Could you please record the script at your natural speed? Thanks! (The abbreviation "IELTS" (International English Language Testing System) is pronounced as /ˈaɪelts/.)
IELTS Education Vocabulary
You’re likely to be asked questions about your studies during Part 1, you might have to talk about a class, a teacher or a school memory in Part 2 or give your opinions on education in Part 3. Therefore, being able to call on a wide range of vocabulary to talk about education is very important.
Part 1-style questions
1. Are you studying English at a school?
Yes … I’m taking an intensive course at a local private language school … I attend classes three times a week …
2. Would you say you are a good student?
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 …
3. When you were younger did you enjoy your time at school?
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 …
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.
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 Bachelor’s 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 Master’s Degree soon … though that might be through distance learning as I have a full-time job now …
Part 3-style questions
1. What qualities do you think a good teacher has?
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 …
2. What are the advantages of studying on a distance learning course?
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 …
3. Do all children get equal opportunities in education?
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 …
Thanks a lot, Stephen!