IELTS Speaking: Early Childhood Development
Early childhood development
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Module 1: Vocabulary & Foundation Build-up
Unit: Early Childhood Development: Master core words, collocations, natural structures, and background facts before speaking.
How to use this lesson
👩🏫 For Teachers:
- Focus on lexical accuracy and smooth pattern drill in Module 1 before timing responses in Modules 2 & 3 (30 mins total).
- Review instant automated AI evaluations for Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation in student submissions.
🎓 For Learners:
- Do Module 1 first to unlock essential words, natural phrase templates, and key topic knowledge.
- Do Modules 2 & 3 next by recording your voice in every speaking box and checking the model answers after submission.
Unit Vocabulary Review
Match each early childhood word to its correct plain English meaning.
Collocation Matching
Match each common verb + noun combination to its meaning. Every item has one unique answer.
Useful Sentence Patterns
Study these 4 high-scoring speaking templates to describe children naturally during your test.
"..., aged ..., who ..."
💡 Why this works: It gives the age and one personal detail in one smooth sentence.
"... is in her early ..."
💡 Why this works: Gives a rough age in a natural way, without saying an exact number.
"When ..., they often ..."
💡 Why this works: Links a situation to what children usually do.
"Children aged between ... learn to ..."
💡 Why this works: Perfect for general observations in Part 3 when comparing age stages.
According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (Harvard 2026), how many new neural connections form every second in the first few years of life?
According to the US CDC (CDC 2026), developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. What share of children does "most" mean in their official standard?
IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Individual Long Turn)
Cue Card Prompt
Describe a young child you know well, such as a relative or a neighbour's child.
You should say:
- who the child is
- how old the child is
- what the child likes to do
- and explain why you enjoy spending time with the child.
AI Assessment Criteria:
Record your answer below (speak for 90 to 120 seconds):
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Key Spoken Phrases & Plain Notes:
• bundle of energy: a very lively person who is always moving.
• imitate sounds: natural word pairing for copying vocal noises or speech.
• babble incoherently: describes talking in an unclear, playful toddler way.
• throw a tantrum: common spoken phrase for a sudden childish emotional outburst.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Two-way Discussion)
Answer the 4 official discussion questions below. Speak freely and submit your audio for instant criteria feedback.
What can adults learn from watching how small children play?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
📖 View Collapsed Model Answer Expand• live in the moment: focusing on the present time without stressing about work or the future.
• try new things: experimenting freely without being afraid of failure.
• stay relaxed: not worry too much about small problems.
Is it better for young children to stay at home or to go to a nursery?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
📖 View Collapsed Model Answer Expand• join a playgroup: participating in organised social play with other young children.
• build social skills: developing the ability to communicate and get along with peers.
• adjust to routine: getting used to a regular daily timetable and group rules.
Should toys and screens be limited for the youngest children?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
📖 View Collapsed Model Answer Expand• miss out on: lose the chance to enjoy or learn something.
• throw a tantrum: having a sudden outburst of childish anger.
• a smart move: a sensible, wise decision in everyday speaking.
Why do some people find it easy to talk with children while others do not?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
📖 View Collapsed Model Answer Expand• make funny faces: using playful facial expressions to entertain young children.
• babble incoherently: listening patiently to early, unclear toddler speech.
• go with the flow: being relaxed and natural without forcing strict expectations.
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