Describe Your First Day At School IELTS Cue Card

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The IELTS Speaking test plays a vital role in the overall IELTS exam. It evaluates your ability to speak English through a personal interview with a certified examiner. It consists of 3 sections measuring various aspects of your spoken English proficiency.

Part 1 (Introduction And Interview): It serves as an introduction where the examiner asks general questions. 

Part 2 (Individual Long Turn): It involves a two-minute discussion. In this section, you receive a cue card featuring a specific topic to discuss.

Part 3 (Discussion): This is the final phase, comprising a detailed discussion between you and the examiner. This part delves into deep questions linked to the topic presented in Part 2.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card 

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, known as the Individual Long Turn, you receive a cue card containing a specific topic.

Before beginning your talk, you’re given 1 minute to prepare. The task involves speaking about the assigned topic for 2 minutes.

Typically, the topics revolve around personal experiences or opinions. You might be required to discuss a person or an event, tackle a social issue, or offer advice. 

This section evaluates your ability to express your fluency in English and organise your thoughts. Additionally, it assesses how effectively you use a various range of words.

Sample Answer -1 For Describe Your First Day At School

Question: Describe your first day at school.

Answer:

Provide a detailed explanation of your first day at school. Describe the setting, your emotions, and any significant events that occurred.

“My first day at school was a tense experience. I was excited to begin my studies, but simultaneously, I was scared. The school was a massive building with a beautiful playground. As I entered the school gate, I saw many children running around, playing, and laughing. The atmosphere was nice, making me feel a bit open.”

Question:

How did you feel on your first day of school?

Answer:

Elaborate on your emotions on the first day of school. Explain the feelings you experienced and how you managed them.

“I felt a mix of emotions on my first day of school. I was excited about the opportunity to learn new things and meet new people, but at the same time, I was nervous about how it would all go. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed by the size of the school and the number of students.

Question:

What significant events occurred on your first day of school?

Answer:

Describe any notable events that occurred on your first day of school. This could include meeting new people, making friends, or other significant experiences.

“I met my class teacher on the first day, who was very friendly and welcoming. She introduced me to the other students, and they all greeted me with a smile. During the break time, I made some new friends and shared my lunch with them. It was a great feeling.”

Question:

What did you learn from your first day of school?

Answer:

Reflect on what you learned from your first day of school. It can include lessons about education, social skills, or any other insights you have gained.

“I learned that starting something new can be scary, but it can also be exciting. I learned that it’s essential to take a deep breath and try to make the best of a new situation. I learned that making friends is easy if you’re open and friendly. My first day of school taught me that anything is possible if you come with the right mindset.”

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Describe Your First Day At School IELTS Cue Card

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Describe Your First Day At School IELTS Cue Card

Sample Answer- 2 For Describe Your First Day At School

Question: Describe your first day at School.

Answer: 

Give a detailed description of your first day at school. Describe the setting, your emotions, and any significant events that occurred.

“My first day at class 8th was an exciting experience as I switched from DAV Public School to Delhi Public School. I had heard so much about the Delhi Public School and its reputation for academic excellence, and I was eager to see it for myself. As I entered the school gate, I was impressed by the beautiful school building and the friendly faces of the teachers and students.”

Question:

How did you feel on your first day at School?

Answer:

Elaborate on your feelings on the first day at school. Explain the feelings you experienced and how you managed them.

“I was excited to learn and grow in such a prestigious school. Still, at the same time, I was a little scared by the high standards and expectations. However, my teachers and classmates were very supportive and friendly.”

Question:

What significant events occurred on your first day at School?

Answer:

Describe any notable events that occurred on your first day at DPS School. This could include meeting new people, making friends, or other significant experiences.

“On my first day at DPS School, I met my class teacher, who introduced me to the other students. We had an ice-breaking session where we shared something about ourselves, which helped me to get to know others better. During the lunch break, I explored the school building and explored the impressive library, computer labs and music room.”

Question:

What did you learn from your first day at School?

Answer:

Here, you can tell what you have learned from your first day at DPS School. It can include lessons about education, social skills, or any other insights you have gained.

“I learned that DPS School highly emphasises academic excellence and personal growth. I also learned that the School has a vibrant and diverse community of students and staff who are welcoming and supportive. My first day at DPS School taught me that I can achieve my goals and aspirations with hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude.”

IELTS Speaking Part – 3: Follow-Up Questions

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the examiner will ask follow-up questions based on the topic you discussed in Part 2. In this case, we will focus on the topic of your first day at school. These questions will require you to provide more detailed and complex answers, indicating your ability to discuss a topic.

Describe your first day at school: Follow-Up Questions:

Q. How do you think your first day at school has impacted your education?

Answer: My first day at school significantly impacted my education. It helped me to adjust to the new environment and set the tone for the rest of my academic journey. It also taught me the importance of being open and friendly to new people and experiences.

Q. Do you think schools should focus more on academic excellence or social development?

Answer: Schools should aim to balance academic excellence and social development. While academic excellence is essential, social development is equally crucial as it helps students develop essential life skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Q. What do you think schools can do to make new students feel more comfortable on their first day?

Answer: Schools can take several steps to make new students feel more comfortable on their first day. For instance, they can assign a student or staff member to guide and show the new student around the school. Additionally, they can encourage students to get to know each other better.

Q. How do you think technology has changed how students experience their first day at school?

Answer: Technology has significantly changed how students experience their first day at school. For instance, schools can use virtual tours and online resources to show students what to expect on their first day. Additionally, students can use technology to connect with other students before the first day, which can help to ease their anxiety.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is starting school for the first time?

Answer: My advice to someone starting school for the first time would be to stay positive and open-minded. It’s natural to feel nervous and overwhelmed. Try to make friends and participate in activities as much as possible. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for any help if needed.

Final Thoughts

Describing your first day at school is an excellent way to showcase your language proficiency and communication skills in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic tests your ability to express your thoughts and emotions in English, making it a crucial part of the exam. 

By practising IELTS sample papers and grinding your speaking skills, you can increase your score and achieve your target band.

Remember that the more you practice, the more confident you will become in expressing yourself fluently and coherently. So, keep practising and be prepared to ace your IELTS Speaking test!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Is the IELTS Exam challenging for Indian students?

    A. The IELTS exam can be a challenging but rewarding experience for Indian students. Students can improve their language skills and perform well in the exam with dedication and hard work. The IELTS exam is an opportunity for students to showcase their English proficiency and gain access to various academic and professional opportunities. With the proper preparation and mindset, Indian students can overcome challenges and achieve their desired scores in the IELTS exam.

  • Q. How can I practise for the IELTS speaking test?

    A. To practice for the IELTS speaking test, you can start by speaking English with friends or family. Record yourself speaking and listen to it to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, you can listen to English podcasts, watch English films or TV shows, and read English books to improve your vocabulary and grammar. 

  • Q. How can I get an 8 score on the IELTS speaking test?

    A. You must display advanced English language skills to get an 8 score on the IELTS speaking test. This includes using a variety of complex sentence structures, precise vocabulary, and fluency. You should also express your opinions and ideas coherently and accurately. Practice speaking English with a native speaker, listen to English news and podcasts, and familiarise yourself with common IELTS speaking topics to improve your chances of getting a high score.

  • Q. How do I prepare for a cue card in 1 minute in the IELTS speaking test?

    A. To prepare for a cue card in one minute, read the topic carefully and make some notes. Plan your answer by organising your thoughts and focusing on the main points. Use simple and relevant vocabulary to express your thoughts clearly. Practice speaking fluently and confidently to deliver your answer in a structured manner.

  • Q. How to start part 3 in the IELTS speaking test?

    A. To start Part 3 in the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions related to the topic presented in Part 2. These questions are designed to delve deeper into the topic and assess your ability to express your opinions and ideas fluently and coherently. Listen carefully to the questions and take a moment to organise your thoughts before responding. It’s crucial to answer the questions honestly and in detail, using a range of vocabulary to showcase your language skills.

  • Q. What is the format of the Cue Card in the IELTS speaking test?

    A. In the IELTS Speaking test, the Cue Card is a card that features a specific topic which the test-taker has to speak about for two minutes. The test-taker is given 1 minute to prepare before start talking. The topics generally revolve around personal experiences or opinions, and the objective is to evaluate the test-taker’s ability to express their thoughts fluently and organise their ideas effectively.

  • Q. What is the IELTS exam fee in India?

    A. The IELTS exam fee in India varies depending on the test type and location. As of 2023, the Academic or General Training test fee is INR 16,250. However, the computer-delivered IELTS test is more expensive than the paper-based test. It’s recommended to check the official IELTS website for the latest fees and payment methods.

  • Q. Does the IELTS Cue Card topic repeat in the IELTS speaking test?

    A. The IELTS cue cards are an essential part of the IELTS Speaking Test. These cue cards are updated after every 4 months, and 50% of the topics are changed every April, September, and December. This means there will always be new topics to discuss, making it more challenging for candidates to prepare. Additionally, you can find sample cue cards online to help you prepare for the test.

  • Q. Which part has the more weightage in the IELTS speaking test?

    A. In the IELTS Speaking test, each section holds a different weightage. Part 2 (Individual Long Turn) has the most significant weightage, which is 50% of the overall speaking test. This section assesses your ability to speak fluently, organise your thoughts, and use various words effectively. Part 1 (Introduction And Interview) holds a 30% weightage and is an introduction where the examiner asks general questions. Part 3 (Discussion) has a 20% weightage and involves a detailed discussion between you and the examiner on the topic presented in Part 2.

  • Q. How can I speak perfectly in the IELTS speaking test?

    A. To speak perfectly in the IELTS speaking test, practising regularly is essential. You can improve your speaking skills by listening to English speakers, repeating their words, and practising pronunciation. Expand your vocabulary and learn useful expressions that will help you on the test. Finally, try to remain calm and confident during the test and speak clearly and fluently.

  • Q. Can I ask the examiner to repeat questions in the IELTS speaking test?

    A. Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question in the IELTS speaking test if you don’t understand it or need clarification. It’s better to ask for repetition than to give an incorrect answer or not answer at all. Just politely say, “Excuse me, could you please repeat the question?” and the examiner will repeat it for you.

  • Q. What is the duration of the IELTS speaking test?

    A. The IELTS Speaking test is a personal interview with a certified examiner. It has 3 parts and takes around 11-14 minutes to complete. In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions to introduce you. In Part 2, you receive a cue card with a specific topic to speak about for two minutes. In Part 3, the examiner asks deeper questions related to the topic in Part 2. 


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