If you’re a student, then your studies will probably be the first topic in part one of your IELTS Speaking test. You must be prepared to answer a question like, “What do you like about your studies?”
In this post, you’ll learn how to give a great answer to this question, with 10 model answers (go straight to the answers here).
What You Can Say
This is quite a simple question. You don’t need to give a very long answer.
Just prepare to say one or two things, and then explain why you like those things.
You might talk about:
- The reason you like your major
- What’s interesting / fun / exciting about it
- Certain activities you get to do while studying
- Your favorite subject or class
- Good teachers or professors you have
- The kind of job it will help you to get after you graduate
- Why you want to follow a career in that field
- The college you chose
- Your classmates
- Anything else you like
The Three-Step YES Method
In part one of the test, you shouldn’t say too much. Some students get nervous and keep talking and talking. This is a mistake.
Answer quickly, with one or two sentences, in simple English. Then stop talking.
Your answers in part one should be about 20 to 30 seconds long, not more.
You can practice using the YES Method for your part one answers. Just say:
- Your answer (say what you like)
- Explain your answer (say why you like it) or add more details
- Stop talking (wait patiently for the next question)
Focus on Fluency
For part one answers, focus on answering quickly and smoothly, without hesitation.
This means focusing on fluency.
Don’t worry about complex grammar and uncommon vocabulary for now. You can focus on that in parts two and three of the test.
Example Answers
Here are 10 example answers to this question.
1. My major is marketing, and I really like learning about all the different strategies a business can use to attract new customers. I think it will be a very useful major to have when I graduate and enter the business world.
2. I have one wonderful professor at my college who teaches History of Italian Art. I really look forward to his lectures, they’re so interesting and entertaining.
3. Well, I think the best thing about my studies is when I can create my own computer programs. I study computer science, and it’s great fun to use the skills I’m learning to build a real website or application.
4. My favorite subject at school is English because I’m good at English and find it really useful for things like reading English books or watching American TV shows.
5. I study medicine and I most enjoy memorizing all the diseases and their cures. I feel like I’m learning such valuable information, which I can use for all of my life.
6. I love painting beautiful pictures. I study fine art, and I really enjoy creating my own artwork in class. I would do it all day long if I could.
7. I’m still in high school and I think the thing I like most about school is PE class. That’s physical education class. I really enjoy all the exercises and sports we play.
8. I study sales and I most like learning about different sales techniques that famous salespeople have used. I can’t wait to start working and using these skills to earn a living.
9. My major is classical literature, and I’m really into classic novels from Russia and also from Japan. I love getting lost in these wonderful stories. They’re filled with such wisdom and the characters really come to life.
10. To be honest, I don’t like my studies much, but I have a lot of fun with my classmates. We often hang out in the breaks and after school. I think that’s what I enjoy most.
Keep It Simple
Notice how the English used in these examples is often quite simple. Remember, you don’t need to struggle to use complex grammar or vocabulary in part one.
Once again, in part one, just focus on fluency. And try not to make mistakes.
Now, It’s Your Turn!
Let’s have a go at answering this question right now.
The best way to practice is to record yourself. So set up the voice recorder on your phone and ask out loud, “What do you like about your studies?”
Answer as quickly as you can, using the three-step YES Method.
Afterward, listen, and write down your answer.
Check if you can see any mistakes or any ways to improve your answer.
Then, answer it again!
Keep repeating this process. You’ll soon be more than ready for part one of your IELTS Speaking test.
