As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who feel anxious about the seemingly simple questions in the IELTS Speaking test. One such question is “What did you enjoy most about school?”. While it appears straightforward, many struggle to provide a compelling and nuanced response. This article delves into why this question is important in the IELTS Speaking test, how to formulate impressive answers, and provides practical tips to help you excel.
Why “What Did You Enjoy Most About School?” Matters in IELTS Speaking
This question, often appearing in Part 1 of the Speaking test, assesses your ability to:
- Communicate personal experiences fluently and accurately. Examiners want to see how well you can articulate your thoughts and feelings about a familiar topic.
- Use a range of vocabulary related to education and childhood. This demonstrates your command of the English language.
- Engage in natural conversation. Your answer should flow smoothly and be relevant to the examiner’s prompts.
Crafting Your Perfect Response
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you structure a strong answer:
1. Brainstorm and Select:
- Think back to your school years. What subjects, activities, or aspects did you genuinely enjoy?
- Avoid choosing something just because you think it sounds impressive. Authenticity is key.
- Select one or two specific things that you can elaborate on with examples.
2. Structure Your Response:
- Start with a clear topic sentence:
- “Actually, what I enjoyed most about school was…”
- “Without a doubt, the highlight of my school days was…”
- Provide reasons for your enjoyment:
- “I was always fascinated by…”
- “The teacher, Mr./Ms. [Name], made learning so engaging because…”
- Illustrate with an example:
- “For instance, I remember one project where…”
- “One memorable experience was when…”
- Conclude by linking back to the present:
- “And I think that passion has stayed with me to this day.”
- “Looking back, I realize how valuable that experience was.”
3. Example Answers:
- Example 1: “What I enjoyed most about school was definitely history class. I’ve always been fascinated by the past, and our teacher had a way of making history come alive. I especially loved our lessons on ancient civilizations. Learning about different cultures and how they shaped the world was incredibly interesting to me.”
- Example 2: “Without a doubt, the highlight of my school days was being part of the debate team. I loved researching arguments, crafting persuasive speeches, and the thrill of competition. It taught me so much about critical thinking and public speaking, skills that I still use today.”
Essential Tips for Success
- Use a variety of vocabulary: Instead of repeating “enjoy”, consider using synonyms like “love”, “fascinated by”, “passionate about”, “fond of”, etc.
- Be specific: Avoid vague statements. Provide concrete examples to make your answer more engaging and believable.
- Don’t be afraid to be personal: Share your genuine feelings and experiences.
- Practice speaking naturally: Speak at a steady pace and use natural intonation. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
“What did you enjoy most about school?” may seem like a simple question, but it’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate your fluency, vocabulary, and ability to engage in natural conversation. By following the tips outlined in this article and practicing your responses, you can confidently tackle this common IELTS Speaking question and achieve your desired score.