Did you know – 33% of all IELTS Speaking tests include questions about Your Studies – it’s one of the most common topics!
So what does that mean? You have to be ready to talk about Your Studies.
In this post, we’ll look at the most common questions about Your Studies, learn some great high-level vocabulary, and see some Band 9 sample answers. Let’s get started!
Category 1: Your Major Itself
- What are you currently studying? (or) What do you study? (or) What is your area of study? (or) What is your major? (or) What subject are you studying? Note – all of these are exactly the same!
- Where do you study? (or) What is the name of your college or university?
- Can you describe your field of study or major?
Phrases
Note – we can use these phrases together if we have the opportunity
- I’m a + year + student of + subject + at + name of university
- E.g. I’m a second year student of Mathematics at the University of Melbourne
- I’m doing an undergraduate/masters/doctorate degree in + subject(s) + at + university name + and I’m currently in my + year
- E.g. I’m doing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Harvard, and I’m currently in my first year.
- The main focus of my degree is + general area, and I’m planning to specialize in + specific area + if I have the chance
- E.g. The main focus of my degree is Political Science, and I’m planning to specialize in how elections are monitored if I have the chance.
Full Answer
Q: What are you currently studying?
A: I’m doing a two-year master’s degree in Ancient History at UCL, and I’m currently in my first year. The main focus of my degree is Roman Culture, and I’m planning to specialize in the cultural influence that Romans had on the Middle East if I have the chance. Overall, I’m still relatively new to the course, but I’m really enjoying it so far.
Category 2: Past & Future Decisions
- Why did you choose to study that particular subject? (or) Were you always interested in that subject?
- How do your studies relate to your future career goals? (or) What are your future plans or aspirations related to your studies? (or) Do you think you’ll work in that area after you graduate?
Phrases
- Well, I’d always been a + subject + nut, ever since I was a kid. I distinctly remember + past activity + when I was + age/situation, and that passion just never went away.
- Well, I’d always been a history nut, ever since I was a kid. I distinctly remember going happily to museums with my parents when I was about 10 years old, and that passion just never went away.
- To be honest, it was kind of a last minute decision to take + subject. I was in the final year of + previous studying situation + so I knew I had to pick something to study at university, and + subject + was just the one that caught my eye.
- To be honest, it was kind of a last minute decision to take physics. I was in the final year of high school, so I knew I had to pick something to study at university, and physics was just the one that caught my eye.
- I don’t have a super clear idea of how my future is going to pan out, but I can definitely picture myself working in the area of + subject + for + type of company + once I graduate.
- I don’t have a super clear idea of how my future is going to pan out, but I can definitely picture myself working in the area of Digital Marketing for a large multinational once I graduate.
- My primary goal for the future is to finish + current area, and then, once that’s done, move into + new area. That could be in + place/situation A + or + place/situation B, but I’m definitely planning to keep learning and developing in this area.
- My primary goal for the future is to finish my undergraduate degree in Marketing, and then, once that’s done, move into working for a fast-growing startup company. That could be in California or back home, but I’m definitely planning to keep learning and developing in this area.
Full Answer
Q: How do your studies relate to your future career goals?
A: Well, I’d always been a computer science nut, ever since I was a kid. I distinctly remember learning to code when I was a teenager, and that passion just never went away. So, my primary goal for the future is to finish my master’s degree, and then, once that’s done, move into the world of AI. That could be in my own company or an existing company, but I’m definitely planning to keep learning and developing in this area.
Category 3: Day To Day Experience
- Can you describe a typical day of studying for you?
- Are there any challenges you have encountered in your studies? (or) Is there anything that you dislike about your major?
- What do you like most about your studies? (or) Which part of your course do you enjoy the most?
Phrases:
- So, one of the main areas that I focus on in my major is + area. That usually involves + activity A, but we also have the opportunity to + activity B + with + important person
- So, one of the main areas that I focus on in my major is how to manage people in a company. That usually involves attending lectures, but we also have the opportunity to visit companies and discuss real cases with HR managers at those companies.
- I’d say my absolute favourite aspect of my major is + good part. I like it because it gives me the opportunity to + activity, and I feel that really helps me to deepen my understanding of the whole subject.
- I’d say my absolute favourite aspect of my major is lab work. I like it because it gives me the opportunity to put the theories that I’ve learned into practice, and I feel that really helps me to deepen my understanding of the whole subject.
- The part of my major that I really dread, but that is sadly unavoidable, is + area. I generally have to do that at least + frequency, and it doesn’t seem to get any easier with practice!
- The part of my major that I really dread, but that is sadly unavoidable, is writing essays. I generally have to do that at least once a month, and it doesn’t seem to get any easier with practice!
Full Answer
Q: Can you describe a typical day of studying for you?
A: So, one of the main areas that I focus on in my major is how to design marketing campaigns. That usually involves attending lectures, but we also have the opportunity to sit down 1-1 with our seminar leaders and discuss famous example cases from history. I like it because it gives me the opportunity to ask any questions that I have without the pressure of other people watching, and I feel that really helps me to deepen my understanding of the whole subject.
