Describe your first day at school that you remember: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • Where the school was
  • How did you go there
  • What happened that day
  • And how you felt on that day

Band 6-7

00:00

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00:00

As far as I can remember, it was a time of 2017 when I was in my 11th standard and I got shifted to the 12th and I decided to change my school and in the 12th standard. So I went to the Chinmaya Vidyalaya. It is located in Solon particularly and I went there because my best friend was already studying in that school. She told me that you can join this if you could talk to my principal. So me and my family went there and with my report card. It was my first day there. I looked at every person out there but unfortunately it was the time of lunch. So the next day when I went there, it was my first day at school without my parents and I just went there. So I was not wearing the uniform and they thought that I am a hustler and they started scolding me like why you are not paying the attention towards your curriculum and you are not even wearing the uniform, just maintain the rules and follow and all these things. But when I went there and it was the first time I went on my class. So inside it, there were so many people around there and they were really very welcoming. They all started saying me hello, how are you. They really made me so overwhelmed at that time because earlier I was anxious because I don't know how to react when nobody was around there and unfortunately my friend was not there at that time. So that is the reason my school day was kind of nervous.

Follow up questions


How did you feel about changing schools?
Changing schools was quite nerve-wracking for me. I felt anxious about fitting in and making new friends. However, knowing that my best friend was already there gave me some comfort and motivation to make the transition.

What was the most memorable part of your first day?
The most memorable part was when my classmates welcomed me. Their friendly greetings made me feel less anxious and more accepted. It was a relief to see that they were kind and open, which helped ease my nerves about being the new student.

Did you face any challenges during your first week?
Yes, I faced challenges like adjusting to new teachers and a different curriculum. I also struggled with not knowing where everything was in the school. However, my classmates were helpful, which made the transition smoother over time.
Show all 1 answers

Cue 1:Where the school was

  • Begin by mentioning the name and location of your school, including the city or town.
  • Describe the environment around the school, such as nearby landmarks or the neighborhood.

Example

I remember my first day at St. Joseph's School, which was located in the bustling city of Mumbai. The school was situated near a large park, and I could see the tall buildings surrounding it, which made it feel very lively and exciting.


Cue 2:How did you go there

  • Explain your mode of transportation to school, whether you walked, took a bus, or were driven by someone.
  • Share any feelings or thoughts you had during the journey.

Example

On that day, my father drove me to school. I was a bit nervous, and I kept looking out of the window, watching the busy streets and the colorful rickshaws. It felt surreal to be starting this new chapter in my life.


Cue 3:What happened that day

  • Describe the events of your first day, including meeting new classmates and teachers.
  • Mention any activities or lessons that stood out to you.

Example

When I arrived, I was greeted by my teacher, who was very warm and welcoming. I met some of my classmates, and we played games in the playground. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as we introduced ourselves to each other.


Cue 4:And how you felt on that day

  • Share your emotions throughout the day, highlighting any specific moments that made you feel happy or nervous.
  • Conclude with how this day impacted your feelings about school in general.

Example

Overall, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. At first, I was scared, but as the day went on and I made new friends, I started to feel more comfortable. By the end of the day, I was excited about returning to school the next day.


Conclusion

    Example

    Reflecting on my first day at school, I realize how important that experience was in shaping my love for learning and making friends. It was a day filled with new beginnings and unforgettable memories.


    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: Lack of Specific Details

    Avoid vague descriptions that do not provide specific information about your first day. This can make your answer less engaging and informative.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Include specific details about the school's location, your journey there, and memorable events from that day to create a vivid picture.


    2: Ignoring Emotional Aspects

    Neglecting to express your feelings can make your response less relatable. Emotions are important in storytelling and can enhance your answer.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Share how you felt on your first day, whether excited, nervous, or happy, to connect with the listener and add depth to your response.


    Disorganized Structure

    A disorganized answer can confuse the listener. It's important to present your thoughts in a clear and logical order.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Follow the cue card prompts in order: start with the school location, then your journey, what happened, and finally your feelings to maintain clarity.


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    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 6-7

    As far as I can remember, it was a time of 2017 when I was in my 11th standard and I got shifted to the 12th and I decided to change my school and in the 12th standard. So I went to the Chinmaya Vidyalaya. It is located in Solon particularly and I went there because my best friend was already studying in that school. She told me that you can join this if you could talk to my principal. So me and my family went there and with my report card. It was my first day there. I looked at every person out there but unfortunately it was the time of lunch. So the next day when I went there, it was my first day at school without my parents and I just went there. So I was not wearing the uniform and they thought that I am a hustler and they started scolding me like why you are not paying the attention towards your curriculum and you are not even wearing the uniform, just maintain the rules and follow and all these things. But when I went there and it was the first time I went on my class. So inside it, there were so many people around there and they were really very welcoming. They all started saying me hello, how are you. They really made me so overwhelmed at that time because earlier I was anxious because I don't know how to react when nobody was around there and unfortunately my friend was not there at that time. So that is the reason my school day was kind of nervous.
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