As an IELTS examiner, I’ve encountered numerous candidates struggling to articulate their thoughts on academic subjects. One common question that often appears in the IELTS Speaking test is “Describe a subject in school that you found very engaging.” This topic allows candidates to showcase their language skills while reflecting on their educational experiences. Let’s explore how to tackle this question effectively and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about your educational background. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Q: What was your favorite subject in school?

A: Without a doubt, my favorite subject in school was biology. I was always fascinated by the intricate workings of living organisms and how they interact with their environment. The hands-on experiments we conducted in the lab really brought the subject to life for me.

Students conducting a biology experiment in a school laboratory

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:

Describe a subject in school that you found very engaging.
You should say:

• What the subject was
• When you studied it
• Why you found it engaging
• And explain how it has influenced you

Here are sample answers for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:

The subject I found most engaging in school was history. I studied it during my high school years, from ages 14 to 18. I was captivated by history because it felt like exploring a vast treasure trove of human experiences. Learning about different civilizations, their rise and fall, and how past events shaped our present world was incredibly fascinating.

What made history particularly engaging was the way our teacher presented it. Instead of just memorizing dates and facts, we often had lively discussions and debates about historical events. This approach made the subject come alive and helped us understand the complexities of human nature and society.

History has influenced me significantly. It has taught me to think critically about current events and to consider multiple perspectives when analyzing situations. This skill has been invaluable in my personal and professional life, helping me make more informed decisions and understand the world around me better.

Band 8-9 Answer:

The subject that truly captivated me during my academic journey was physics. I delved into this intellectually stimulating field during my final two years of high school, from ages 16 to 18. What made physics so engaging was its unique ability to unravel the fundamental mysteries of the universe while simultaneously explaining the mechanics of everyday phenomena.

The allure of physics lay in its perfect blend of mathematical precision and real-world applications. Our lessons were a harmonious mix of theoretical concepts and practical experiments, which allowed us to witness abstract principles materialize before our eyes. I vividly recall the exhilaration of conducting experiments on electromagnetic induction, where we could actually see the interplay of electricity and magnetism that powers so much of our modern world.

What truly set physics apart was its capacity to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each problem we encountered was like a puzzle, requiring us to apply our knowledge creatively and approach challenges from multiple angles. This aspect of physics has profoundly influenced my approach to life and work. It has instilled in me a methodical yet innovative mindset, enabling me to break down complex problems into manageable components and devise effective solutions.

Moreover, studying physics has given me a deep appreciation for the elegance and complexity of the natural world. It has taught me to question, to seek evidence, and to remain curious about the world around me. This scientific outlook has become an integral part of my personality, influencing my decision-making processes and my perspective on various issues, from technology adoption to environmental conservation.

Teacher demonstrating a physics experiment to engaged students

Follow-up questions:

Q: How do you think the way subjects are taught in schools could be improved?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe schools could improve by incorporating more practical applications of the subjects they teach. For example, in mathematics, teachers could show how certain concepts are used in real-world scenarios like engineering or finance. This would make the subject more relevant and interesting to students.

Band 8-9 Answer:
To enhance the educational experience, I believe schools should adopt a more interdisciplinary approach to teaching subjects. By breaking down the traditional barriers between disciplines and showcasing how different fields of study intersect, students can gain a more holistic understanding of the world. Additionally, integrating technology and interactive learning methods could significantly boost engagement and retention. For instance, using virtual reality to explore historical sites in history classes or conducting simulated experiments in science subjects could make learning more immersive and memorable.

Q: Do you think the subjects taught in schools prepare students well for their future careers?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think schools do a decent job of providing a foundation for future careers, but there’s room for improvement. While subjects like math and science are crucial, schools could focus more on teaching practical skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential in most jobs today.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While the core subjects taught in schools undoubtedly provide a crucial foundation, I believe there’s a significant gap between academic curriculum and the rapidly evolving demands of the job market. Schools could better prepare students by placing greater emphasis on adaptability and lifelong learning skills. Introducing courses on digital literacy, financial management, and entrepreneurship could equip students with practical knowledge directly applicable to their future careers. Moreover, fostering creativity and critical thinking across all subjects, rather than prioritizing rote memorization, would better align education with the innovation-driven nature of modern workplaces.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some example questions with suggested answers:

Q: How has technology changed the way subjects are taught in schools?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has had a significant impact on education. Now, many classrooms use interactive whiteboards and online resources to make lessons more engaging. Students can access information more easily through the internet, which helps with research and self-study. However, it’s important to find a balance and not rely too heavily on technology.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The integration of technology into education has been nothing short of revolutionary. It has democratized access to information and transformed the traditional teacher-centric model into a more collaborative and interactive learning environment. Digital platforms now facilitate personalized learning experiences, allowing students to progress at their own pace and focus on areas where they need more support. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are pushing the boundaries of experiential learning, enabling students to explore complex concepts in immersive 3D environments. However, this technological shift also presents challenges, such as the need for digital literacy education and addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to these resources.

Students using tablets for interactive learning in a modern classroom

Q: Do you think the emphasis on exams and grades in schools is beneficial for students?

Band 6-7 Answer:
While exams and grades are important for measuring progress, I think too much emphasis on them can be stressful for students. It’s good to have some way to assess learning, but schools should also focus on developing other skills like creativity and critical thinking, which aren’t always easy to measure in exams.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The emphasis on exams and grades in educational systems is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a standardized metric for assessing knowledge acquisition and can serve as a motivator for students to engage with their studies. However, an excessive focus on grades can lead to a narrow definition of intelligence and success, potentially stifling creativity and critical thinking. This system often rewards rote memorization over deep understanding and application of knowledge. A more balanced approach would involve diversifying assessment methods to include project-based learning, peer evaluations, and self-reflection exercises. This would not only provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a student’s abilities but also better prepare them for the multifaceted challenges they’ll face in their future careers and personal lives.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated terms and expressions:

1. Intellectually stimulating /ɪnˈtelekʃuəli ˈstɪmjuleɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Encouraging thought or learning
   Example: “I found the physics lectures intellectually stimulating, always challenging me to think deeper.”

2. Unravel the mysteries /ʌnˈrævəl ðə ˈmɪstəriz/ (phrase): To solve or explain something complicated or puzzling
   Example: “Studying biology helped me unravel the mysteries of genetic inheritance.”

3. Harmonious mix /hɑːˈməʊniəs mɪks/ (phrase): A well-balanced combination
   Example: “The course offered a harmonious mix of theoretical knowledge and practical applications.”

4. Foster critical thinking /ˈfɒstə ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ (phrase): To encourage and develop the ability to analyze and evaluate issues
   Example: “The debate club fostered critical thinking skills among students.”

5. Methodical yet innovative /mɪˈθɒdɪkəl jet ˈɪnəvətɪv/ (adj): Systematic in approach but also creative
   Example: “Our chemistry teacher had a methodical yet innovative approach to conducting experiments.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing an engaging school subject:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of subjects and experiences ready to discuss, allowing you to adapt to various questions.

2. Use specific details: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of what made the subject engaging. This demonstrates both language proficiency and critical thinking.

3. Show enthusiasm: Your tone and body language should reflect your interest in the subject. This engagement can positively influence the examiner’s perception.

4. Link to broader themes: Connect your subject to wider topics like career aspirations or societal issues to showcase your ability to think abstractly.

5. Practice regularly: Engage in conversations about academic subjects in English to build fluency and confidence.

Remember, the key to a high score lies not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and a demonstration of your ability to express complex ideas in English.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also be interested in learning about describe a person who motivates you or describe an important thing you learned outside of school. These topics can further enhance your IELTS Speaking preparation.