Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Do you often think about the early years of your life?
Sample response
Yes, actually I do from time to time, especially when I visit my hometown or look through old family photos. Those little reminders bring back quite vivid memories, even very ordinary ones, like playing in the garden or going to school with my parents.
Q2
What kinds of activities did you enjoy most when you were very young?
Sample response
When I was very young, I was really into simple imaginative games. I loved building things with blocks, drawing animals, and pretending everyday objects were part of some adventure, so I could stay busy for hours without getting bored.
Q3
Did you spend more time indoors or outdoors when you were a child?
Sample response
I’d say I spent slightly more time outdoors, which I’m quite grateful for now. I used to ride my bike, run around with other children in the neighbourhood, and play at the park until it got dark.
Q4
Who did you usually play with when you were young?
Sample response
Most of the time, I played with my cousins and a few children who lived nearby. We were all around the same age, so it was easy to make up games together and, to be honest, we became close mainly because we saw each other almost every day.
Q5
Is there a toy or object from your early years that you still remember clearly?
Sample response
Yes, I still remember a small stuffed bear I had when I was a child. It wasn’t expensive or anything special, but I took it everywhere with me, so for some reason it became a really comforting part of my early childhood.
Q6
Did you have a favourite place to go when you were little?
Sample response
Yes, my favourite place was a small park near my house. It had swings, a slide, and lots of trees, and to me it felt huge at the time, almost like a little world of its own.
Q7
Do you still keep any photos or items from when you were young?
Sample response
Yes, my family still keeps quite a few old photos, and I’m really glad we do. We also have a couple of small things from my childhood, like school notebooks and birthday cards, which are surprisingly meaningful now.
Q8
Have the places you knew when you were little changed a lot since then?
Sample response
Yes, quite a lot, actually. Some places have been modernised and look completely different now, while others seem much smaller than I remember, which is always a strange feeling when I go back.
Q9
Do you enjoy talking with your family about the past?
Sample response
Yes, I do, because those conversations usually bring out funny details that I would never remember on my own. It’s also a nice way to feel connected to my family, especially when older relatives share stories from before I was old enough to understand them.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a memory from your early years. You should say: - When and where it happened - Who was with you - What you remember most clearly And explain why this memory is still important to you.
Sample response
One memory from my early years that has stayed with me happened when I was about five or six years old. It was in my grandparents’ house in the countryside, where my family used to visit during the summer. I was there with my parents, my younger cousin, and of course my grandparents. What I remember most clearly is one evening just before sunset. My grandfather took us outside into the garden and showed us how to water the plants properly. It sounds like a very ordinary moment, but in my mind it feels incredibly vivid. I can still remember the golden light, the smell of wet soil, and the way my grandfather spoke very patiently, as if what he was teaching us was really important. After that, he picked a tomato straight from the garden and gave it to me to hold. For some reason, that tiny detail has never disappeared from my memory. What stood out to me was the feeling of calm and safety. As a child, I didn’t fully understand it, but I think I was aware that I was surrounded by people who loved me. Another thing is that my grandfather was usually quite quiet, so that small moment of attention felt special. Overall, this memory is still important to me because it represents warmth, family, and simplicity. Whenever life feels too busy, I think about that evening and it reminds me that some of the most meaningful memories are the quietest ones.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do some experiences from our early years stay in our minds for a long time, while others are forgotten?
Sample response
I think the experiences that stay with us are usually the ones linked to strong emotions. If a child feels excited, frightened, proud, or deeply loved in a particular moment, the brain seems to store that memory more clearly. By contrast, routine experiences often fade because they don’t stand out from everything else. For example, many people forget hundreds of ordinary school days, but they vividly remember their first performance on stage or a family celebration.
Q2
How important are family stories and old photographs in helping people remember the past?
Sample response
They’re extremely important because memory is not always reliable on its own. Family stories can give context to events, while old photographs often bring back details people would otherwise lose, like places, expressions, or even the atmosphere of a moment. In many families, these things also create a shared history, not just an individual one. For instance, a single photo album can help three generations remember the same event in slightly different but meaningful ways.
Q3
Do you think people's early experiences influence their personality as adults? Why or why not?
Sample response
Yes, I do think early experiences shape adult personality to a considerable extent. Childhood is the stage when people first learn whether the world feels safe, supportive, competitive, or unpredictable, and those impressions can affect confidence and behaviour later on. For example, children who are encouraged to speak and explore often become more independent adults. That said, I don’t think early experience determines everything, because people can still change through education, relationships, and life events.
Q4
In what ways has modern technology changed how people record and remember important moments?
Sample response
Modern technology has changed this in a huge way by making recording everyday life incredibly easy. In the past, people mainly kept a limited number of printed photos or a few home videos, but now they can save thousands of pictures, voice notes, and clips instantly. The advantage is that memories are preserved in much richer detail, but the downside is that people sometimes record so much that individual moments feel less special. In a way, we have more evidence of our lives now, but not always deeper reflection on them.
Q5
Is it better to remember the past in a positive way, or to be completely realistic about it?
Sample response
Personally, I think a balanced approach is best. Remembering the past positively can be healthy because it gives people comfort and gratitude, but if they idealise everything, they may ignore important lessons or difficult truths. On the other hand, being completely realistic without any warmth can make memory feel cold and even a bit harsh. So I’d say it’s wiser to be honest about the past while still allowing room for affection and perspective.
Q6
How can schools and families help young people build meaningful experiences they will value later in life?
Sample response
Schools and families can do this by creating experiences that are both meaningful and emotionally engaging. That could include trips, celebrations, creative projects, volunteering, or even simple traditions like shared meals and regular conversations. What matters most is not necessarily how expensive or impressive the activity is, but whether young people feel involved, valued, and connected to others. For example, a child may remember a school play or a yearly family picnic for decades if it made them feel confident, included, and happy.