Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Good Teacher Effectively

Describing a good teacher is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. As an IELTS examiner, I’ll guide you through answering questions about this topic across all parts of the Speaking test, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about teachers and education. Here are some common questions with a sample answer:

1. Do you have a favorite teacher?
2. What qualities do you think make a good teacher?
3. How important are teachers in a student’s life?

Let’s focus on answering the second question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe there are several qualities that make an excellent teacher. Firstly, a good teacher should be knowledgeable about their subject and passionate about sharing that knowledge. Secondly, patience is crucial, as students learn at different paces. Additionally, the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms is vital. Moreover, a great teacher should be approachable and create a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. Lastly, adaptability is key, as teachers need to adjust their teaching methods to suit various learning styles.”

Describe a person who has taught you valuable life lessons can be an excellent way to showcase your speaking skills while discussing the impact of a good teacher.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a good teacher:

Describe Someone You Know Who Is A Good Teacher

You should say:
- Who this person is
- Where and what they teach
- What makes them a good teacher

And explain why you think they are effective at teaching.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my high school mathematics teacher, Mr. Johnson, who I believe is an exceptional educator. He teaches at Westfield High School in my hometown, specializing in advanced mathematics for senior students.

What sets Mr. Johnson apart as a remarkable teacher is his unique ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging. He has a knack for breaking down intricate problems into manageable steps, using real-world examples that resonate with students. His teaching style is highly interactive, encouraging students to actively participate in problem-solving rather than passively absorbing information.

One of Mr. Johnson’s most admirable qualities is his unwavering patience. He never makes students feel inadequate for not understanding something immediately and is always willing to explain concepts multiple times using different approaches until every student grasps the material.

Furthermore, Mr. Johnson goes above and beyond the standard curriculum. He often incorporates the history of mathematics into his lessons, providing context that helps students appreciate the subject’s relevance and evolution. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadens our understanding but also sparks curiosity about the subject.

I consider Mr. Johnson to be highly effective at teaching because he consistently produces results. His students consistently perform well in exams and many develop a genuine interest in mathematics, often pursuing related fields in higher education. Moreover, he fosters a supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking intellectual risks and learning from their mistakes.

In conclusion, Mr. Johnson exemplifies the qualities of a truly outstanding teacher through his innovative teaching methods, patience, dedication, and ability to inspire a love for learning in his students.”

Effective teacher explaining complex math concept

Follow-up questions:

1. How has Mr. Johnson influenced your approach to learning?
2. Can you describe a specific lesson or technique that you found particularly effective?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Mr. Johnson has profoundly influenced my approach to learning by teaching me the value of perseverance and critical thinking. His methods have shown me that understanding complex subjects is not about innate talent, but rather about breaking down problems and approaching them systematically.

A specific technique I found incredibly effective was his ‘reverse engineering‘ approach to problem-solving. In one memorable lesson, instead of starting with a theorem and working towards the solution, he presented us with the final answer to a complex equation and challenged us to work backwards to understand how it was derived. This innovative method not only made the learning process more engaging but also helped us develop a deeper understanding of mathematical principles and their applications.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

1. How has the role of teachers changed in recent years?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“The role of teachers has undergone significant changes in recent years, primarily due to technological advancements and shifting educational paradigms. Traditionally, teachers were seen as the primary source of information, but now they’ve become more of facilitators of learning. With the vast amount of information available online, teachers now focus more on guiding students on how to critically evaluate and apply information rather than just providing it.

Moreover, there’s a greater emphasis on developing 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Teachers are now expected to create more interactive and engaging learning experiences, often incorporating technology and real-world applications into their lessons.

Another significant change is the increased focus on personalized learning. Teachers are now expected to cater to diverse learning styles and needs, using data and technology to tailor their instruction to individual students.

Lastly, there’s been a shift towards more holistic education, with teachers playing a role in students’ social and emotional development, not just their academic growth. This has led to a more multifaceted and challenging role for educators in today’s rapidly changing world.”

2. Do you think the traditional classroom setting will become obsolete in the future?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“While it’s tempting to envision a future where traditional classrooms are completely replaced by digital learning environments, I believe the reality will be more nuanced. Traditional classroom settings are likely to evolve rather than become entirely obsolete.

On one hand, advancements in technology, particularly in virtual and augmented reality, are making remote and immersive learning experiences increasingly sophisticated. These technologies can provide access to educational resources and experiences that were previously impossible or impractical in a traditional classroom.

However, the social aspect of learning should not be underestimated. Face-to-face interactions, collaborative projects, and the immediate feedback loop between teachers and students are valuable components of the learning process that are difficult to replicate fully in a digital environment.

I anticipate we’ll see a blended approach becoming more prevalent, where traditional classroom settings are enhanced by technology rather than replaced by it. This could involve flipped classroom models, where students engage with lecture content online and use classroom time for discussions and hands-on activities.

Moreover, the classroom setting may evolve to become more flexible and adaptable, with movable furniture and integrated technology to support various learning activities and styles. This evolution would retain the benefits of in-person learning while incorporating the advantages of digital tools.

Ultimately, while the form may change, the fundamental concept of a shared physical learning space is likely to persist, adapting to meet the changing needs of education in the digital age.”

Modern classroom with integrated technology

Describe your experience when you changed your school or college can provide additional context when discussing the evolution of educational environments.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to describing a good teacher:

1. Pedagogical skills /ˌpedəˈɡɒdʒɪkl skɪlz/ (noun): The abilities and techniques used in teaching.
   Example: “Her exceptional pedagogical skills enable her to convey complex ideas effectively.”

2. To inspire enthusiasm /tə ɪnˈspaɪər ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/ (phrase): To motivate students and create excitement about learning.
   Example: “A great teacher can inspire enthusiasm for even the most challenging subjects.”

3. Adaptable /əˈdæptəbl/ (adjective): Able to change or be changed to fit different circumstances.
   Example: “The most effective teachers are adaptable, adjusting their methods to suit diverse learning styles.”

4. To foster a positive learning environment /tə ˈfɒstər ə ˈpɒzətɪv ˈlɜːnɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ (phrase): To create and maintain a supportive atmosphere for education.
   Example: “Mr. Johnson excels at fostering a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks.”

5. Innovative teaching methods /ˈɪnəvətɪv ˈtiːtʃɪŋ ˈmeθədz/ (noun phrase): New and creative approaches to education.
   Example: “Her innovative teaching methods, such as gamification, keep students engaged and motivated.”

Describe a favorite childhood memory often involves recalling influential teachers, providing an opportunity to use these sophisticated terms in context.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a good teacher:

1. Use specific examples: Don’t just list qualities; illustrate them with concrete instances from your experience.

2. Employ a range of tenses: Discuss past experiences, present situations, and future implications of good teaching.

3. Showcase complex sentence structures: Use conditionals, relative clauses, and other advanced grammatical forms.

4. Demonstrate critical thinking: Analyze the impact of good teaching on education and society at large.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation, but don’t sacrifice accuracy for speed.

6. Expand your vocabulary: Incorporate topic-specific terms and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.

Describe a family member you admire can be an excellent way to practice these skills, as family members often play teaching roles in our lives.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and coherence are just as important as the content of your answers. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you develop the skills needed to describe a good teacher effectively and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

IELTS Speaking practice session

Describe a person who likes to talk a lot can be an interesting contrast when discussing communication skills in teaching, highlighting the importance of both speaking and listening in effective education.