Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it was?
Where you did it?
Who you did it with?
Why you enjoyed it?

5 unique answers with expert feedback

What other activities did you enjoy with your dog?

Apart from dressing him up and taking pictures, I loved playing fetch in the park and teaching him tricks. We would spend hours running around and having fun. It was a great way to bond and enjoy the outdoors together.

How did having a pet influence your childhood?

Having Google taught me responsibility and empathy. I learned to care for another living being, which helped me develop a nurturing side. He was my companion during lonely times, and I felt a strong emotional connection that shaped my childhood experiences.

What do you think is the importance of pets in a child's life?

Pets can provide companionship, teach responsibility, and help children develop social skills. They can also be a source of comfort and joy, making childhood memories more special. I believe having a pet can positively impact a child's emotional development.

Band 6-7

00:00

When I am young I used to play badminton. As a young student I want to concentrate on studies for a long time like I want to spend 8 to 10 hours on my school or college concentrating on studies. I don't really have so much time to relax. And after completing my studies or homework or assignments I used to play badminton with my cousins and my fellow school students. And it gives me some physical pleasure and it also helps me to mentally unwind and it will also improve my mood when I am playing badminton. And of course it is a very good way to stay physically fit. It gives me some sort of internal happiness when I am playing it. I don't play for any teams or tournaments but I still continue playing badminton whenever I feel disappointed or my mood is not so good. It helps me to relax and it also makes me feel refreshed.

Follow up questions

How did playing badminton influence your studies?

Playing badminton helped me to unwind after long hours of studying. It provided a necessary break, allowing me to return to my studies with a clearer mind and better focus. The physical activity also kept my energy levels up, which was essential for my academic performance.

Do you think sports are important for young people?

Absolutely! Sports teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and time management. They also promote physical health and mental well-being, which are crucial for young people as they navigate their studies and personal lives.

Have you continued playing badminton as an adult?

Yes, I still play badminton occasionally. It remains a great way for me to relieve stress and stay active. Even though my schedule is busier now, I try to make time for it because it brings me joy and helps maintain my fitness.

Band 6-7

00:00

An activity that I really enjoyed when I was young would probably be playing badminton. I used to play badminton at a badminton court near my home. And I used to play with my brother and his friends. Sometimes I would also have my friends over at my home and we would go to the badminton court to play badminton. The reason I enjoyed it is because it challenged me. It was also a very physical activity. So I had to run around, used to sweat a lot and it used to help me be in shape.

Follow up questions

What skills did you develop while playing badminton?

Playing badminton helped me develop various skills such as hand-eye coordination, agility, and strategic thinking. I learned how to anticipate my opponent's moves and improve my reflexes, which made the game more enjoyable and competitive.

Did you participate in any competitions or tournaments?

Yes, I participated in a few local tournaments with my brother and friends. It was exciting to compete against other players, and it motivated me to improve my skills. Although I didn't win every match, the experience taught me a lot about sportsmanship and teamwork.

How do you think playing badminton influenced your lifestyle?

Playing badminton instilled a love for physical activity in me, which has influenced my lifestyle positively. It taught me the importance of staying active and healthy, and I continue to engage in sports and fitness activities to this day.

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Band 6-7

00:00

So, I like to do drawing, painting, not only in my free time, I make time for that and do it. I will do it in my home, I will just make space for myself, do the drawing, do the art, do the painting and all. So, I like that art work and there are many paintings in my home as well. So, I do oil pastes, painting, color like with crayons I do and with sketch pens I do. I do different kind of painting and I also do bottle painting, glass painting. So, whenever there is a time, I just keep my entire focus in this. So, these art and craft I have learnt in my childhood and I am making these things implemented throughout my career, throughout my life. So, whenever I get a free time, I will just make time for this and do it because I like it very much. And in my house, I have done wall painting also in my bedroom and in hall as well. So, I have done good painting, good crafts. I have these things done from my childhood. So, I have the collection of all of these paintings. I won a prize in it when I was in 6th standard. I won a prize in an international competition where they gifted me iPad. So, tab they have gifted me and that was the first prize that the topic was technology, how technology develops. So, this is the way I do, I use my free time.

Follow up questions

What inspired you to start drawing and painting?

I was inspired by my art teacher in school who encouraged creativity. Additionally, seeing beautiful artworks in galleries and books motivated me to explore my own artistic abilities. It became a way for me to express my feelings and thoughts.

How do you feel your artistic skills have developed over the years?

Over the years, my skills have improved significantly. I've learned new techniques and styles through practice and attending workshops. Each piece I create reflects my growth as an artist, and I feel more confident in experimenting with different mediums.

Do you think art is important for children? Why?

Absolutely! Art is crucial for children's development as it fosters creativity, improves motor skills, and enhances emotional expression. It also helps in building confidence when they see their creations and can be a therapeutic outlet for their feelings.

Band 6

00:00

I love playing with my friends when I was young because we have a ground near to my home especially I have so many friends in my childhood nearly 5-6 members moreover all are near to my age and all we love to play all we loves to play a wide variety wide range of games whatever that whatever comes to us minds we play that spending time with my friends make me more refreshing and enjoying it makes me

Follow up questions

What types of games did you enjoy playing with your friends?

We played a variety of games like football, cricket, and tag. Sometimes we even made up our own games. Each game brought us joy and excitement, and it was always fun to try new things together.

How did playing with friends impact your childhood?

Playing with friends greatly enriched my childhood. It taught me teamwork, communication, and how to build friendships. Those moments created lasting memories and helped shape my social skills.

Do you think playing outside is important for children today?

Absolutely! Playing outside encourages physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. In today's digital age, it's crucial for children to engage in outdoor play to develop a healthy lifestyle and strong relationships.

Show all 5 answers

Cue 1:What it was?

Begin by clearly stating the activity you enjoyed, such as a sport, hobby, or game.
Share a brief description of what the activity involved and why it was significant to you.

Example

One of my favorite activities during my childhood was playing cricket. It was not just a game for me; it was a passion that brought excitement and joy.

Cue 2:Where you did it?

Mention the specific location where you engaged in this activity, such as a park, school ground, or your neighborhood.
Describe the environment and how it contributed to your enjoyment of the activity.

Example

I usually played cricket in the local park near my home. The park had a large open space, which was perfect for playing with my friends, and it was always filled with laughter and energy.

Cue 3:Who you did it with?

Identify the people you played with, such as friends, family, or neighbors.
Explain the role these individuals played in making the activity enjoyable.

Example

I played cricket with my friends from the neighborhood. We formed a close-knit group, and the camaraderie we shared made the games even more enjoyable. We would often compete against each other, which added a fun competitive spirit.

Cue 4:Why you enjoyed it?

Discuss the reasons that made this activity enjoyable for you, such as the thrill of competition or the joy of teamwork.
Reflect on the skills you developed or the memories you created during this activity.

Example

I enjoyed playing cricket because it taught me teamwork and discipline. The thrill of hitting a six or taking a wicket was exhilarating. Those moments created lasting memories that I cherish even today.

Conclusion

Summarize your feelings about the activity and its impact on your childhood.
Mention how this activity has influenced your interests or hobbies in later life.

Example

In conclusion, playing cricket was a significant part of my childhood. It not only provided me with joy and excitement but also instilled values of teamwork and perseverance that I carry with me to this day.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It may leave the examiner confused about your experience and feelings.

Tip

Be specific about the activity, using descriptive words to paint a clear picture of what you enjoyed.

2: Ignoring Key Cues

Failing to address all the cue prompts can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in a lower score for coherence and task achievement.

Tip

Make sure to cover all the cues, such as who you did it with and why you enjoyed it, to provide a well-rounded response.

Overly Short Answers

Providing very short answers can make your response sound unprepared and lacking in detail. This can negatively impact your fluency score.

Tip

Expand on your answers by adding personal anecdotes or feelings related to the activity to create a more engaging narrative.

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