Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Subject You’d Like to Study in the Future

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about future plans and aspirations, particularly in education. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a subject you would like to study in the future. This question allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing their academic interests and goals. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your current studies or future plans. Here are some possible questions:

1. Are you currently studying?
2. What subject are you most interested in?
3. Do you plan to continue your education in the future?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Examiner: Do you plan to continue your education in the future?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely! I’m deeply committed to lifelong learning and firmly believe in continuously expanding my knowledge base. In fact, I’ve already set my sights on pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science within the next few years. This field fascinates me immensely, and I’m eager to delve deeper into topics like climate change mitigation and sustainable resource management.

Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic jam can be a challenging topic, but with proper preparation, you can excel in discussing various subjects, including your future study plans.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you’ll receive a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe A Subject You Would Like To Study In The Future.

You should say:
- What the subject is
- Why you want to study it
- How you plan to study it
- And explain how this subject might be useful in your future career

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

What the subject is and why you want to study it:
The subject I’m incredibly keen on studying in the future is Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short. This cutting-edge field has captivated my interest due to its immense potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives. From healthcare to transportation, AI is reshaping industries and opening up new possibilities that were once confined to the realm of science fiction.

How you plan to study it:
To pursue this passion, I’m planning to enroll in a specialized master’s program at a renowned university known for its expertise in AI and machine learning. I’ve been meticulously researching different programs and have shortlisted a few that offer a comprehensive curriculum covering topics like neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision. Additionally, I intend to supplement my formal education with online courses and workshops to stay abreast of the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field.

How this subject might be useful in your future career:
Studying AI will undoubtedly open up a plethora of opportunities in my future career. As businesses across all sectors are increasingly integrating AI into their operations, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is skyrocketing. I envision myself working on groundbreaking projects that could potentially transform healthcare diagnostics, enhance cybersecurity measures, or even contribute to the development of autonomous vehicles. Moreover, the problem-solving and analytical skills I’ll gain through studying AI will be invaluable assets in any future role, allowing me to approach challenges with a unique perspective and innovative solutions.

Exploring future study plans in AI technology

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: How do you think AI will impact job markets in the future?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): The impact of AI on job markets is likely to be profound and multifaceted. On one hand, it’s inevitable that some jobs will be automated, particularly those involving repetitive tasks. However, I believe AI will also create a wealth of new opportunities in fields we can’t even imagine yet. It’s crucial for workers to adapt and upskill to remain competitive in this evolving landscape. Ultimately, AI has the potential to augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely, leading to increased productivity and innovation across various sectors.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample question and response:

Examiner: How do you think the education system should adapt to prepare students for a future dominated by technology?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): The education system needs to undergo a paradigm shift to effectively prepare students for a technology-driven future. Firstly, there should be a greater emphasis on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) from an early age, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, it’s equally important to cultivate creativity and emotional intelligence, as these are uniquely human traits that AI cannot easily replicate.

Furthermore, schools should integrate technology into the learning process, not just as a subject but as a tool for enhancing education across all disciplines. This could involve project-based learning that simulates real-world scenarios, encouraging students to apply technology to solve complex problems.

Additionally, the curriculum should be flexible and regularly updated to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Lifelong learning should be instilled as a core value, preparing students for a future where continuous upskilling will be essential.

Lastly, ethics and digital citizenship should be woven into the fabric of education, ensuring that students understand the implications of technology on society and are equipped to make responsible decisions in an increasingly digital world.

Describe a course you are currently taking can provide valuable insights into structuring your response about future study plans as well.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and phrases into your responses. Here are some examples:

1. Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ/ (adjective): The most advanced stage of development.
   Example: AI is a cutting-edge field that’s constantly evolving.

2. To captivate /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ (verb): To attract and hold the interest of.
   Example: The potential applications of AI have captivated researchers worldwide.

3. Meticulously /məˈtɪkjələsli/ (adverb): In a way that shows great attention to detail.
   Example: I’ve been meticulously researching various AI programs to find the best fit for my interests.

4. To revolutionize /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): To change something completely and fundamentally.
   Example: AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics.

5. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: The integration of AI in education represents a paradigm shift in how we teach and learn.

AI in education and future technology

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing future study plans or any other topic:

1. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS topics and practice speaking about them fluently.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of sophisticated words and phrases relevant to education and technology.

3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.

4. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Demonstrate your language proficiency by using complex sentences and varied tenses.

5. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with current affairs, especially in education and technology, to provide relevant examples in your responses.

6. Work on your pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial for a high score. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.

7. Be confident: Speak clearly and confidently, even if you make mistakes. The ability to communicate effectively is more important than perfect grammar.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to express your thoughts fluently and coherently on a wide range of topics.

Describe a skill that took you a long time to learn can also provide valuable insights into discussing long-term learning processes, which is relevant when talking about future study plans.