As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the “Describe your school” topic in the IELTS Speaking test. This seemingly simple question can actually be quite challenging if you’re unprepared. This article will delve into why this question appears, how to answer it effectively, and provide you with vocabulary and sample answers to achieve a band-high score.

Why does the IELTS exam ask about your school?

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. When the examiner asks about your school, they aren’t necessarily interested in the specific details of your alma mater. Instead, they are evaluating:

• Your vocabulary range: Can you use a variety of words and phrases to describe your school, its facilities, and your experiences?
• Your fluency and coherence: Can you speak smoothly and connect your ideas logically?
• Your grammatical accuracy: Can you use correct grammar structures?
• Your pronunciation: Can you be easily understood by a native speaker?

How to Answer “What Do You Like About Your School?”

While the question may seem straightforward, a successful response requires structure and thoughtful examples. Here’s a breakdown of how to formulate your answer:

1. Provide a General Overview

Start by stating your overall opinion of your school.

• “I have very fond memories of my school.”
• “Overall, I had a positive experience at my school.”
• “My school wasn’t perfect, but there were definitely some aspects I enjoyed.”

2. Highlight Specific Aspects

Choose 2-3 aspects of your school that you genuinely liked. This could be anything from the teachers to the facilities to the extracurricular activities.

• Academic Environment:
  • “The teachers were incredibly dedicated and passionate about their subjects.”
  • “I appreciated the small class sizes, which allowed for more individualized attention.”
  • “The library was a fantastic resource, with an extensive collection of books and online databases.”
• Facilities:
  • “Our school had state-of-the-art science labs that really fostered our learning.”
  • “The sports facilities were top-notch, which was perfect for someone active like me.”
• Extracurricular Activities:
  • “I was heavily involved in the debate club, which helped me develop my critical thinking and public speaking abilities.”
  • “The school offered a wide array of clubs and societies that catered to diverse interests.”

3. Explain Why You Liked These Aspects

Don’t just list the things you liked—explain why you found them valuable. Provide specific examples and anecdotes to make your answer more engaging.

• Example 1: “I particularly enjoyed the history classes because the teacher made the lessons so engaging. We even went on a field trip to a local museum, which brought the subject to life.”
• Example 2: “Being part of the school orchestra was a defining experience. We spent hours practicing together, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our hard work culminate in a beautiful performance.”

4. Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar

Showcase your language skills by using a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures. For instance:

• Instead of: “The teachers were good.”
  • Say: “The teachers were highly knowledgeable and supportive.”
• Instead of: “The school had a library.”
  • Say: “The school boasted a well-equipped library with an extensive collection of resources.”

5. Keep it Concise and Relevant

Remember, you only have a limited time to answer. Avoid rambling or going off-topic. Stick to the main points you want to convey and keep your answer focused.

Sample Answer

Here’s an example of how to put it all together:

“Overall, I had a positive experience at my secondary school. One of the things I appreciated most was the strong sense of community. The teachers were incredibly supportive and always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. For instance, my English teacher created a lunchtime writing club specifically to help me improve my essay writing skills. Additionally, I benefited greatly from the school’s emphasis on extracurricular activities. I was a member of the debate team, which not only helped me develop my public speaking abilities but also taught me the importance of teamwork and critical thinking. Those experiences were invaluable and have stayed with me ever since.”

Modern School Building

Key Takeaways

• Be prepared to discuss your school experiences in the IELTS Speaking test.
• Structure your answer logically and provide specific examples to support your points.
• Use a variety of vocabulary and grammar to demonstrate your language proficiency.
• Speak clearly and confidently, and maintain good eye contact with the examiner.

Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you practice talking about your school, the more confident and fluent you will become. Good luck!