As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous students who get flustered when the IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic delves into unexpected territories like mathematics. While it might seem like a curveball, “Are you good at maths?” or questions about your mathematical abilities are more common than you think. Don’t worry, this article will equip you with the strategies and vocabulary to confidently tackle this topic and impress your examiner.
Understanding the “Maths” Question in IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking exam evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. The examiner isn’t assessing your mathematical genius. Instead, they’re interested in:
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak smoothly and logically about maths, even if you don’t love the subject?
- Lexical Resource: Do you possess a range of vocabulary to discuss mathematical concepts, feelings, and experiences?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Can you use a variety of grammatical structures accurately when talking about maths?
- Pronunciation: Can the examiner understand you clearly when you use maths-related words?
Tackling the “Are You Good at Maths?” Topic
Here’s a breakdown of how to approach this IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic:
1. Structure Your Response
Even if you’re not a maths whiz, you can deliver a well-structured response. Use the cue card prompts to guide you, but don’t be afraid to personalize your answer. Here’s a possible structure:
- Introduction: Briefly state your overall relationship with maths.
- “To be honest, maths wasn’t my favorite subject in school…”
- “I’ve always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with maths…”
- Describe Your Experience: Talk about a specific memory or experience related to maths.
- “I remember struggling with algebra in high school, but…”
- “One of my proudest moments was when I finally grasped…”
- Explain the Impact: Discuss how this experience or your general mathematical ability has affected you.
- “Even though I don’t use advanced maths daily, it taught me…”
- “My strength in logic, which I developed through maths, helps me…”
- Conclusion: Offer a brief concluding thought or summarize your feelings.
- “So, while I might not be a mathematician, I appreciate…”
- “Overall, I believe that having a basic understanding of maths is…”
2. Expand Your Vocabulary
Using precise and varied vocabulary will boost your score. Here are some words and phrases to consider:
- Positive: excel in, grasp, have a knack for, logical thinking, problem-solving skills, analytical mind, enjoy challenges.
- Neutral: average, moderate abilities, manage, get by, have a basic understanding.
- Negative: struggle with, find it challenging, avoid, intimidated by, abstract concepts, numerical data.
Remember: You can talk about related subjects like science, technology, or even cooking, as they often involve mathematical concepts.
3. Example Answer
“If you were to ask my younger self, ‘Are you good at maths?’ I would have probably mumbled a ‘not really.’ I was more of a humanities student, drawn to literature and history. However, I do recall a time in university when I had to take a statistics course. It was challenging, to say the least, and I spent countless hours poring over textbooks and attending extra help sessions. But, in the end, something clicked. I not only passed the course but also developed a newfound respect for the power of data analysis. Even though I don’t crunch numbers for a living now, that experience instilled in me the importance of perseverance and logical thinking, skills that have proven invaluable in many aspects of my life.”
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Maths Topic
4. Top Tips
- Be Authentic: The examiners are looking for genuine communication, not memorized responses.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Practice speaking about different topics, including unexpected ones like maths.
- Focus on Fluency: It’s better to keep talking and use simpler language if needed than to get stuck searching for the perfect word.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Be Honest: It’s perfectly fine to say you’re not a maths person! Just explain why and elaborate on your experiences.
Conclusion
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively. By structuring your response, using varied vocabulary, and drawing from personal experiences, you can confidently tackle any question that comes your way, even one about maths. Good luck!
