Something you remember about your first day at a new school

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 556 with Model Answer:

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

You should say:

• where it was
• how old you were back then
• what you remember about the day

and explain how you felt about it.

[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.]

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Model Answer:

Introduction:
The first day at a new school is often filled with excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in one's life and presents an opportunity to make new friends and adapt to a different environment. I vividly remember my first day at a new school, which left a lasting impression on me, and for this topic, I am going to share this experience with you.

Where it was:
The new school I attended was located in a bustling city neighbourhood in our country. It had modern infrastructure, spacious classrooms, and a vibrant campus. It was a significant change from my previous school, which was in a smaller town. The name of this school was (...say the name...)

How old you were back then:
I was 12 years old when I started at this new school. It was a transition from primary to secondary school, and I was entering a new phase of my academic journey.

What you remember about the day:
On that first day, I remember feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness as I entered the school gates. The campus was bustling with students, teachers, and staff members. The unfamiliar faces and the hustle and bustle of the surroundings made me feel slightly overwhelmed.

I recall walking into the classroom and being greeted by my new classmates and the teacher. The classroom itself was bright and spacious, adorned with colourful posters and educational materials. The teacher introduced me to the class, and my classmates warmly welcomed me. Throughout the day, there were various orientation activities and ice-breaking sessions designed to help us get to know each other.

And explain how you felt about it:
On that first day, I experienced a mixture of emotions. I felt both excitement and anxiety about fitting in and making new friends. The unfamiliarity of the environment made me feel a bit nervous, but the warm welcome from my classmates and the friendly attitude of the teachers helped alleviate my concerns. Reflecting back on that first day, I realise that it was a significant milestone in my life.