The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about education and learning experiences. One common topic that frequently appears is describing an interesting course you would like to take in the future. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this particular speaking task, helping you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions related to education and courses. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy learning new things?
2. What kind of courses have you taken in the past?
3. How do you prefer to learn: in a classroom or online?
4. Are there any subjects you find particularly interesting?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy learning new things?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely! I’m naturally curious and have a thirst for knowledge. Learning new things not only broadens my horizons but also keeps my mind sharp. I find it incredibly fulfilling to acquire new skills or gain insights into different subjects, whether it’s through formal education or simply exploring topics on my own.

describe an online course that you would like to take

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to guide your response. Here’s an example related to describing an interesting course:

Describe An Interesting Course You Would Like To Take In The Future

You should say:

• What the course is about
• Where you would take this course
• Why you want to take this course
• And explain why you think this course would be interesting

Here are sample responses for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Response:

I’d like to take a course on digital marketing in the future. It’s a course that teaches you how to promote products and services online. I think I would take this course at a local college or maybe online if I can find a good program. I want to take this course because I’m interested in how businesses use the internet to reach customers. I think it would be interesting because digital marketing is always changing, and there are many new things to learn about social media and websites. This knowledge could be useful for my future career.

Band 8-9 Response:

I’m particularly keen on enrolling in an advanced data science course in the near future. This course would delve into complex statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms, and cutting-edge data visualization techniques. I’m contemplating taking this course at a prestigious institution like MIT or Stanford, or possibly through a reputable online platform such as Coursera or edX, depending on the flexibility and depth of the program offered.

My primary motivation for pursuing this course stems from the ever-increasing relevance of data in today’s digital landscape. I believe that honing my skills in data science would not only enhance my analytical capabilities but also open up a myriad of opportunities in various industries.

What makes this course especially intriguing to me is its potential to revolutionize decision-making processes across different sectors. The prospect of mastering tools that can extract meaningful insights from vast datasets and predict future trends is truly exciting. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of data science, combining elements of mathematics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge, appeals to my intellectual curiosity and desire for a well-rounded skill set.

Advanced data science course visualization

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: How do you think this course might benefit your career?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Taking this advanced data science course would undoubtedly propel my career forward in several ways. Firstly, it would equip me with highly sought-after skills in the job market, making me a valuable asset to potential employers. The expertise gained in areas such as predictive modeling and big data analytics would enable me to tackle complex business problems more effectively. Moreover, this knowledge would position me as a thought leader in my field, potentially opening doors to exciting roles in data-driven industries or even paving the way for entrepreneurial ventures in the tech sector.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this final part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:

Examiner: How do you think the way people learn will change in the future?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I believe the future of learning is poised for a significant transformation. We’re likely to see a shift towards more personalized and adaptive learning experiences, powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. These technologies will be able to tailor educational content to individual learning styles and paces, maximizing efficiency and retention.

Moreover, I anticipate a blurring of lines between formal and informal education. Microlearning and bite-sized content will become increasingly popular, allowing people to acquire knowledge on-the-go. Virtual and augmented reality technologies will also play a crucial role, enabling immersive learning experiences that were previously impossible.

Additionally, I expect to see a greater emphasis on lifelong learning and upskilling, as the rapid pace of technological advancement continues to reshape job markets. This might lead to a rise in modular courses and stackable credentials, allowing learners to build their expertise over time in a flexible manner.

describe an online course that you want to take

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your response:

1. Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntərˈdɪsəpləneri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic disciplines.
   Example: “The interdisciplinary nature of the course appeals to my diverse interests.”

2. To delve into /delv ˈɪntə/ (phrasal verb): To examine or investigate something thoroughly.
   Example: “The course delves into advanced statistical methods and their real-world applications.”

3. Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ (adjective): Very modern and advanced.
   Example: “The program uses cutting-edge technology to simulate real-world scenarios.”

4. To propel forward /prəˈpel ˈfɔːrwərd/ (phrase): To drive or push forward.
   Example: “This course will propel my career forward in the competitive tech industry.”

5. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The advent of online learning has caused a paradigm shift in education.”

Key vocabulary for IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing an interesting course:

1. Prepare a range of course topics that interest you, so you can speak passionately and in detail.
2. Practice elaborating on your reasons for wanting to take the course, using specific examples and personal experiences.
3. Use a variety of complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary to demonstrate your language proficiency.
4. Stay up-to-date with current trends in education and technology to provide insightful answers in Part 3.
5. Develop your ideas fully, providing explanations and examples to support your points.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your language skills.

describe a person who often appears in the news whom you would like to meet

By following these strategies and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the task of describing an interesting course you’d like to take in the future. This preparation will not only help you perform well in this specific topic but also enhance your overall performance in the IELTS Speaking test.