Describing a memorable teacher from your past is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to recall and articulate personal experiences while showcasing their language skills. Let’s explore how to excel in this task and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about teachers and education. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Did you have a favorite teacher when you were in school?
- What qualities do you think make a good teacher?
- How has teaching changed since you were a student?
Let’s focus on the first question and provide a sample answer:
Examiner: Did you have a favorite teacher when you were in school?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely! My favorite teacher was Mrs. Johnson, my high school English literature teacher. She was incredibly passionate about her subject and had a remarkable ability to bring stories and characters to life. What set her apart was her knack for encouraging critical thinking and fostering creativity in her students. I particularly admired how she tailored her teaching methods to suit different learning styles, ensuring that everyone in the class could grasp complex concepts.”
Describe a person who has a positive attitude
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a teacher from the past whom you remember.
You should say:
- Who this teacher was
- What subject they taught
- What made them memorable
- And explain how they influenced you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about Mr. Thompson, my high school physics teacher, who left an indelible impression on me. He taught advanced physics to seniors, and his approach to education was truly revolutionary.
What made Mr. Thompson stand out was his unconventional teaching style. Instead of relying solely on textbooks, he incorporated real-world examples and hands-on experiments into every lesson. I vividly remember how he once brought in a guitar to demonstrate sound waves, making abstract concepts tangible and exciting.
His passion for physics was infectious, and he had an extraordinary gift for simplifying complex theories. He would often say, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough,” which encouraged us to think critically and articulate our understanding clearly.
Mr. Thompson’s influence on me was profound. He ignited my curiosity about the natural world and instilled in me a love for scientific inquiry. His teaching style taught me the importance of practical application of knowledge, a principle I still follow in my studies and work today.
Moreover, he was a mentor beyond the classroom. He encouraged us to pursue our interests relentlessly and taught us the value of perseverance in the face of challenging problems. His belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to tackle difficult subjects and pursue a career in science.
In retrospect, Mr. Thompson didn’t just teach physics; he cultivated a mindset of curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. His influence extends far beyond the subject matter, shaping how I approach problems and view the world around me.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing a memorable teacher
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How do you think teachers like Mr. Thompson impact students’ future careers?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Teachers like Mr. Thompson have a transformative impact on students’ future careers. They go beyond merely imparting subject knowledge; they inspire a passion for learning and cultivate essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These skills are invaluable in any career path. Moreover, by serving as mentors and role models, they help students build confidence and develop a growth mindset, which are crucial for professional success. Their influence often extends far into the future, shaping students’ career choices and approaches to challenges in their professional lives.”
Discuss a person who has had a significant impact on your life
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How has the role of teachers changed in recent years?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “The role of teachers has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily due to technological advancements and changing educational paradigms. Traditionally, teachers were seen as the primary source of knowledge, but now they’ve become more of facilitators of learning. With information readily available online, teachers now focus more on guiding students to critically evaluate information, rather than just presenting facts.
Moreover, there’s been a shift towards personalized learning, where teachers are expected to cater to individual learning styles and needs. This requires a more diverse skill set, including proficiency in technology and an understanding of various teaching methodologies.
Another crucial change is the increased emphasis on soft skills development. Teachers are now expected to nurture skills like collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence alongside academic knowledge. This holistic approach to education reflects the changing demands of the modern workplace.
Lastly, teachers now play a more significant role in student well-being, addressing issues like mental health and social-emotional learning. This expanded responsibility highlights the evolving nature of education, where academic success is viewed as part of overall student development.”
Evolution of teacher's role in modern education
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Indelible impression (phrase) – /ɪnˈdelɪbl ɪmˈpreʃn/ – A lasting effect or influence
Example: “The teacher’s kindness left an indelible impression on all her students.”Revolutionary (adjective) – /ˌrevəˈluːʃəneri/ – Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change
Example: “His revolutionary teaching methods transformed the way students approached learning.”Infectious (adjective) – /ɪnˈfekʃəs/ – (Of a feeling, attitude, etc.) likely to spread to and affect others
Example: “Her enthusiasm for the subject was infectious, inspiring students to love learning.”Articulate (verb) – /ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪt/ – Express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently
Example: “The course helped students articulate complex ideas more clearly.”Cultivate (verb) – /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – Try to acquire or develop (a quality, sentiment, or skill)
Example: “Good teachers cultivate a love for learning in their students.”
Describe a memorable day at school
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a teacher from your past:
Use specific examples: Provide concrete instances that illustrate the teacher’s impact on you.
Employ a range of vocabulary: Utilize advanced and topic-specific words to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking without long pauses or hesitations.
Show enthusiasm: Your tone and manner should reflect genuine interest in the topic.
Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2’s long turn.
Elaborate on your answers: Provide detailed responses, particularly in Part 3’s discussion.
Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate natural-sounding phrases to enhance your language use.
Reflect on the impact: Discuss how this teacher influenced your life beyond just academics.
Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with various topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the actual test.
Describe a person you met recently
IELTS Speaking practice session
By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary and well-structured responses, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in describing a teacher from your past in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to combine personal anecdotes with sophisticated language use to create a compelling and articulate response.