Details

Written by IELTS Mentor

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Individual Long Run - IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe something you remember about your first day at a new school.

You should say:

• where it was
• how old you were then
• what you remember

and explain how you felt about it.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]

Model Answer 1:
Starting at a new school can be a bit daunting experience for anyone, especially for a young child. It's natural to feel anxious and excited at the same time. In this conversation, I would like to talk about my first day at a new school that I remember well.

I was around 10 years old when I first started attending a new school (which was, in fact, the second school in my life) after relocating to a different city called "Alberta" with my family. I studied till grade 3 in my previous school. This new school was located in a quiet suburban area and had a beautiful green campus.

On the first day, I remember waking up early and feeling a bit nervous. I had always attended my previous school up until then, and I was worried about making new friends and fitting in this new school. As I arrived at the school, I saw a group of students who were already chatting and laughing with each other. They seemed to have known each other for a while, which made me feel a little more nervous.

As I walked towards the classroom, I noticed that the other students were staring at me. I felt self-conscious and a little uncomfortable. However, when I entered the classroom, I was warmly welcomed by the teacher, who introduced me to the rest of the class. The students were friendly and made me feel at ease. They asked me a few questions about myself and where I was from.

Overall, my first day at the new school was a mixed experience. I was excited to explore my new surroundings and meet new people, but at the same time, I felt a bit anxious and out of place. However, as the day progressed, I began to feel more comfortable and confident. I realized that I had nothing to worry about; and that making new friends would take time.

Sample Answer 2:

Introduction:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to let me talk about a memory from my childhood that still makes me smile and cringe at the same time. It’s about something unforgettable that happened on my first day at a new school.

Where it was & how old you were then:
This incident took place when I was around nine years old and had just transferred to a new primary school after we moved to a different part of town. It was a fairly large school compared to my previous one, and everything felt intimidating - from the tall gates to the echoing hallways filled with unfamiliar faces.

What you remember:
What I remember most vividly is the rather embarrassing mix-up I had on my very first day. I was supposed to attend Grade Four, but somehow I ended up entering the Grade Three classroom next door. I was nervous, and I guess I didn’t double-check the room number properly. What’s even more surprising is that nobody - not even the teacher - noticed that I was in the wrong class! I quietly attended all the lessons, answered roll calls with confidence, and even submitted a worksheet or two. This hilarious error only came to light three days later when my actual class teacher wondered why I hadn't shown up and decided to investigate. To this day, I still laugh at how confidently I blended in with the younger students.

And explain how you felt about it:
At the time, I was deeply embarrassed when the mistake was finally caught, especially with a few giggles from classmates echoing around me. But looking back, I now see it as a harmless and funny childhood memory. Strangely enough, it also helped me make a few friends from both Grade Three and Four, so I suppose the experience turned out to be a blessing in disguise!!

Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

Recalling your first day at a new school can bring up a mix of emotions and experiences. Whether it was exciting, nerve-wracking, or even funny, this topic allows you to reflect on a memorable personal story. Below are a few detailed ideas to help you develop your response:

1. Entering the wrong classroom:
I remember mistakenly entering the wrong classroom and attending the entire class before realizing I was meant to be in a different grade. It was only noticed a couple of days later, and while it was embarrassing at first, it became a funny story that helped break the ice with classmates.

2. Crying on the first day:
It was my first time staying away from my parents for so many hours. I was six years old and overwhelmed with anxiety. I cried after my parents dropped me off, and my teacher had to comfort me. I remember how kind she was and how that helped me feel safe in a new environment.

3. Getting lost in the school building:
My new school was quite large, and on the first day, I took a wrong turn while heading to the library and ended up in the staff room! A kind teacher guided me back, but I still remember the confusion and how I promised myself to remember all the corridors after that.

4. Meeting a best friend:
On my first day in a new school in Grade 5, I sat next to a boy who would later become my best friend. We bonded over our shared love for comic books, and that first conversation led to a lifelong friendship. That’s why the first day remains so special to me.

5. Feeling out of place due to uniform:
I didn’t know there was a strict dress code, and I wore a slightly different uniform on my first day. I felt embarrassed when other students stared at me, but my teacher reassured me and explained everything politely. It made me feel welcomed despite the mistake.

6. Being introduced in front of the class:
When the teacher asked me to stand up and introduce myself, I froze out of nervousness. I stumbled through my words but later found it amusing. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking gradually.

7. Excitement over new school facilities:
What I remember most is the modern computer lab and the library filled with colourful books. I was only nine but felt like I had entered a dreamland. The excitement of exploring those new resources stayed with me for a long time.

8. Feeling lonely in the beginning:
I had moved cities and didn’t know anyone at my new school. On the first day, I felt left out and spent lunch alone. However, a classmate later invited me to join their group, and that small gesture turned the day around.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

When talking about your first day at a new school, it is helpful to use vocabulary related to emotions, experiences, school environment, and social interactions. Using specific and vivid words will help you create a more detailed and engaging response. Below is a selection of useful words and phrases with example sentences to strengthen your answer:

Nervous – Feeling worried or anxious about something uncertain.
Example: I felt extremely nervous as I entered the new school building for the first time.

Orientation – An event or session where newcomers are introduced to a new environment.
Example: On the first day, we attended an orientation where teachers explained the school rules.

Ice-breaker – An activity or event designed to relieve tension and encourage conversation.
Example: The teacher organised an ice-breaker game to help us get to know each other.

Overwhelmed – Feeling completely overcome by emotions or a situation.
Example: I was overwhelmed by the size of the school and the number of unfamiliar faces.

Friendly atmosphere – A welcoming and kind environment.
Example: Despite my worries, I quickly adapted thanks to the school’s friendly atmosphere.

Memorable – Something that is very special or worth remembering.
Example: My first day became memorable when I made my first friend during lunch break.

Get lost – To not know where you are or how to find your way.
Example: I accidentally got lost while trying to find the science laboratory.

Warm welcome – A very friendly and kind reception.
Example: The principal gave all new students a warm welcome during the morning assembly.

Awkward – Feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed.
Example: Introducing myself in front of the whole class was quite an awkward moment.

First impression – The initial feeling or opinion about someone or something.
Example: My first impression of the school was very positive because of the helpful teachers.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe something you remember about your first day at a new school", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1)  Describe a memorable event from your childhood.
2)  Describe an interesting event that you still remember.
3)  Describe your experience of attending a new school or college.
4)  Describe a time when you attended a new school.
5)  Describe a funny event from your childhood.

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

• Prev
• Next