# Describe a subject you would like to learn: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Education

Describe a subject you would like to learn in the future.

You should say:
- what the subject is
- how you would learn it
- how difficult you think it would be
- and explain why you would like to learn it

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

A subject I'd really like to study in the future is psychology. I studied business at university, so I've never had a chance to learn about it properly, but I've always been interested about why people behave the way they do.

I think I would learn it through an online course first, because I work full-time and I can't go back to university at the moment. There are some good courses from well-known universities that you can do in your free time, with video lectures and small assignments. If I enjoy it, maybe later I would do a part-time diploma or even a master's degree.

As for how difficult it would be, I think some parts would be easier than others. The theories about personality and memory sound quite interesting, so I think I would enjoy reading about them. But I know psychology also includes a lot of statistics and research methods, and to be honest, maths has never been my strong point. So I'd probably have to work quite hard on that side.

The main reason I want to learn it is because of my job. I work in sales, and every day I have to deal with customers who have very different personalities. Some are relaxed, some are very demanding, and I think if I understood people better, I could communicate with them more effectively. Also, on a personal level, I think it would help me understand my own feelings, like why I get stressed in certain situations. I think it's one of those subjects that is useful in almost every part of life.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer is coherent and relevant, giving practical reasons linked to the speaker's job. Vocabulary is good ("my strong point", "research methods", "demanding", "on a personal level"), but "I think" is used very often and the reasons are developed in a fairly simple way. There are typical errors: "interested about why" (rather than "interested in why") and a mixed conditional, "If I enjoy it, maybe later I would do" (rather than "I'll do"). Band 8 would add more precise, idiomatic language and a more varied, confident way of expressing opinions.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-a-subject-you-would-like-to-learn).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.