Education
Part 1-style questions
Examiner: Are you studying English at a school?
Michel: Yes … I’m taking an intensive course at a local private language school … I attend
classes three times a week …
to attend classes: to go to classes
private language school: an independent school run as a business concern
an intensive course: a course that offers lots of training in order to reach a goal in as
short a time as possible
Examiner: Would you say you are a good student?
Susan: I’m OK I think … I’m pretty good at meeting deadlines and I’m keeping up with my
studies … plus I find it quite easy to learn things by heart which is useful when learning a
language …
to meet a deadline: to finish a job or task in the time allowed or agreed
to keep up with your studies: to not fall behind
to learn something by heart: to memorize it
Examiner: When you were younger did you enjoy your time at school?
Theo: Yes … I liked school … it was an ordinary state school … nothing special … a single-sex
school … which I’m not sure I liked … but the teachers were great … I had lots of friends and I
never played truant like some pupils there …
a single-sex school: a school where only boys or girls attend (as opposed to a mixed-sex
school)
state school: a school paid for by public funds and available to the general public
to play truant: to stay away from classes without permission
Oct 2014 Collected by A&B
Source: http://www.ieltsspeaking.co.uk/ielts-vocabulary/
Part 2-style task
Describe a time during your education that you really enjoyed. You should say:
when this period was
where you were
what you were studying at the time
and say why you were so happy.
Caroline: I’d like to tell you about my time at university … I was a mature student … I didn’t
go to university until I was 25 … and it was my first time away from my parents so it was very
exciting … I was doing a Bachelors Degree and it was a bit of a challenge … some people take
a year out but I’d been away from education for 8 years … plus I had to work my way through
uni so I was very busy … and sitting exams at the end of each year was a new experience for
me as well but I really enjoyed higher education learning about a subject I loved … history …
and the social life was great as well … I don’t think I’ve ever had so many friends … I had
my graduation ceremony last year in the local cathedral and I know my parents were really
proud … so yes … that was a really happy time … I’m thinking of doing a Masters Degree soon
… though that might be through distance learning as I have a full-time job now …
bachelors degree: an undergraduate course which usually lasts 3-4 years
to take a year out: to spend a year working or travelling before starting university
a mature student: a student who is older than average and who has usually returned to
education after a period at work
to work your way through university: to have a paid job whilst studying to support
yourself financially
to sit an exam: to take an exam
a graduation ceremony: an event where a successful student receives his or her academic
degree
higher education: education, usually in a college or university, that is followed after high
school or secondary school
masters degree: a period of study which often follows the completion of a bachelors
degree or is undertaken by someone regarded as capable of a higher-level academic
course
distance learning: a way of studying where tuition is carried out over the Internet or by
post
Oct 2014 Collected by A&B
Source: http://www.ieltsspeaking.co.uk/ielts-vocabulary/
Part 3-style questions
Examiner: What qualities do you think a good teacher has?
Anna: They should be patient … they should be subject specialists and be able to explain the
subject clearly … they should give feedback quickly … for example not hang on to essay for
ages like some of my teachers …
to give feedback: to offer guidance on a student’s work
subject specialist: a teacher who has a great deal of knowledge about the subject they
teach
Examiner: What are the advantages of studying on a distance learning course?
Florrie: It’s a more flexible way of studying especially if you have a job … tuition fees are
usually cheaper … but you have to be very motivated … and I would imagine more people fall
behind with their studies compared to face-to-face classes …
tuition fees: the money paid for a course of study
face-to-face classes: as opposed to distance learning the traditional way of studying in a
classroom with colleagues and a teacher
to fall behind with your studies: to progress less quickly than others
Examiner: Do all children get equal opportunities in education?
Julie: In my country I think it is quite equal but in the UK I’ve heard that most people who go to
the top universities have studied at public schools … you have to be very rich to study in a
school like that … they’re usually boarding schools as well so the fees are enormous …
boarding school: a school where pupils live during term time
public schools: exclusive independent schools in the UK
Oct 2014 Collected by A&B
Source: http://www.ieltsspeaking.co.uk/ielts-vocabulary/
1. Describe a teacher who has had a positive influence on you.
You should say:
Who the teacher was
What subject they taught
How they influenced you
And explain why you remember this teacher.
Sample Idea: Talk about a high school teacher who made learning enjoyable,
encouraged your interests, or helped you overcome academic challenges.
2. Describe a course or subject you enjoyed studying in school.
You should say:
What the subject or course was
Why you found it interesting
How the teacher or classmates made it enjoyable
And explain how it has helped you in life or studies.
Sample Idea: Mention a subject like English, Math, or Science that sparked your
curiosity, gave you useful skills, or even influenced your career choice.
Here are 10 IELTS Part 3 style questions on education:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad?
2. Do you think teachers should assign a lot of homework to students? Why
or why not?
3. How has technology changed the way students learn?
4. Is it better for children to learn in a competitive environment or a
cooperative one? Why?
5. What qualities make someone a good teacher?
6. Do you think exams are the best way to evaluate a student’s abilities? Why
or why not?
7. How important is it for students to learn practical skills at school?
Oct 2014 Collected by A&B
Source: http://www.ieltsspeaking.co.uk/ielts-vocabulary/
8. In your opinion, should education focus more on academic subjects or life
skills?
9. What are the challenges students face in online learning?
10.How do you think the education system will change in the next 20 years?
These questions will encourage you to develop your answers with thoughtful
opinions, comparisons, and future predictions—key skills for Part 3 of the IELTS
speaking exam.
Here’s an agree or disagree IELTS Writing Task 2 question on education:
Some people believe that online education will replace traditional classroom
education in the future.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In this type of essay, you can either:
Completely agree (explain the benefits of online education)
Completely disagree (highlight the importance of face-to-face education)
Partially agree (discuss a mix of both, stating that online education may
complement traditional methods but not fully replace them)
Make sure to give reasons and examples to support your viewpoint.
Oct 2014 Collected by A&B
Source: http://www.ieltsspeaking.co.uk/ielts-vocabulary/
