Describe Your First Day at School IELTS Cue Card: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Follow Up Questions
Here are some common follow-up questions for the IELTS Speaking Part 3:
1. Why is the first day at school important for a child?
Ans. The first day at school is like a doorway into a new world for a child. It marks the beginning of learning, friendships, and independence. It’s also when many kids experience emotions like fear, excitement, or even confusion for the first time outside their home environment.
2. What kind of problems do children usually face on their first day at school?
Ans. Children often feel scared or shy on the first day. Some may cry, others might not talk at all. The fear of being separated from their parents and being in an unfamiliar place can make them uncomfortable. Even small things like finding the toilet or remembering their classroom can feel overwhelming.
3. How can schools make the first day easier for children?
Ans. Schools can organise welcome activities, storytelling sessions, or small games to make children feel relaxed. Friendly teachers and a warm environment can help kids settle down. Even something as simple as giving a sticker or a chocolate can create a sense of comfort.
4. Do you think parents should accompany their child on the first day?
Ans. Yes, at least for younger kids. Having a parent nearby gives the child emotional support and helps ease their fear. But it’s also important that they gradually let go so the child learns to adjust on their own.
5. Is it okay to cry on the first day of school?
Ans. Absolutely. Crying is just a natural response to fear or anxiety. Many kids cry when they are in a new environment. With care and patience, most of them settle in quickly and stop crying after a few days.
6. How does the school environment affect a child’s learning?
Ans. A calm and supportive school environment builds a child’s confidence. If the classroom feels safe and welcoming, children are more likely to speak up, ask questions, and learn faster. But if the environment is too strict or stressful, it may scare them away from learning.
7. What’s the role of a teacher on a student’s first day?
Ans. The teacher plays a huge role. On the first day, the teacher is not just there to teach, they are also a comfort zone. A smiling teacher who talks gently can turn a child’s fear into curiosity. It’s often the teacher who helps create a child’s first impression of school.
8. Do children in your country start school at an early age?
Ans. Yes, in India, many children start going to playschool or nursery as early as 3 years old. Formal schooling generally begins at the age of 5 or 6. The trend is slowly shifting towards early education and social exposure.
9. Is school more stressful now compared to the past?
Ans. Yes, I believe so. In the past, school was more about playing and learning through fun. But now, there’s pressure to perform well in exams, join tuition classes, and even do extracurriculars. It’s good to be active, but sometimes kids hardly get time to be kids.
10. Do you think children learn better at home or in school?
Ans. Both have their roles. Home gives emotional warmth, but school teaches discipline, social skills, and teamwork. At school, children learn how to interact with others, face challenges, and work in groups, which is hard to achieve through only home learning.
11. How do children usually behave on their first day at school?
Ans. It really depends on the child. Some are confident and curious, while others feel nervous and cry. Most children behave quietly in the beginning, observe a lot, and slowly start opening up as they get used to the environment.
12. What can teachers do if a student refuses to speak on the first day?
Ans. Teachers should stay calm and not push the child too much. Instead, they can give the child time, talk softly, and maybe involve them in group activities like drawing or singing. Slowly, the child will feel safe and start speaking.
13. What role does school play in a child’s overall development?
Ans. School isn’t just about academics, it shapes a child’s personality, thinking, and behaviour. It’s where they learn values, discipline, teamwork, and confidence. It plays a huge part in turning a child into a balanced and thoughtful adult.
14. Why do some children dislike going to school?
Ans. Some children feel school is boring or too strict. Others may have had a bad experience, like being scolded or bullied. If learning feels like pressure instead of fun, children start avoiding school. It’s important to make school a place they look forward to.
15. Do memories of the first day at school stay forever?
Ans. Yes, I think those memories never really fade. Even if they’re small moments, like crying at the gate or making your first friend, they stick with us. The emotions from that day are strong, and we often talk about them years later with a smile.
Conclusion
Talking about your first day at school is a common IELTS Cue Card topic. Use simple language to describe your feelings, what you saw, and what happened.
Practice telling your story out loud, and try recording yourself to check your fluency and pronunciation.
If you want more sample answers or need help improving your speaking, connect with a free consulting session with upGrad experts. They can give you helpful feedback and guide you to a higher IELTS Speaking score.
