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Childhood Memories
Lesson
22
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll describe moments from your childhood, talk about lessons you learned, and share how your childhood shaped who you are. You'll practice using past tense naturally.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
childhood
memory
school
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
memory
noun
make up
phrasal verb
childhood
noun
experience
noun, verb
hide and seek
noun (game)
grow up
phrasal verb
weekend
noun
supportive
adjective
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I remember when...
As a child, I used to...
One happy memory is...
I learned that...
My parents always...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
One childhood memory I remember clearly is...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
For example, I was around...
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
Another happy memory is...
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
What is a special memory you have from childhood?
Nora
One special memory I have is learning to ride a bike. My dad helped me, and I fell a few times, but I didn’t give up. When I finally rode by myself, I felt so proud. It taught me to keep trying even when things are hard.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
What kind of games did you play as a child?
Nora
I used to play hide and seek and sports with my friends at a nearby park. On the weekends, we spent hours outside playing with toys and making up stories. It was simple, but we had a lot of fun.
Examiner
Do you think childhood experiences affect people as adults?
Nora
Yes, I think childhood experiences can change how people grow up. For example, if someone had a kind and supportive family, they may feel more confident and trust others. But if someone had many problems as a child, they might feel more worried or shy later. What happens when we’re young can stay with us for a long time.
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
What’s a moment from your childhood that made you feel proud?
Nora
I remember winning a small art contest at my school.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
What did you enjoy doing most as a child?
Nora
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
I remember spending hours and hours doing it because I really loved it.
Examiner
How can childhood experiences shape a person’s future?
Nora
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
These things really shape who we become as adults.
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
What role do parents play in shaping a child’s early memories?
Are childhoods today different from those in the past?
Should people try to remember and talk about their childhood more?
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