As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with the speaking test, particularly when asked to describe a subject they enjoyed in school. This topic is a common one in IELTS speaking tests and is likely to remain popular in future exams. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through how to tackle this question effectively and boost your speaking score.
Student enjoying a class
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and your background. Here are some questions you might encounter related to the topic:
- What subjects did you study in school?
- Which subject was your favorite?
- Do you think school subjects have changed since you were a student?
Let’s look at how to answer one of these questions:
Question: Which subject was your favorite?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“My favorite subject in school was Biology. I found it really interesting to learn about living things and how our bodies work. The teacher made the lessons fun with experiments and group projects.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d have to say that Biology was my absolute favorite subject throughout my school years. I was fascinated by the intricacies of living organisms and how they function. What really captivated me was the way our teacher brought the subject to life through engaging experiments and thought-provoking group projects. It wasn’t just about memorizing facts; we were encouraged to think critically and apply our knowledge to real-world scenarios.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, then you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe A Subject You Enjoyed Learning About In School.
You should say:
- What the subject was
- When you studied it
- Why you enjoyed it
- And explain how it has been useful to you since leaving school
Band 6-7 Answer:
“The subject I really enjoyed learning about in school was History. I studied it during my high school years, from when I was about 14 to 18 years old. I liked History because it was like hearing interesting stories about the past. Our teacher made it fun by showing us old pictures and videos.
I enjoyed learning about different cultures and how they lived long ago. It was fascinating to see how events from the past have shaped our world today. We had interesting projects where we had to research historical figures or events, which I found engaging.
Since leaving school, History has been useful to me in several ways. It has helped me understand current events better, as I can see the historical context behind them. Also, the research skills I learned while studying History have been valuable in my university studies and work life. Overall, History gave me a broader perspective on the world and how it has changed over time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The subject that I absolutely relished learning about in school was History. I had the privilege of studying it throughout my high school years, from the age of 14 to 18.
What captivated me about History was its ability to transport us to different eras and cultures, offering a window into the past that felt both distant and intimately connected to our present. Our teacher was instrumental in bringing the subject to life, employing a diverse range of resources such as archival footage, primary source documents, and even interactive simulations to immerse us in historical contexts.
I was particularly enthralled by the way History illuminated the interconnectedness of global events and their long-lasting impacts. The subject challenged us to think critically, analyzing cause and effect relationships across centuries and continents. One of the most engaging aspects was our project-based learning, where we delved deep into researching historical figures or events, honing our analytical and presentation skills.
Since leaving school, the study of History has proven invaluable in numerous ways. It has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of current geopolitical issues, allowing me to contextualize modern events within broader historical patterns. The research and analytical skills I developed have been indispensable in my academic pursuits and professional life, enabling me to approach complex problems with a multifaceted perspective.
Moreover, History has instilled in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of preserving our collective heritage. It has made me a more empathetic and globally-minded individual, always eager to explore different viewpoints and understand the historical forces that shape our world. In essence, studying History has not only enriched my knowledge but has also profoundly influenced my worldview and approach to lifelong learning.”
Follow-up Questions
- How has the teaching of this subject changed since you were in school?
- Do you think this subject should be compulsory for all students?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
“I think the teaching of History has changed quite a bit since I was in school. Now, teachers use more technology in their lessons, like interactive whiteboards and online resources. There’s also more focus on different perspectives in history, not just the traditional viewpoints.”
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“The teaching of History has undergone a significant transformation since my school days. There’s been a paradigm shift towards a more inclusive and multifaceted approach. Teachers now harness cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality experiences and interactive digital archives, to create immersive learning environments. There’s also a greater emphasis on critical analysis of historical sources and the exploration of diverse narratives, moving beyond the traditional Eurocentric view. This evolution has made the subject more engaging and relevant to today’s globalized world.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: How do you think the way subjects are taught in schools might change in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe the way subjects are taught in schools will change a lot in the future. Technology will probably play a bigger role, with more online learning and interactive tools. Teachers might focus more on helping students develop skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, rather than just memorizing facts. There could also be more personalized learning, where students can learn at their own pace.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The future of education is likely to see a radical transformation in teaching methodologies. I anticipate a paradigm shift towards more technology-integrated learning environments, where virtual and augmented reality become commonplace tools for immersive educational experiences. This could revolutionize subjects like History or Geography, allowing students to ‘visit’ historical sites or explore geographical phenomena virtually.
Moreover, I foresee a greater emphasis on developing transferable skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence. The traditional model of rote learning will likely be supplanted by project-based and inquiry-led approaches that foster creativity and innovation.
Another significant change could be the advent of hyper-personalized learning pathways, leveraging AI and machine learning to tailor educational content to individual students’ needs, learning styles, and pace. This could lead to a more inclusive educational system that caters to diverse learning abilities.
Lastly, I believe there will be an increased focus on interdisciplinary learning, breaking down the silos between traditional subjects to reflect the interconnected nature of real-world challenges. This holistic approach could better equip students to navigate the complexities of our rapidly evolving global society.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Captivate (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – to attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm
Example: “The professor’s dynamic lectures captivated the entire class.” -
Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærəداɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: “The discovery of DNA structure caused a paradigm shift in biological sciences.” -
Immersive (adjective) /ɪˈmɜːrsɪv/ – providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something
Example: “The museum’s immersive exhibits transported visitors back to ancient Egypt.” -
Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many facets or aspects
Example: “History is a multifaceted subject, encompassing politics, culture, and economics.” -
Harness (verb) /ˈhɑːrnɪs/ – control and make use of (natural forces or power)
Example: “Modern educators harness technology to enhance learning experiences.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a subject you enjoyed in school:
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Be specific: Provide concrete examples and details about why you enjoyed the subject and how it has impacted you.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Show that you can analyze the subject’s importance beyond just personal enjoyment.
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Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, minimizing hesitations and fillers.
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Expand your answers: Develop your responses fully, especially in Parts 2 and 3, to showcase your language abilities.
Remember, the key to success lies in regular practice and expanding your English language skills across all areas. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, check out our guide on how to describe a time when you participated in a school event. You might also find it helpful to read about describing a time when you had to study hard for something, as it relates closely to academic subjects and experiences.
