Mastering the IELTS speaking section requires practice, especially using cue cards that assess your ability to speak spontaneously on various topics. In this blog, we will elaborate upon one such popular cue card which is "Describe a game you played in your childhood."
Childhood memories depict a series of events that shape who we are today. Among these fond memories, the games we played maintain a special position, serving as the canvas for our laughter and enjoyment. Explaining a childhood game in the context of an IELTS Speaking Test provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate language abilities while also generating a story that connects with the listener.
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What is an IELTS Cue Card?
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 requires candidates to speak coherently on a given cue card for about two minutes. To provide some direction, the cue card also mentions some pointers that can be covered by the candidate. This section lasts for three to four minutes. It gives the test taker a minute to structure the answer, two minutes to display their viewpoints, and another minute to answer the questions posed by the examiner. The speaking scores are given as band scores, ranging from band 0 to 9. Remember that IELTS speaking part 2 has more weight than part 1.
The breakdown of the duration of the cue card is tabulated below:
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Duration |
11–14 minutes |
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Number of Parts |
3 |
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Band Score Range |
0-9 |
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Test Mode |
Offline/Online |
Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
IELTS Cue Cards are crucial for several reasons:
- The IELTS cue card section tests your language skills. It assesses your fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar while speaking.
- It enables the examiners to test a candidate's ability to speak and think spontaneously.
- The Cue card section score affects your overall Speaking test score. This score is important to meet the admission requirements in the top institutions abroad.
"Describe a Game You Played in Your Childhood" - Sample Answer 1
In this part, I am going to talk about one of the most endearing games that I played during my childhood. When all the cousins would get together, we would go to the river bank, collect clay and make bowls, plates and other things out of it.
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What was the game?
When I visited my ancestral home, I met my cousins. They were delightful memories. We went to the river bank during sunset, and collected clay from the ground. We used this clay to carve out various kitchen items, such as plates, bowls, glasses, saucers, and even spoons. They weren’t shaped perfect, but we tried.
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When did you play it?
We played it mostly during the summers, as the days would be longer. This meant that we could stay out of home for longer, and play around with cousins and friends. We would play this game before sunset.
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Who did you play it with?
I played this game of carving beautiful things out of clay with my cousins.
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How did you feel about the game?
It was undoubtedly loads of fun. Living in the city hardly ever gave me the opportunity to touch clay, mud - and become one with nature. A visit to my native village allowed this liberty. I felt such a great sense of belonging. It was always fun playing this game with my cousins, and I cherish the memories.
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Conclusion
Though it cannot be called pottery as such, I thoroughly enjoyed this game of playing around with clay. Not only was it a creative exercise, but it gave me immense joy. Some of my best memories of childhood are associated with it.
"Describe a Game You Played in Your Childhood" - Sample Answer 2
Every child has some positive memories associated with playing games in their childhood, and I am no different. One game that I would love to talk about in today's cue card on “Describe a game you played in your childhood” is hopscotch.
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What was the game?
Hopscotch is an outdoor game, also called “kith kith” or “pandi attam” It is a humorous hopping game enjoyed by both boys and girls in rural villages. Hopscotch is played by drawing one to nine rectangular boxes on the ground, tossing a little object on each, and then hopping or leaping to collect it. Stepping on the outlines or falling out gets you disqualified.
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When did you play it?
I regularly played Hopscotch with my friends between the ages of six to ten. Regretfully, then I shifted and playing this once-regular game became an occasional one whenever I visited my hometown.
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Who did you play it with?
Mostly, I played this game with my cousins and neighbours. We were a group of twelve, making it more enjoyable and competitive to play.
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How did you feel about the game?
Although Hopscotch is an outdoor game, it is not that risky. This game and the memories associated with it always bring a smile to my face. The sweetest part was that my cousins allowed me multiple chances to play because I was the youngest among them.
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Conclusion
Hopscotch is a game that I will cherish forever, and perhaps encourage my children to play it too!
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"Describe a Game You Played in Your Childhood" - Sample Answer 3
Childhood is the period when we live stress-free, spending our days engaged in activities. I played many indoor and outdoor games during my childhood, but the one I enjoyed the most was “Pallanguzhi.”
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What was the game?
Pallanguzhi, also known as Ali Guli Mane, is a two-player indoor game played on hardwood boards with fourteen pits. To tactically capture the counters of their opponent, players take turns picking up counters from one pit and planting them into successive pits. The winner of the game is the one who captures every counter or prevents their opponent from making any moves at all.
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When did you play it?
I used to frequently play this game when I went to my grandparents' house for vacation, which is in a village near Madurai. Now, however, I only play this game when my village friends visit me.
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Who did you play it with?
I spent my childhood playing Pallanguzhi with my grandmother and friends, whenever I visited Madurai. My friends and I used to gather at my grandmother’s and play this game for hours!
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How did you feel about the game?
Pallanguzhi is an entertaining indoor game, which can be played with family, friends, and neighbours. Anyone can quickly learn that game, and it isn't boring; it gets more exciting as we play.
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Conclusion
With age, I have played several indoor games, but my top favourite is still Pallnghuzi. Playing it today reminds me of the happiest times at my grandmother's home, and the joy and excitement I felt on winning it.
"Describe a Game You Played in Your Childhood" - Sample Answer 4
As an answer to the cue card “Describe a game you played in your childhood”, I am going to reminisce about Hide and Seek, my go-to outdoor game when I was a child.
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What was the game?
Hide and Seek is a popular game among youngsters and can be played by two or more people. The game requires one chosen player to count numbers up to wherever with their eyes closed, while other players hide. The player counting numbers then screams "Ready or not, here I come", and begins the seeking game.
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When did you play it?
Although Hide and Seek can be played at any time, my friends and I often played this game in the evenings, after completing our homework and a timely nap. Mostly, I was the chosen player to seek the hidden players, and that was the most exciting part.
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Who did you play it with?
I played Hide and Seek with my siblings at home, and my friends in the compound. Fortunately, I still reside in the same place I was born, so my childhood friends are still my friends.
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How did you feel about the game?
The most fun time to play Hide and Seek was in the evening. Finding a hidden person in minimal lights might be frightening at times, but it only added to the excitement. From seeking everyone to sometimes losing the game on getting a “thappa” (pat) on the back that disqualifies you, playing Hide and Seek always thrilled me.
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Conclusion
Hide and Seek is a game that can not only be played outdoors but also indoors. Kids who have a compound can enjoy playing outdoors, while those who don't, hide under the beds and tables in their homes. Irrespective, it is a wonderful game enjoyed by children even today, and that makes me very happy.
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Sample/Follow-Up Questions and Answers
Following your response to the IELTS cue card about describing a game you played in your childhood, the following follow-up questions may be asked:
Q1. What kinds of games do today's children play?
A1. Nowadays, children are inactive and hooked to their smartphones, so predominantly I witness children playing computer games. However, in rural regions, children continue to play in the streets like in my time.
Q2. Which game seems to be popular among children?
A2. Children in this generation are preoccupied with smartphones, so they choose video games that can be played while connected to a television. Some very popular computer games nowadays are PUBG and Minecraft.
Q3. Should parents encourage their kids to play games?
A3. Yes, parents should encourage their children to play games, rather than drowning them in textbooks only. There are so many traditional indoor and outdoor activities that parents can educate and allow their children to play. Encouraging children to play can promote their physical health and reduce their screen time.
Tips to Answer the IELTS Cue Card
Answering an IELTS Cue Card may seem difficult, but with practice, you will be able to ace it. Give enough time to the preparation, and follow the following tips to present your ideas :
- Tip 1: Understand the topic. Make sure you address every question.
- Tip 2: Improve your pronunciation and intonation. Speak clearly, without interruptions.
- Tip 3: Be conscious of your pace. Speaking very fast can lead to mistakes. Speaking slowly may make it seem like you're struggling to speak.
- Tip 4: Expand your vocabulary. Present your ideas clearly and avoid repeating the same words.
- Tip 5: Demonstrate your English proficiency by using compound and complex sentences.
- Tip 6: Stay calm. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Practise sufficiently to answer the question.
- Tip 7: Be sincere in your engagement with the issue. Personal experiences and examples may help you provide a more persuasive solution.
- Tip 8: Prepare for follow-up questions by adding details to your cue card responses.
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Conclusion
Describing a childhood game like 'Hide and Seek' in the IELTS Speaking test is more than a language practice; it's a journey back in time, reviewing cherished moments that shaped one's early years. Embracing the tips ensures a good test performance in the “describe a game you played in your childhood” cue card and a storytelling experience that connects with the reviewer. As you weave your story, remember that the simplicity of childhood games can communicate profound lessons about life and words.
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