IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe the first day you went to school that you remember

Describe the first day you went to school that you remember
You should say
When it happened
Where the school is
How you felt about the experience
And explain why you still remember the experience

Useful Vocabulary and Expressions

1. When it happened:

• Vocabulary: first day, initial, beginning, starting
• Expressions:
  • “The first day I went to school was…”
  • “It happened when I was…”
  • “This experience took place in…”

2. Where the school is:

• Vocabulary: located, situated, found, positioned, lies
• Expressions:
  • “The school is located in…”
  • “It is situated in…”
  • “The school lies in…”

3. How you felt about the experience:

• Vocabulary: emotions, feelings, reactions, sentiments, thoughts
• Expressions:
  • “I felt…”
  • “My emotions were…”
  • “The experience made me feel…”

4. Why you still remember the experience:

• Vocabulary: memorable, significant, impactful, unforgettable, lasting
• Expressions:
  • “I still remember this experience because…”
  • “The reason this memory is significant is…”
  • “This day remains unforgettable because…”

Collocations

1. vivid memory
2. early childhood
3. mixed feelings
4. nervous excitement
5. new environment
6. first impression
7. memorable experience
8. lasting impact
9. initial anxiety
10. warm welcome

Sample Answer

The first day I went to school that I remember happened when I was five years old. This experience took place in the early fall, just as the leaves were beginning to change color.

The school is located in my hometown, a small and charming community. It is situated in the heart of the town, near a beautiful park where we used to play during recess. The school lies in a quiet neighborhood, surrounded by trees and friendly homes.

I felt a mix of nervous excitement and initial anxiety about the experience. I was both eager to start this new adventure and a bit scared of the unknown. My emotions were all over the place, from butterflies in my stomach to the thrill of meeting new friends. The experience made me feel like I was stepping into a whole new world.

I still remember this experience because it was such a memorable and impactful day in my life. The reason this memory is significant is that it marked the beginning of my educational journey. This day remains unforgettable because of the warm welcome I received from my teacher and classmates, which made me feel comfortable and accepted. The vivid memory of my mom holding my hand, the smell of new books, and the sight of colorful classroom decorations all contribute to why this day has a lasting impact on me. It was a day filled with mixed feelings and a sense of embarking on a new path that would shape my future.