As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve often encountered students puzzled by seemingly simple Speaking test prompts like “Describe your favourite teacher”. They wonder, “How does this relate to my English skills?” The truth is, this question assesses far more than just your vocabulary. It evaluates your ability to:
- Develop a coherent and engaging narrative.
- Utilise a variety of descriptive language.
- Express opinions and justify them with reasons.
- Maintain fluency and grammatical accuracy.
Understanding the Task: More Than Just a Name
While it might seem straightforward, the examiner isn’t looking for a simple name and subject. They want to understand how well you can:
- Structure your response: Can you introduce the teacher, describe their qualities, and explain their impact on you in a logical flow?
- Use descriptive language: Can you go beyond basic adjectives and employ vivid vocabulary to paint a picture of this teacher’s personality and teaching style?
- Provide reasons and examples: Can you support your claims about why this teacher is your favourite with specific instances and anecdotes?
Crafting Your Response: From Favourite to Fluency
Here’s how you can tackle this topic effectively:
- Brainstorm: Think back to a teacher who genuinely made a difference. What made them stand out? Was it their teaching methods, their personality, or their passion for the subject?
- Structure is Key:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the teacher, their subject, and when you were their student.
- Body: Describe 2-3 key qualities that made them your favourite. Use examples to illustrate these qualities. For instance, instead of just saying “He was passionate,” you could say, “His passion for history was contagious. He brought the subject alive through engaging storytelling and interactive activities.”
- Conclusion: Summarize why this teacher remains your favourite and how they might have influenced you.
- Vocabulary Enhancement:
- Instead of “good teacher,” consider “inspiring, dedicated, knowledgeable, patient, or supportive.”
- Use descriptive verbs like “motivated, challenged, encouraged, or ignited” to showcase their impact.
Sample Response
Let’s put these tips into practice:
“My favourite teacher was Mr. Jones, who taught me English Literature in high school. What made him truly special was his ability to make classic texts relevant to our lives. He wouldn’t just lecture; he would encourage us to debate, analyze, and connect the themes to current events. For example, during our study of Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar,’ he organized a mock trial, assigning each student a role, which brought the play to life and deepened our understanding of power dynamics. Mr. Jones instilled in me a lifelong love for literature, and his teaching methods inspired me to pursue a career in education.”
Remember: Be Genuine and Enthusiastic!
While grammar and vocabulary are important, your passion and genuine reflection will make your response memorable. Practice speaking about this topic, and remember to smile and maintain eye contact with the examiner – it demonstrates confidence and engagement. By showcasing your language skills through a well-structured and heartfelt response, you can turn a simple question about your favourite teacher into a stepping stone towards your desired IELTS score.