Ielts Speaking Model: Studies - Part 1

IELTS(International English Language Testing System) is the world's leading test of English for higher education, immigration and employment. Below are some sample questions and model answers for the topic ‘Studies’.

Do you work or are you a student?

I'm currently a first year student at Ningbo university. My mayor is education which I believe is a very meaningful subject. In the future I hope to give back to society by being a responsible high school teacher.

Is that a popular subject in your country?

Actually I believe it is quite popular, but only for girls. Since the job most people will apply for after studying education is teaching - girls in China tend to favor this career cuz it's stable.

What are the most popular subjects in China?

In my opinion business is probably the first choice for most people. Nearly everyone wants to be rich so they think that majoring in business would help them achieve this goal. I guess the second most prevalent subject would be computing. You know many students like to play computer games so there is no doubt that people are into that subject.

Why did you choose that university?

To be honest the main reason is because my score for the college entrance exam was not high enough to go to a better uni. Another factor I should mention is because Ningbo is my hometown and the uni is it's quite close to now home - my parents might miss me if they don't see me for a long period of time.

Do you have any recreational or entertainment activities at your school/university?

Absolutely! We have a wide range of clubs and events for student to spend there leisure time. Sports clubs would be the most popular. I, myself am in the tennis club - lots of fierce competition in that club. Apart from sports clubs we also often hold food festivals where people setup stalls and we get to eat many tasty snacks- they're quite cheap too.

Do you think it's important to choose a subject you like?

This is a complicated question for most people but from my point of view I would have to say yes. As the saying goes "you only live once". It's much more worthwhile to choose a major you're interested in rather than choose a subject that you loathe. It could even lead to a miserable life in the future.

What are your favourite classes/ courses/ subjects at university?

Children psychology is my all time favorite subject. As I have mentioned before, I would like to be a teacher and this subject teaches us how children think. It's not only meaningful but also very interesting. I want to be a mother one day so I think its important to know why children do certain things or what not to say to children.

What are your future work plans?

In fact I would like to be a teacher. I just simply adore kids and I'm also quite good with them too. I usually babysit my younger cousins and I'm a big fan of doing it.Further more I would really like the opportunity to contribute to society. As a teacher I can prepare the next generation of the country to be successful.

How will you get the job you want?

Well obviously I have to finish my masters degree abroad first. After that I'll come back to China and take the test to be a qualified teacher. Once I get the teacher's qualification i'll start applying for a job at high schools around my home.

Why are you taking the IELTS test?

Just like other people, I'm here, taking this test because I got a conditional offer from a University abroad. Without a satisfactory score I cannot go to the university I applied for.

In addition to gaining knowledge, what other ways have you benefited from your school/university experience?

Well the most important thing is probably that I'm now more independent. I don't need my parents to cook for me or wash my clothes anymore cuz I lived in the university dormitory. What's more I have also gained many friends - even a girlfriend.

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