Topic: Childhood
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Directive for Part 1:
- Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
- Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: Short, direct answers with personal experiences or opinions.
Questions:
- What kind of child were you?
- Did you enjoy school when you were a child? Why or why not?
- What games did you like to play when you were young?
- What is your favorite childhood memory?
Sample Answers for Part 1:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“I was a very curious child, always asking questions and exploring things. I loved school, especially learning new things. I was very active and enjoyed sports, so I often played football with my friends. One of my favorite memories was when my family went on a trip to the countryside, and we spent a whole week exploring nature and playing outside.” - Band 7 (Good User):
“I think I was a happy child. I liked school and had many friends. I used to enjoy playing video games and sometimes outdoor games like hide and seek. My favorite childhood memory is probably when I went camping with my parents.” - Band 5 (Modest User):
“I was a normal child, liked to play with toys. I didn’t enjoy school much, but I liked playing with my friends. My best memory is when I went to the park with my family.”
Explanation for Part 1:
- Band 9: The speaker provides a detailed and personal answer with specific memories and a clear structure. The response is fluent, natural, and well-developed.
- Band 7: The answer is relevant, with some elaboration on personal experiences, but it may not be as detailed or structured as Band 9.
- Band 5: The response is brief and somewhat simple, with little elaboration on the question. There is a lack of detail and personal insight.
Part 2: Long Turn (Individual Speech)
Directive for Part 2:
- Preparation Time: 1 minute
- Speaking Time: 1–2 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: Detailed, well-organized speech on the given topic.
Task:
Describe a childhood toy that you used to like. You should say:
- What the toy was
- How you got it
- What you used to do with it
And explain why it was your favorite toy.
Sample Answer for Part 2:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“One toy that I absolutely loved as a child was a teddy bear that my grandmother gave me. I still remember the day I got it – I was around five years old, and it was a soft, brown bear with a red scarf. I used to carry it everywhere, even to school. I would pretend it was my best friend, and we would have imaginary adventures together. It was comforting, and I couldn’t fall asleep without it. It was my favorite because it made me feel safe and loved. Even now, whenever I look at it, I have fond memories of my childhood.” - Band 7 (Good User):
“A toy I liked as a child was a small toy car. My father gave it to me when I was about six. I would play with it for hours, pretending to race it with other cars. It was very simple, but I loved it because I enjoyed racing and creating little tracks for the cars. It was my favorite because I felt like I had control over something.” - Band 5 (Modest User):
“When I was a child, I liked a toy car. I got it from my dad for my birthday. I played with it a lot. It was my favorite because I liked cars.”
Explanation for Part 2:
- Band 9: The response is well-organized with clear and vivid descriptions. The speaker explains their connection to the toy, providing personal and emotional insights.
- Band 7: The answer is coherent and relevant, though it may lack detailed emotional connection. It is generally clear, but the elaboration could be richer.
- Band 5: The answer is brief and lacks detail. There is little elaboration on why the toy was significant beyond basic facts.
Part 3: Discussion
Directive for Part 3:
- Preparation Time: None
- Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
- Kind of Answer Expected: Longer, more analytical responses that explain and justify opinions.
Questions:
- How do you think childhood toys have changed in recent years?
- Do you think children today play more with electronic toys than with traditional toys? Why or why not?
- How important do you think childhood play is for a child’s development?
- Do you think parents should be more involved in their children’s playtime? Why or why not?
Sample Answers for Part 3:
- Band 9 (Expert User):
“In recent years, toys have become much more technologically advanced. Many toys today are electronic or interactive, allowing children to engage with them in new ways, such as through apps or touchscreens. This shift is largely due to the rapid advancement of technology and the growing presence of digital media in children’s lives. While electronic toys can be educational, I believe children still need traditional toys like building blocks or dolls to develop their creativity and social skills. Childhood play is essential for a child’s development because it teaches problem-solving, emotional regulation, and teamwork. Parents should definitely be involved in their children’s play because it strengthens the bond between them and helps guide the child’s development.” - Band 7 (Good User):
“Toys today are more focused on technology, with many being digital and interactive. Children seem to spend more time on electronic devices like tablets or video games than with traditional toys like dolls or action figures. However, traditional toys still have value in helping children learn important skills. Play is important for development because it helps children learn to socialize and solve problems. Parents should be involved in playtime because it helps children develop better, and it also lets parents bond with them.” - Band 5 (Modest User):
“Toys now are different because many use technology. Kids play with phones or tablets, not just normal toys. I think play is good for kids because they can learn new things, and parents should spend time playing with their kids because it is important for them.”
Explanation for Part 3:
- Band 9: The answer is highly developed with a clear, logical argument and supporting details. The speaker provides a thorough explanation with sophisticated vocabulary and ideas.
- Band 7: The response is relevant and well-structured, with a good explanation, but the ideas may not be as complex or deeply supported.
- Band 5: The answer is simple and may lack depth. There is a basic attempt at answering the question, but the response lacks detail and analysis.