absolutely adored the thrill of finding the perfect hiding spot and the excitement of trying to stay quiet while the seeker was nearby. It was not only entertaining but also helped me develop problem-solving skills as I had to think quickly about where to hide. Looking back, I realize it was also a great way to bond with my friends and improve my social skills.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe an outdoor game you enjoyed as a child
You should say:
- What the game was
- Where you played it
- Who you played it with
- Why you enjoyed it so much
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“The outdoor game I really enjoyed as a child was hopscotch. We used to play it on the sidewalk in front of our house. I remember drawing the squares with chalk and then hopping from one square to another. I usually played with my neighbors and classmates after school.
I enjoyed it so much because it was a fun way to spend time with friends and improve my balance. It was also exciting to try to throw the stone into the right square. Sometimes we would have small competitions to see who could finish the course fastest.
The game was simple but entertaining. We didn’t need any expensive equipment, just a piece of chalk and a small stone. It was a great way to be active and have fun outdoors. I have fond memories of laughing and playing with my friends on sunny afternoons.
Looking back, I think hopscotch helped me develop my coordination and learn to follow rules. It was also a good way to make friends and socialize with other kids in the neighborhood. Even though it’s a simple game, it provided hours of entertainment and helped create lasting childhood memories.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The outdoor game that stands out vividly in my childhood memories is capture the flag. We used to immerse ourselves in this exhilarating game in the vast field behind our school, which served as the perfect battleground for our strategic endeavors.
I would typically join forces with a diverse group of classmates and neighborhood friends, forming two teams of about 8-10 players each. The camaraderie and team spirit that developed during these games were truly remarkable.
What made capture the flag so captivating for me was its perfect blend of physical activity and mental strategy. It required not only speed and agility to run across the field and evade opponents but also quick thinking and tactical planning to outsmart the other team. The game honed our decision-making skills as we had to constantly assess risks and make split-second choices.
The adrenaline rush of sneaking into enemy territory, the heart-pounding excitement of narrowly escaping capture, and the triumphant feeling of successfully retrieving the flag were all incredibly thrilling. Moreover, the game fostered important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, as we had to coordinate our efforts and devise strategies together.
In retrospect, capture the flag was more than just a game; it was a formative experience that contributed significantly to my personal development. It instilled in me a love for outdoor activities, an appreciation for teamwork, and the ability to think strategically under pressure – skills that have proved invaluable in my adult life.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- How has this game influenced your adult life?
- Do you think children today still play this game?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“The game has had a profound impact on my adult life in several ways. Firstly, it instilled in me a love for strategic thinking and problem-solving, which has been incredibly beneficial in my professional career. The ability to quickly assess situations and make decisions under pressure, which I honed during those intense capture the flag matches, has proved invaluable in my work as a project manager.
Moreover, the teamwork and communication skills I developed have significantly enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively in professional settings. I find myself naturally gravitating towards leadership roles in group projects, much like I did when coordinating our team’s tactics in the game.
Additionally, the game fostered a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and outdoor recreation. Even now, I make it a point to engage in outdoor team sports regularly, which has been tremendously beneficial for both my physical and mental well-being.
Lastly, the creativity and adaptability required in capture the flag have translated into a general approach to life where I’m always looking for innovative solutions and am comfortable adapting to changing circumstances. In essence, this childhood game laid the foundation for many of the soft skills that have contributed significantly to my personal and professional success.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- How have children’s games changed over the years?
- What are the benefits of outdoor games for children?
- Do you think technology has affected the way children play nowadays?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Outdoor games offer numerous benefits for children’s development. Firstly, they promote physical health by encouraging active movement and exercise, which is crucial for developing strong bones, muscles, and overall fitness. This physical activity also helps in combating childhood obesity, which has become a significant concern in many countries.
Secondly, outdoor games enhance social skills. When children play together outside, they learn to cooperate, negotiate rules, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively. These interactions are vital for their emotional and social development.
Moreover, outdoor play stimulates creativity and imagination. Unlike structured indoor activities, outdoor games often require children to create their own rules and scenarios, fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, exposure to nature through outdoor play can have positive effects on mental health. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase attention span. This is particularly important in today’s digital age where children spend a lot of time indoors with electronic devices.
Lastly, outdoor games often involve risk-taking in a controlled environment, which is essential for building confidence and resilience. Learning to assess and manage risks is a crucial life skill that outdoor play naturally encourages.
In conclusion, the benefits of outdoor games are multi-faceted, contributing to children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development in ways that are difficult to replicate through other activities.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Extremely exciting and enjoyable.
Example: “The exhilarating rush of running across the field was unforgettable.” -
Camaraderie /ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ (n): A feeling of friendliness and trust among people in a group.
Example: “The camaraderie among teammates was a highlight of playing outdoor games.” -
To foster /ˈfɒstər/ (v): To encourage the development of something.
Example: “Outdoor games foster important social skills in children.” -
Formative /ˈfɔːrmətɪv/ (adj): Having an important and lasting influence on the development of something.
Example: “Playing capture the flag was a formative experience in my childhood.” -
To hone /həʊn/ (v): To improve or perfect a skill over time.
Example: “These games helped me hone my strategic thinking abilities.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing childhood outdoor games:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to make your account vivid and engaging.
- Include personal anecdotes to demonstrate your ability to reflect on past experiences.
- Discuss not only what you did but also how it made you feel and what you learned from it.
- Use a range of tenses accurately to describe past events and their impact on the present.
- Incorporate topic-specific vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
- Practice speaking about your childhood experiences regularly to improve fluency and coherence.
Remember, the key to success is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Speak confidently, maintain good eye contact, and show enthusiasm for the topic. With practice and the right approach, you can describe a favorite childhood activity like outdoor games effectively and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.