Teachers play pivotal roles in shaping our lives, making this topic frequently appear in IELTS Speaking tests. Similar to describe a person who inspires you, this question allows candidates to showcase their English proficiency while sharing meaningful personal experiences.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask:
- Do you have a favorite teacher?
- What makes a good teacher?
- How has education changed since you were young?
- What qualities should teachers have?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have several exceptional teachers, but my high school English teacher stands out particularly. She was incredibly passionate about literature and had this remarkable ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a teacher who has influenced you greatly.
You should say:
- Who this teacher is
- What subject they taught
- How they taught you
- And explain why they influenced you so much
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about Mrs. Anderson, my English literature teacher from high school, who has profoundly influenced my academic journey and personal growth.
She taught English literature with such infectious enthusiasm that it was impossible not to be captivated. Her teaching style was remarkably innovative – she would often incorporate multimedia elements and real-world connections into her lessons, making classic literature relevant to our modern lives.
What set her apart was her ability to foster critical thinking. Instead of simply lecturing, she would facilitate discussions where every student’s perspective was valued. She implemented creative projects that allowed us to explore literature through different mediums – we once created short films based on Shakespearean sonnets.
Her influence on me has been immeasurable. She didn’t just teach English; she instilled a love for learning and showed me how literature could provide insights into human nature and society. Thanks to her guidance and mentorship, I developed strong analytical skills and confidence in expressing my ideas.”
Similar experiences can be found in stories about describe a mentor who has guided you in life.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my English teacher from high school. Her name was Mrs. Smith. She taught us English literature for three years.
She was different from other teachers because she made lessons interesting. She used videos and group activities to teach us. We didn’t just read books; we discussed them and did projects.
She helped me improve my English a lot. She always encouraged me to speak up in class and gave good feedback. Because of her, I started liking English more and became better at writing and speaking.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- How has teaching changed in recent years?
- What makes an effective teacher in today’s world?
- Should teachers be strict or friendly with students?
For those interested in exploring similar topics, check out describe a person who motivates you.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Teaching has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, particularly with the integration of technology. Modern teachers are now facilitators of learning rather than mere information providers. They need to be technologically savvy and adaptable to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
An effective teacher today must strike a delicate balance between being authoritative and approachable. They should be able to create an inclusive learning environment while maintaining professional boundaries. The most successful educators are those who can spark curiosity and foster independent thinking while providing structured guidance.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmpækt/ (adj + n): deep and significant influence
- Pedagogical approach /ˌpedəˈɡɒdʒɪkl əˈprəʊtʃ/ (adj + n): teaching method
- Mentorship /ˈmentɔːʃɪp/ (n): guidance provided by an experienced person
- Innovative teaching methods /ˈɪnəvətɪv ˈtiːtʃɪŋ ˈmeθədz/ (phrase): new and creative ways of teaching
- Life-changing experience /laɪf ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ (phrase): event that significantly affects one’s life
Like describe an important lesson you learned as a child, this topic requires personal reflection and clear expression.