Describe Your First Day At School IELTS Cue Card

“Describe your first day at school” is an IELTS speaking cue card that tests your English speaking ability. You need to talk about your first day of school experience, including new uniforms, first impressions and any significant events that took place. You will get 1 minute to prepare and 3 - 4 minutes to speak. After that, you need to answer follow-up questions asked by the examiner. To do well, just relax and speak confidently.

You should say:

Where was it? 
What happened?
Explain how you felt on that day?

Describe Your First Day At School - Model Answer 1

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Introduction:

When I heard the word ‘school’, the first thing that came to my mind was huge buildings, books and friends. I still remember the school gate beside the security guard smiling at me. As I entered the school, I saw children running around, laughing and playing, and parents were discussing with teachers. I came across a playground filled with tiny toys for primary school students. Then I saw my teacher, named Christina. She took me to the classroom and introduced me to other students. This first-day impression of school made me both happy and sad. I thought I could make new friends and play with them, but at the same time, I needed to leave my parents. Overall, my first day at school was a mixed feeling. 

Where was it? 

The St John's higher secondary school, was located at Richmond Circle area, Bangalore. It was 5 km away from my home. So I needed to commute by bus or an auto to reach my school. 

What happened?

On my first day at school, I came early to the classroom and saw nobody was there. Then I sat at the last row bench. Within a few minutes, all the students arrived along with the teacher. The teacher asked us to introduce ourselves. I got scared but still managed to tell my name. 

Explain how you felt on that day?

Initially, I was anxious looking at everyone. But later, I became normal. When I attempted to introduce myself, my mind went blank and couldn’t come up with anything. Then suddenly, I had the courage to stand and talk slowly. Compared to other students, I did pretty well. So at the end of my first day at school, I was happy and satisfied.  

Conclusion: 

After talking about my school days, I’m suddenly getting an urge to go back to school. I wish I was continuing my studies and cherishing my old memories.

Describe Your First Day At School - Model Answer 2

Introduction:

If you ask people which days they enjoy the best. Most people will talk about their school days. We went through an incredible period during that time.  In fact, we are hoping for their return. Is it not? Yes, I can attest to the fact that I enjoyed my school years.

Where was it? 

I want to talk about my first day of high school in this section. During my early school years, I had been somewhere else. Due to my father's transfer, we moved to another state and I joined Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kerala

What happened?

My school is fairly large and well-known. My classroom was on the second floor but I was not sure how to get there. Literally, I was lost and about to cry. Then one of the teachers guided me to my classroom. I was better with the other students once I entered the classroom. Then, my class teacher arrived and asked us to introduce ourselves.

Explain how you felt on that day?

I had many unknown fears on my first day and thought about going back home. But once I met my classmates and professors, everything was alright. And no classes were held on that day. So, I interacted with all my classmates and made many friends. 

Conclusion: 

My first day at that school was quite special. A day with a variety of emotions was one of the best experiences I've ever had.

Describe Your First Day At School - Model Answer 3

Introduction:

School days are the most favourite part of everyone’s life since we had no worries and stress during those times. I still remember the day I entered my new school and new classroom. I will use this opportunity to talk about my first day of secondary school.

Where was it? 

My secondary school name is Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School which is in Hyderabad. It is one of the best schools with excellent teachers. 

What happened?

The day I am going to share here happened about 20 years ago. I still remember that day though. I went to the school with all my excitement.  I arrived at school all excited. My father dropped me off in front of the school's entrance. I walked into the school a little nervous and somehow found my new classroom. I joined there with my friend and having a companion made me feel better.

Explain how you felt on that day?

On my first day, I only had one friend that I knew, but by the end of the day, I had made a lot of new friends. My first day of school was so unforgettable because of this. My teacher was really caring and kind. Overall, I had a great time in school and had a lot of wonderful experiences.

Conclusion: 

I'll sum up by saying that my school years were the best of my life. I enjoy telling people about my school-related memories and experiences.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Follow up Questions

Find some sample follow up questions relevant to the IELTS speaking cue card topic - Describe your first day at school.

1. Do you think students should be taken to school by their parents or go by themselves? 

In this hectic world, parents want to rush to work and they have no time to drop off their children. There are multiple options for parents to send their children to school. It is fine to arrange transportation for their primary-aged students in my opinion. 

However, secondary and high school students can go to school by themselves, if they are aware of traffic rules and personal safety. 

2. Should children rely on their parents or be independent?

Naturally, children will be dependent on their parents. They are in the learning phase so dependence is really good until they mature. Meanwhile, over-reliance is not good for children. So, once they start making money, they should be free. However, it is the parents' responsibility to teach their children how to be independent.

3. How can children become more independent?

Parents should let their children take care of their own responsibilities. Also, they should allow them to solve their problems by themselves. It gives them more confidence and the courage to make their own decisions. Therefore, they realize their right and wrong decisions in their early stages. This kind of experience helps them become independent very quickly.

4. What is the effect if parents interfere with children’s life too much?

It is really good to take care of children and guide them. However, excessive intervention in children’s lives can have a detrimental effect on both children and parents. It encourages children to hide the things they do. They become stubborn and introverted. Parents need to be like their friends and guide them wisely.

5. How does changing school affect children?

The children's mental health will definitely be impacted by a sudden switch to a different school because they'll be sad to leave their friends, favourite teachers, etc. We usually believe that children can easily adapt to a new environment, but this is untrue. In actuality, children are the ones who will be most impacted by sudden changes.

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