Speaking Part 3: Competitions
The speaking part 3 of the IELTS exam often includes questions about competitions. Below are some sample questions along with my detailed answers.
1. Why do you think some school teachers use competitions as class activities?
I believe that teachers use competitions as class activities to motivate their students. It is important for teachers to find various ways to engage their pupils, and competitions prove to be one of the most effective methods to capture their interest and excitement. It is well-known that children have a natural inclination towards winning, and competitions provide them with the opportunity to experience the joy and satisfaction of achieving success.
For instance, in my school days, our English teacher organized a spelling bee competition where students were divided into teams and had to compete in spelling difficult words. This activity not only helped us improve our spelling skills but also fostered a sense of healthy competition and camaraderie among the students.
2. Is it a good thing to give prizes to children who do well at school? Why?
While it may be a good idea to reward children for their achievements in games or sports, I believe that giving them prizes for their academic work might not be the most ideal approach. It is important for children to grasp the true purpose of studying, which is acquiring knowledge and skills that will benefit them in their lives. Introducing the concept of receiving prizes solely for academic performance may lead children to develop an extrinsic motivation, resulting in a lack of genuine interest in learning for the sake of knowledge itself.
For example, if children start associating education with rewards, they may only be motivated to exert effort when there is a prize at stake. Consequently, their intrinsic love for learning and curiosity may diminish. Therefore, it is crucial to instill in children the understanding that academic achievements are not merely about external rewards, but rather about personal growth, intellectual development, and building a solid foundation for their future endeavors.
3. Would you say that schools for young children have become more or less competitive since you were that age? Why?
In my opinion, schools for young children have definitely become more competitive when compared to when I was a child. Nowadays, children are required to take exams at a much younger age, resulting in an increased emphasis on academic performance. With the changing educational landscape and heightened focus on standardized testing, children are experiencing a higher level of competition from an early stage.
Furthermore, the competitive nature of schools can also be attributed to the growing involvement of parents. Many parents nowadays have become more competitive themselves and push their children to excel academically. This often translates into the expectation for children to engage in additional forms of studying, such as extra homework or attending numerous extracurricular classes, rather than allowing them ample time to indulge in unstructured play and socialization.
For instance, when I was young, schools placed a greater emphasis on holistic development, where equal importance was given to physical activities, creativity, and social skills. However, in recent years, the academic aspect has taken precedence, leading to intensifying competition among young children.
By incorporating interactive competitions into classroom activities, teachers can effectively motivate their students. However, it is important to strike a balance between healthy competition and intrinsic motivation to ensure that children continue to enjoy the process of learning and grow holistically.
