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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe Your First Day At School

Updated on Oct 14, 2024, 11:37

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the topic “Describe Your First Day at School” prompts you to recall a personal memory and share your experience in detail. This topic tests your ability to describe emotions, settings, and specific events clearly. When preparing for this cue card, focus on highlighting key aspects like your feelings, the people you met, and the new environment. It also allows you to practise expressing past events with accurate tenses, a crucial skill to achieve a higher IELTS score.

 

Practising this topic will help improve your fluency and coherence, two important criteria in the IELTS Speaking section. By focusing on structuring your response with an introduction, key moments, and a conclusion, you’ll gain the confidence to handle other cue card topics effectively. Additionally, sharing personal experiences in this manner enhances your ability to narrate events naturally, which can be beneficial in boosting your IELTS band score.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe Your First Day At School

You should say

  • Describe your first day at school.
  • How did you feel on your first day of school?
  • What significant events occurred on your first day of school?
  • What did you learn from your first day of school?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Describe your first day at school.)

 

  • My first day at school is a memory I still cherish. It was when I joined my primary school, ABC Public School, in Delhi. 
  • I remember feeling excited and nervous at the same time, wondering how the day would unfold. 
  • It was a sunny August morning, and everything around me seemed new and different.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did you feel on your first day of school?)

 

  • On that day, I was a bit scared but curious. I didn’t know anyone, and the sight of so many unfamiliar faces made me nervous. 
  • But as soon as I walked into my classroom, my teacher greeted me with a warm smile, and that instantly made me feel more comfortable. 
  • I sat in the middle row, looking around at my new classmates, hoping to make friends. 
  • I felt a mixture of excitement and unease, wondering what school life would be like.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What significant events occurred on your first day of school?)

 

  • One of the significant moments of the day was when we introduced ourselves in class. 
  • I was hesitant, but I managed to stand up and say my name. During lunch break, a group of kids invited me to sit with them, and that was when I made my first friend. 
  • We also had a fun drawing activity where we coloured our favourite animals. I remember drawing an elephant, which got a small appreciation from the teacher. 
  • That simple activity helped me relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

 

Conclusion (Covers: What did you learn from your first day of school?)

 

  • Looking back, my first day at school was a memorable experience that taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. 
  • Though I was nervous at first, I learned that making friends and trying new things can make such situations more enjoyable. 
  • That day marked the beginning of a journey filled with learning, friendships, and new experiences.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Describe your first day at school.)

 

  • My first day at school was both nerve-wracking and exciting. It was the start of my education at Anangatha Primary School in Mumbai. 
  • I still remember walking through the school gates, holding my father’s hand tightly as we approached the main building. Everything felt so big and new.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did you feel on your first day of school?)

 

  • As I entered the classroom, my heart was racing. I was both eager and shy. There were many kids, most of whom already knew each other. 
  • I felt like an outsider at first, but my teacher made sure I was comfortable. I remember sitting quietly in the corner, trying to take it all in. 
  • The atmosphere was lively, and I couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by everything going on around me. However, I also felt curious and excited to learn about this new world.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What significant events occurred on your first day of school?)

 

  • The most memorable part of my first day was the assembly. We all gathered in the auditorium, and the principal welcomed us to the school. 
  • Afterward, in the classroom, I was introduced to the other students, and my teacher, Mrs. Sharma, told us a lovely story about teamwork. 
  • At lunch, a boy named Ravi shared his lunch with me, and we became good friends. 
  • I also remember being fascinated by the playground—it looked huge and full of possibilities for games and fun.

 

Conclusion (Covers: What did you learn from your first day of school?)

 

  • That first day taught me the value of friendship and the importance of being open to new experiences. 
  • Though I was nervous initially, I ended the day feeling much more comfortable and eager to come back. 
  • It was the first step in my school journey, filled with valuable lessons and cherished memories.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Describe your first day at school.)

 

  • My first day at school remains one of my fondest childhood memories. 
  • I joined a local school in Hyderabad, and the experience of stepping into an entirely new environment was both thrilling and intimidating. 
  • I was just five years old, and it felt like a huge milestone in my life.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did you feel on your first day of school?)

 

  • I remember feeling very nervous as my parents dropped me off. The school building seemed enormous, and the classroom was filled with kids who seemed equally anxious. 
  • I felt a bit lost, but the bright colours of the classroom and the friendly face of my teacher gave me a sense of comfort. 
  • I sat next to a girl who smiled at me, and that simple gesture eased my nerves. Throughout the day, I felt a mix of emotions—nervousness, curiosity, and excitement.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What significant events occurred on your first day of school?)

 

  • A standout moment from the day was during the morning assembly when we all sang the national anthem together. 
  • It was my first time being part of such a large group activity. Later, in class, we learned how to write our names, which felt like a huge accomplishment for me.
  • During the break, I played on the swings and was introduced to a few other kids who would eventually become my close friends.

 

Conclusion (Covers: What did you learn from your first day of school?)

 

  • My first day at school taught me the importance of adapting to new environments and that there’s always something exciting waiting around the corner. 
  • Although it was a big change, it marked the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning and making lifelong friends. 
  • That day made me realise that school wasn’t something to be afraid of but rather something to look forward to.

 

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS Speaking Test 2024

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic written on it. You will have one minute to prepare your response, and then you will need to speak about the topic for one to two minutes. This is your opportunity to showcase your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given subject.

 

The best way to answer these cue cards is by breaking down your response into four parts: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.

 

Introduction (Covers: Describe your first day at school.)

 

  • State the topic clearly.
  • Give a brief overview of what you will talk about.
  • Provide a sentence that captures the listener’s attention.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How did you feel on your first day of school?)

 

  • Share your main experience related to the topic.
  • Include specific details to make your story more vivid.
  • Express your feelings and thoughts during the experience.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What significant events occurred on your first day of school?)

 

  • Mention the significant moments or details of your experience.
  • Describe any interactions you had with others, such as teachers or classmates.
  • Highlight any memorable events or activities from that day.

 

Conclusion (Covers: What did you learn from your first day of school?)

 

  • Summarise your overall experience.
  • Reflect on how this experience impacted you.
  • Provide a closing thought or statement.

 

By following this structure, you will be able to deliver a well-organised, comprehensive and engaging response within the time limit of two minutes.

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 “Describe Your First Day At School”.

 

These questions will require you to provide more detailed and complex answers, indicating your ability to discuss a topic.

 

We have provided some follow-up questions along with sample answers for better understanding.

Q1. How do you think your first day at school has impacted your education?

Answer 1: 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.

 

Answer 2: My first day at school set a positive tone for my educational journey. The welcoming environment and friendly classmates helped me develop a love for learning. It made me feel comfortable and excited about going to school every day, which has been crucial for my academic success.

Q2. Do you think schools should focus more on academic excellence or social development?

Answer 1: 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.

 

Answer 2: I believe schools should strike a balance between academic excellence and social development. Both are essential for a student’s overall growth. While academic knowledge is important, social skills help students interact effectively and build meaningful relationships.

Q3. What do you think schools can do to make new students feel more comfortable on their first day?

Answer 1: 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.
 

Answer 2: To make new students feel comfortable, schools can create a welcoming environment with ice-breaking activities. Teachers can also give special attention to new students, helping them settle in and feel part of the school community quickly.

Q4. How do you think technology has changed how students experience their first day at school?

Answer 1: 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.

 

Answer 2: Technology has made the first day at school more engaging and interactive. Digital tools like virtual tours of the school and online orientation programmes help students familiarise themselves with the new environment before they even arrive.

FAQs

Q. Is the IELTS Exam challenging for Indian students?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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?

Ans. 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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