Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on everyday questions about familiar topics. A common question you might get asked is:
“Are you a student or do you work?”
If you're an international student or taking a course in your own country, it's important to be ready to talk in more detail about your studies.
In this post, we’ll share speaking test preparation tips for this topic, so you feel confident for both IELTS and everyday conversations.
How to prepare for this topic
While IELTS Speaking test questions can vary, it’s helpful to reflect on different aspects of your studies. Think about what you would say on the points like these:
What you are studying now
Why you chose this subject
What your place of study is like
What you like about your studies
What you find most difficult about your studies
What you would you like to do after you finish your studies
What you enjoyed studying when you were at school
Whether you prefer to study alone or with others
What to include in your answers
Before test day, make sure you read the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors to find out how your IELTS Speaking test is marked.
Our three-part IELTS Speaking Test Video Series gives a good overview of each part of the test and shares tips on how you can perform at your best.
Here’s what you should do if the examiner asks you about your studies in the IELTS Speaking test:
Extend your answers
If you want to achieve a high band score, you’ll need to make sure you’re avoiding one-sentence responses. Not sure what to say next? Don’t worry - you can expand your answers by giving details, reasons or examples.
Let’s look at how you can do this in your test. Imagine the examiner has asked you why you chose the subject you’re studying.
“I chose to study Artificial Intelligence because I think it can help us solve real-world problems like improving healthcare and fighting climate change, and I wanted to be part of that. AI is also becoming quite popular in my country. More students are choosing it because it’s useful in areas like technology and education. That was another reason I decided to do it because I wanted to study something that’s both meaningful and in demand.”
In the example above, the student explains why they chose their subject and gives examples of problems AI can solve. The student extends their answer by mentioning AI is also a popular subject choice in their country, gives the reason for this and explains why this influenced their decision.
Use different kinds of grammar
The IELTS Speaking test is your opportunity showcase your English language skills, so try not to rely only on simple sentences and basic verb tenses.
Examiners are looking for a range of grammatical structures, but they also pay close attention to how accurately you use them. That’s why it’s important to make sure your verb tenses are appropriate for your answers.
Think about what time you’re referring to if you’re talking about subjects you studied at high school (past), your current studies (present) and your plans for after you graduate (future).
Let’s look at an example of how you can shift between different verb tenses to talk about your studies:
“I’m currently studying nursing at university. To be honest, it's a really challenging course, but I’m learning a lot. I’ve just completed my first clinical placement, which gave me the chance to see how things actually work in a hospital. I really enjoyed interacting with patients and helping make a difference to their care.”
Example | Verb tense | Use |
I'm (currently) studying | Present continuous | To describe something that you are doing at the moment. The present continuous emphasises temporary situations – you won’t be studying forever. |
It is (a really challenging course) | Present simple | To describe a general opinion/fact about something. |
I’m learning | Present continuous | To describe an ongoing process (the learning hasn’t finished yet). |
I’ve (just) completed | Present perfect | To describe something that happened very recently. |
Gave (me the chance) | Past simple | To describe a past event (what happened during the placement). |
I (really) enjoyed | Past simple | To describe past feelings. |
Use a range of vocabulary
Showing the examiner that you can use a wide range of vocabulary is another great way to boost your IELTS Speaking band score.
You can do this by paraphrasing the examiner’s questions, so you’re not repeating the same words.
Let’s say the examiner asks you what you’re studying.
Instead of replying with ‘I’m studying....”, try saying this a different way.
Question | Paraphrasing in the answer |
What are you studying? | I’m taking a course/a class/classes in... I’m doing a ___________ program/course. I’m majoring in.... I’m enrolled in a _______ program/course. I’m pursuing a degree/Master’s/Doctorate in .... I’m learning... |
One way to build your study-related vocabulary is by creating a mind map—a visual layout of words and phrases connected to a topic.
Use natural vocabulary
Avoid memorising answers as examiners will be able to tell, and it may affect your score.
Instead, focus on speaking naturally as you would during a conversation. It can be helpful to learn common collocations, that is two or more words that often used together in a natural way.
Common collocations for talking about studies | to take/do a course to enroll in a course to withdraw from a course to attend classes/lectures to do/undertake research a/an intensive/full-time/part-time course a three-year/undergraduate postgraduate degree a/an online/beginner’s/advanced/evening class |
Some other examples of natural language are idioms or phrasal verbs. These are expressions and verbs with a non-literal meaning (the meaning cannot be directly understood by reading each word).
Phrasal verbs for talking about studies | Examples | Meaning |
drop out (of something) | I dropped out of university to start my own business. I dropped out last semester. | To quit an educational institute or an organised activity. |
get into | After scoring a band 8 in my IELTS test, I got into my preferred university. | To receive a place at a school, university etc. |
take in (something) or take (something) in | There was so much to take in during the first lecture. It was hard to take it all in. | To understand or remember something you’ve heard, read, or learned, especially when there’s a lot of information. |
work on (something) | I need to work on my presentation skills. We’re working on a biodiversity project mapping native species in urban parks. | To put effort into improving a skill or completing a task. |
sign up (for something) | I’ve signed up for a resume writing workshop. | To arrange to do an activity by adding your name to the list of people doing it. |
Idiom | Example | Meaning |
Learn the ropes | In my first placement, I focused on learning the ropes and observing the team | To learn how to do a job or task, especially when you're new to it. |
A steep learning curve | It’s been a steep learning curve, but I’m getting more comfortable with academic writing and referencing. | When someone has to learn a lot in a short period of time. |
Get the hang of something | It took me a while to get the hang of using the equipment. | To learn how to do something that is challenging at first. |
Hit the ground running | After the summer break, I hit the ground running with my final year research project | When someone successfully starts a new activity and is able to contribute or perform well straightaway. |
Hit the books | I’ve got exams next week so it’s time to hit the books. | To study. |
How to practise
The best way to remember vocabulary for IELTS Speaking is to use it regularly. The more you practise talking about your studies, the more confident you’ll feel. Try one of these IELTS Speaking tips:
Record yourself: Use your phone to record yourself talking about your study experiences. Listening back can help you spot areas where you can improve like pronunciation, grammar or fluency. If you feel comfortable, share the recording with a friend or teacher. They might notice things you’ve missed and give helpful feedback.
Work with a study partner: Find a friend, classmate or co-worker who’s also preparing for the IELTS test and practise speaking together. You can use free IELTS Speaking practice questions from our IELTS Prepare Hub. It’s a great way to build confidence and get used to answering different types of questions.
Make small talk: If you’re living in an English-speaking country, take advantage of situations like parties, networking events or university clubs to chat with new people. These casual conversations are a natural, low-pressure way to practise talking about your study experiences and learn new expressions by listening to others.
Whenever you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here.