Part 1 Studies

March 17, 2022

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Part 1 studies

How to talk about your studies in IELTS speaking part 1 with answers.

There is a big chance that this will be the first topic you meet in the IELTS speaking exam, so it’s very important to make sure you are familiar with all the question styles, and that you have the necessary vocabulary to do so with confidence. Make that first impression count!

Part 1 questions – Part 1 Studies

Are you a student, or are you working?

What do you study?

What’s your major?

Why did you choose this major? ( Choose is an irregular verb, so lets see if you can use the past tense of choose!)

Did your family influence you in your choice?

How did you make this choice?

What do you like most about your studies?

Does your study require the use of any technology?

Do you study better in the morning or afternoons?

Is there anything that you don’t enjoy about your studies?

What’s the most interesting part of your major?

What university do you go to?

What do you like most about your university or school?

Is there anything that you don’t like about it?

Do you prefer to study alone or with classmates?

Do you get along well with your classmates?

Does your school/university have any extracurricular activities?

Are you looking forward to working?

Are you a student, or are you working?

“I’m a student. I’m now in my third year of studying accounting in university.

What do you study? / What’s your major?

“I study economics, and I’m in my final year…..and will graduate at the end of this semester.

Why did you choose this major?

“I chose to study computer science as I have always loved anything to do with computers, and have always been fascinated with how computer software is developed.

“I chose accounting as a major mainly because I was always really good at maths, and my parents also thought it would be a suitable career for me.

Note; This is a question that many IELTS students make a mistake with. You chose your major before you actually studied it, so remember everything should be in the past tense. Also the verb ‘to choose’ ‘ is an irregular verb, with the past tense being ‘chose’. Now you can see how the examiner is already testing your use of basic grammar.

Did your family influence you in your choice?

“Yes, actually in (country name) family, especially parents,have a major influence on what major their child will take. My parents wanted me to choose a major that they thought would lead to a stable job in the future.

“Yes, to be honest I had always wanted to study art, as I love painting…… However, my parents insisted on me choosing accounting as my major, because they believed art would not lead to a secure future.

“Yes and no…..My parents certainly gave me some good advice, but left the final decision up to me. In fact, I remember my father telling me to choose something that I could really have a passion for, rather than ending up in a job I didn’t love.

How did you make the choice?

“Making the choice to study computer science was a very easy one for me, and to be honest it was always going to happen.

“Actually, when I graduated from high school, I didn’t really have any idea of what I wanted to study…… so, my parents kind of decided it for me.

What do you like most about your major/studies?

“I love learning new things about something that I am actually interested in…… I also love working on group projects with other classmates, where we are getting hands on experience rather than just studying boring theory.

Does your study require the use of any technology ?

“Most definitely yes…. I study computer science, so I’m using some form of technology just about every day for my studies. At the moment, we are studying different computer codes, which really requires me to have a pretty powerful computer.

“Well…. I certainly use technology to help with my studies…. I take my IPad to every class or lecture, and use it to take notes, as well as using it to research and type up assignments.

Do you study better in the morning or the afternoon?

“Mmmmm….i’m not really a morning person, and hate getting up too early for classes……so, i guess i’m at my best in the afternoon.

“I think, as long as I have had a good sleep the night before, I’m at my best in the mornings, and often feel a little tired by the afternoon.

Is there anything you don’t enjoy about your studies?

“Yes…. part of the major involves studying economics, which is something i find way too difficult, and have absolutely no interest in.

“Overall I’m pretty happy with my major, but….. Recently we have been getting more and more assignments, which are very time consuming, and I spend a lot of time burning the midnight oil trying to get them finished.

What university do you go to?

“I go to (enter full name of your university) also known as (what people call if for short)

“I go to Dublin City University, or DCU, which is I guess one of the most famous universities in the city.

What do you like most about your university? (not your major, but the actual university/college)

“I love the campus, which not only has a lot of history, but is very beautiful with lots of trees and grass areas where we can sit outside and study on a sunny day.

“I love all the extracurricular activities the college offers. I love sports and there are clubs for just about every kind of sport you can imagine. There are also many other activities which lead to a great social life….. And yes, even some great parties.

Is there anything that you don’t like about it?

‘If i had to think of something that i don’t like…. I guess it would be the canteen…… the food really isn’t good, and it’s a long walk to any outside restaurants.

“Mmmmm….. To be honest, no, I really can’t think of anything I don’t like about it….oh! Except, maybe it would be nice to have better aircon in the classrooms in the summertime.

Do you prefer to study alone or with classmates / as a group

“I think it depends, some of our assignments are group projects and we must work together, which I really enjoy. However, if i am trying to finish one of my assignments, i rather work alone without any distractions.

“I love studying with other classmates, and really find it helps me to understand everything better. Like people say…. 2 heads are better than 1 !

Do you get along well with your classmates?

“Yes, I get on great with my classmates and have made so many good friends here in the past 2 years. I think that’s one of the best things about my college.

Are you looking forward to working?

“I’m excited about the prospect of finding a job, and starting to make some money of course…. But…. I guess I’m also a little nervous thinking of the future, and actually being able to find a job in the present job market.