The topic of education is the most common on IELTS!
There is a good chance you’ll see questions about it on test day.
Listen in for high level vocabulary and tips.
Add this new vocabulary to your notebook!
Practice using it in your own practice answers.
It is vital that you be ready with high scoring vocab for this topic.
Filler phrase: off the cuff
- off the cuff: impromptu; without preparation or forethought
This idiom can be used as a filler phrase.
I haven’t really thought about this, so my answer will definitely be off the cuff!
It is also a great way to start your Part 2 answer.
I’m excited about this question, but, to be honest, my answer is a bit off the cuff.
It’s very wise to learn some filler phrases that contain idioms.
This way you satisfy the requirement of idiomatic language while boosting your Fluency score by avoiding pauses with filler.
Part 2 sample answer: Describe your first day of school
Jessica provides a band 9 sample answer.
She starts it in an interesting way, calling the question vague, as it’s not clear which school.
- Primary: elementary school for ages 6-12
- Secondary: junior high and high school for ages 13-18
- Tertiary: college and university
Admitting she doesn’t remember much from when she was young, she uses great intonation.
She shares being cast as Snow White in a school play.
Listen for the native way she gives herself a fanfare with a “da da da da!”
Part 3 question: school transportation
Do you think parents should drive their kids to school, or should children go to school by themselves?
Aubrey first shares that she thinks it depends on their age.
It very much depends on…
This is a great phrase to start this answer.
She immediately gives details about her own kids.
She drives her 7-year-old twins to school because she worries they won’t safely get there on their own.
- lollygagging: meandering; moving slowly and getting distracted easily
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Part 3 question: children’s independence
Is it better that children are independent or reliant on their parents?
Jessica shares her opinion that parents should allow children as much independence as possible.
- helicopter parent: parents that supervise closely without allowing independence
She imitates a person worrying their children won’t love them if they let go.
This is a very native thing to do.
Share stereotypes and quote what someone would say.
We all know the stereotype of the 30-year-old bachelor living at home.
Share personal examples in Speaking Part 3!
One of the biggest myths about IELTS is that you can’t use personal examples on:
- Speaking Part 3
- Writing Task 2
This is not true!
You want to use personal examples to pull out interesting details and vocabulary.
These are appropriate even on Speaking Part 3 and Writing Task 2.
As long as it’s supporting the question, it can be personal!
Sample answer about important choices
In this video, Aubrey answers the IELTS Speaking Part 3 question:
Describe an important choice you had to make in your life.
Aubrey describes her decision to move to New York, which was momentous and life-altering.
She shares her trepidation at the difficulties she would face.
She uses the idioms ‘jump in with both feet’ and ‘give it your all.’
Practice using this high level vocabulary in your own sample answers!
Watch the video now!
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Takeaway
The topic of education is almost guaranteed to come up on IELTS!
You need topic-specific vocabulary and strategies.
Practice using the high level vocab and idioms we shared today.
Don’t memorize sample answers, but rather use your own personal examples as you answer.
This will help you gain confidence for test day and make your answers more natural.
For all the strategies you need, sign up for 3 Keys IELTS today!
What questions do you have about today’s sample answer?
Let us know in the comments below.
