questions about education for speaking

Conversation Questions

600 Best ESL Conversation Questions on Talking About Education

A H M Ohidujjaman

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Learning to talk about education is important for ESL students as it helps them practice language skills for talking about school, learning experiences, and education policies.

ESL teachers can use these conversation questions to build students’ vocabulary and boost their confidence whenever they take part in everyday conversations , especially while talking about education topics. This post offers questions for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners (A1 to C2).

Teachers can use these questions in ESL speaking activities like group discussions, debates, or presentations, encouraging students to actively participate and improve their language skills.

These 600 questions, organized into 10 categories and six skill levels , are a great resource for prompting meaningful conversations about education in ESL classrooms.

Table of Contents

Why talking about education is important.

Talking about education is important because it helps people share ideas, improve how we learn, and solve problems in schools. It allows students, teachers, parents, and leaders to understand different views and work together to make education better.

• Students need to talk about education to share their needs, experiences, and to think critically.
• Teachers need to discuss education to share teaching tips and better support their students.
• Parents need to join these talks to stay informed about their children’s education and help them learn.
• Leaders and policymakers need to talk about education to make good rules and ensure the education system works for everyone.

Why Talking About Education Is A Good ESL Topic

Talking about education is useful in ESL classrooms because it helps students practice English in a meaningful way. By discussing school topics, students can learn new words, improve their speaking skills, and gain confidence in using English.

This topic fits the purpose of learners because education is something everyone experiences, so students can easily relate to it. It gives them the chance to share their own experiences, ask questions, and understand different perspectives. This makes learning English more interesting and relevant to their lives.

By asking variety of questions can instigate students’ interest in talking about education based on their lived experiences and opinions.

Let’s explore 600 conversation questions in 10 categories for 6 proficiency levels to prompt education conversations in ESL your classroom.

Category 1: Talking About School Life

Beginner (A1):

• What is your favorite subject in school?
• Do you like your school? Why or why not?
• How many days are there in a school week?
• What time do you usually start school?
• Who is your best friend at school?
• What do you eat for lunch at school?
• Can you count to ten in English?
• What colors are the traffic lights?
• Do you use a pencil or a pen to write?
• How do you get to school?

Elementary (A2):

• What do you do during recess at school?
• Describe your school uniform or what you wear to school.
• Can you name three things you find in a classroom?
• Do you have a favorite teacher? Why do you like them?
• How do you ask to go to the bathroom in English?
• What is your least favorite subject in school? Why?
• What activities do you do in your school’s gymnasium?
• How do you say your name in English?
• Describe your classroom. Is it big or small?
• Do you have any homework today? What is it?

Intermediate (B1):

• How do you feel about group projects in school?
• What kind of exams do you have in your school?
• Can you discuss a memorable field trip you had with your classmates?
• Do you prefer studying alone or with friends? Why?
• What are the differences between elementary school and middle school?
• Have you ever participated in a school play or talent show? Describe your experience.
• How do you ask a question in class when you don’t understand something?
• What extracurricular activities are available at your school?
• Describe a typical day at school from the moment you wake up until you come back home.
• Discuss a time when you felt proud of your accomplishments at school.

Upper-Intermediate (B2):

• In your opinion, what qualities make a good teacher?
• How do you manage your time effectively to balance schoolwork and leisure activities?
• Discuss a challenging assignment or project you completed in school. How did you overcome obstacles?
• Have you ever participated in a school debate or public speaking event? Share your experience.
• Describe a school event or tradition that is unique to your culture or country.
• How has technology changed the way you learn in school?
• Compare the education system in your country to another country you know about.
• Discuss the importance of extracurricular activities in a student’s life.
• Share your thoughts on the role of exams in evaluating students’ knowledge and skills.
• How do you think schools can improve to better meet the needs of students?

Advanced (C1):

• Analyze the pros and cons of homeschooling versus traditional schooling.
• How can schools promote inclusivity and diversity among students and faculty?
• Discuss the impact of standardized testing on education and student learning.
• Explore the concept of lifelong learning and its significance in today’s society.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of online education compared to in-person learning.
• How do socioeconomic factors influence educational opportunities and outcomes?
• Discuss the role of creativity and critical thinking in the modern education system.
• Explore the benefits and challenges of bilingual education programs.
• How can schools address mental health issues among students effectively?
• Reflect on your own educational journey and the most valuable lessons you’ve learned.

Proficient (C2):

• Critically examine the role of private versus public education in society.
• Explore the ethical implications of academic dishonesty and plagiarism in schools.
• Discuss the impact of globalization on education systems worldwide.
• Analyze the relationship between education and socioeconomic mobility.
• How can education contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship?
• Evaluate the effectiveness of alternative education models such as Montessori or Waldorf.
• Discuss the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence and automation.
• Explore the role of education in promoting social justice and equity.
• Reflect on the challenges and opportunities of education in rural communities.
• How can education empower individuals to be active global citizens and agents of change?

Category 2: Talking About Subjects and Courses

Beginner (A1)

• Do you like math? Why or why not?
• Can you name any subjects you study in school?
• How many subjects do you have in a day?
• What subject do you study after lunch?
• Do you have art class at school?
• What is your least favorite subject?
• Do you have English class every day?
• What subject do you study first in the morning?

Elementary (A2)

• Can you tell me about a subject you enjoy learning about in school?
• Describe your favorite subject and what you like about it.
• Do you have any special classes like music or physical education?
• What subjects do you study on Mondays?
• Can you name three subjects you study besides math and English?
• Do you have homework in every subject?
• Describe a subject you find difficult. Why is it challenging?
• How do you say “science” in your native language?
• What subjects do you have on Fridays?
• Talk about a subject you would like to learn more about in the future.
• Discuss the importance of studying foreign languages in school.
• Can you compare and contrast two subjects you study at school?
• What subjects do you think are essential for students to learn in today’s world?
• How do you prepare for exams in your favorite subject?
• Discuss the role of technology in the classroom for learning different subjects.
• Talk about a subject you used to dislike but now enjoy. What changed your opinion?
• Do you have any elective courses at your school? What are they?
• How do you think subjects like history and literature contribute to a well-rounded education?
• Discuss the relationship between math and science. How are they connected?
• Share your thoughts on the benefits of interdisciplinary studies.
• Reflect on the role of practical skills courses such as woodworking or cooking in education.
• Discuss the impact of standardized testing on curriculum development and teaching methods.
• How do you think subjects like art and music enhance students’ creativity and self-expression?
• Explore the differences between traditional classroom learning and online courses for different subjects.
• Share your opinion on the value of studying philosophy and ethics in school.
• Discuss the challenges of teaching and learning STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
• How can schools promote gender equality and diversity within subject choices and teaching materials?
• Analyze the influence of culture and history on the curriculum of subjects like social studies and geography.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of project-based learning in subjects like science and history.
• Share your perspective on the future direction of education in terms of subjects and courses offered.
• Critically evaluate the role of standardized testing in determining a student’s proficiency in various subjects.
• Discuss the implications of digital literacy on the teaching and learning of subjects in the modern classroom.
• How can schools adapt their curriculum to address emerging fields like artificial intelligence and climate change?
• Explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to advanced courses and specialized subjects.
• Analyze the effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches to teaching complex subjects like environmental science.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing project-based learning across different subjects.
• How can schools ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that encompasses both STEM and humanities subjects?
• Evaluate the role of vocational courses in preparing students for careers in specific industries.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the inclusion of controversial topics in subjects like history and literature.
• Reflect on your own experiences with subjects and courses in school and how they have shaped your perspective on education.
• Analyze the role of standardized testing in perpetuating inequalities in access to advanced subjects and higher education.
• Explore the potential of personalized learning platforms to cater to individual students’ interests and abilities across subjects.
• Discuss the impact of globalization on the standardization and diversification of subjects taught in schools worldwide.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in fostering critical thinking skills across different subjects.
• How can schools address the underrepresentation of certain subjects, such as the arts or vocational courses, in the curriculum?
• Analyze the role of educational policies and government regulations in shaping the content and delivery of subjects in schools.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing competency-based education models in various subjects.
• Explore the intersection of culture and curriculum in shaping students’ perspectives on different subjects.
• Reflect on the role of extracurricular activities in supplementing and enhancing the learning of academic subjects.
• How can schools foster a culture of lifelong learning that encourages students to pursue interests beyond traditional subject boundaries?

Category 3: Talking About Teachers and Teaching Methods

• Who is your teacher?
• Do you like your teacher? Why or why not?
• Can you say “hello” to your teacher in English?
• What does your teacher do in the classroom?
• How does your teacher help you learn?
• Can you name any subjects your teacher teaches?
• Do you listen to your teacher in class?
• What do you call your teacher in your language?
• Can you follow your teacher’s instructions?
• Do you sit at a desk when your teacher teaches?
• Describe your favorite teacher. What do you like about them?
• How does your teacher explain new concepts to you?
• Do you have any rules in your classroom? What are they?
• What do you do if you don’t understand something your teacher says?
• Can you name three things your teacher uses in the classroom?
• How does your teacher keep the classroom organized?
• Describe a fun activity your teacher did with the class.
• Do you help your teacher with anything in the classroom?
• What do you think makes a good teacher?
• How do you show respect to your teacher?
• Discuss the different teaching methods your teachers use in class.
• How does your teacher encourage student participation and engagement?
• Can you describe a memorable lesson taught by one of your teachers?
• What qualities do you think make an effective teacher?
• How does your teacher provide feedback on your work?
• Share your thoughts on the use of technology in teaching.
• How do teachers support students who are struggling with their studies?
• Discuss the role of creativity in teaching and learning.
• Have you ever had a substitute teacher? How was the experience different?
• How can teachers create a positive learning environment in the classroom?
• Explore the impact of cultural diversity on teaching approaches and classroom dynamics.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of traditional versus modern teaching methods.
• How do teachers incorporate real-world examples into their lessons?
• Share your experiences with project-based learning or group activities in the classroom.
• Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in the teacher-student relationship.
• How do teachers accommodate different learning styles and abilities in the classroom?
• Explore the role of humor and storytelling in effective teaching.
• Discuss the challenges of teaching in a multicultural or multilingual classroom.
• How do teachers foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their students?
• Share your thoughts on the role of mentorship in teaching and learning.
• Analyze the impact of educational philosophies and theories on teaching practices.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding assessment methods used by teachers.
• How can teachers promote student autonomy and self-directed learning?
• Explore the role of professional development in improving teaching quality.
• Discuss the influence of societal expectations and cultural norms on teaching approaches.
• Analyze the relationship between teacher motivation and student achievement.
• How do teachers address diverse learning needs within a mainstream classroom setting?
• Explore the potential of collaborative teaching and interdisciplinary approaches in education.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing inclusive education practices.
• Reflect on the qualities of your favorite teacher and their impact on your academic and personal development.
• Critically examine the role of teacher evaluation systems in improving educational outcomes.
• Explore the impact of globalization on teaching methods and the internationalization of education.
• Discuss the responsibilities of teachers in promoting social justice and equity in education.
• Analyze the intersection of technology and pedagogy in 21st-century teaching practices.
• How can teachers facilitate meaningful connections between classroom learning and real-world experiences?
• Discuss the role of teacher advocacy in shaping educational policies and reforms.
• Explore innovative approaches to teacher professional development and lifelong learning.
• Reflect on the challenges and opportunities of teaching in under-resourced or marginalized communities.
• Analyze the impact of standardized testing on teaching methods and curriculum design.
• Discuss the future trends and challenges in teacher education and training programs.

Category 4: Talking About Learning Styles

• How do you like to learn new things?
• Do you prefer learning by listening or by seeing?
• Can you name a color you like to use when learning?
• Do you like to learn alone or with others?
• How do you feel when you understand something new?
• Do you like to read books to learn?
• What kind of pictures do you like to look at when you learn?
• Do you like to move around when you learn?
• Can you name something you enjoy learning about?
• Do you like to ask questions when you learn?
• Describe a time when you learned something new and it made you happy.
• How do you feel when you don’t understand something you’re learning?
• Do you like to use computers or tablets to learn?
• Can you name a game you enjoy playing that helps you learn?
• How do you like to practice spelling words?
• Do you prefer learning indoors or outdoors? Why?
• Describe a picture or diagram that helped you understand something better.
• Do you enjoy drawing to help you remember things you’ve learned?
• How do you feel when you finish a book or a lesson?
• Talk about a subject you find interesting to learn about.
• Discuss your preferred method of taking notes when learning new information.
• How do you stay motivated when learning something challenging?
• Can you describe a time when you learned something by watching a video or demonstration?
• Do you like to create mind maps or diagrams to organize your thoughts when studying?
• Share your experiences with using flashcards as a learning tool.
• How do you adapt your learning style when studying for exams?
• Discuss the benefits of discussing topics with classmates when learning.
• How do you incorporate technology into your learning routine?
• Describe a time when you had to teach someone else what you had learned.
• Reflect on how your learning style has evolved over time.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different learning styles, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
• Discuss the concept of active learning and its role in enhancing retention and understanding.
• How do you tailor your study environment to optimize your learning experience?
• Share your experiences with using mnemonic devices to aid memory recall.
• Explore the role of reflection and self-assessment in the learning process.
• Discuss the benefits of experiential learning and hands-on activities in education.
• How do you manage distractions and maintain focus while studying?
• Reflect on how cultural factors influence learning styles and preferences.
• Discuss the impact of learning preferences on collaboration and group work.
• Share strategies for overcoming learning obstacles and adapting to new challenges.
• Critically evaluate the concept of learning agility and its importance in a rapidly changing world.
• Discuss the role of metacognition in developing effective learning strategies and problem-solving skills.
• Analyze the influence of individual differences, such as personality and cognitive style, on learning outcomes.
• Explore the intersection of neuroscience and education in understanding how the brain learns.
• Discuss the implications of lifelong learning for personal and professional development.
• How can educators accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences in the classroom?
• Reflect on the ethical considerations of using technology to personalize learning experiences.
• Analyze the impact of socio-economic factors on access to tailored learning resources and support.
• Discuss strategies for promoting learner autonomy and self-directed learning.
• Reflect on your own experiences with adapting to different learning environments and methodologies.
• Critically examine the limitations of traditional approaches to assessing learning styles and preferences.
• Explore the potential of personalized learning technologies to adapt to individual learner needs.
• Discuss the role of emotional intelligence in fostering resilience and adaptability in learning.
• Analyze the impact of socio-cultural factors on the development and expression of learning preferences.
• Explore the ethical implications of using big data analytics to inform personalized learning strategies.
• How can educators leverage neurodiversity to create inclusive learning environments?
• Discuss the role of motivation and self-regulation in optimizing learning outcomes.
• Analyze the impact of socio-economic disparities on access to tailored learning opportunities.
• Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and personalized learning in education.
• Reflect on the future of personalized learning and its potential to transform education.

Category 5: Talking About Educational Technology

• Do you use a computer at school?
• Can you name something you can do with a computer?
• How do you use a mouse?
• Do you like watching videos on a screen?
• Can you touch the screen of a tablet?
• What do you use to listen to music?
• Have you ever used a camera to take pictures?
• How do you turn on a computer?
• Do you know what a keyboard is?
• What is your favorite thing to do on a computer?
• Describe a time when you used a computer to play a game.
• Can you name three things you can do on a tablet?
• How do you use the internet for learning?
• Do you have a favorite educational app? What is it?
• Can you use a search engine to find information?
• Describe how you use a keyboard to type.
• Have you ever made a presentation using a computer?
• How do you save a document on a computer?
• Do you like using technology to learn? Why or why not?
• What is something new you learned to do on a computer recently?

Intermediate (B1)

• Discuss the benefits of using educational websites for learning.
• How do you stay safe when using the internet for research?
• Can you explain how email works?
• Share your experiences with using online forums or discussion boards for learning.
• How do you use multimedia resources like videos and podcasts for learning?
• Discuss the role of social media in education.
• How do you use educational software to practice skills?
• Share your thoughts on the use of virtual reality in education.
• Discuss the impact of digital literacy on academic success.
• How do you manage your digital files and documents for school?
• Explore the role of artificial intelligence in personalized learning platforms.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy in educational technology.
• How can educational technology support students with diverse learning needs?
• Share your experiences with using online collaboration tools for group projects.
• How do you evaluate the credibility of information found online for academic research?
• Discuss the potential of gamification in educational apps and platforms.
• Explore the impact of mobile learning on student engagement and accessibility.
• How can educators integrate coding and programming into the curriculum using technology?
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing blended learning models.
• Reflect on the future trends and developments in educational technology.
• Critically analyze the effectiveness of adaptive learning algorithms in personalized education platforms.
• Explore the potential of blockchain technology in verifying academic credentials and records.
• Discuss the role of augmented reality in transforming classroom experiences and simulations.
• How can educational technology address issues of accessibility and inclusivity in education?
• Analyze the impact of social media on learning outcomes and student well-being.
• Discuss the ethical implications of using biometric data in educational technology.
• Explore innovative uses of immersive technologies like virtual reality and 360-degree video in education.
• How can educators leverage big data analytics to inform pedagogical decisions and interventions?
• Critically evaluate the role of open educational resources (OER) in expanding access to quality education.
• Reflect on your own experiences with using educational technology and its impact on your learning journey.
• Analyze the potential of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing personalized learning experiences.
• Explore the ethical considerations surrounding the use of predictive analytics in education.
• Discuss the role of wearable technology in monitoring student progress and well-being.
• How can educational technology support the implementation of competency-based education models?
• Analyze the implications of data-driven decision-making in educational institutions.
• Discuss the impact of the digital divide on access to educational technology resources.
• Explore the potential of immersive technologies like mixed reality in transforming education.
• Critically evaluate the role of social media platforms in facilitating informal learning communities.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing universal design principles in educational technology.
• Reflect on the future of educational technology and its potential to reshape the landscape of education.

Category 6: Talking About Higher Education

• What is university?
• Do you know what a college is?
• Can you name a subject you can study at university?
• How do you feel about going to university?
• Can you name a job that requires a university degree?
• What is your dream job after university?
• Have you heard about studying abroad at university?
• Do you know anyone who has gone to university?
• How long do people usually study at university?
• Can you name something you might learn at university?
• Can you explain what a bachelor’s degree is?
• Do you know the difference between college and university?
• What is a major at university?
• How do you apply to university?
• Can you name a famous university?
• What do students do at university?
• Have you heard about student clubs at university?
• How do students pay for university?
• What is the importance of higher education?
• Can you name a famous person who went to university?
• Discuss the benefits of attending university versus entering the workforce directly after high school.
• How do you choose a major or field of study at university?
• Can you describe the admissions process for university?
• Share your thoughts on the value of extracurricular activities in university.
• Discuss the differences between undergraduate and graduate programs.
• How do universities support students’ academic and personal growth?
• Explore the concept of student debt and its impact on university students.
• Discuss the role of research in higher education.
• Share your experiences with internships or co-op programs at university.
• Reflect on the challenges and opportunities of studying away from home at university.
• Analyze the role of rankings and reputation in choosing a university.
• Discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion on university campuses.
• How do universities prepare students for the workforce?
• Share your thoughts on the affordability and accessibility of higher education.
• Explore the impact of globalization on higher education institutions.
• Discuss the benefits and challenges of studying abroad during university.
• Analyze the role of technology in transforming teaching and learning at university.
• How do universities contribute to research and innovation in society?
• Share your experiences with collaborative projects or group work at university.
• Reflect on the role of mentorship and academic advising in university success.
• Critically examine the role of tenure and academic freedom in higher education.
• Explore the implications of internationalization and global partnerships in higher education.
• Discuss the impact of funding cuts and budget constraints on public universities.
• Analyze the role of student activism and social movements in shaping university policies.
• How do universities address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in admissions and hiring practices?
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of online education and virtual classrooms in higher education.
• Explore the ethical considerations surrounding academic integrity and plagiarism at university.
• Analyze the role of liberal arts education in preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
• Discuss the impact of government regulations and policies on higher education institutions.
• Reflect on the future of higher education and potential trends and developments.
• Analyze the role of universities in fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Explore the impact of globalization on the internationalization of higher education.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of democratizing access to higher education through online platforms.
• Critically examine the role of student unions and governance structures in university decision-making.
• How can universities address issues of mental health and well-being among students and faculty?
• Discuss the implications of privatization and commercialization in higher education.
• Explore the potential of lifelong learning initiatives and continuing education programs at universities.
• Analyze the role of academic publishing and peer review in advancing knowledge within higher education.
• Discuss strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in curriculum development and teaching practices.
• Reflect on your own experiences with higher education and its impact on your personal and professional development.

Category 7: Talking About Study Habits and Time Management

• How do you prepare for a test?
• Do you like to study with friends?
• Can you name a quiet place where you can study?
• How do you remember things you learn in class?
• Can you name something you use to write notes?
• What do you do if you don’t understand something you’re studying?
• How do you feel when you finish your homework?
• Do you have a favorite time to study?
• Can you name something you do to relax after studying?
• How do you stay focused when you study?
• Can you describe your study routine?
• How do you organize your study materials?
• Can you name three study tools you use?
• How do you plan your study time?
• What do you do if you get distracted while studying?
• Do you set goals for your study sessions?
• Can you explain what concentration means when studying?
• How do you know if you’ve studied enough for a test?
• Do you like to review your notes after studying?
• What strategies do you use to remember information?
• Discuss the importance of creating a study schedule.
• How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple assignments to complete?
• Can you explain the Pomodoro Technique for studying?
• Share your experiences with using flashcards to study.
• How do you overcome procrastination when studying?
• Discuss the benefits of using online resources for studying.
• Can you describe how you use mind maps to organize your thoughts?
• Share your strategies for managing stress during exams.
• How do you balance studying with other activities and commitments?
• Reflect on the impact of a well-organized study space on your productivity.
• Analyze the role of goal setting in effective study habits.
• Discuss the benefits of breaking down study sessions into smaller, manageable tasks.
• How do you adapt your study techniques for different subjects?
• Share your strategies for maintaining motivation during long study sessions.
• Discuss the importance of self-assessment in monitoring progress and identifying areas for improvement.
• Explore the impact of environment on study habits and productivity.
• Can you explain the concept of active recall and how you use it in your studies?
• Share your experiences with using technology for collaborative study sessions.
• Discuss the role of exercise and physical activity in supporting cognitive function and study habits.
• Reflect on the effectiveness of study groups in enhancing learning outcomes.
• Critically analyze the effectiveness of different note-taking methods in supporting learning.
• Explore the impact of sleep quality and quantity on memory consolidation and study performance.
• Discuss the role of metacognitive strategies in promoting deep learning and understanding.
• Analyze the relationship between time management skills and academic success.
• How can mindfulness practices enhance focus and concentration during study sessions?
• Discuss strategies for combating perfectionism and fostering a growth mindset in studying.
• Explore the impact of nutrition and hydration on cognitive function and study habits.
• Critically examine the role of self-regulation in managing distractions and maintaining focus.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of multitasking while studying.
• Reflect on your own experiences with developing effective study habits and time management skills.
• Analyze the impact of self-directed learning strategies on academic achievement and lifelong learning.
• Explore the role of spaced repetition techniques in long-term retention of information.
• Discuss the implications of cognitive load theory for optimizing study habits and learning outcomes.
• Critically examine the influence of motivation and self-efficacy on study habits and academic performance.
• How can principles of positive psychology enhance study habits and well-being?
• Discuss the impact of digital distractions on study habits and productivity.
• Explore the potential of gamified learning platforms in promoting engagement and motivation.
• Critically analyze the role of self-reflection and metacognition in improving study skills.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing student-centered approaches to study habits.
• Reflect on your own growth and development in study habits and time management throughout your academic journey.

Category 8: Talking About Extracurricular Activities

• What are extracurricular activities?
• Do you participate in any extracurricular activities at school?
• Can you name one extracurricular activity you enjoy?
• How do extracurricular activities help students?
• Do you like playing sports after school?
• Can you name an extracurricular activity that involves art?
• How do extracurricular activities make you feel?
• Do you have friends who participate in extracurricular activities?
• Can you name an extracurricular activity that involves music?
• Why do schools have extracurricular activities?
• What is your favorite extracurricular activity, and why?
• How do extracurricular activities contribute to your school experience?
• Can you describe a fun event or competition from an extracurricular activity?
• Do you think extracurricular activities are important for kids? Why or why not?
• Have you ever tried a new hobby through an extracurricular activity?
• How do extracurricular activities help you make new friends?
• Can you name an extracurricular activity related to science or nature?
• What skills have you learned from participating in extracurricular activities?
• How do you balance homework and extracurricular activities?
• Do you think schools should offer more extracurricular options? Why or why not?
• Discuss the benefits of participating in extracurricular activities outside of academics.
• How do extracurricular activities contribute to personal growth and development?
• Can you share a memorable experience from an extracurricular activity?
• How do extracurricular activities help students explore their interests and passions?
• Have you ever taken on a leadership role in an extracurricular club or team? Describe your experience.
• Discuss the importance of time management skills when balancing academics and extracurricular commitments.
• Can you name an extracurricular activity that promotes community service or volunteering?
• How do extracurricular activities foster teamwork and collaboration?
• Share your thoughts on the role of extracurricular activities in college admissions.
• How do extracurricular activities contribute to a well-rounded education?
• Analyze the role of extracurricular activities in developing soft skills such as communication and leadership.
• How do extracurricular activities contribute to building a sense of belonging and school community?
• Can you discuss the impact of extracurricular involvement on academic performance?
• Share your experiences with balancing multiple extracurricular commitments.
• How do extracurricular activities prepare students for future career paths?
• Discuss the importance of parental support and encouragement in participating in extracurricular activities.
• Can you name an extracurricular activity that promotes cultural awareness and diversity?
• Explore the benefits of participating in extracurricular activities outside of school hours.
• Discuss the role of mentors and role models in extracurricular clubs and organizations.
• Reflect on the long-term impact of your involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Critically analyze the challenges and opportunities of funding and resource allocation for extracurricular programs in schools.
• Explore the impact of extracurricular activities on social-emotional learning and well-being.
• Discuss strategies for promoting inclusivity and accessibility in extracurricular programs.
• Analyze the role of extracurricular activities in promoting civic engagement and social responsibility.
• How can schools leverage technology to enhance and expand extracurricular offerings?
• Discuss the implications of competitive extracurricular cultures on student stress and mental health.
• Can you analyze the role of extracurricular activities in fostering creativity and innovation?
• Explore the potential of interdisciplinary extracurricular programs in promoting holistic learning experiences.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating extracurricular activities into the formal curriculum.
• Reflect on your own experiences with extracurricular activities and their impact on your personal and academic growth.
• Critically examine the role of extracurricular activities in promoting social justice and equity in education.
• Explore innovative approaches to designing and implementing extracurricular programs that cater to diverse student interests and needs.
• Discuss strategies for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of extracurricular activities on student outcomes.
• Analyze the role of extracurricular activities in promoting student agency and self-directed learning.
• How can schools foster a culture of lifelong learning through extracurricular engagement beyond the K-12 years?
• Discuss the potential of community partnerships and collaborations in enriching extracurricular offerings.
• Explore the impact of extracurricular involvement on college and career readiness.
• Critically examine the role of parental involvement and support in facilitating student participation in extracurricular activities.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology-driven extracurricular experiences into traditional school settings.
• Reflect on the future of extracurricular education and its potential to transform the educational landscape.

Category 9: Talking About Educational Systems Around the World

• What is school?
• Can you name a subject you learn in school?
• Do all children go to school?
• How many days a week do you go to school?
• Can you name your favorite school activity?
• Do you have homework from school?
• Can you name the people who work at your school?
• What is the name of your school?
• How do you feel about going to school?
• Can you describe what a typical school day is like for you?
• How do you feel about the subjects you study in school?
• Can you name a holiday or special event celebrated at your school?
• Can you name a game or sport you play during recess?
• How do you feel about learning new things in school?
• Can you describe your school building?
• How do you interact with classmates at school?
• What do you do during lunchtime at school?
• How do you feel when you achieve something at school?
• Compare and contrast the school system in your country with that of another country.
• How does your school support students with diverse learning needs?
• Can you explain the grading system used in your school?
• Discuss the role of standardized testing in your country’s educational system.
• How does your school promote extracurricular activities and student involvement?
• Can you describe any recent changes or reforms in your country’s educational system?
• How do schools in your country address issues of equity and access to education?
• Discuss the importance of teacher training and professional development in your country.
• Can you explain the structure of your country’s education system, including primary, secondary, and higher education?
• How does your country prioritize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education?
• Analyze the role of government funding in supporting education in your country.
• Discuss the impact of cultural values and traditions on your country’s educational system.
• How does your country approach bilingual education or language learning in schools?
• Can you explain the role of private schools and charter schools in your country’s educational landscape?
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology into classrooms in your country.
• How does your country address disparities in educational outcomes between urban and rural areas?
• Analyze the role of standardized testing in measuring student achievement and school performance in your country.
• Discuss the impact of socio-economic factors on educational opportunities and outcomes in your country.
• Can you describe any alternative education models or approaches gaining popularity in your country?
• Reflect on your own experiences with the strengths and weaknesses of your country’s educational system.
• Critically examine the role of educational policies and reforms in shaping your country’s educational system.
• Explore the impact of globalization on curriculum development and educational standards in your country.
• Discuss strategies for fostering creativity and critical thinking skills in your country’s classrooms.
• Analyze the role of parental involvement and community engagement in supporting educational outcomes.
• How does your country address issues of inclusion and diversity in education?
• Discuss the impact of socio-economic inequalities on access to quality education in your country.
• Explore innovative approaches to teacher training and professional development in your country.
• Critically examine the role of standardized testing in perpetuating inequities in your country’s educational system.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing project-based learning and inquiry-based pedagogies in your country.
• Reflect on your vision for the future of education in your country and potential areas for improvement.
• Analyze the role of international organizations and partnerships in shaping global education agendas.
• Explore the impact of educational policies and practices on social mobility and economic development.
• Discuss strategies for promoting global citizenship and intercultural understanding in education.
• Critically examine the impact of privatization and commercialization on public education systems worldwide.
• How can countries address disparities in educational outcomes and opportunities on a global scale?
• Discuss the potential of education to address pressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality.
• Analyze the role of technology in expanding access to education and lifelong learning opportunities worldwide.
• Explore innovative models of education, such as online learning platforms and open educational resources (OER), on a global scale.
• Discuss the impact of migration and refugee crises on education systems and policies worldwide.
• Reflect on your own experiences with education systems around the world and their influence on your worldview.

Category 10: Talking About Lifelong Learning

• What is learning?
• Can you name something new you learned recently?
• Do you like to learn new things?
• Can you name something you can learn at home?
• What do you do when you don’t know something?
• How do you learn to read?
• Can you name something you can learn from a book?
• What do you do when you want to know more about something?
• Why is learning important?
• Can you name a subject you’re interested in learning more about?
• How do you feel when you learn something difficult?
• Can you describe a time when you taught someone else something new?
• What is something you learned from watching a video or TV show?
• How do you learn new words in a different language?
• Can you name something you learned from going outside?
• How do you feel when you learn something that surprises you?
• Can you explain why it’s important to keep learning as you grow older?
• What do you do when you want to learn a new skill?
• How do you know when you’ve learned something well?
• Discuss the benefits of lifelong learning for personal growth and development.
• How do you stay motivated to continue learning throughout your life?
• Can you describe a time when learning helped you solve a problem?
• Share your experiences with learning through online courses or platforms.
• How do you seek out opportunities for learning in your everyday life?
• Can you explain the concept of self-directed learning and its importance?
• How do you balance work, family, and learning commitments?
• Discuss the role of curiosity in driving lifelong learning.
• Can you name a famous person who exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning?
• How do you plan to continue learning in the future?
• Analyze the impact of technology on access to lifelong learning opportunities.
• Discuss the role of formal education versus informal learning experiences in lifelong learning.
• How can workplaces support employees in pursuing lifelong learning?
• Share your experiences with participating in community-based learning initiatives.
• How do you set goals for your lifelong learning journey?
• Discuss the importance of reflection and self-assessment in lifelong learning.
• Can you explain the concept of lifelong learning ecosystems and their significance?
• Explore the relationship between lifelong learning and career advancement.
• Discuss the impact of cultural attitudes and societal expectations on attitudes toward lifelong learning.
• Reflect on the role of mentors and role models in inspiring lifelong learning behaviors.
• Critically analyze the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to lifelong learning opportunities.
• Explore innovative approaches to lifelong learning, such as micro-credentials and open educational resources.
• Discuss strategies for fostering a culture of lifelong learning within organizations and communities.
• Analyze the role of lifelong learning in addressing societal challenges and promoting sustainable development.
• How can governments and policymakers support lifelong learning initiatives at the national level?
• Discuss the potential of lifelong learning to bridge the digital divide and promote digital literacy.
• Explore the concept of lifelong learning as a form of civic engagement and social responsibility.
• Critically examine the role of lifelong learning in promoting social inclusion and reducing inequality.
• Discuss the ethical considerations of lifelong learning, such as privacy and data security.
• Reflect on your own experiences with lifelong learning and its impact on your personal and professional growth.
• Analyze the future trends and developments in lifelong learning, such as artificial intelligence and personalized learning.
• Explore the role of lifelong learning in promoting global citizenship and intercultural understanding.
• Discuss strategies for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of lifelong learning programs and initiatives.
• Analyze the intersection of lifelong learning with other societal trends, such as aging populations and workforce automation.
• How can lifelong learning contribute to personal fulfillment and well-being across the lifespan?
• Discuss the potential of lifelong learning to drive innovation and economic growth in the knowledge economy.
• Explore the concept of lifelong learning as a form of social capital and community development.
• Critically examine the role of educational institutions in promoting lifelong learning beyond traditional schooling.
• Discuss the implications of lifelong learning for reimagining education systems and structures.
• Reflect on your vision for the future of lifelong learning and its potential to transform society.

In conclusion, using these 600 education conversation questions can greatly enhance ESL students’ ability to discuss school-related topics confidently and effectively.

By integrating these questions into various class activities, teachers can help students expand their vocabulary, improve their speaking skills, and engage in meaningful discussions about education.

This resource is an excellent tool for fostering interactive and productive language learning in ESL classrooms.

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English learning videos

English conversation questions about Education

By Admin Leave a Comment

Where did you get your education?

What level of education do you have?

Do you think you had a good education?

What was your favourite subject at school or university?

Are the schools and universities good in your country?

Is it more important to have a good education at school, or in in the home?

Is it easy to study at university in your country?

What is your opinion about online education?

Should education be free, or should you have to pay?

Which countries have the best education systems?

Do you think governments spend enough money on education?

If you were the education minister of your country, how would improve the education system?

Here are some more conversation questions to look at.

Please take a look at my English courses on curious.com

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ESL discussion questions about education.

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General topics.

Air Travel , Animals , Appearance , Art , Childhood , Cinema , Crime , Eating Out , Education , Environment , Ethics , Fame , Family , Fashion , Food , Football (Soccer) , Friendship , The Future , Globalisation , Health , History , Holidays (Vacations) , House and Home , The Internet , Language , Language Learning , Life , Literature , Marriage , The Media , Money , Music , Personality , Politics , Religion , Romance , Science , Shopping , Smartphones , Sport , Technology , Time , Town and City , Transport , Travel , University , Video Games , War , Weather , Work .

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Grammar Topics

Present Simple , Present Continuous , Present Perfect , Present Perfect Continuous , Past Simple , Past Continuous , Used to , Have to , Going to / Pres. Continuous , Going to / Will , Comparatives , Superlatives , First Conditional , Second Conditional , Third Conditional , Mixed Conditionals , Should , Should have , Can , Could , Can / Could / Be able to , Is done / Was done , Being done / Been done .

How to use the education ESL discussion questions

It is recommended that you download the education ESL discussion questions in PDF format using one of the links above. The best way to encourage classroom interaction is to download and print the education discussion questions in the 'pairs' or 'threes' PDF format and then divide the questions by cutting along the dotted lines. This allows students to take turns asking and answering the education discussion questions in groups of two or three. Alternatively, you could use the 'cards' format to distribute the questions to any number of students to ask and share.

It is advisable to prepare students for using these discussion questions by first introducing them to the topic of education in an interesting and engaging way. An anecdote, quiz question or a related image or video could all be used to achieve this. Depending on the level, it may also be necessary to pre-teach any challenging vocabulary related to education contained in the discussion questions.

For more ESL discussion questions, see this site's main page. There are discussion questions on a range of topics including general, grammar and business English topics.

For further information about the site and its author, see the about page.

Describe your Education: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Answer

Updated On Aug 07, 2024

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Get set to read the IELTS Speaking Part 1 sample answers of the topic - 'Describe your Education' here!

Table of Contents

Speaking part 1.

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In IELTS Speaking Part 1 , to answer IELTS examiner’s questions in a natural and fluent way, you should focus on one idea only and then expand that idea into a long meaningful sentence using grammar patterns and vocabulary, which can help you get Band 8.0+ for IELTS Speaking

Let’s practice it with some easy questions about a popular topic: Education.

Here is the sample for “Describe your Education” topic:

1 What is the difference between the role of a teacher and a parent in the education of children?

I think the role of teachers is to impart knowledge and inspire students to learn. Parents, on the other hand, need to teach children how to behave properly and set an example for them to follow. If children encounter problems they should be able to consult both parents and teachers. In my country, from primary school to high school, each class is assigned a “head teacher” who would know the students very well and students can turn to this teacher for advice.

2 What suggestions would you give to teachers to improve education?

I think each teacher has a different style of teaching which may not work well for all students. Frankly a perfect teacher doesn’t exist. However, there are two things that all teachers should aim to achieve, which are knowledge and inspiration . Teachers should be able to provide accurate knowledge and inspire students to study. The latter is sometimes very difficult but they should at least try.

3 What is the best way to educate children in your opinion?

Children must go to school and also take part in extracurricular activities to become well-rounded people. Knowledge is important as it shapes your thinking and builds your ability to work. But interpersonal communication is just as important, so activities where children spend time together are also necessary. Hobbies are good to have too, as they keep children from being lonely.

4 How can we help children realize their talents?

Children need to be exposed to a variety of school subjects and activities before they can know what they’re really interested in. What’s important is that when they realise they have a certain talent, they should be allowed to nurture this talent and have a career using it.

5 Does the government provide enough support to education in your view?

There isn’t enough support yet, especially in remote areas where children don’t go to school or often drop out after a few years because the family can’t provide for them and they have to work when they reach a certain age.

Here are the IELTS Vocabulary list for “Describe your Education” with examples:

• Impart: to give, convey, or grant from or as if from a store her experience Eg: The teacher is imparting wisdom and knowledge
• Encounter: unexpectedly be faced with or experience (something hostile or difficult). Eg: She had an encounter with the toughest competitor of Sea High.
• Consult: seek information or advice from (someone, especially an expert or professional). Eg: Consult the doctor before taking any medicine
• turn to: approach Eg: She turned to her mother for advice
• Inspiration: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. Eg: She is an inspiration to her sister
• Extracurricular: (of an activity at a school or college) pursued in addition to the normal course of study. Eg: Her extra curricular activities include painting.
• Well-rounded: (of a person) plump or curvaceous. Eg: She has a well-rounded body
• Be exposed to: make (something) visible by uncovering it Eg: Don’t be exposed to sunlight
• Nurture: care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing. Eg: Nurture your hair often
• drop out: stop participating or being involved in something. Eg: She dropped out of college

Related Cue Cards:

• Describe a Course that You Want to Learn – IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a Character from a Movie/TV Program/Story – IELTS Cue Card
• Describe an Interesting Story That you Heard or Read
• Describe a city you want to live in - IELTS Cue card

Also Check :

• Names - IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Speaking practice test
• IELTS Speaking tips
• IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Linking words for IELTS Speaking
• Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!

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Courtney is one of our star content writers as she plays multiple roles. She is a phenomenal researcher and provides extensive articles to students. She is also an IELTS Trainer and an extremely good content writer. Courtney completed her English Masters at Kings College London, and has been a part of our team for more than 3 years. She has worked with the British Council and knows the tricks and tips of IELTS.

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IELTS Topic: Education

Posted by David S. Wills | Jun 23, 2020 | IELTS Tips | 0

In this article, I am going to tell you all about education and IELTS. As you know (if you follow this website), the best way to learn new vocabulary is to study in terms of topics . There are many IELTS topics , such as environment , space , sports , health , and crime. We have talked about education many times in the past but today I will devote a whole article to it.

I intend to look at this topic in a structured way. We will explore it as such:

• Reading & Listening

You can either study the whole lesson or else skip to the part that is most interesting for you.

Education Vocabulary

If we look at the topic of education and IELTS , we can quickly see that there is a huge amount of vocabulary to learn. In fact, this is a vast topic. I will assume that you already know the basic words like “school” and “teacher” (or else you are probably not reading this right now). Instead, I will look at some more advanced vocabulary for IELTS education.

First of all, let’s look at some school subjects.

School Subjects

There many be some regional differences in the words used for these subjects (for example, mathematics is known as “maths” in British English and “math” in American English.

Depending on where you study, most people learn a subject called “science” when they are young and later this becomes several subjects, including chemistry, biology, and physics. We also have “social sciences.” This includes many areas of study. You can read about it here .

British English vs American English

I actually wrote in depth about the differences between British and American English last year . For now, though, I will focus on the differences in language when it comes to education. Here are a few ways in which we talk about these differences.

*The British and American school systems are quite different and what is known as “secondary school” in the UK lasts for up to six years. As such, this overlaps the American version. Anyway, those final years in the UK would more likely be called “fifth/sixth form” or “fifth/sixth year,” depending on which part of the country you come from. In England, it is usually “sixth form” and in Scotland it is “sixth year.”

Some other differences

American people talk about their school years in this way:

• Freshmen (1 st year)
• Sophomore (2 nd year)
• Junior (3 rd year)
• Senior (4 th year)

In the UK, we do not commonly use these terms but in the last few decades it has become normal to talk about “freshers” as people in their first year of university. For example, they often talk about “freshers’ week” as the first week in the university year because this is when the new students arrive.

Reading and Listening

Because education is something that affects pretty much everyone in the world, it is a topic that is really common in IELTS. It could appear in any part of the test , including the reading and listening sections.

When it does occur, you should be prepared. This means that you ought to know lots of vocabulary about this topic and also have some life experience and opinions on the matter. You can achieve that by including this topic in your regular reading.

There are many ways to achieve this. You can go on Google News (or any news service that you enjoy) and subscribe to their education feed.

Let’s take an article for an example and do a little practice. We will look first at a piece called “ With no students, small college town worries over its future .” Let’s look at the first two paragraphs:

What happens to a college town when the students disappear? Ithaca, a small upstate New York city nearby gorges and vineyards, is finding out. Most of the 24,000 students at Cornell University and 6,200 more from Ithaca College effectively vanished in March when the coronavirus pandemic struck, leaving behind struggling restaurants and shops. Locals still reeling from the outbreak and resulting exodus are wondering when — or if — things will get back to normal.

It is an interesting text that deals with a familiar situation: the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this excerpt, you can see the word “exodus.” What do you think this means? Let’s isolate that sentence:

Locals still reeling from the outbreak and resulting exodus are wondering when — or if — things will get back to normal.

We can learn from the words around it. “Resulting” tells us that this thing happened because of the virus outbreak. We also know from the previous sentence that thousands of students are not coming to this place.

We can guess then, that “exodus” means “a mass departure of people.” This sort of skill is really important when it comes to IELTS reading. You need to be able to figure out the meaning of a word from context. Here is a video that shows you how to work out the meaning of difficult vocabulary:

I have covered the topic of education here many times, including this TED video lesson about making education better by introducing creativity to curriculums. (By the way, this is one of two possible ways to pluralise “curriculum”! The other is “curricula.”)

Here is another interesting video about education. This time it is about gender and education. Remember that sometimes IELTS topics overlap like this.

IELTS Speaking Topic: Education

The topic of education is really common in IELTS speaking. In fact, it is probably one of the most common topics that there is. As such, you need to be ready to answer these sorts of questions.

As you probably know, the first part of the IELTS speaking test is comprised of relatively simple questions that you should answer with one, two, or three sentences. You don’t need to develop your answers very much here.

Here are a few sample questions:

• Do you work or are you a student?
• Why did you choose that subject?
• Did you enjoy/Do you enjoy studying at school?
• Do you study English now?
• What kind of school did you go to as a child?
• Where do you study / Where did you study?
• What do you study/did you study in university?
• What was your favourite subject as a child?
• Who was your favourite teacher?
• Do you enjoy studying alone or with friends?

You don’t need to have dazzling grammar or vocabulary skills to answer these questions. You can just give pretty basic answers. For example:

Q: Do you work or are you a student?

A: I’m studying at the moment but I also have a part-time job.

Q: Where do you study?

A: I’m studying at Shanghai Jiaotong University . The word “jiaotong” literally means “traffic” but the common translation for the name is “Shanghai Communications University.”

Q: What are you studying there?

A: I’m studying English literature at the moment but I will move onto a business course next semester and continue studying English on the side. Literature was interesting for me but I don’t think it will help my career much.

Notice that there was very little specialist vocabulary here. The only word that I used that might require explanation is “semester.” A school year is made up of two semesters. (The word “term” can also be used but different countries have different systems. In some countries, an academic year is four terms, which means that two terms make up a semester. But this is not the same everywhere.)

There are countless possible education cue cards for IELTS speaking. You might be asked to describe one of the following:

• an important memory
• the actual school you attended

The list is extremely long, but let’s look at a few possible education cue cards in more detail.

Describe a Subject

You may well be asked to describe a subject that you studied in school or that you wish you had studied. Remember that it could be your favourite subject or a subject you hated. It is always important that you read the whole cue card and do not jump to conclusions.

Here is an example:

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school. You should say: – when and where you started studying it – what the lessons were like – what made the subject different from other subjects and explain why you enjoyed the subject

Describe a Lesson or Project

Describing a subject presents many possibilities. You can talk about many different aspects of your chosen subject, including the classes, the books, and the teachers. However, the cue card might present you with a more specific topic, like this one:

Describe a project that you did in school with your classmates or friends. You should say: – what the project was – what it was about – how you completed it and whether you enjoyed the project or not.

Describe a Period of Time

It can be harder to answer a cue card when the thing you must talk about is a memory or period of time. These can be a real challenge because thinking of the right vocabulary and grammar is quite difficult. When you are presented with this sort of question, you might have to be a little creative with your answers. Here is another example cue card:

Describe a period of time from your studies that was the most difficult for you so far. You should say: – when it was – why was it hard – what you were doing at that time and whether you felt you were successful in overcoming the difficulties.

Describe a Teacher

Finally, we come to the obvious IELTS speaking cue card: describe a teacher . This is definitely a common cue card and also quite an easy one. I think that most people who sit IELTS should be comfortable describing people like teachers. If you are not, you should look at my other lessons on how to describe people. You may also find this article about the good qualities teachers possess to be helpful.

There are lots of different ways that this could be phrases. It could be a teacher who influenced you, a teacher you liked, a teacher who helped you, your favourite teacher… and so on. There are numerous possibilities. But here is one example:

Describe a teacher from the past whom you remember. You should say: – what subject the teacher taught you – how old you were then – what were some special characteristics of this teacher and explain why you remember this teacher.

Of course, there are also lots of possible questions about education for part three of the speaking exam. In this section, you will most likely be asked questions like “are men and women equally capable of teaching?” and “should boys and girls be forced to take the same lessons?” The issues of gender , age, and other social issues will often intersect with the main topic.

Here are a few examples:

• What are some essential qualities every teacher should have?
• How are education priorities today different from those in the past?
• How well do you think schools should prepare young people for working life?

Education and IELTS Writing

When it comes to task 2 of the IELTS writing test, education is also a really common topic. Again, there are countless possible questions you could be given, so rather than prepare for any single question, it is better to build your skill in dealing with this topic.

You should be familiar with the vocabulary given at the start of this lesson and also with ideas about education on a global scale. It is ok to have different opinions from other people, but you should be aware of all sides of these issues.

Keep in mind that education does not just mean “school” or “university.” It involves much more: teaching, learning, childhood, adulthood, books, reading, etc. It could be about community colleges or distance learning. Do not be surprised by these questions and do not think that you can handle this topic just because you are comfortable talking about high school. There is much more to it than that.

Here, I will give you four sample band 9 answers to typical IELTS writing questions. Two are from task 2 and two are from task 1, both general and academic tests.

Question #1

Many businesses think that the new employees who have just graduated from schools lack interpersonal skills, such as working with colleagues as a team.

What has caused this and what are the solutions to this problem?

Sample Band 9 Answer

It is claimed by some business owners and recruiters that graduates nowadays tend to lack interpersonal skills. This essay will first explore why this is the case, before then suggesting how it may be remedied.

If it is true that graduates now lack the interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in the modern workplace, then that surely can be blamed on the exceptionally high level of theoretical knowledge necessary to achieve a good degree. As universities have become more competitive, the requirements for achieving a degree have gotten much more stringent, and students are required to spend all their time reading books and preparing for difficult assessments. It seems likely that this hinders their opportunities to socialize or work with others on productive tasks.

Solving this problem should not be terribly difficult. In fact, university faculties should pay attention to these complaints and implement solutions into their courses. Perhaps the most obvious suggestion is that students must be required to participate in more group activities throughout their education. For example, rather than studying all day and night to write an essay or sit an exam, students could be asked to prepare a group presentation together with their peers. Ideally, these groups should be picked at random to ensure that students develop the necessary skills to work with others whom they would not have previously chosen to work.

In conclusion, it appears that universities are failing students by not educating them in how to develop their interpersonal skills, and as a result they are struggling in the workplace. These universities should thus require students to develop their communicative abilities through specific group-based tasks.

Question #2

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

People disagree over how to raise their kids, with many parents and teachers suggesting that competition is detrimental to their development. They think that children should be taught cooperation instead. This essay will look at both views, before deciding that these need not be mutually exclusive.

The argument against competition in children essentially revolves around the idea that it is unhealthy for children to be pitted against one another. Rather than teaching them to compete, these people argue, we should teach them to work together. Natural selection dictates that some children will invariably be winners while others will be losers, and in the modern era, this seems like an out-dated concept. All children should be winners.

On the other hand, competition is a part of life and therefore children should be exposed to it from the beginning. It needn’t be unfair, of course. When children are taught healthy attitudes towards competition – such as sportsmanship – then it is actually tremendously beneficial for them. They can learn how to participate in natural activities and then deal healthily with the result, whether that is victory or loss.

However, it seems to me that there is no real distinction between competition and cooperation. Team sports, after all, involve both these elements. If children play football, basketball, or rugby, then they will work with their teammates to compete against another team. In the end, both aspects are learned.

In conclusion, there is no need to separate competition from cooperation, and neither should be removed from a child’s education or environment. Both are important for child development.

Question #3

You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course.

Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter

• describe what you enjoyed about the course
• say how much cooking you have done since the course
• suggest another cookery course you’d like the school to offer

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in response to your request for feedback on the cookery course I recently attended. I am happy to give you some of my thoughts on the course.

First of all, I really enjoyed it. I had wanted to study French cooking techniques for several years and so I was really excited to see that this course became available. It certainly did not disappoint me, and I was delighted by the processes that I learned during that amazing week.

Since the course, I have been cooking and baking for my friends and family at every opportunity. They have been really impressed with my newfound skills, and I will continue to practice what I have learned.

As for suggestions, I do think that it would be worth adding some other sorts of cuisine to the courses on offer. I would love to learn how to cook Thai food, for example.

David S. Wills

Question #4.

There is a bar chart and a pie chart containing information taken from a survey on adult education. The bar chart describes why adults go into education and the pie chart shows who the respondents think should pay for it. People mostly go into education out of interest, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, it is believed that they should pay for it themselves.

According to the data, forty percent of adults go into education due to some sort of interest in a particular subject, while thirty-eight percent do it to gain qualifications. These are far and away the most common reasons, as the next most frequently cited reason was almost half this value. Several reasons were picked by about twenty percent of people, including the fact that it may help them earn a promotion at work. The least frequently stated answer was that adult education is a good way to meet new people.

The survey results showed forty percent of people believe the individual should pay the costs of a course. This matches quite well with the previous data, as the same percentage of people did these courses purely out of interest.

About The Author

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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IELTS Speaking practice: Education

Travel & Holidays Friends Technology Sport Food Education Weather Environment Music Books & Films Health

This is a full IELTS Speaking sample with questions related to Education topic .

See IELTS Speaking vocabulary for Education topic >

You probably know what do such phrases as " bookworm " or " bachelor's degree " mean. However, it's not enough to simply know the meaning! In IELTS Speaking test you are assessed for your fluency and coherence , and thus you have to accurately use your advanced vocabulary while speaking. In this IELTS Speaking sample we collected various questions + model answers on Education Topic that you may encounter on the speaking test.

Our special formatting styles:

Useful linking phrases are in blue IELTS speaking vocabulary is in bold (put your mouse over such text to see explanations).

Do you work or are you a student?

At the moment I'm studying. I’m doing a graduate degree in molecular biology in the Vanderbilt University.

Why did you choose that subject?

I've always loved life sciences, particularly biology... And when I received my bachelor's degree An undergraduate course which usually lasts 3 or 4 years. I took a research internship in a laboratory where I studied interactions between proteins... And then I understood that I want to pursue my career in To continue career path in. biochemistry or molecular biology.

Can you describe yourself as a good student?

Well , overall I think I am a good student. ... I am not an eager beaver A very enthusiastic and hard-working person. , nor the teacher's pet Student whom teachers like the most. ... but I'm good at scientific subjects and, most importantly , I like studying.

Do you study English now?

Did you enjoy/Do you enjoy studying at school?

I've never really liked school... I'm not a bookworm A term to describe someone who really likes to read and spends a lot of time on it. and a lot of humanities subjects seemed too boring to me. However , the workload An amount of work one should do in a specific time period. was not too big... The other good thing about school is being able to see your friends. And fortunately , I had wonderful classmates.

Now, have a look at the card and prepare a monologue.

• When it was
• Why was it hard
• What you were doing at that time

I would like to talk about my last school year. It was really diffucult due to enormous amounts Very big amounts. of homework I had to do and all the exams I had to prepare for... Em, so I studied hard, having no time to goof around Spend time doing nothing important. ... Moreover , I forgot a lot of things from the school curriculum, that's why I had to do a lot of revision... But despite the tough preparation, I managed to set aside some time To take some time. to rest and interact with my friends and family... After all , my efforts were not in vain Without result. ... I passed all the exams well and was admitted to the university of my dream.

What are some essential qualities every teacher should have?

As for me , every teacher should be able to catch student's attention To interest someone. . It is very important to make your subject interesting to the others... Also , teacher should be a subject specialist A person who is very talented in one specific field. and a kind, helpful person. .

What are some pros of studying on a distance learning course?

To be honest , I think it's very advantageous to study in such way... It gives you more time flexibility, especially if you have a job... Not to mention that it is fairly cheap Not very expensive. , compared to face-to-face classes A traditional way of studying: in a classroom with a teacher. ...

Does everybody get equal opportunities to study?

Definitely not . I think it really depends on a country you live in... Moreover , it depends on your financial capabilities An ability to pay for something. ... Some schools and universities are just too expensive... Only a small fraction Small part. of people can afford to study there.

ESL Conversation Questions about Education

ESL conversation questions about education. These questions are designed for students of intermediate to advanced level of English. Click here for more topics.

 English Discussion on  Education

 esl discussions.com.

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THE DISCUSSION ON EDUCATION

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to Student B.)

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to Student A.)

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Improve your English. Speak with confidence!

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1500+ ESL conversation questions for your classroom

• Posted by by Cameron Smith
• Updated 1 year ago

ESL conversation questions are one of the best tools at an ESL teacher’s disposal. Giving your students the opportunity to share their thoughts via interesting discussions in English will help them fast track their English speaking skills. After all, one of the best ways to learn English is to speak it as much as possible.

In this guide, we’ll share how to use ESL conversation questions in the classroom to get the best results. And you’ll find links to over 1500 ESL conversation questions—printable guides that you can use to get everyone in your classroom talking.

Table of Contents

What are esl conversation questions.

ESL conversation questions are English learning tools that help students practice their speaking skills, learn new vocabulary, and correct common mistakes. Using the right ESL conversation questions can create fun, lively discussions in the ESL classroom.

How do you use ESL conversation questions?

You can use ESL conversations to facilitate English speaking practice with your students. Here are some ways to use ESL conversation questions in the classroom and one-on-one sessions:

• Group Speaking Exercises. You (the teacher) ask the class a question in English. Multiple students can respond in English at random. This  method is a good ice breaker. It can also help ESL students witness and learn from each student’s mistakes.
• Warm Up Speaking Exercises. Ask You may choose to do this before arranging your students in pairs. You can also have students focus on these simple warm-up exercises before you 
• Partner Speaking Exercises. Ask your students to get into pairs. Have them take turns asking each other questions and responding in English.
• Individual Speaking Exercises. If you’d like to assign speaking practice as homework, you can also ask students to use ESL conversation questions at home. If you are remote teacher, students can also record themselves responding to these questions and submit them to you for remote-based assessment.

List of ESL conversation questions

• ESL Conversation Questions about Animals
• ESL Conversation Questions about Appearance
• ESL Conversation Questions about Birthdays
• ESL Conversation Questions about Business
• ESL Conversation Questions about Childhood
• ESL Conversation Questions about Community and Neighborhood
• ESL Conversation Questions about Colors
• ESL Conversation Questions about Cooking
• ESL Conversation Questions about Countries
• ESL Conversation Questions about Daily Routine
• ESL Conversation Questions about Dating, Relationships, and Marriage
• ESL Conversation Questions about Education, School, and University
• ESL Conversation Questions about Employment and Work
• ESL Conversation Questions about Environment
• ESL Conversation Questions about Ethics
• ESL Conversation Questions about Family
• ESL Conversation Questions about Fashion and Clothes
• ESL Conversation Questions about Food and Eating Out
• ESL Conversation Questions about Football and Soccer
• ESL Conversation Questions about Friends and Friendship
• ESL Conversation Questions about Intelligence
• ESL Conversation Questions about Games and Gaming
• ESL Conversation Questions about Gender and Gender Roles
• ESL Conversation Questions about Money
• ESL Conversation Questions about Movies
• ESL Conversation Questions about Music
• ESL Conversation Questions about Religion
• ESL Conversation Questions about the Olympics
• ESL Conversation Questions about Travel
• ESL Conversation Questions about Small Business
• ESL Conversation Questions about Social Media
• ESL Conversation Questions that use Simple Future Tense

ESL conversation questions books

ESL conversation question books can help you save time in the classroom and with lesson planning. These books are typically full of list of ESL conversation questions that you can print and use as exercise sheets with your students.

The best ESL conversation question books are:

• 500 Grammar Based Conversation Questions
• 67 ESL Conversation Topics with Questions, Vocabulary, Writing Prompts & More
• 1000+ ESL Discussion Questions for Teenagers: Interesting Conversation Topics for Teens
• ESL Conversation Questions for Kids: 50+ Topics for English Conversation Class
• 1005 ESL Conversation Questions: For English Teachers of Teenagers and Adults Who Want to Have Better TEFL Speaking and Conversation Classes
• 1001 Canadian Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom

What are the best ESL conversation questions for beginners?

The best English discussion questions for beginners are those that focus on simple discussion topics with simple tense structures. For example, “What is your favorite song?” and “What is your favorite movie?” are perfect for beginner English learners.

Use these ESL conversation questions for beginners:

• Movie Conversation Questions
• Appearance Conversation Questions
• Music Conversation Questions

What are the best ESL conversation questions for intermediate speakers?

The best English discussion questions for intermediate speakers focus on topics that require answers with complex sentence structures and reasoning. “What is your favorite food, and why do you like it so much?” and “What is your dream job, and why would you pick this as your career?” are two great examples of a simple question that requires additional reasoning and descriptive language.

Use these ESL conversation questions for intermediate English learners:

• Money Conversation Questions  
• Career Conversation Questions
• Personal Appearance Conversation Questions

What are the best ESL conversation questions for advanced speakers?

The best English discussion questions for intermediate speakers focus on topics that require in-depth answers with complex sentence structures, various tense structures, descriptive language, and reasoning. At this level, you may also benefit from introducing some controversial discussion topics; advanced English learners have the language skills required to participate in life discussions that go beyond the basics.

Use these ESL conversation questions for advanced English learners:

• Artificial Intelligence and AI Conversation Questions
• Ethics Conversation Questions
• Business Conversation Questions

How are you using ESL conversation questions in your classroom?

As you know, students at every level can engage in any topic of discussion to practice their speaking skills. But some some English discussion topics are better suited to each learning level. Choose wisely based on the English level, likes, and needs of your students, and your classroom will be full of fascinating discussions in no time.

Share your best tips and tell us how you use ESL conversation questions in the classroom. And be sure to add your requests for future discussion topics in the comments below.

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith is an English Communication Coach based in Vancouver, Canada. He's the founder of Learn English Every Day, and he's on a mission to help millions of people speak English with confidence. If you want longer video content, please follow me on YouTube for fun English lessons and helpful learning resources!

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Education Conversation Questions

Warm-up Question: Are you trying to learn anything these days? Is there something you want to study?

Discussion Questions:

• How important is education?
• Does your country have a good education system? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
• Which countries have the best schools and universities? Why are they considered good?
• Is education only for the young? What do people learn when they are older?
• Henry Ford said, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." Do you agree? Why?
• Do you enjoy learning new things? Give an example if you can.
• Does studying make you tired? Is it hard work? How can a student get energy for study?
• What characteristics should a good teacher have?
• Have you ever considered becoming a teacher? Why or why not?
• Who has taught you a lot in your life?
• Some people learn on their own. What things, if any, have you learned without teachers or formal education?

• There are many education resources online including full university classes. Have you used the internet to learn? Give an example if you can.
• Some people feel the education style of schools damages originality and creativity. What do you think?
• How do you feel about tests and examinations? Are they necessary?
• What's your learning style? Do you learn best by listening, reading, doing things, or by some other method?
• Do you prefer to spend time with people of a similar level of education to yourself? Why or why not?

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Let's Talk About Education

IELTS Speaking Lesson about Education

👇 take this lesson with you 👇, table of contents, ielts speaking vocabulary: education.

Fill in the gap with one word

• Next week I am going to _____ the IELTS test .
• At school you will get into trouble if you don’t _________ the rules 

See answers

• Next week I am going to take / sit / re-sit / re-take / pass  the IELTS test.

The examiner gives the test Cambridge English write the test

• To pass = to succeed

2. At school you will get into trouble if you don’t _ follow / obey / respect / stick to / keep to / abide by  the rules 

IELTS Speaking: Schools

Curriculum (n.) 

Curricula (n.) Plural = subjects / lessons in a course 

• What do we call classes we do after school?

Extra curricular activities  After school activities

Tests and Exams

• I am going to _______ the IELTS test
• sit / take 
• pass = succeed  
• fail = not to pass
• re-sit / re-take / re-do = do / take again
• To pass with flying colours = to pass with a really high score
• To pass with merit = to pass very well
• To pass with (a) distinction = to pass at the highest level 
• To flunk a test = to fail a test 
• I sailed through the test = it was easy 
• It was a breeze = it was really easy 

Discipline (v.) (n.) = control, order, authority

• Our form teacher would keep us in line = keep control over us
• She was a no-nonsense teacher =doesn’t accept silly behaviour
• Strict (adj.) = keeps strong control 

The opposite of strict is ______ ?

• Easy-going 
• Laid-back  

“ Rules are there to be broken!”

_____ the rules  

• Follow _____
• Stick to _____
• Keep to _____
• Break _____

Punishment  

• Detention = when you stay behind after class 
• Writing lines = writing the same line 100 times
• Suspension = when you cannot go to school for a few days
• Expulsion = when you are kicked out of the school or to expelled from school
• Corporal punishment = hitting the student (caning, giving the slipper, slapping with a ruler)  
• knowledgeable
• well-read = s.o. who reads a lot 
• tough but fair 
• easy-going = relaxed 
• nurturing = encouraging
• ill-prepared = badly prepared 
• rambling = talking too much without a goal
• inept = not competent, not good

All of the following can be used to describe a teacher who treats some students well and others badly. 

• discriminating
• guilty of favouritism

IELTS Speaking: Learning

Bloom’s Taxonomy

This is a pyramid of learning levels.

The bottom level is the lowest level of learning, and the top one is the highest level of learning.

To learn deeply, you need to try and do activities that will move you up the levels. 

If you are a teacher, find out more about how to use Bloom’s Taxonomy here

The table below shows you the kind of activities you can do to move up the learning levels.

The table below shows you some useful phrases you can use to talk about learning in your IELTS Speaking test .

IELTS Speaking: Listening task

IELTS Speaking: Listening Task

Click here to listen.

At school, I had a teacher who just used to make us [1] _______ everything by heart. I didn’t enjoy it that much, but sometimes we had to have a [2] ____ at using those ideas in a [3] ________, and I felt that was much more beneficial. You know, [4] _________ up other people’s ideas, and thinking out of the [5] ________, I found that really useful.

At school I had a teacher who just used to make us [1] learn everything by heart. I didn’t enjoy it that much, but sometimes we had to have a [2]  go at using those ideas in a [3] debate , and I felt that was much more beneficial. You know, [4] weighing up other people’s ideas, and thinking out of the [5] box , I found that really useful.

What is the impact of technology on education?

Here are some ideas phrases you can use to talk about this.

Good or Positive Impact 

• We have more access to resources and information worldwide 
• Technology can create shortcuts (=a way to do things more quickly)
• Learn more quickly 
• It has led to personalised learning 
• Motivate young people in particular 
• Unleash our creativity   

Bad or Negative Impact 

• It can put older people off  
• It can be frustrating 
• It can fail 
• It can be distracting 

To put someone off something = to discourage someone from doing it

With this question you can also consider the impact on different groups of people.

• Old People 

It can be off-putting  It can make learning daunting or overwhelming

Make it fun They are digital natives, so it’s easy to use 

There’s pressure to keep up with the latest changes There’s a steep learning curve 

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DAILY ROUTINES in IELTS Speaking. Vocabulary and idioms you need to describe about your daily routines.

ENVIRONMENT in IELTS Speaking Learn different ways to protect our environment and discuss it with idioms and vocabulary in this lesson.

MEDICINE in IELTS Speaking Learn the COVID Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking and talk about Alternative Medicines using idioms and vocabulary.

SKILLS in IELTS Speaking Learn the collocations and adjectives to talk about skills we learn and need.

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IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic: Education

• Helpful resources

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Education is a cue card topic that often comes up in the IELTS speaking part 2. Below you will find a list of some exam questions and answers that you could encounter during part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test.

The questions below are based on the real IELTS speaking exam. They serve as a great IELTS Speaking part 2 cue card prediction questions to help you prepare better before your test.

Education Speaking Part 2 – Cue Card 1

Talk about a new language that you learnt. Please say

You should say:

• when did you do it
• how did you do it
• who helped you with it
• and explain how you feel about it now.

I am going to talk about learning English. I have been learning English since I was a child. I went to an international school so from a young age some of the subjects were taught in English. This was really difficult at first as not only did you have to be good at science or maths, you had to listen to the teacher explain it in English too. When I went to secondary school, my parents employed a private tutor to teach me at home. The teacher was a native from the UK so the classes really helped me learn more typical phrases and the correct pronunciation. The classes were invaluable and have really paid off as my English is much better now. Since then, I have been self taught. I read books, watch TV series and listen to podcasts in English which really helps immerse me in the language. Sometimes, I chat with English speaking friends and they correct me and I ask questions about the bizarre phrases and colloquial expressions they use. English uses a lot of jargon and slang , it can be difficult to understand but eventually I managed to catch their drift . I make a note of new vocabulary and use an app on my phone to test myself every now and again. Now I am studying translation, I am using English every day so I don’t need to brush up on my skills as much now. I feel proud of my English level, I have worked hard to get to this point.

Education Vocabulary Speaking Part 2 – Cue Card 2

• paid off – got a good result
• bizarre – strange
• jargon and slang – technical and local dialect vocabulary
• catch their drift – understand their meaning
• to brush up on – to practice something after a long time

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Other IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics

Here are other common topics that you could come across during the IELTS Speaking Part 2 test.

• Event / Instance
• Family / Friends

Talk about a skill that was difficult for you to learn. Please say

• when did you learn it
• why did you learn it
• how do you learn it
• and explain how you feel about this skill now.

I am going to talk about learning to dance. Most Italians are pretty good dancers and lots of my family members dance well. I think I was in secondary school when I realized I had two left feet . I had no natural rhythm at all and I felt embarrassed dancing in public. Dancing in public is a way of life in Italy, everybody dances at family events and special occasions. One of my friends offered to teach me to dance. She is a salsa teacher and gives classes in a studio. So, I decided to sign up and took up classes a couple of times a week. The first few classes were awful! I got really flustered trying to listen to the music and follow all the instructions at the same time. It probably took me a few months to feel more comfortable and less embarrassed. As well as the classes, I watched videos at home and copied the moves. Although I still wasn’t a natural, I persevered with the classes for six months, eventually starting to move my hips and not look like a giraffe dancing. After that, I gave up as I didn’t have enough time to attend the classes. I continued dancing with friends and family and got a few compliments on my dancing. I am proud that I made the effort to improve my skills and I will never forget the lessons. It is almost unheard of not to dance in Italy, we are a very musical and passionate nation.

Vocabulary for Cue Card 2

• have two left feet – no ability to dance
• sign up – register for a course or activity
• flustered – nervous and embarrassed
• almost unheard of – very unusual

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Talk about an elementary school teacher you have a good memory of. Please say

• what he/she was like
• the subject he/she taught
• a memory you have of him/her
• and why you this is a good memory, in your opinion
• What he/she was like I am going to talk about Miss Elaine who was my favourite elementary school teacher. She was probably the kindest teacher I have ever had. She was very patient with us, but she also knew how to set 9 clear boundaries 10 . She would always let us know when we did something wrong, but she would also try to understand why we did it.
• The subject he/she taught Miss Elaine was my math teacher. I always struggled 11 with math, but she was there to help me, and she gave me a lot of individual attention 12 , which I very much needed, because I would get very anxious trying to solve a math problem on my own.
• A memory you have of him/her I remember that one time she gave us a worksheet 13 to complete. I could not do it and I started to tear up 14 . Everybody else was looking at me in the classroom. Miss Elaine ran to me and asked what was going on. I couldn’t really speak because I was crying and feeling stressed. Miss Elaine told me everything was okay and asked me if I was crying because I was nervous that I couldn’t solve the problems when others could. I just nodded 15 and she gave me a warm hug. Then she sat with me, and we solved the problems together.
• And Why you this is a good memory, in your opinion To me that is a good memory because I really felt like she wanted to and was able to understand me. Especially when you are young, it is hard sometimes to know, let alone 16 say how you feel. Her understanding and support 17 had a huge 18 impact 19 on my confidence.

Vocabulary for Cue Card 3

• set = (in this case) put
• boundaries = limits
• struggled = had problems doing something
• individual attention = focus on one person
• worksheet = a piece of paper with activities to complete or questions to answer
• tear up = have tears come up in your eyes
• nodded = said yes with the head
• let alone = even less
• support = help
• huge = extremely big
• impact = (in this case) effect

Talk about a skill that was difficult for you to learn. You should say

• what skill it was
• why you learnt it
• why it was difficult to learn
• and explain how you felt about this.

I am going to speak about learning to speak another language. I learnt to speak French a few years ago. I decided to learn in order to communicate better when I travelled abroad. I had learnt it at school but forgotten a lot in recent years and felt I should brush up on it. I wanted to challenge myself and prove to myself I could do it. So I found a teacher online and then we met face to face . The teacher was a French native but spoke really good English too which helped when explaining the grammar. As well as the classes, I listened to podcasts and used vocabulary apps to learn new words. At first, it felt near impossible to grasp the vocabulary and master the pronunciation. I felt really frustrated that I didn’t seem to be picking it up more quickly and it was embarrassing to repeat the same things over and over again in class. But I persevered and gradually it got easier. It was as if part of my brain opened up and started to accept and remember the language. I was elated . From that moment, I was on a roll ; learning new words and even going to a language exchange group to meet other like- minded people.  Now when I go on holiday to France, I feel more confident going into shops or ordering food in a restaurant so it was worth the effort and time I put into learning French.

Vocabulary for Cue Card 4

• face to face – in person
• grasp – to understand
• elated – very happy
• on a roll – a prolonged period of success
• like minded – similar thinking people

Describe an area of science (physics, psychology and so on) that interests you. Please say

• how do you know about it
• why are you interested in it
• What it is? I would like to talk about physics, an area of science that focuses on matter. It mainly deals with how matter moves in space and time, and what forces act upon it. In general, this field aims to make people understand how the universe behaves. For ordinary people, Physics is more understandable in situations like rubbing two things together and creating static electricity or the force applied whenever the washing machine dryer rapidly rotates. And to many, this subject can be identified when driving a car because natural forces help cars to start, move and stop.
• How do you know about it? I started learning physics when I was 8 years old as it was a formal subject in my school curriculum. As my class teacher used to teach concepts of physics in a very interesting manner, I developed keen interest in it during my childhood. What’s more my father is a science professor at a local university so I also got to know a lot about physics through him.
• Why are you interested in it? Physics interested me because it involves a lot of math. I find it easier to work with formulas for force and understanding how they work compared to other branches of science. Physics covers several areas and every time I encounter them in real life, my love for physics grows further. Moreover, I feel satisfied whenever I realize the scientific explanation and apply its practical aspect

Vocabulary for Cue Card 5

Talk about another course that you would like to take, not related to your previous studies. Please say

• what kind of course would it be
• what do you want to learn from it
• why would you choose it

I am going to talk about photography. I would love to take a photography course. I have always been interested in taking photos since I was a young child. I was given a camera when I was a teenager and used to go out taking pictures of animals and people. Nowadays, I mainly take photos using my smartphone but I miss the skill of taking really good photos. I would like to take the course so I could learn about setting up the shot, capturing a moment and also some of the technical stuff about filtering and perfecting photos.

I know that you can do these courses as an evening class or even during the summer but I just haven’t had the time or the money since I have started university. You can even learn online but I don’t think that is the same as a hands on experience.I have a friend who has completed the course and he takes amazing photos of people and beautiful architecture – it really is awe inspiring . If I did the course in the future, I would like to take a trip to a famous sight like Machu Picchu or the Niagara Falls and capture some amazing shots there. In the meantime . I am taking photos with my smartphone of me and my friends. I use the different filters and post photos on instagram so my friends and family back home can keep up to date with my life.

Vocabulary for Cue Card 6

• set up – prepared
• hands on – direct experience
• awe inspiring – amazing
• in the meantime – the time between now and something in the future
• keep up to date – to be informed of the current situation

Talk about a person you know who learnt a foreign language. Please say

• who is he/she
• what was his/her motivation for learning the language
• how frequently does he/she use it
• and how do you feel about him/her
• Who is he/she? I am going to talk about my aunt Tina. Aunt Tina comes from a multicultural family background, and is a polyglot , speaking French, Danish and Spanish fluently. She learnt French and Danish from her parents, and made the decision to major in Spanish at university. She completed her degree and later lived in Argentina for about ten years, where she met her husband, Pedro.
• What was his/her motivation for learning the language? Growing up with different cultures, my aunt developed a fascination for languages, and it seemed she was picking them up with ease. When she was fourteen years old, her parents travelled with her to Spain for the summer holidays, and she realised she was able to comprehend most of what was being said to her and around her. Her knowledge of French was a huge leg up, due to the common linguistic roots between French and Spanish. I think she really identified with the culture there, and her interest in the language grew stronger over time.
• How frequently does he/she use it? My aunt practises the language on a regular basis. Although she no longer lives in Argentina and her husband speaks a little French, they find it easier to communicate in Spanish. My aunt introduced the languages she knows to her children, and she was beside herself with joy when one of them expressed an interest in learning an additional foreign language in school. Sometimes, she would speak to her children in Spanish and they would respond in a different language. It is their way of learning new words and phrases!
• and how do you feel about him/her? I find her inspiring. Learning languages is like a walk in the park for her, and I admire her courage to pursue her dreams and live life as she sees fit .

Vocabulary for Cue Card 7

• Polyglot = someone who speaks more than two languages
• Fascination = strong interest in
• picking them up = (in this case) learning them
• leg up = help
• linguistic roots = linguistic origins
• on a regular basis = regularly
• beside herself with joy = extremely happy
• a walk in the park = extremely easy
• as she sees fit = the way she wants, as she believes is right for her

Describe you preferred location for studying. Please say

• where is this place
• what does it physically look like
• why is it your favourite place to study
• follow up question: Do other people you know use the same place to study?
• Where is this place? I am going to talk about my favourite place to study. It is actually a public library. As a tour guide, I need to constantly increase and update my knowledge of the places I tour, and the library provides me with all the resources I need for that.
• What does it physically look like? The public library I go to is quite big. It has a Victorian architecture and outside look to it, but it’s very modern on the inside. It offers a plethora of books on a variety of subjects, such as history, art, languages, and so on. Thereare plenty of tables and chairs throughout the library. Some chairs look more like armchairs an may be placed by large bay windows, although I prefer less exposed areas, to help me concentrate better. There is also an area with computers for people to use, as well as printers and scanners.
• Why is it your favourite place to study? I find myself being more productive at the library. I believe that being surrounded by books really sparks motivation in me. The members of staff are all so friendly, and I feel like there is little that can distract me there. It is really the ideal place for me to complete my work without any interruptions. I enjoy the abundance of books and resources there. The history section is of particular interest to me , due to my job. There are plenty of books on local history, and I feel like there are always new facts and anecdotes for me to learn.
• Follow up question: Do other people you know use the same place to study? I know people who use this library, but I don’t believe they go there to study. Many of them make use of the computers or borrow books rather than study. I see many people conduct research or focused on their own personal projects, but I do not know them personally.

Vocabulary for Cue Card 8

• plethora = range
• exposed = with nowhere to hide
• productive = making good use of time by completing many tasks and actions
• sparks motivation = inspires enthusiasm/motivation
• abundance = large quantities
• of particular interest to me = particularly interesting to me
• anecdotes = small stories that relate to a main subject

Talk about a course which left an impression on you.

• what course was it
• where did you take that course
• what was the course like
• and why did it impress you
• What course was it? I am going to talk about a course I took and which left a strong impression on me. That course was a Spanish course I took over the summer. I had studied Spanish in school but wanted to hone my skills.
• Where did you take that course? It was an intensive and immersive language course at a language institution in a nearby town. It was delivered by a Guatemalan teacher, which meant I got insight into Guatemalan culture and idioms. The institution was only a twenty-minute drive from where I live. Very convenient!
• What was the course like? The course was very engaging and inclusive. Our teacher used a myriad of media to teach us: films, videos. Books, magazines, recordings, songs, and more! It was truly immersive and I was completely hooked . The classes took place three times a week, and I would look froward to each class. Another aspect I truly appreciated about the course was the fact that she only spoke to us in Spanish, with the occasional English translations, where needed. It really forced us to think and produce in the language. It was great!
• Why did it impress you? I was very impressed by this course because I never realised the power of immersive programmes. I sincerely feel like I got more bang for my buck than with other more traditional courses. I can certainly feel that my speaking skills, and my reading skills for that matter, have increased tremendously . It also taught me about the power of visuals in conveying messages, and that anything is possible when we put effort into it! I did not expect that level of improvement on my part, and I am very thankful for the course and, of course, the teacher!

Vocabulary for Cue Card 9

• hone = sharpen
• engaging = (in this case) catching my interest
• myriad = range
• hooked = (in this case) so exciting I want to keep doing it
• bang for my buck = better value for the price you pay
• tremendously = in large amounts, to a very large degree

Cue Card 10

Talk about a practical skill you have learnt.

• what skill have you learnt
• how did you learn it
• and why is it an important skill
• What skill have you learnt? I am going to talk about an important practical skill I learnt when I was young. It is a cooking skill I use today and which involves frying eggs.
• When did you learn it? I believe I was about 12 years old when my mom called me to the kitchen. I was clueless about cooking, and quite frankly disinterested in the subject. But my mom, wise as an owl , said to me: “you may not find it interesting, but, believe me, you will find useful”. At the time I did not realise how right she was.
• How did you learn it? She showed me exactly how to do it, and even let me try it out myself. The first time, I went too strong, and part of the eggshell fell into the pan. I felt so embarrassed and told my mom I was giving up. My mom was never the kind of person to beat around the bush . She essentially told me to stop making excuses, and pull myself together so I can try again. She didn’t do it in a malicious way. She just wanted to help me get back on the horse . The second time, I managed to do it properly. She congratulated me and let me try it a few more times.
• And why is it an important skill? This skill is so very important, because it is one of the easiest meals to cook. It helps a lot when my schedule gets too busy for me to have the energy to cook anything else. It also inspired me to attempt to cook other dishes. When I mastered the skill, I thought to myself, if I can cook that, imagine what else I could make? It was a significant confidence boost for me

Vocabulary for Cue Card 10

• clueless = have no idea, have no knowledge of something
• wise as an owl = very wise person
• beat around the bush = avoid saying what you think because it is uncomfortable
• pull myself together = get over a negative emotional state
• malicious = evil, meaning to hurt
• get back on the horse = try again after a discouraging failure
• confidence boost = an action that helps increase someone’s confidence/self-confidence

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IELTS speaking vocabulary about school and education

Home  »  IELTS speaking  »  IELTS speaking vocabulary about school and education

You may be asked questions about  school and education in general.   Read the following IELTS style question and answers below and pay attention to the words or phrases in bold. Use the ‘definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check any meanings you are unfamiliar with.

Make a note of any new vocabulary and the best way to learn it is to use it!

IELTS speaking part 1  – style questions

Examiner: What did you enjoy most when you were at school?

Janet:  School feels like a long time ago now, as I am currently at University, but I do remember really enjoying English lessons. We were lucky enough to have a native speaking teacher, which was usual, but it gave us the opportunity to be inspired by hearing  authentic  pronunciation and our teacher told very funny stories to keep us focused.

Examiner: Do you think a teacher should be friendly or strict?

Alexa: When I was at school, our teachers were ‘old-school’, strict  and very traditional, so our lessons were teacher centred. As children we were not encouraged to ask questions or voice our opinions. However, today, thankfully, classes are more student centred, and encourage collaboration and I think a more friendly teacher would be more successful here.

Examiner: What’s the most difficult part of your study now?

Kamila: Well, for the most part, I’d say it’s  encourage collaboration.  I mean there are so many  assignments , and students are always under a lot of  pressure to meet deadlines.   I am lucky as I don’t find exams too overwhelming. If you are well prepared, they are entirely  predictable , and I can pretty much  sail through them  with only a bit of revision.

IELTS speaking part 2   – style question

  Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school.

You should say:

• when and where you started studying it
• what lessons were like
• what made it different from other subjects

and explain why you enjoyed the subject.

Said: To be honest, I found school pretty challenging for a number of reasons. We moved house quite often back then, so I had to adapt to different teachers,  learning expectations  and to make new friends. However, the subject which I was always passionate about  and determined to succeed in was French.

I started lessons when I was quite young, which is common in the UK, as learning languages is actively encouraged, but the  standard  and expectation was relatively low so lessons revolved around  role plays  asking for ice cream or bread!  Our lessons involved a lot of writing and  dictation  which was hard, and I did struggle to see the point of this as what I really wanted to learn was how to communicate and be understood. Our vocabulary was based around the family, food, travel and school so It was quite useful but not the sort of things that children really want to talk about.

I was motivated as I had already visited France on holiday and so I could see for myself the possible benefits of being able to communicate and make myself understood. The  breakthrough  for me came when I was around 15 with a teacher called Mrs. Green.

She was half French herself, so she spoke beautifully and was rather glamourous too and her lessons were filled with laughter, games and stories although she was very strict as well. We were all expected to study hard and to succeed in exams. She was  inspiring  though because she loved her subject.

Personally, I have always enjoyed listening to languages, to the i ntonation  and sound even if I do not understand. Once I could use the French I had learnt in school when I visited France and later studied there, the language came alive and all that hard work as a youngster  paid off !

IELTS speaking part 3  – style question

Examiner: Do you think single sex schools are still relevant in today’s world?

Emilie: While today many would argue that traditional  schools which only allow either girls or boys to study there seem rather  outdated  and old fashioned as this is not how ‘real’ society of the workplace operates. However, many  league tables  which rank schools in order of high exam results, have proved that single sex schools can be much better as there are less  distractions  and maybe students are more able to focus on learning and be proud of their achievements without having to compete with the opposite sex.

Examiner: What are the benefits of a boarding school?

Helene: As an  alumni  of a  boarding school , I can see the upsides as well as the challenges. In some countries children as young as 8 are sent away to school, either because of the higher standard of education on offer, or because their parents may be working overseas.

Many of these schools offer a wide range of e xtra-curricular activitie s such as golf, photography or fashion as well as the core academic subjects. Children usually speak of forming lifelong friendships, with their  peer group  as well as teachers and there is a strong concept of shared experiences.

Examiner: What are the advantages of studying a distance learning course?

Lydia: For many people, especially  students who work or need more flexibility, distance  or  remote learning  is the ideal way to study. There are several benefits that immediately come to mind. Not only  the cost, which  is far less than it would be to attend a college with  high tuition fees  but the ability to study at your own speed.

It is usually agreed that some find that this method of learning suits them better than sitting in lectures or going to tutorials which demands more self-motivation and discipline.

Vocabulary words related to education and definitions:

• authentic:  real, true
• old-school strict:  traditional learning with punishments and controlling teachers
• teacher centred : where the teacher is leading the class
• encourage collaboration:  learning together through discussions
• pressure to meet deadlines:  having to finish work by a certain time / date
• assignments:  homework or essays
• sail through them:  not to have to work hard and to find things easy
• learning expectations:  what the teacher expects from their student
• role plays : acting out a situation to simulate or practice it
• dictation:  writing down what the teacher says, accurately and fast.
• breakthrough:  a new development
• inspiring:  something which makes you want to do better
• intonation:  the ‘singing’ sound of speech
• paid off:  was worth the effort
• outdated:  old fashioned
• league tables:  tables which rank the position of schools according to  academic success
• alumni:  students who used to go to a certain school or college
• boarding school:  where students live at school during the term time
• extra- curricular activities:  anything NOT academic, eg sport, drama
• peer group : students of your own age, in your class
• remote:  not being physically there / learning via computer

More  IELTS vocabulary  tutorials to help you prepare for your  IELTS exam :

• Vocabulary about climate change
• Vocabulary about fashion and shopping
• Vocabulary about advertising
• Vocabulary about social media
• Vocabulary about food and nutrition
• Vocabulary about family and friends
• Vocabulary about sport
• Vocabulary about the Coronavirus

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IELTS Sample Speaking Test

This IELTS sample speaking test is on the topic of education.

Time: 4-5 minutes

Now, in this first part of the test I'm going to ask you some questions about yourself.

Lets talk about shopping.

• Do you enjoy shopping?
• How often do you go shopping and what do you buy?
• So you prefer to go shopping alone or with other people? (Why?)

I’d like to move on and ask you some questions about food.

• What is you favourite food? (Why?)
• What kind of restaurants do you like to eat out at?
• What would your perfect meal be?

I'd like to talk now about your hobbies.

• Tell me about any hobbies you have.
• Are there any hobbies you would like to have in the future?
• Do you think hobbies should be relaxing or should they be exciting? (Why?)

Time: 3-4 minutes

Now, I'm going to give you a topic and I'd like you to talk about it for 1-2 minutes.

Before you talk you'll have one minute to think about what you are going to say and you can make notes if you wish. Do you understand?

Ok, here's some paper and a pencil to make notes, and here is your topic. I'd like you to describe something you own which is very important to you.

Describe a course you have done that you found useful:

You should say:

• What you learnt
• What you enjoyed about the course
• What you didn't enjoy

And explain why it was useful to you.

Follow up questions:

• Are you in touch with anyone from the course now?
• Would you like to go on a course like this again?

We've been talking about a course you have done that you found useful and I'd now like to ask you some questions related to this.

First, lets consider homework..

• Do you think it is important that children are given homework?
• How much homework should they be given?
• Do you think parents should help their children with their homework or should it be done alone?

Now we'll discuss the relationship between education and work.

• How important is it to have a university education to get a job in your country?
• Does having a degree from another country enhance employment opportunities in your country?
• What impacts do students who have studies abroad have on their country of origin when they come home?

Thank you. That is the end of the speaking test for IELTS.

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These IELTS speaking questions with answers will help you to successfully prepare for parts 1,2 and 3 of the speaking test

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View IELTS speaking topics for part 2 of the test. In this section you have to talk on a topic for 2 minutes.

IELTS Speaking Samples: Questions and Model Answers

IELTS speaking samples to help you learn the best way to answer questions from this part of the exam. Questions and answers from parts 1, 2 and 3 of the test.

Sample IELTS Speaking Test - Teaching & Education

View a sample IELTS speaking test to help improve your score in the exam. This is on the topic of teaching and education.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample: Listen to a candidate taking the test

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These IELTS speaking part 3 samples give you examples of the kinds of answers you can give in the third part of the IELTS speaking test.

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Sample answers for IELTS speaking on environmental problems. Read a sample part 3 answer for a set of questions about environmental issues.

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View IELTS speaking questions and topics for part 1, 2 and 3 of the test. The questions vary depending on which section you are on.

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View an IELTS speaking test on the topic of the environment. In parts 2 and 3, the topics are usually connected in some way.

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• Entrepreneur(n) – a person who starts a business.
• Vital (adj) – very important/needed.
• Tough (adj) - difficult. 
• A multitude of (n) - very many. 
• One in a million (p) – very rare/unusual.  
• To possess (v) - to have (formal).
• To assess (v) – To make a judgement about something.
• Sought after (adj) – wanted by many people. 
• Curriculum (n) – the courses taught at a school or university. 
• To illustrate (v ) – to show.

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Nhân viên IELTS thân thiên, hỗ trợ thí sinh nhiệt, vui vẻ. Văn phòng IDP rất đẹp, 10 điểm không có nhưng

Thanh Nguyen

Các dạng bài & cách viết ielts writing task 1, các dạng writing task 2 thường gặp và định hướng làm bài, ielts speaking part 1: các chủ đề thường gặp và bí quyết trả lời, tổng hợp bộ từ vựng ielts writing task 1, từ vựng ielts theo chủ đề phổ biến, bảng quy đổi điểm toeic sang ielts chi tiết nhất, cách viết ielts writing task 1 dạng line graph, cách viết writing task 1 dạng bar chart chỉ với 3 bước cực hiệu quả, cách viết writing task 1 dạng map đạt điểm cao, hướng dẫn viết dạng bài writing task 1 process/diagram chi tiết.

• Simplified Chinese

IELTS Speaking chủ đề Education Part 1,2,3: Từ vựng & bài mẫu

Bài viết này sẽ gợi ý những từ vựng cần thiết và cấu trúc ngữ pháp áp dụng hoàn hảo cho chủ đề Education, cùng IDP xem qua nhé!

Chủ đề bài viết

Với những bạn thí sinh còn đang là học sinh, sinh viên thì chủ đề về Education (Giáo dục) sẽ cực kỳ gần gũi và khá thường gặp trong phần thi IELTS Speaking. Việc chuẩn bị trước những chủ đề phổ biến này không chỉ giúp bạn phản xạ nhanh với đề thi, mà còn mở rộng vốn từ và nâng cao cách lập luận trong bài. 

Bài viết dưới đây sẽ gợi ý những từ vựng cần thiết và cấu trúc ngữ pháp áp dụng hoàn hảo cho chủ đề D escribe your Education , cùng IDP IELTS xem qua nhé!

1. Các câu hỏi về chủ đề Education trong IELTS speaking

Nếu bạn bắt gặp chủ đề Describe your Education trong phần thi IELTS Speaking, bạn sẽ được hỏi về việc học tập hoặc thảo luận về những vấn đề, quan điểm liên quan đến lĩnh vực giáo dục, điển hình như là: 

Did you go to a co-educational school?

What was your most favorite subject when you were a kid?

What is special about your major?

Describe your favorite subject at school 

What are the advantages of studying a distance learning course?

2. Từ vựng ghi điểm chủ đề Education

Từ vựng về các cấp trường học.

Từ vựng về các hoạt động giảng dạy

Từ vựng khác liên quan đến chủ đề

3. Idioms chủ đề Education

Xem thêm: Từ vựng IELTS chủ đề Education

4. Tổng hợp bài mẫu chủ đề Education

Phần thi ielts speaking part 1.

What do you like about your major?

What I especially like about my major is that it covers a lot of economic knowledge, so I can have a wide range of career options. I can work as a banker or a purchaser at giant companies. That’s not to mention, I can make friends with a lot of brainy people.

Would you prefer to study alone or with others?

I consider myself an easily distracted person, so I prefer to study alone. To be honest, I can’t focus on studying at all when there is a noise around, be it loud or small.

What kind of school did you go to when you were a kid?

I attended a public school for my education from preschool to sixth grade. During my time, it was the best and most well-known primary school.

Phần thi IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe your favorite subject at school (Mô tả môn học bạn yêu thích ở trường)

Of all the subjects at school, history has always remained my favorite. In every history class, we were introduced to many key historical occurrences. It was a dull topic for some of my classmates, but I really liked it.

I recall at our first meeting, our teacher handed out a syllabus, which served as a roadmap for the key topics we would cover each week. Several novels and other reading materials were given to us as homework. We discussed notable personalities, including soldiers, philosophers, and artists. We also discussed the ancient peoples' religions, traditions, and customs.

Unlike many other subjects, history requires not only a good memory but also the ability to connect all the dots of past events to draw important lessons. 

It was a difficult topic for me and my classmates at the time since memorizing so much of it took up so much of our time. But I find history to be quite fascinating. I've always been interested in how people lived in the past. I've always been curious to learn how our generation's past shaped who we are now. It intrigues me.

Phần thi IELTS Speaking Part 3

Is a good education more important to a boy or a girl? Why?

I think it is equally important for both boys and girls to pursue a good education. In today's culture, women have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to handle duties and obtain positions that were previously solely held by men in a variety of sectors, including politics, science, athletics while males have started working in certain fields that were formerly thought to be reserved only for women, like fashion, housework, and cooking. It is obvious that anyone can only live up to their fullest potential if given an opportunity regardless of their sex.

Bài viết trên đã tổng hợp bí kíp giúp bạn hoàn thành phần thi Speaking chủ đề D escribe your Education bao gồm câu trả lời mẫu và list từ vựng chủ chốt có thể áp dụng cho cả ba phần. Hy vọng rằng bài viết sẽ hữu ích và giúp bạn ôn tập IELTS hiệu quả ngay tại nhà. 

Chuẩn bị cho kỳ thi IELTS Speaking cùng IDP!

Với kinh nghiệm dày dặn trong việc giúp thí sinh chuẩn bị cho kỳ thi IELTS, IDP luôn hỗ trợ bạn truy cập miễn phí vào các nguồn tài liệu luyện thi hữu ích bao gồm các bài viết, video chia sẻ bí quyết làm bài từ chuyên gia quốc tế để nâng cao khả năng làm bài.

Bên cạnh đó, bạn có thể đăng ký trải nghiệm thi thử tại các trung tâm khảo thí IELTS của IDP, tham gia Hội thảo sự kiện IELTS do các chuyên gia IDP trực tiếp hướng dẫn để hiểu hơn về những lỗi phổ biến cần tránh, nghiên cứu một số câu hỏi và câu trả lời mẫu cùng video hướng dẫn luyện thi từ chuyên gia.

Đăng ký thi IELTS cùng IDP tại đây!

IELTS Speaking chủ đề Food

IELTS Speaking chủ đề Study

IELTS Speaking chủ đề Hobbies

Về bài viết

Published on May 22, 2023

Quỳnh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm về lĩnh vực giáo dục

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Houston Muslims introduce Spanish-speaking Islamic education, community center in Alief

The center also serves as a youth community space and mosque while also highlighting the latino/hispanic historical connection to islam.

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

Bill Barajas , Anchor / Reporter

Brett Doster , Photojournalist , Houston, Texas

HOUSTON – Spanish-speaking Muslims are not new, especially in Houston, but chances are you might not know too many. A newly opened education and community center in Alief hopes to fix that by highlighting the historical connections and creating accessible materials for people to understand what led them on this soul-searching journey.

At the helm of Centro Islamico located on Brant Road under the Alief watertower is Jaime “Mujahid” Fletcher, founder of the Houston nonprofit, IslamInSpanish .

Though the stigma of Islam and most American Muslim converts (or reverts) continues even decades since 9/11, Fletcher as well as other members of Centro Islamico seek to show how the religion created a redemptive avenue and a sense of purpose. Fletcher, for example, was able to seek guidance from a higher power after spending much of his youth in a life of crime.

“I was the leader of a gang growing up here here in Alief,” he explained. “I was looking for more of a purpose.”

After a year of serious studying and contemplation, Fletcher and his now wife, Sandy ‘Sakinah’ Gutierrez, who also serves as Centro Islamico’s interior designer and the COO for IslaminSpanish, became Muslim.

“When you first walk in, you’ll find a mural that was made by a local artist, and it ties in with the Andalusian type of design that you’ll see repetitive here in this prayer hall as well as in the museum,” Gutierrez explained. “So there’s a lot of elements that are inspired from the Andalusian history and arts, and then we mixed that because that’s where we’re from.”

Having embraced Islam months before September 11, 2001, Fletcher found himself inadvertently being an ambassador for Muslims at the beginning of heightened Islamophobia.

“Our family didn’t know what Islam was,” Fletcher explained. “And then when they looked at my wife changing her dress, right? She wore the headscarf and it was a personal decision she made. But her family was feeling a certain way, thinking that I forced her to do that. And I’m new in Islam and I don’t even know why she did that to begin with.”

SEE ALSO: Hundreds died in Saudi Arabia performing the Hajj, a Houston mom was almost one of them

Even Fletcher’s own parents were concerned about the sudden lifestyle changes. Having come originally from Colombia, and raised Catholic, it all just seemed so strange to his loved ones.

“I stopped so many things that just weren’t positive in my life, so even though it was strange that change looked almost too good to be true, they thought that it was a phase,” he explained.

However, he did not want to impose Islam on his loved ones just because of the positive changes he was making. But his new behavior inspired those closest to him to understand what exactly was bringing about this drastic change in him, nonetheless. That’s when he realized there was a gap in materials in a language they could understand.

“Eventually everyone was like, ‘Man, he doesn’t drink anymore. Did he join a cult or what?’ Because there are several parties all the time and I just didn’t eat certain things, but I was happy,” Fletcher continued. “And then when they looked into it more and more, they realized that they didn’t have information.”

Through his education in digital media, Fletcher was able to start promoting Spanish-translated books and audio for people who were interested in understanding Islam. To his surprise, both his parents wound up embracing Islam as well.

SUGGESTED: Understanding Muslim funeral rites in light of Harris County Pct. 4 Cpl. Maher Husseini’s death

The conversations Fletcher would have by sharing his journey into embracing Islam is what eventually enabled him to open the doors to a center in an area where he grew up and rewrite the wrongs he did, while also providing an educational bridge for other Muslims like him to understand their way of life.

He argues that because people are afraid of things they do not know, bridging that misunderstanding through knowledge, is the main crux behind the message Centro Islamico serves to tell.

That’s why, while there is a prayer space that holds Friday services (the Muslim holy day), the 10,000 square-foot building serves as a community and educational center, with its use of Spanish architecture and building a museum space in the center for people to understand that Latinos embracing Islam, should not be viewed as a foreign concept.

“This center is almost like Islam on display,” he explained. “Like for the regular society to come and look and see what a prayer area looks like; the museum telling 800 years worth of history of Muslims from Spain.

“A lot of times people think Islam is a form of religion from overseas, an Arab cultural religion,” Fletcher continued. “And Islam was the native religion in Spain, where many of us have roots.”

These messages and materials are available worldwide and for anyone interested in learning about Islam, the Muslim community, or understanding their journey.

“All of our material is produced and distributed for free. So the whole organization operates based on regular individual donations. It’s a nonprofit,” Fletcher said. “And we have made accessible in regards to Spanish literature about Islam that wasn’t accessible or even existent when we became Muslim right before September 11th.”

Because Centro Islamico is not in the proselytizing business, there’s no catch.

“ What are they going to do with that information? That’s up to them,” Fletcher explained. “There’s no compulsion in any sort of like ideology. And that’s what I liked about Islam and the Muslims when I met them.”

SEE ALSO: Muslim dating app ‘Muzz’ bringing laughter to Houston with comical billboards

Certainly, Fletcher and everyone at Centro Islamico can provide that open dialogue with their center by creating an environment that welcomes curiosity with open arms and warm hearts. This is why Gutierrez, Fletcher’s wife, says the center operates differently like having a cafe area and a youth room filled with graffiti where children and teens can spend time in.

“Something that’s really cultural for us is being able to drink coffee,” she said. “Any day that you come, you will find coffee brewing...we’re Colombian so having a cafe was really important for us. We want people to come. We want them to stay, ask questions, converse -- even if they don’t have questions and they just want to observe, we’re very transparent and open in that way.”

Admittedly, these are things you might not find in an ordinary mosque, so there has been some pushback from other Muslims, but in trying to help alleviate any nerves people may have without offending others just because they don’t know what to do.

“Because we’ve been through the process ourselves of not knowing what Islam was,” Gutierrez explained. “The way that we designed the space and every space was very much looking at what our experience was and trying to minimize the tension or the fear that people might have.

“We don’t want you to come in and be like, ‘Whoa, I don’t know what to do,” she concluded. “As soon as you walk in, you’re going to see a lounge, a cafe, graffiti on the wall, ‘Like, whoa, OK. This is familiar.’ You’re going to see a museum. ‘OK, this is familiar.’ like, this is something that I can relate to, something that I might be interested in to learn a little bit more. And then if they feel comfortable enough or not, come into the prayer room. But if they don’t, we leave it open where they can observe. We’re not hiding anything, we want you to come.”

Currently, Centro Islamico is doing a soft launch but will be holding a grand opening on November 16. The center is open to the public and has sermons during Friday prayers in Spanish at 1:30 p.m. and in English at 2:30 p.m.

To learn more about Centro Islamico and IslaminSpanish, visit their website by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Ahmed humble.

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

Bill Barajas

Reporter, proud Houstonian, U of H alumni, and lover of all the hometown sport teams.

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The Fed Makes a Large Rate Cut and Forecasts More to Come

Fed officials kicked off rate cuts with a half-point reduction, confident that inflation is cooling and eager to keep the job market strong.

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Federal funds

target rate

By Jeanna Smialek

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates on Wednesday by half a percentage point, an unusually large move and a clear signal that central bankers think they are winning their war against inflation and are turning their attention to protecting the job market.

“Our patient approach over the past year has paid dividends,” Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair, said during his news conference. But now “the upside risks to inflation have diminished, and the downside risks to unemployment have increased.”

The Fed’s decision lowers rates to about 4.9 percent, down from a more than two-decade high.

The pivot comes in response to months of fading inflation, and it is meant to prevent the economy from slowing so much that the job market begins to weaken more painfully. Officials have been keeping a careful eye on a recent uptick in the unemployment rate, and by starting off with a big cut, the Fed is in effect taking out insurance against a bigger employment slowdown.

Reinforcing that cautious message, the decisive reduction came alongside economic projections that suggested a more rapid pace of rate cuts than officials had envisioned just a few months ago. Officials now expect to make another half-point reduction before the end of the year.

“We’re going to take it meeting by meeting,” Mr. Powell said. “We made a good, strong start to this, and that is frankly a sign of our confidence, confidence that inflation is coming down.”

Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates for the First Time in Four Years

Jerome h. powell, the fed chair, said that the central bank would take future interest rate cuts “meeting by meeting” after lowering rates by a half percentage point, an unusually large move..

Today, the Federal Open Market Committee decided to reduce the degree of policy restraint by lowering our policy interest rate by a half percentage point. Our patient approach over the past year has paid dividends. Inflation is now much closer to our objective, and we have gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent. We’re going to take it meeting by meeting. As I mentioned, there’s no sense that the committee feels it’s in a rush to do this. We made a good, strong start to this, and that’s really, frankly, a sign of our confidence — confidence that inflation is coming down.

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