The topic “Describe A Course You Would Like To Take” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This subject allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to express preferences, discuss educational aspirations, and articulate future plans. Given its relevance to personal development and academic interests, it’s likely to remain a popular topic in future IELTS exams.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about education and learning. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy learning new things?
- What kind of courses have you taken in the past?
- How do you prefer to learn: in a classroom or online?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy learning new things?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I find learning new things interesting because it helps me grow as a person. I especially like learning about different cultures and languages. It’s always exciting to discover something I didn’t know before.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m passionate about lifelong learning and constantly seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. Whether it’s picking up a new language, delving into a scientific concept, or mastering a musical instrument, I find the process of acquiring new information incredibly fulfilling. Not only does it broaden my horizons, but it also keeps my mind sharp and adaptable in our ever-changing world.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a course you would like to take
You should say:
- What the course is about
- Where you would take this course
- Why you want to take this course
- And explain how this course might be useful for your future
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d really like to take a course in digital marketing. It’s a subject that interests me because it’s becoming more important in today’s business world. I think I would take this course online, probably through a platform like Coursera or edX. The reason I want to take this course is to improve my skills in social media marketing and search engine optimization. I believe these skills will be very useful for my future career in business or marketing. Digital marketing is growing fast, and having knowledge in this area could open up many job opportunities for me.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m particularly keen on enrolling in an advanced data science course, specifically one that delves into machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. Ideally, I’d pursue this course at a prestigious institution like MIT or Stanford, known for their cutting-edge research and world-class faculty in this field.
My enthusiasm for this course stems from the transformative potential of AI and machine learning across various sectors. I’m fascinated by how these technologies are revolutionizing industries, from healthcare to finance, and I’m eager to be at the forefront of this innovation.
The practical applications of this course would be immense for my future career prospects. In an increasingly data-driven world, the skills I’d acquire would be invaluable, whether I choose to work for a tech giant, a startup, or even launch my own AI-focused venture. Moreover, the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities honed through such a rigorous program would be transferable to numerous other fields, making me a versatile professional in the rapidly evolving job market.
Advanced data science course classroom
Examiner: How do you think this course might challenge you?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think this course would be quite challenging because data science and AI are complex subjects. The mathematics and programming involved might be difficult for me. Also, keeping up with the fast pace of a high-level course could be tough. But I believe these challenges would help me grow and improve my skills.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I anticipate this course to be intellectually rigorous and push me out of my comfort zone in several ways. Firstly, the advanced mathematical concepts underlying machine learning algorithms, such as linear algebra and calculus, would require intense focus and dedication to master. Additionally, the programming aspect, particularly working with languages like Python or R at an advanced level, would demand significant practice and problem-solving skills.
Moreover, the rapid pace of innovation in AI means that the course content would likely be continually updated, requiring me to stay abreast of the latest developments and quickly adapt to new tools and techniques. This constant evolution would challenge me to be a flexible and proactive learner.
Perhaps the most significant challenge would be applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, which often involve messy, incomplete data and complex ethical considerations. Bridging this gap between theory and practice would test my creativity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning skills.
Despite these challenges, I believe they would ultimately foster tremendous personal and professional growth, making the course an invaluable experience.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think the way people learn will change in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think in the future, more people will learn online. Technology is making it easier to access courses from anywhere. We might see more use of virtual reality in education, which could make learning more interactive. Also, I believe personalized learning will become more common, with courses adapting to each student’s needs and pace.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The future of learning is likely to be characterized by a paradigm shift towards more personalized, technology-driven, and lifelong educational models. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms will play a pivotal role in tailoring educational content to individual learning styles, paces, and preferences, making education more efficient and effective.
We’re likely to see a blending of traditional and digital learning environments, with augmented and virtual reality technologies creating immersive learning experiences that transcend physical limitations. This could revolutionize fields like medicine, engineering, and archaeology, where hands-on experience is crucial.
Moreover, the concept of continuous learning will become increasingly important as rapid technological advancements necessitate constant upskilling. We might see a move away from the traditional front-loaded education model towards a more fluid system where people dip in and out of education throughout their careers.
Blockchain technology could also transform how we verify and share educational credentials, making it easier for learners to accumulate and showcase a diverse set of skills from various sources.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that these technological advancements don’t exacerbate existing educational inequalities. Efforts must be made to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to these new learning modalities.
Virtual reality in future education
Examiner: Do you think traditional classroom learning will become obsolete?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think traditional classroom learning will completely disappear, but it might become less common. Online learning is becoming more popular, but face-to-face interaction is still important for some subjects. Maybe we’ll see a mix of online and classroom learning in the future. Some skills, like teamwork and communication, are better learned in person.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While the landscape of education is undoubtedly evolving, I don’t believe traditional classroom learning will become entirely obsolete. Instead, we’re likely to see a transformation and integration of traditional methods with new technologies and pedagogical approaches.
The value of face-to-face interaction, immediate feedback, and the social aspects of learning that classrooms provide cannot be underestimated. These elements are crucial for developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, which are increasingly valued in the workplace.
However, the traditional classroom is likely to evolve into a more flexible, technology-enhanced space. We might see ‘flipped classroom’ models becoming more prevalent, where students engage with lecture content at home and use class time for interactive problem-solving and discussions. Hybrid models that combine online and in-person learning could become the norm, offering the best of both worlds.
Moreover, certain fields of study, particularly those requiring hands-on experience like laboratory sciences or performing arts, will continue to benefit significantly from in-person instruction.
The key lies in leveraging technology to enhance, rather than replace, the traditional classroom experience. This could involve using AI to provide personalized learning paths, incorporating virtual reality for immersive experiences, or utilizing data analytics to give educators real-time insights into student performance.
Ultimately, the future of education is likely to be a blend of traditional and innovative approaches, tailored to the specific needs of different subjects, students, and learning objectives.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: The rise of online education represents a paradigm shift in how we approach learning. -
Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ/ (adjective): The most advanced stage of development; innovative or pioneering.
Example: The course covers cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence. -
Delve into /dɛlv ˈɪntu/ (phrasal verb): To examine or investigate something thoroughly.
Example: The program allows students to delve into complex mathematical concepts. -
Revolutionize /ˌrɛvəˈluʃəˌnaɪz/ (verb): To change something radically or fundamentally.
Example: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing various industries. -
Transferable skills /trænsˈfɜːrəbəl skɪlz/ (noun): Skills that can be used in different jobs or career paths.
Example: Critical thinking is a highly valuable transferable skill. -
Bridge the gap /brɪdʒ ðə ɡæp/ (idiom): To connect two different things or to reduce the difference between them.
Example: The course aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. -
Stay abreast of /steɪ əˈbrɛst ʌv/ (idiom): To be or keep fully informed about.
Example: It’s crucial to stay abreast of the latest developments in technology. -
Immersive experience /ɪˈmɜːrsɪv ɪkˈspɪərɪəns/ (noun): An experience that deeply involves all the senses, creating a sense of being present in a non-physical world.
Example: Virtual reality provides an immersive experience for learners.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a course you’d like to take:
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Use a wide range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific terms naturally in your responses.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Don’t just describe the course, but explain its potential impact on your future and society at large.
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Provide specific examples: When discussing the benefits or challenges of the course, use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
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Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the subject matter through your tone and word choice.
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Structure your answer: Especially in Part 2, organize your thoughts logically, covering all points mentioned in the cue card.
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Extend your answers: In Part 3, develop your ideas fully, considering different perspectives on the topic.
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Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation. Regular practice with a variety of topics can help improve this.
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Use a range of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and varied tenses to showcase your language proficiency.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the actual test.
For additional practice, you might want to describe an interesting lesson you learned in school or describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision quickly. These topics can help you develop your ability to articulate personal experiences and opinions effectively.
