Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Subject You Enjoyed in School

Describing a subject you enjoyed in school is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, express preferences, and use academic vocabulary. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about your educational background and favorite subjects. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. What was your favorite subject in school?
2. Why did you enjoy that subject?
3. Do you think this subject will be useful for your future career?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“My favorite subject in school was Biology. I was fascinated by the complexity of living organisms and how they interact with their environment. The subject sparked my curiosity about the natural world and encouraged me to think critically about scientific concepts. I believe Biology will be incredibly useful for my future career as I plan to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, where understanding ecosystems and biodiversity is crucial.”

Student enjoying biology class

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

For this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to guide your speech. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a subject you enjoyed in school:

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying in school
You should say:

• What the subject was
• When you studied it
• Why you enjoyed it
• And explain how this subject has influenced your life

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a subject I thoroughly enjoyed studying in school, which was Literature. I studied this subject throughout my high school years, from ages 14 to 18.

Literature captivated me for several reasons. Firstly, it exposed me to a diverse range of writing styles and perspectives from various cultures and time periods. This broadened my horizons and helped me develop a more nuanced understanding of the world. Secondly, analyzing literary works honed my critical thinking skills and taught me to look beyond the surface meaning of texts.

What I found particularly engaging was how Literature encouraged creativity and self-expression. We often had assignments that required us to write our own short stories or poems, which allowed me to explore my imagination and develop my writing skills. Moreover, class discussions about books and poems were always stimulating and thought-provoking, as we delved into complex themes and characters.

Studying Literature has had a profound influence on my life. It has fostered a lifelong love of reading, which continues to be a source of joy and personal growth for me. The analytical skills I developed have proven invaluable in my current job as a content writer, where I need to critically evaluate information and craft compelling narratives. Additionally, the empathy I gained from exploring different characters’ perspectives has enhanced my interpersonal skills, making me a better communicator and team player in both my personal and professional life.

In conclusion, Literature was more than just a subject for me; it was a gateway to understanding the human experience and developing essential life skills that continue to serve me well.”

Students discussing literature in class

Follow-up questions:

1. How has your interest in Literature evolved since leaving school?
2. Do you think Literature should be a compulsory subject for all students?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Since leaving school, my interest in Literature has blossomed into a lifelong passion. I’ve joined a local book club where we dissect contemporary novels and classic works alike, which keeps my analytical skills sharp. Additionally, I’ve started exploring more diverse genres and authors from around the world, which continually broadens my cultural understanding.

Regarding whether Literature should be compulsory, I believe it should be a core component of every student’s education. While not everyone will pursue a career directly related to literature, the skills it develops – critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication – are universally applicable. However, I think the curriculum should be tailored to engage students with varied interests, perhaps by incorporating more modern texts or interdisciplinary approaches that connect literature with other subjects like history or science.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How has the teaching of literature in schools changed over the years?
2. What role do you think literature plays in shaping a society’s culture?
3. Do you believe that studying certain subjects can influence a person’s character?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The teaching of literature in schools has undergone significant changes over the years. Traditionally, the focus was on rote learning of classic texts and their interpretations. However, modern approaches have shifted towards more interactive and inclusive methods. Teachers now often incorporate multimedia resources, such as film adaptations or digital platforms, to make literature more engaging and accessible. There’s also a growing emphasis on diverse voices and perspectives, with curricula expanding to include works from various cultures and marginalized groups.

Literature plays a pivotal role in shaping a society’s culture. It serves as a mirror reflecting societal values and norms, while also challenging and reshaping them. Through literature, we gain insights into different ways of thinking and living, which can foster empathy and understanding among diverse groups. Moreover, literature often addresses pressing social issues, prompting discussions and potentially inspiring change. It also preserves cultural heritage and helps transmit traditions and values across generations.

I firmly believe that studying certain subjects can have a profound influence on a person’s character. Literature, for instance, can nurture empathy by allowing readers to experience life from various perspectives. Sciences can cultivate curiosity and analytical thinking, while arts might enhance creativity and self-expression. Philosophy can develop critical thinking and ethical reasoning. However, it’s important to note that the impact of these subjects isn’t uniform for everyone. The influence depends on various factors, including teaching methods, personal interest, and how the knowledge is applied in real-life situations.”

Modern literature class with technology

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to discussing subjects you enjoyed in school:

1. Captivate /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ (verb): To attract and hold the interest of
   Example: “The professor’s lectures captivated the entire class.”

2. Stimulating /ˈstɪmjuleɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Encouraging interest or excitement
   Example: “The class discussions were always stimulating and thought-provoking.”

3. Nurture /ˈnɜːrtʃər/ (verb): To encourage or help develop
   Example: “Studying literature nurtured my love for reading and writing.”

4. Analytical skills /ˌænəˈlɪtɪkl skɪlz/ (noun phrase): The ability to examine and understand complex information
   Example: “Analyzing complex texts helped me develop strong analytical skills.”

5. Broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand one’s range of interests, experiences, and knowledge
   Example: “Reading diverse literature broadened my horizons and gave me new perspectives.”

6. Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntərdɪsəˈplɪnəri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic disciplines
   Example: “We took an interdisciplinary approach, connecting literature with history and sociology.”

Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner

As an experienced IELTS Speaking Examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Practice regularly: Engage in daily conversations in English, focusing on academic topics.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to education and literature, and use them naturally in your responses.

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

4. Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

5. Stay relevant: Always address the question directly, using the cue card as a guide but not reading from it.

6. Show enthusiasm: Examiners appreciate candidates who seem genuinely interested in the topic they’re discussing.

7. Be prepared for follow-up questions: Practice thinking on your feet and elaborating on your initial responses.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also be interested in learning how to describe a creative activity you enjoy or describe a hobby you enjoyed as a child. These topics can help you further develop your speaking skills and prepare for a wide range of potential IELTS Speaking questions.