This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 13 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 2 Test 2 question:
“When you were a child, did you think a lot about your future? [Why/why not?]”
Sample 1: Yes
Yes, I did. I had an insatiable curiosity for the scientific world. The fascinating documentaries I watched on television ignited my imagination. I often envisioned myself as a pioneering scientist, making groundbreaking discoveries. This early interest in science spurred me to think about my future career.
Sample 2: Yes
In my childhood, my thoughts about the future were largely influenced by my parents’ expectations. They had a clear vision of what they wanted me to become – a doctor, to be precise. I spent a great deal of time contemplating this pre-defined future, not really because I wanted to, but because it was expected of me. This early influence, however, made me consider my true passions and interests as I grew older, eventually leading me to choose a different path.
Sample 3: Yes
To be honest, as a child, I did think a lot about my future, but not out of excitement or ambition. It was more out of fear and uncertainty. I was acutely aware, even at a young age, of how unpredictable life can be. This anxiety made me think a lot about my future life and how to prepare myself to face whatever challenges it might throw at me.
Sample 4: Yes
Yes, without a doubt. I have always been the type of person who thrives on competition and the thrill of standing out from the crowd. This natural inclination to be a cut above the rest prompted me to contemplate my future from a very early age. I wanted to ensure that my future achievements and career would allow me to continue distinguishing myself, and these thoughts guided my actions and decisions throughout my childhood.
Sample 5: Yes
Certainly, during my formative years, I frequently thought about my future, specifically about lifting my family out of debt. The burden of loans and the stress it brought upon my parents was something I was keenly aware of. This early realization propelled me towards seeking a high-paying career that would allow me to alleviate this financial hardship.
Sample 6: No
As a youngster, I seldom spared a thought for my future, primarily due to the sheer volume of subjects that demanded my attention at school. The academic curriculum was intense and necessitated unwavering concentration, leaving little to no room for pondering over my future.
Sample 7: No
Growing up in a relatively disadvantaged environment, to be frank, I didn’t have the luxury of contemplating my future too much. Thinking about my future was, in a way, a luxury that I couldn’t afford. The majority of my time was spent helping my family make ends meet, and my focus was more on survival than on dreaming about future prospects. It was a tough life, but it instilled in me a sense of resilience and a profound appreciation for the opportunities I have now.
Sample 8: No
As a child, I found the future somewhat scary and ambiguous, so I actively avoided thinking about it. The uncertainty it represented was quite overwhelming for me. The thought of growing up, taking on responsibilities, and navigating through life’s challenges was daunting, and I preferred to enjoy the simplicity and innocence of childhood. It was only later that I learned to embrace change and uncertainties, seeing them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Sample 9: No
When I was a child, the future seemed like a distant, nebulous concept to me. I was more of a free spirit, living each day as it came without worrying about the next. I enjoyed the spontaneity of childhood, from impromptu games to unexpected friendships. The thought of planning for the future or envisioning a particular career path was far from my mind. It was only as I grew older that I began to understand the importance of foresight and goal setting.
Sample 10: No
No, as a juvenile, my thoughts seldom drifted towards the horizon of my life. The key reason was the structured environment of my upbringing. My life was organized by my parents and teachers, providing me with a comfortable routine and predictable stability. This structure made the future seem distant and unnecessary to consider in depth.
