As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen this question pop up in the IELTS Speaking test countless times: “Who was your favourite teacher?”. While seemingly simple, this question can throw you off guard if you haven’t considered it beforehand. It’s designed to assess not just your vocabulary but also your ability to articulate personal experiences and opinions in a structured and engaging manner. Let’s break down how to approach this topic and formulate a compelling response.
Understanding the Question’s Intent
The examiner isn’t looking for a simple name and job title. They are assessing your ability to:
- Use past tenses accurately: Past simple, past continuous, past perfect – these all might come into play as you describe your teacher and their impact.
- Employ descriptive vocabulary: Go beyond basic adjectives. Showcase your range by using vivid and interesting language to paint a picture of your favourite teacher.
- Explain your reasoning: Don’t just state your favourite teacher; elaborate on why they were your favourite. What specific qualities, teaching styles, or interactions made them stand out?
Structuring Your Response
A well-structured answer will make a positive impression on the examiner. Here’s a possible outline:
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Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and your chosen teacher.
- “When I think about my favourite teacher, one person immediately comes to mind…”
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Description: Provide details about the teacher and their subject.
- “Mr. Smith was my history teacher back in secondary school. He had a knack for making the past come alive…”
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Explanation: Explain what made this teacher your favourite. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
- “He was incredibly passionate about history, and his enthusiasm was infectious. I remember one lesson where he…”
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Impact: Describe the lasting impact this teacher had on you.
- “Mr. Smith’s teaching style ignited a love of history in me that continues to this day. “
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Conclusion: Briefly summarize your points and offer a concluding thought.
- “So, without a doubt, Mr. Smith remains my favourite teacher due to his passion, engaging methods, and the lasting impact he had on my education.”
Teacher and student interaction
Example Response
“When I think about my favourite teacher, one person immediately comes to mind: Mrs. Thompson, my English literature teacher from high school. She was incredibly engaging and had a way of bringing the stories we read to life. I remember one particular lesson where we were studying Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ and she had us act out scenes in class. It felt more like a drama workshop than a traditional lesson, and it truly made the play stick in my mind. Mrs. Thompson also encouraged critical thinking and analysis. She pushed us beyond just summarizing the text and taught us to delve deeper into themes, character motivations, and literary devices. This analytical approach has been invaluable to me, not just in my academic pursuits, but also in my everyday life. Mrs. Thompson’s passion for literature and her unique teaching style had a profound impact on me, instilling a love for reading and analysis that I carry with me to this day. So, without a doubt, she holds a special place in my memory as my favourite teacher.”
Key Tips
- Be genuine: Speak from the heart. The examiners are looking for authenticity.
- Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your response beforehand to improve fluency and confidence.
- Don’t memorize: Have a structure in mind, but don’t deliver a memorized script.
- Focus on fluency and coherence: Speak clearly and link your ideas logically.
Remember, the “favourite teacher” question is an opportunity to showcase your language skills and share a personal story. By approaching it strategically and practicing your response, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the examiner on exam day.