Of course! "Your schooldays" is a very common and high-potential topic for IELTS Speaking Part 1. It's a great chance to showcase your ability to talk about personal experiences, use descriptive language, and connect with the examiner.

Here’s a complete guide to help you ace this topic, including a breakdown of possible questions, a sample answer, and key vocabulary and tips.

Part 1: Possible Questions & Sample Answers

The examiner will usually ask 2-3 simple, direct questions about your school days.

Question 1: What was your school like?

This is a general opening question. You should give a brief overview and add a specific detail to make it interesting.

Sample Answer:

"My school was a typical public school in my hometown, but it had a very strong sense of community. It wasn't particularly large, with about 800 students in total, which meant everyone knew each other. The most memorable thing for me was the beautiful old building we had in the center of the campus, with ivy growing up the walls. It felt very historic and inspiring."

Why this is a good answer:

• Direct: It answers the question directly.
• Specific: It mentions the size (800 students) and a specific detail (the old building with ivy).
• Vocabulary: Uses words like "typical public school," "sense of community," "inspiring."
• Structure: It starts with a general statement, adds a specific fact, and ends with a personal feeling.

Question 2: Do you have any favourite memories from your school days?

This is your chance to tell a short, positive story. Don't just say "yes." Choose one clear memory and describe it.

Sample Answer:

"Yes, absolutely! One of my favourite memories was from our annual sports day. I wasn't the best athlete, but I was part of the relay race team. I remember the feeling of absolute chaos and excitement when the race started, with everyone in my class screaming our names. We didn't win, but the sense of teamwork and shared energy was just incredible. It was a day when all the usual school stress just melted away."

Why this is a good answer:

• Storytelling: It paints a clear picture ("absolute chaos and excitement").
• Emotion: It shows feelings ("excitement," "incredible," "melted away").
• Details: Mentions the event (sports day), the activity (relay race), and the outcome (didn't win, but felt great).
• Fluency: The story flows naturally from beginning to end.

Question 3: What was your least favourite subject at school and why?

This question tests your ability to be honest but also diplomatic. Avoid being overly negative. Focus on the reason you didn't like it, not just the subject itself.

Sample Answer:

"That would have to be physics. To be honest, I just couldn't grasp the abstract concepts, like quantum mechanics or thermodynamics. My brain is more wired for creative and linguistic subjects, so I found all the formulas and theories really challenging and, frankly, a bit boring. I much preferred subjects where I could express myself, like English or Art."

Why this is a good answer:

• Honest but Polite: It's honest but doesn't insult the subject or the teacher.
• Explains the "Why": It gives a clear reason ("couldn't grasp abstract concepts," "brain is more wired for...").
• Contrast: It contrasts the disliked subject with a liked one, which adds depth.
• Vocabulary: Uses good words like "abstract concepts," "formulas," "thermodynamics," and "wired for."

Question 4: What was the most difficult part about being a student?

This is another opportunity to show self-reflection. Talk about a universal challenge.

Sample Answer:

"I think the most difficult part was definitely the pressure of exams. We had a lot of standardized tests, and the constant feeling that your entire future depended on a few hours of exam was really stressful. I remember many late nights cramming for history or chemistry, trying to memorize endless facts. It taught me about discipline, but it was definitely a tough period."

Why this is a good answer:

• Relatable: "Pressure of exams" is a common experience, so the examiner will understand.
• Specific: It mentions "standardized tests" and gives examples ("history or chemistry").
• Shows Growth: It acknowledges the difficulty but also mentions a positive outcome ("taught me about discipline").
• Descriptive Language: "Constant feeling," "cramming," "endless facts."

Question 5: Do you think school was a happy time for you?

This is a more reflective question. You can say yes, but with a little nuance, or say it had good and bad parts. A balanced answer sounds more mature.

Sample Answer:

"Overall, yes, I would say it was a very happy time. I had a great group of friends and I was lucky to have a few teachers who really inspired me. Of course, there were stressful periods, like before final exams, and there were days I didn't want to get up in the morning! But looking back, the fun, the laughter, and the sense of discovery far outweighed the difficult moments."

Why this is a good answer:

• Balanced: It acknowledges both the positive ("happy time," "great friends") and the negative ("stressful periods").
• Conclusive: It ends with a clear summary ("far outweighed the difficult moments").
• Natural Language: Uses phrases like "Of course..." and "Looking back..." which make the speech sound more fluent.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases for "School Days"

Use these words to boost your score for vocabulary (Lexical Resource).

Adjectives to describe school:

• Challenging (demanding)
• Demanding (requires a lot of effort)
• Rigorous (strict and well-organized)
• Supportive (helpful and encouraging)
• Nurturing (cares for your development)
• Disciplined (strict about rules and behaviour)
• Academically-focused (concentrates on studies)
• Vibrant (full of energy and life)

Nouns for school experiences:

• Curriculum (the subjects taught)
• Extra-curricular activities (activities outside of classes)
• Bullying (treating someone cruelly)
• Peer pressure (influence from friends)
• School spirit (a feeling of pride in your school)
• Memorization / Rote learning (learning by repeating)
• Cramming (studying intensively just before an exam)

Useful Verbs & Phrases:

• To be fond of (to like something)
• To excel at (to be very good at something)
• To struggle with (to find something difficult)
• To get along with (someone) (to have a good relationship)
• To look back on (to think about the past)
• To form a bond (to create a close connection)
• To be under a lot of pressure (to feel stressed)

Tips for a High Score

1. Be Specific, Not General: Instead of "My school was big," say "My school had over 2,000 students, which made it feel a bit overwhelming sometimes." Specific details create a vivid picture.
2. Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of "I was happy at school," say "I remember laughing so hard with my friends at lunch that we couldn't even eat." This is much more engaging for the examiner.
3. Use a Range of Tenses: Use past simple for finished actions ("I studied..."), past continuous for ongoing actions in the past ("I was always playing..."), and present perfect if it relates to now ("The friends I made at school are still my best friends today").
4. Connect Your Ideas: Use linking words like "however," "on the other hand," "for example," "as a result," "in addition" to make your speech flow smoothly.
5. Be Natural and Enthusiastic: Even if you didn't love school, try to find some positive or interesting things to say. Your enthusiasm and personality will make a big difference.

Good luck with your IELTS preparation! You've got this.