IELTS Speaking Cue Card

In my childhood, I often had to move schools because of my father’s work transfers. Almost every three years, we were in a new home, and I was in a school starting all over again, making new friends and neighbours. I want to speak about the time we moved when I was 11 years old as that is etched in my memory. 

I just completed my sixth grade and had a good group of friends to play with and have study groups with. A few days later, my father broke the news of our moving because of another transfer and I was shattered hearing it. Anyway, we moved to a new home in Connecticut, and I was enrolled in a school nearby. 

I dreaded my first day at school; naturally, because it was a new environment. I struggled to find my classroom, which made me panic, but a teacher helped me find it. She turned out to be my class teacher and later introduced me as the new student. I was extremely apprehensive the moment I entered the classroom I was assigned to as I was the only new pupil in the class, and everyone seemed alien to me. However, to my surprise, they were all very welcoming and invited me to join them during lunch and play games thereupon.

I felt happy and settled down quickly at school with fellow students. I shared my happy news with my family, and we also had good neighbours at our new home. Overall, it was much better than I expected and enjoyed staying there for five more years.

 

Vocabulary:

1. Etched in memory - something that will be remembered forever
2. Shattered - very upset
3. Dread - anticipate with great fear
4. Apprehensive - anxious

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Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

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1. Why do people move to a new home?

There are numerous reasons for moving to a new home. Usually, people move when they go for university education and for job purposes. Sometimes it is not possible to commute from their own homes to their study or work locations, so it is better to move to a home which is closer. Some people also move after getting married and when they have children seeking a bigger home.

2. What problems do people face after moving to a new place?

I think it depends on the location people are moving to. For instance, if they moved from a small town to a cosmopolitan city, it would be costly and also would take time to get used to the hustle and bustle. Some other problems when moving are getting to the neighbours and making friends. Usually, a party invite solves this problem.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the same place?

It is comfortable to live in the same place for a long time. As people are familiar with everything, they don’t need to spend time setting up things again and again. On the other hand, it gets boring and monotonous to live in the same place.

4. Is it good to move to a new place frequently? Why?

I don’t believe it is good to move to a new location too often. Firstly, it includes a lot of packing and moving expenses which could be unbearable if done frequently. Secondly, for children, it would affect their education and make it difficult for them to leave their friends behind.