Of course! Talking about your favorite teacher is a classic and excellent IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic. It allows you to showcase your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to tell a story.

Here’s a complete guide to help you ace this topic, including a sample answer, key vocabulary, and tips.

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe your favorite teacher. You should say:

• who this teacher is
• what subject he/she taught
• what qualities he/she had
• and explain why he/she was your favorite teacher.

How to Structure Your Answer

A good structure will make your answer clear, coherent, and easy to follow. Use the P.E.E.L. method for each point you make:

• P - Point: State your main idea clearly.
• E - Example: Give a specific example or story to illustrate your point.
• E - Explain: Explain why this example is important or how it affected you.
• L - Link: Link this point back to the main topic (why he/she was your favorite).

Sample Answer (Band 8-9 Level)

(Introduction - Who & What) Alright, I'd like to talk about my favorite teacher from high school. Her name was Ms. Wang, and she was my English literature teacher. I had her for my final two years of high school, and she completely changed my perspective on the subject.

(Main Body - Qualities & Why) The main reason she was so special was her passion and enthusiasm for the subject. She didn't just teach us the facts; she made the stories come alive. For example, when we were studying Shakespeare's Macbeth, instead of just having us read the text, she organized a role-playing session. She assigned us different characters, and we had to act out key scenes in front of the class. This was a brilliant way to help us understand the complex emotions and motivations of the characters. It wasn't about memorizing lines; it was about feeling the drama.

Another quality I really admired was her patience and encouragement. I was always a very shy student, and I was terrified of speaking up in class. I remember once, we had a class discussion about a poem, and I had a strong opinion but was too afraid to share it. Ms. Wang noticed my hesitation. After class, she gently asked me what I thought. I shared my ideas with her, and she was so impressed. She told me I had a very unique and insightful perspective and encouraged me to share it with everyone the next day. The fact that she took the time to notice my quietness and build my confidence meant the world to me. It taught me that it's okay to be vulnerable and that my voice matters.

(Conclusion - Explain why favorite) So, why was she my favorite teacher? It wasn't just because she was knowledgeable. It was because she went the extra mile. She made learning an active and enjoyable experience rather than a chore. She didn't just teach us English; she taught us about empathy, critical thinking, and self-belief. Those lessons are far more valuable than any textbook, and I carry them with me to this day. She was a true inspiration, and I'll always be grateful for the impact she had on my life.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases (Grouped by Theme)

Using varied and advanced vocabulary is key to a high score.

Describing the Teacher's Personality

• Enthusiastic: Full of energy and interest.
• Passionate: Showing or caused by strong feelings or beliefs.
• Insightful: Having a deep and accurate understanding.
• Patient: Able to stay calm and not get annoyed.
• Encouraging: Giving someone the confidence to do something.
• Dedicated: Working hard on something because it is important.
• Inspirational: Providing someone with new and creative ideas.
• Approachable: Friendly and easy to talk to.
• Knowledgeable: Having a lot of knowledge or information.
• Charismatic: Attracting and holding people's interest.

Describing the Teaching Style

• Engaging: Attracting and keeping your attention.
• Interactive: Involving talking or doing things with other people.
• Dynamic: Full of energy and new ideas.
• Innovative: Introducing new ideas; original and creative.
• Student-centered: Focusing on the needs of the students.
• Went the extra mile: Made a special effort to do something.
• Made the subject come alive: Made it seem exciting and real.
• Challenging but fair: Difficult in a way that makes you learn, but with reasonable standards.

Describing Your Feelings & Impact

• Inspired: Made me want to do something or be better.
• Motivated: Made me want to work hard.
• Boost my confidence: Made me feel more sure of myself.
• A profound impact: A deep and lasting effect.
• Shaped my perspective: Changed the way I think about something.
• Instill a love for...: To gradually cause someone to have a particular feeling or quality.
• I'll always be grateful for... I will always feel thankful for...
• A true inspiration: Someone who motivates others.

Tips for a High Score

1. Tell a Story: Don't just list adjectives. Use the "P.E.E.L." method to weave a short, specific story. The story about the Macbeth role-play and the shy student in the discussion is much more memorable than just saying "she was enthusiastic and patient."
2. Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of saying "she was very kind," show it by describing a situation where she was kind, like the example of encouraging the shy student.
3. Use Connectors: Use linking words to make your answer flow smoothly.
   • Adding more ideas: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Not only... but also...
   • Giving examples: For instance, For example, A case in point is...
   • Explaining consequences: As a result, Consequently, This meant that...
   • Concluding: Overall, All in all, To sum up...
4. Be Enthusiastic: Your body language and tone of voice should match your words. If you're talking about a "passionate" teacher, you should sound passionate too!
5. Connect to the Present: Briefly mention how this teacher influenced you even after you left their class. This shows the long-term impact, which is a very mature way to answer. (e.g., "I still use the critical thinking skills she taught me today.")

Good luck with your IELTS preparation! You've got this.