The IELTS Speaking test is your opportunity to demonstrate fluency, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy in English. One common topic that often arises is childhood, including questions about your favourite subject in school. While seemingly simple, answering “What was your favourite subject as a child?” effectively requires thoughtful preparation. This article will guide you on how to approach this topic confidently and impress your examiner.

Why This Question Matters in IELTS Speaking

Examiners ask about your favourite subject as a child not just to learn about your academic history, but also to assess your ability to:

• Use Past Tense Naturally: The question requires you to comfortably and accurately use past tenses to describe your experiences.
• Express Opinions and Give Reasons: You need to articulate why you enjoyed a particular subject, using vocabulary related to interests, skills, and learning styles.
• Extend Your Answer: A good response goes beyond a simple subject name. It elaborates on the subject matter, the teacher, or specific memories related to that subject.

Crafting Your Response

Here’s a breakdown of how to structure a strong answer:

1. State Your Favourite Subject Clearly

Begin by directly stating your favourite subject. For example:

• “My favourite subject as a child was definitely mathematics.”
• “When I was in school, I was particularly drawn to history.”
• “I’ve always had a passion for art, even as a young child.”

2. Explain Your Reasoning

This is where you elaborate and showcase your vocabulary and ability to provide reasons. Consider these angles:

• Personal Interests: “I’ve always loved solving puzzles and logic games, so math felt like a natural fit for me.”
• Learning Style: “History appealed to my curiosity about the world and how societies evolved.”
• Teacher Influence: “We had a fantastic art teacher who made every lesson feel like an adventure in creativity.”
• Practical Applications: “I enjoyed how science helped me understand the world around me, from the changing seasons to how things worked.”

3. Add a Memorable Detail (Optional)

To make your answer even stronger, include a brief anecdote or detail that brings your experience to life:

• “I remember spending hours building intricate structures with LEGO, which fueled my love for geometry.”
• “One of my fondest memories was acting out a scene from the Roman Empire in our history class.”
• “My art teacher encouraged us to experiment with different mediums, and I discovered my love for sculpting.”

Happy Children Learning

Example Answers

Let’s look at some sample responses to illustrate these tips:

Example 1:

“My favourite subject as a child was English. I was always an avid reader, and I loved getting lost in stories. I found grammar and vocabulary fascinating, and I enjoyed learning how to express myself effectively in writing.”

Example 2:

“Without a doubt, my favourite subject in school was physical education. I was a very active child, and I loved the feeling of pushing myself physically. I excelled in team sports, especially basketball. Playing on a team taught me the importance of collaboration and sportsmanship.”

Key Tips for Success

• Be Honest: You don’t need to invent a favourite subject. Be genuine about your experiences, even if your favourite subject wasn’t traditionally “academic.”
• Use a Range of Vocabulary: Demonstrate your vocabulary by using a variety of words and phrases to express your ideas.
• Practice Past Tense Structures: Pay attention to your verb tenses and ensure you are using the past tense consistently.
• Keep it Concise: While details are good, avoid rambling. Aim for a focused and concise answer.

Conclusion

Remember, the “favourite subject” question is an opportunity to show off your English skills in a natural and engaging way. By following these tips and practicing your responses, you’ll be well-prepared to impress the examiner and achieve your desired IELTS score.