Tell me about your first day at a new job or school. What do you remember most?

B Natural answer

I still remember my first day at school very clearly. I got there early because I didn’t want to be late, and I spent a few minutes standing outside and looking at the building. When I went in, the halls were busy, but everyone was trying to be helpful. A teacher showed me where my classroom was, and another student explained the schedule to me. I felt shy at first, so I didn’t say much. Even so, the part I remember most is how relieved I felt when I found my seat and understood that I could handle the day.

Key phrases in this answer

• I got there early — I arrived before the expected time“I got there early so I could look around.”
• everyone was trying to be helpful — people were making an effort to help“Everyone was trying to be helpful when I started.”
• the part I remember most — the detail that stays in your memory best“The part I remember most is meeting my teacher.”
• felt pretty nervous — felt worried and uneasy“I felt pretty nervous before my first meeting.”
• a little more confident — slightly more sure of yourself“After lunch, I felt a little more confident.”
• I was trying to act calm — I was making an effort to look relaxed“I was trying to act calm, but I was nervous inside.”