Of course! Talking about your favorite teacher is a very common and high-scoring topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2. It allows you to showcase a range of vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling skills.

Here is a complete guide to help you ace this topic, including a sample answer, key vocabulary, and useful structures.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

You will have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes on the following topic:

Describe your favorite teacher.

You should say:

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

How to Structure Your Answer

A great way to structure your 2-minute answer is to follow the points on the cue card in order. This ensures you cover everything and don't get lost.

1. Introduction: Start with a direct answer. State who the teacher was and give a brief, positive first impression.
2. Who & What: Explain who they were (e.g., name, which school/level) and what subject they taught. You can add a little detail about the subject itself.
3. Qualities (The Main Body): This is the most important part. Dedicate one or two sentences to each quality you admired. Use specific examples! Don't just say "he was nice"; say "he was incredibly patient, especially when I struggled with a complex math problem."
4. Why Favorite (The Conclusion): This is your "explain" part. Summarize the impact this teacher had on you. Did they change your perspective on a subject? Did they inspire you? Did they help you personally? This is where you make your answer memorable.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9 Level)

(Note: This answer is detailed and uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Aim for this level.)

"If I had to pick my favorite teacher from my school days, it would undoubtedly be my high school English literature teacher, Mr. Davies. He wasn't just a teacher; he was a true mentor who completely changed my perspective on reading and writing.

Mr. Davies taught us English Literature for two years, during my final years of high school. At first, I thought the subject would be quite dry and boring, just full of old books and complicated theories. But Mr. Davies had a way of bringing those classic novels and poems to life. He had a real passion for the subject, and it was absolutely infectious.

There were several qualities about him that I really admired. Firstly, he was incredibly enthusiastic. He would walk into the classroom with so much energy, his eyes lighting up as he discussed the characters and themes. He didn't just teach us what was in the book; he taught us why it mattered. Secondly, he was exceptionally patient and encouraging. I remember I had to give a presentation on a Shakespearean sonnet, and I was terrified of public speaking. He spent extra time with me after class, helping me to break down the language and build my confidence. He never made me feel silly for asking questions.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, he was a brilliant storyteller. He could make a 400-year-old play feel like a blockbuster movie. He would use different voices for the characters and even act out scenes, which made the learning process incredibly engaging and fun.

The main reason he was my favorite teacher was that he didn't just teach us a subject; he taught us how to think critically and express ourselves. He showed me that literature wasn't about memorizing facts, but about understanding the human experience. Because of him, I developed a lifelong love for reading and writing. He inspired me to pursue a degree in the humanities, and I truly believe he played a huge role in shaping the person I am today. For that, I will always be grateful."

Key Vocabulary & Phrases (Use these to boost your score)

Nouns (to describe qualities):

• Enthusiasm / Passion: A great love or interest for something.
• Patience: The ability to stay calm and not get annoyed.
• Dedication: Hard work and loyalty to a task or purpose.
• Creativity: The ability to use your imagination to create new things.
• Wisdom: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
• Mentor: An experienced person who advises and guides you.
• Inspiration: Someone or something that gives you ideas or makes you want to do something.
• Charisma: A compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.

Adjectives (to describe the teacher):

• Enthusiastic: Full of energy and interest.
• Passionate: Showing or caused by strong feelings or beliefs.
• Patient: Able to stay calm and wait for a long time.
• Dedicated: Working hard at something because it is important.
• Knowledgeable: Knowing a lot about a subject.
• Insightful: Having a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complex subject.
• Approachable: Friendly and easy to talk to.
• Inspirational: Providing someone with new and creative ideas.
• Charismatic: Exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.

Useful Idioms & Phrases:

• "Brought a subject to life": Made something exciting and interesting.
• "Had a way with...": Was very skilled at dealing with something (e.g., "He had a way with words").
• "It was infectious": His enthusiasm spread to others.
• "Shaped the person I am today": Had a big influence on my personality and life.
• "I'll always be grateful for...": I will always feel thankful for...
• "Light up": To become happy and excited (e.g., "His eyes would light up when he talked about poetry").
• "A lightbulb moment": When you suddenly understand something (e.g., "He had a way of creating lightbulb moments for us").

Part 3: Follow-up Questions

The examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to your answer. Be prepared to discuss the role of teachers in general.

Potential Part 3 Questions:

1. What are the most important qualities for a good teacher?

   • You could talk about patience, communication skills, passion for their subject, and the ability to adapt to different learning styles.

2. Do you think technology will replace teachers in the future?

   • This is a "yes/no" question, but you should give a balanced answer. Explain that technology is a great tool for learning (e.g., online resources, videos), but it can't replace human teachers who provide motivation, emotional support, and personalized feedback.

3. Is it more important for a teacher to be friendly or strict?

   • You can argue that a balance is best. A friendly teacher builds rapport and makes students feel comfortable, but a certain level of strictness is necessary to maintain discipline and ensure students meet academic standards.

4. How has the role of a teacher changed compared to the past?

   • In the past, teachers were mainly seen as sources of information. Today, with the internet, students can find information themselves. So, the modern teacher's role is more about being a facilitator, a critical thinking guide, and a mentor.

By preparing your Part 2 answer with specific examples and rich vocabulary, and by thinking about these Part 3 questions, you will be very well-prepared for this topic. Good luck