As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered this common IELTS Speaking question countless times: “What is your major?”. It often arises in Part 1, a seemingly simple query about your field of study. However, don’t underestimate its importance! A strong answer can set a positive tone for the rest of your Speaking test, demonstrating your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to elaborate.
Why “What is Your Major?” Matters in IELTS Speaking
This question assesses your ability to:
- Use topic-specific vocabulary: Discussing your major lets you showcase vocabulary related to education and your field.
- Provide clear and concise explanations: You’ll need to articulate what your major entails in a way that’s easily understandable.
- Expand on your answers: Going beyond a one-sentence response shows your fluency and ability to develop ideas.
How to Answer “What is Your Major?” Effectively
Here’s a breakdown of how to structure a stellar answer:
1. State Your Major Clearly:
Begin by directly stating your major. For example:
- “My major is Computer Science.”
- “I’m currently studying Economics.”
2. Explain Your Major Briefly:
Provide a concise explanation of your major in a sentence or two. Focus on the key areas of study or skills you are developing. For instance:
- “Computer Science involves the study of algorithms, programming languages, and software development.”
- “In Economics, we analyze market trends, study economic principles, and learn how to make informed financial decisions.”
3. Elaborate and Provide Reasons:
This is where you can shine! Share why you chose this major, what interests you most about it, or how it connects to your future goals. Here are some ways to elaborate:
- Your Passion: “I’ve always been fascinated by technology, and I love the problem-solving aspects of Computer Science.”
- Future Goals: “I’m passionate about environmental sustainability, so I’m majoring in Environmental Science to pursue a career in conservation.”
- Specific Coursework: “One of the most interesting courses I’m taking right now is on artificial intelligence, which I find incredibly relevant to today’s world.”
4. Consider Your Audience:
Remember, you are speaking to an examiner who may not be familiar with your field. Use clear and accessible language, avoiding jargon.
IELTS Speaking Test
Example Answers from Real IELTS Exams:
Prompt: What is your major?
Candidate 1: “My major is Business Administration. It’s a broad field that covers areas like management, marketing, and finance. I chose it because I’m interested in starting my own business someday.”
Candidate 2: “I’m majoring in Psychology. It’s the study of the human mind and behavior. I’ve always been fascinated by how people think and why they act the way they do, so I find it incredibly engaging.”
Tips for Success:
- Practice Makes Perfect: Practice answering this question and others related to your studies.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your responses can help you identify areas for improvement in fluency and pronunciation.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn relevant vocabulary related to your field of study.
- Be Enthusiastic: Speaking passionately about your major makes you more engaging and memorable to the examiner.
Remember, the “What is your major?” question is your chance to make a positive first impression in your IELTS Speaking test. By preparing a well-structured and engaging answer, you can demonstrate your language skills and confidence. Good luck!
