“Talk about your school life” is one of the most familiar and recurring topics in IELTS Speaking, appearing from Part 1 through Part 3. Whether you are a student or a working professional, confidently and fluently sharing your school experience is a major advantage. This guide provides you with high‑scoring ideas, vocabulary, and sample answers so that you can answer any question on this topic in your upcoming IELTS test.
1. Common Questions – IELTS Speaking Part 1
Do you like your school
Do you like your teachers
Do you think your school is a good place to study
What is the environment like at your school
What do you think could be improved in your school
Which subject do you find challenging
What was your favourite subject at school Why
Do you think people generally enjoy their time in school
Tell me something about your school
What do you study Where do you study that Why did you choose that subject
2. Sample Answers – Keyword Topic: School Life – Part 1
Câu hỏi: Do you like your school?
Absolutely, I’m really fond of my school, as my teachers are highly knowledgeable and consistently supportive, offering guidance not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities. Moreover, my school provides a wide array of programs and clubs, enabling students to discover and nurture their individual interests and talents.
Vocabulary ghi điểm:
fond of (adj): yêu thích
highly knowledgeable (adj): có kiến thức sâu rộng
supportive (adj): nhiệt tình hỗ trợ
wide array of programs and clubs (noun phr.): nhiều chương trình và câu lạc bộ đa dạng
discover and nurture (verb phr.): khám phá và nuôi dưỡng tài năng
Câu hỏi: What do you think could be improved in your school?
If I could change one thing about my school, it would be to enhance the sports facilities. Although we do have a gym and several outdoor courts, I believe expanding these amenities and introducing a broader range of sports offerings would greatly benefit students by fostering physical well-being and cultivating teamwork and collaboration skills.
Vocabulary ghi điểm:
enhance the sports facilities (verb phr.): cải thiện, nâng cấp cơ sở vật chất thể thao
expanding these amenities (verb phr.): mở rộng các tiện ích hiện có
broader range of (noun phr.): nhiều lựa chọn đa dạng hơn
fostering physical well-being (verb phr.): thúc đẩy sức khỏe thể chất
cultivating teamwork and collaboration skills (verb phr.): phát triển kỹ năng làm việc nhóm và hợp tác
Câu hỏi: Which subject do you find challenging?
To be honest, I find mathematics to be particularly challenging. It involves numerous abstract concepts and exercises that can often feel intimidating. However, I have to acknowledge the vital role math plays in everyday life and across various professional domains, which drives me to persevere and overcome the difficulties.
Vocabulary ghi điểm:
challenging (adj): đầy thử thách
abstract concepts (noun phr.): những khái niệm trừu tượng
intimidating (adj): gây cảm giác sợ hãi, áp lực
acknowledge (v): công nhận, thừa nhận
vital role (noun phr.): vai trò thiết yếu
professional domains (verb phr.): các lĩnh vực nghề nghiệp
drives me to persevere (verb phr.): thúc đẩy tôi kiên trì vượt qua
3. Analysis – IELTS Speaking Part 2
To answer “Talk about your school life” in Part 2, structure your speech around:
School facilities – describe the classrooms, library, labs, sports field, cafeteria, computer room, social spaces
Teachers – talk about teaching style, expertise, interaction, and memorable experiences
Subjects – which were easy or hard and why
Extracurricular activities – clubs, events, and skills developed
Peers and school environment – social interactions and friendships
Memorable experiences – favorite memories and associated emotions
Cue card: Talk about your school life
You should say:
where the school was
when you attended
what the school and teachers were like
and explain what you liked and disliked
4. Sample Answer – Part 2
Where the school was
| I'd like to talk about my high school, which was called [Tên trường] The school was located in the heart of [Tên thành phố], quite close to my home, so I could walk there every day |
When you went there | I spent three wonderful years there, from 2010 to 2013, and it holds a very special place in my heart. |
What the school and the teachers were like
| It was a fairly large school with modern facilities, including a spacious library, well-equipped science labs, and a big sports field where we used to play football during breaks The campus was always clean and filled with green trees, creating a very pleasant learning environment. What I remember most fondly about my school were the teachers. They were not only highly knowledgeable but also incredibly dedicated and passionate about their subjects My English teacher, Ms. [Tên giáo viên], for instance, always made lessons engaging with interactive activities and real-life examples She was very patient/ encouraged us to speak up and express our ideas, which helped me build confidence. |
And explain what you liked and disliked about it.
| Particularly enjoyed the extracurricular activities I was a member of the school's debate club, which helped me improve my public speaking skills and critical thinking We also had many memorable events, like the annual sports day and the school festival, where everyone came together to celebrate |
5. Sample Answers – Part 3
Question: What differences are there between teachers now and teachers in the past
Answer: There are notable distinctions In the past teachers were seen as the sole authority focused on traditional, teacher‑centered methods using lectures and rote memorization Today, thanks to technology and student‑centered pedagogy teachers act as facilitators encouraging critical thinking problem‑solving and collaborative learning They also recognize individual learning styles and emotional needs which were less emphasized in the past
Vocabulary to highlight:
notable distinctions
sole authority
traditional and teacher‑centered
rote memorization
student‑centered pedagogy
facilitators of learning
critical thinking
problem‑solving
collaborative learning
incorporate digital tools
interactive and stimulating
personalized
Question: Do you think technologies will replace teachers
Answer: I think this is highly improbable Technology cannot replicate the empathy emotional intelligence and human connection teachers provide While machines can deliver content or assess basic skills they cannot nurture inspire or support holistic development A complete replacement seems far‑fetched anytime soon
Vocabulary to highlight:
highly improbable
technological capabilities
emotional intelligence
human connection
nurture
holistic development
far‑fetched
anytime soon
Question: What is the importance of extracurricular activities in school
Answer: Extracurricular activities play a vital role in holistic development They offer a platform to pursue passions and cultivate talents beyond academics They also nurture soft skills like teamwork leadership communication and problem‑solving For example debate taught me to articulate ideas persuasively and think critically under pressure Finally they provide a balanced enriching school experience reduce stress and foster a strong sense of community and belonging
Vocabulary to highlight:
vital role
holistic development
valuable platform
pursue their interests and cultivate talents
beyond academics
uncover their passions
acquire new competencies
nurture essential soft skills
indispensable for long‑term success
articulate ideas persuasively
think critically under pressure
balanced and enriching school experience
alleviate stress
foster a strong sense of community and belonging
6. School Life Vocabulary & Collocations
General Vocabulary
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Facilities | Physical resources | The school boasts excellent sports facilities |
Curriculum | Course programme | They offer a broad and balanced curriculum |
Extracurricular activities | Clubs and non‑academic programs | These helped me develop leadership skills |
Academic performance | Study results | Teachers monitor academic performance |
Peer pressure | Influence by friends | Many teenagers face peer pressure |
School motto | School slogan | Our school motto was Knowledge is Power |
Well‑rounded education | Balanced learning | The school promotes well‑rounded education |
Interactive learning | Engaging learning methods | Modern classrooms use interactive learning |
Optional subjects | Elective courses | Students can choose optional subjects like art |
Conducive learning environment | Supportive environment | A quiet room provides a conducive learning environment |
Academic aspirations | Study goals | Her aspirations include attending a top university |
Collocations & Idioms
International exchange programmes
Study at one’s own pace
Under peer pressure
Improve in leaps and bounds
Reach one’s full potential
Study intensively
Down‑to‑earth teaching methods
Idioms
To hit the books – study hard
To burn the midnight oil – work late
Through thick and thin – in good and bad times
To pass with flying colours – pass excellently
To learn by heart – memorize completely
To pull an all‑nighter – stay up all night to study
To be a bookworm – love reading
To be a teacher’s pet – a favorite student
To be on the same page – agree
To cut class/play truant – skip school
To learn the ropes – learn how to do something
To fall behind – lag behind
Final Tips for “Talk About Your School Life”
The topic offers a chance to showcase your vocabulary, storytelling, and personal reflections. Whether you describe your current school, memorable experiences, or your educational views, make sure your answers are coherent, authentic, and fluent. Practice open-ended Part 2 and Part 3 questions to improve response speed and confidence.
If you are registering with IDP, consider the computer‑based IELTS with flexible weekly Speaking test dates. You can also use the IELTS One Skill Retake option to retake only one section if you do not achieve your desired score on your first attempt.
When you are ready, register for IELTS with IDP today!
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