EDUCATION

sth. be an arduous process= sth. be a tiring process that requires a great deal
of effort

Attending a university with a toptier reputation often is an arduous but rewarding process.

be very rewarding= making someone feel satisfied

Teaching can he a very rewarding career. It allows teachers to have an input in the
development of young lives.

someones aspiration / pursuit = someones strong wish for achievement

The educational aspirations/pursuits of rural youth tend to be different from those of students
living elsewhere.

concentrate on sth. = direct someones thoughts or attention towards sth.

Some people think it is more effective to educate boys and girls in singlesex schools because
they believe this environment reduces distractions and encourage pupils to concentration their
studies.

form the basis of sth. = provide the ideas or actions from which sth. can develop
Traditional ways of teaching form the basis of the lesson.

use lateral thinking = use a creative approach to solving problems

Using lateral thinking the students can solve problems in an unconventional manner

rely on linear thinking = depend on habits of thought in which one idea follows
directly from another one

The students should not rely on linear thinking habits. Instead, they should think more
innovatively.

break the mould = change a situation by doing sth. unprecedented

He made an attempt to break the mould of British politics.

academic performance = how good or bad a student is academically

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

Tylers academic performance has been disappointing.

academic qualifications = the degrees, diplomas and certificates that someone

has acquired

Today academic: qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable career.

standardised test = tests that are designed to give each testtaker the same
questions in the same format

High scores on standardised tests are not necessarily the best indicator of giftedness

Lessons last for a standardised 50 minutes and are always followed by a 10minute break,
which gives the pupils a chance to let off steam.

be gifted / be talented = has an impressive natural ability

In the process of being educated we can learn from the achievements of those more gifted than
ourselves.

rote memorization = a learning technique that focuses on learning by repetition

Rote memorisation is not entirely useless. It can help children to learn the basics such as the
multiplication tables.

learn sth. by heart = learn sth. so that you can remember it perfectly
The view of repetitively boring lessons and learning the facts by heart may be unfair and
unjustified.

read extensively = read widely

Some people argue that examinations do not motivate students to read extensively.

induce cramming = cause students to prepare hastily for an examination

It concerns some parents that these examinations may induce cramming.

ignorance = lack of knowledge about a particular subject

No one minds mistakes or ignorance as long as you are prepared to learn from them.

standard of upright conduct = standard of honest and responsible behavior

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

At school students should be taught respect for the rights of others and standards of upright
conduct.

students autonomy = students right to organise their own activities

Students autonomy should be encouraged when there are not enough teachers to go around.

self-discipline = the ability to make oneself do things when he/she should, even if
he/she does not want to do them

Lydia lacks selfdiscipline and is unable to finish anything.

role model = a person whom someone admires and whose behaviour and attitudes
he/she tries to copy

My elder brother has always been a role model for me.

set a good example= encourage or inspire people to do the same thing as one
does
meet someones expectations = be as good as expected
His academic performance failed to meet his parents expectations,

fall short of someones expectations = be disappointing to someone

Jamie kept falling short of my expectations.

cannot be guaranteed success = There is no assurance that something will be

a success.

So far no teaching methods can be guaranteed success.

cover a lot of ground = (of subjects or courses) deal with much information and
many facts

Weve covered a lot of ground in this class in the past couple of months

be well-rounded = have a wide variety of experiences in life

Shes a weHrounded person who not only works hard but also has a varied

comprehensive coverage of sth. = include many details or aspects of sth.

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

The impression is that the logical nature of the textbooks and their comprehensive coverage of
different types of examples renders work sheets unnecessary.

self-paced learning / education = learning whose rate of speed can be set or

regulated by the students themselves

Selfpaced distance learning offers students convenience and flexibility.

core curriculum = the set of common courses that are required of all students
The core curriculum provides the necessary general education for students, irrespective of their
fields of interest.

the aims of education = the purpose of education

The aims of education should not be restricted to the development of knowledge or skill.

academic attainment = sth. that students succeeded in doing in class

Japan has a significantly better record in terms of average mathematical attainment than
England and Wales.

specialise in sth. = be an expert of a particular part of a subject

Grant Freeman, a biologist who specialjses in identifying insects, has come to talk to us about
his current research work.

extra-curricular activities = activities that are not part of the course that a
student is doing

These extracurricular activities offer students an outlet for creativity and problemsolving,

promote equality = ensure the same conditions, possibilities and rights

Some people believe that uniforms can promote equality and encourage better behaviour at
school.

repress individuality = discourage qualities that make someone or something

different from all others

School uniforms may repress individuality and deny students the freedom of choice.

co-education = a system in which students of both sexes are educated together

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

Some people believe that coeducation can make children feel more comfortable in the
company of the opposite sex.

a single sex school = an allboys or allgirls school

Some people argue that single sex schools impose abnormal conditions upon children.

mixed-ability class = class involving students of different abilities

It is remarkable that large mixedability classes could be kept together for maths throughout all
their compulsory schooling. {I

distinguish sb./sth. from = recognise differences between people or things

Importantly, our commonly held feelings can help distinguish us from other cultures,

anti-social behaviour = behaviour that lacks consideration for others and may
cause damage to society

Even though the great majority of students are wellbehaved, there is a small minority that
engage in antisocial behaviour.

be well-behaved = behave in a polite or socially acceptable way

Apart from a very small minority, the students are wellbehaved.

adolescence = the period of your life from in which you develop from being a child
into being an adult

The book deals with the joys and sorrows of adolescence

a healthy/positive outlook on life = a healthy/positive way of

understanding and thinking about life

A health outlook on life can help students to succeed both academically and socially.

well-adjusted adults = adults who can act with good judgment

Educators should ensure that todays students will become productive and welladjusted adults
of tomorrow.

drop out of school = quit school before graduation

In this country, each year many students are forced to drop out of school.

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

 skip school = avoid attendance at school
Some students skip school because they dislike the material taught in class.

come of age= become an adult

In some countries, to come of age means to reach the age when someone is legally recognized
as an adult and is legally responsible for his/her own behaviour.

be bilingual = be able to speak two languages well or involve two languages

Donna appreciates she had the chance to be bilingual.

be monolingual = speak or use only one language

Experts believe that people who speak two languages have a clear learning advantage over
their monolingual schoolmates.

slack off = make less of an effort than usual

Its about time you stopped slacking off and did some work.

apply oneself = work hard with a great deal of attention for a long time
Im sure you can solve the problem if you apply yourself

disruptive students = students who do not obey rules

His teacher described him as a disruptive student always distracting other children

unruly students = students who are difficult to control

Megan had an unruly class of adolescents on Thursday.

act up = behave badly; misbehave

Ricky sometimes likes to act up in class.

indiscipline = a lack of control or obedience

The coach apologised for his teams indiscipline

meet the demand of... = satisfy a certain need or desire

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

Economic globalization requires more culturallycompetent university graduates who can meet
the new market demands.

be geared to sth. - be in accordance with another thing

Education should be geared to the students needs and abilities.

inform sb. about sth. = give sb. information about sth.

Studying geography informs us about the different kinds of relationships that develop between
a particular environment and the people who live there.

put theory into practice = start to use a theory and see if it is effective
The workshop helps students to put theory into practice. They can test their ideas or plans for
practical applications there.

first-hand experience = experience that has been gained by doing sth. yourself
By doing experiments, students acquired firsthand experience with the periodic table of the
chemical elements.

the responsibility for sth. falls on sb. = someones duty is to do sth.

The responsibility for educating children used to fall both on parents and on teachers.

the responsibility for sth. rests with sb. = someones duty is to do sth.
The responsibility for limiting childrens access to violence on TV rests with the parents,

shirk ones responsibilities for sth. = deliberately avoid doing sth. that one
should do

Parents should not shirk their responsibilities for educating their children.

fulfil ones responsibilities = perform or carry out ones responsibilities

Parents should fulfil their responsibilities and monitor their childrens TV viewing and Internet
use.

deny sb. the freedom to do sth. = do not give sb. the opportunity or the
power to do sth.

There is no reason to deny students the freedom to choose subjects that interest and motivate
them.

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

 compulsory subject = a subject that must be studied by all students
It is recognised as an important compulsory subject throughout schooling.

kindle someones interest in sth. = make someone interested in sth.

The students interest in mathematics was kindled by Emmas excellent

optional subjects / courses = subjects / courses that may be chosen or not

chosen

They believe that at the secondary level, all students should take Math and English, but other
subjects can be optional.

There is no substitute for sb. / sth. = sb./sth. is irreplaceable

There is no substitute for a facetoface relationship with a caring and wellinformed teacher.

distance learning = a flexible form of learning where students can study from
home, work or on the move

The biggest advantage of distance learning programmes is their accessibility.

Compromise
I. = an agreement between two sides who have different opinions or different needs
II. =risk losing sth. important

1/ All classroom learning is, in fact, a compromise between the different needs of various
students.

2/ The modifications might compromise safety in some way.

happy medium = a middle position

Theres a happy medium between studying all the time and not studying at all.

be sb. s mentor = an experienced person who gives advice to sb.

Be sb.s peer = someone who is of the same age as sb. Else
They are entering a wider community where teachers and peers will have just as much
influences as their parents do at home.

take someone under sb. s wing = help someone, especially someone who is
younger and less experienced

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

My mentor took me under her wing at a time when I needed her most.

burn the midnight oil = work very late into the night
Abigail has to get the report finished by tomorrow so shell be burning the midnight oil tonight.

study intensively = study in a highly concentrated manner

Many parents are concerned that examoriented education may restrict students creativity and
cause students to study too intensively.

adolescent(s)/juvenile(s)/youngster(s)/youth(s) physical and psychological soundness (or well

n. being/welfare)

adolescent adj. promote the students physical, psychological

parenting/upbringing n.
schooling n.
aptitude/talent (for) n.
cultivate/foster/nurture v.
specialist n.
allrounded/wellrounded/versatile adj.
awareness/sense/recognition n.
the development of students personality and
values
mould (or mold) ones character
mould (or mold) sb. into sth.
a (or the ) sense of responsibility (or
duty/obligation)
improve moral standard
instill high moral values in (or into) sb.
values and attitudes prevalent among sb.
help the young foster the morally sound values
and outlook on the world and life
(or mental), intellectual and
emotional development
make contributions to social progress
contribute to societal wellbeing (or welfare)
achieve life value
pedagogy (n.)(pedagogical (or teaching)
methodology
educational adj.
inspiring adj.
impart knowledge (to sb.)/inculcate knowledge
(in/into/upon sb.)
obtain (or acquire) knowledge and skills
students command (or grasp) of sth.
motivated adj.
give the students motivation to do
sth./motivate the students to do sth.
initiative n.
reasoning ability

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

analysing skills and problemsolving ability adaptability n.

research skills adapt to sth./ adjust oneself to sth. / become

accustomed to sth.
creative/original adj.
peer pressure
creativity/originality n.
create (or beget) undue pressure
creative thinking
adversity (n.)/adverse circumstances
critical thinking
indiscipline/misbehaviour (or misbehavior
encourage the students to think critically
unruly (or disobedient/disruptive) students
think independently
Examinations are one of the most common
communication and social skills methods of measuring learning in
team spirit
education systems throughout the world.
stie (or extinguish/constrain) students There are clearly certain advantages to
creativity exams, but they also have clear drawbacks.
frustrate the students the performance of testtakers
dampen the students enthusiasm testwise candidates
learn sth. through understanding focus only on aspects of the curriculum that are
learn things by rote likely to be tested

memorise (or memorize) for memorisations (or proper and objective assessment of
memorizations) ownn sake achievement

memorise (or memorize) Exams need to be carefully designed and

equations/formulas/theorems/laws supplemented with other forms of assessment.

forcefeed the students

... should not be treated as passive receptacles subject n.

of predigested ideas syllabus n.
follow...blindly (or indiscriminately) curriculum n.
learneroriented adj. extracurricular activities
students feedback discipline n.
interactive adj. humanities n. social sciences n. arts n. liberal
students evaluate (or appraise) their teachers arts/studies sciences n.
performance theoretical knowledge

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

academic studies Generation gap

primarylevel (or elementarylevel), secondary Indulge in

level or tertiarylevel education
Play truant /skip school /cut class
vocational education (or training)
School shootings
degree factory
Broaden ones horizons
apply sth. to...
The hardship and bitterness of life
practical and professional skills
Appropriate advice and guidance
employable (or marketable) skills
Cultivate independence
a (or the) competitive edge
A good habit of frugality
become competitive in the job market
Distinguish right from wrong
qualify v.
Shoulder the responsibility of
qualied employees
Be prone to
A school is society in miniature.
Go astray

Cast a shadow on ones heart

Resist the temptation of

Compulsory education
Interpersonal skills
Vocational education
Peer pressure
Academic performance
Formative years
Nonacademic performance
Physically and emotionally immature
Puppy/ calf love
A sense of superiority
Corporal punishment
Socially adaptable
Tuition fee parents supervision
Adjust teaching methods
Individual tutorship
Exert a negative impact on
Turning point
Juvenile crime
The pursuit of knowledge
A sense of belonging
Maintain/ disrupt classroom order
Qualified and experienced teachers
Coeducational/ single sex establishment
First class teaching facilities

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

The Internet will never replace traditional course books in schools.How far do
you agree with this prediction?

There is a huge range of resources available to the modern teacher, and the right selection is
crucial in delivering effective lessons. I agree that there will always be a place for course books
in the school curriculum, despite the many benefits of the Internet.

Firstly, course books (whether conventional or digital) have been developed by pedagogical
experts and designed to be incorporated into a subject syllabus, leading to testing procedures
such as formal examinations or continuous assessment. This means that they are proven to
improve students academic achievement, enhancing their potential for progression to further
or higher education. Furthermore, the use of modern course books allows pupils to coordinate
their studies as part of group work, hopefully making their lessons less teacher-led and more
about autonomous learning. This in itself teaches study skills such as independent research
and synthesising sources, rather than old-fashioned rote-learning. This is where the Internet, in
fact, can play a useful part: to supplement and add to knowledge which the students are
assimilating via their course books. However, it is the role of teachers and school management
generally to ensure that use of the Internet remains a guided learning process, and not an
exercise in data-gathering from Internet sources which may be unreliable or even misleading.

It is true that the Internet can be invaluable for adults (for example in distance learning or self-
study modules) who are able to discriminate between sources and sift information to marshal
their facts. However, this is a mature skill and we should not assume that school age pupils are
ready to do this.

Overall, it appears that course books, with their quality and depth of material, are set to
remain an integral part of the syllabus. The internet can be judged a useful supplement to this,
if used carefully and under supervision.

06.10.14=11.08.13 Some people think the main purpose of schools is to turn the children into good
citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this opinion?

2014.04.12 Some say that the purpose of education is to prepare individuals to be useful to the society.
Others say that the purpose of education is to achieve personal ambitions. Discuss both these views
and give your own opinion.

2007.12.08 Many people believe that main aim for university education is help graduates to find better
job, while some people believe that university education has wider benefit for individual and society.
Discuss both view and give your opinion.

10.07.31 Some people believe that university students should pay all the cost of studies because
university education only benefit the students themselves not the society as a whole. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?

IELTS speaking and writing Corner

08.01.26 In countries where there is a high rate of unemployment, most pupils should be offered only
primary education. There is no point in offering secondary education to those who have no hope of
finding a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

08.12.13 Some people believe that a country benefits greatly with a high percentage of young people
who go to university, while others argue that it only leads to graduate unemployment. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.

07.09.01 = 130309 Some people think that studying in a college or university is the best way for students
to prepare for their future career. But others think they should leave school as soon as possible to
develop their career through work experience. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

09.09.05 Some people think young people should go to university to further their education while others
think they should be encouraged to work as car mechanics or builders etc. to serve society. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.

11.09.03 The qualities a person needs to become successful in todays world cannot be learned at a
university or any similar academic institution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

12.02.25 Fulltime university students need to spend a lot of time on study, but it is essential to get
involved in other activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

07.10.13 Some employers think that formal academic qualifications are more important than life
experiences and personal qualities when they look for an employee. Why is it the case? Is it a positive or
negative development?

050312 It is generally believed that education is of vital importance to the development of individuals
and the wellbeing of societies. What should education consist of to fulfill both these functions?

08.07.05 Nowadays, more university students choose to study some practical subjects (such as
marketing, computer programming, etc.) instead of theoretical subjects (such as economy, math, and
chemistry). Some people suggest that universities should focus on practical subjects, but not theoretical
subjects. What do you agree or not agree?

05.05.28 Nowadays, some universities offer graduate students skills that assist to find employment, but
some people believe the main function of a university should be to access knowledge for its sake.
Whats your opinion?

07.01.13 Some people think universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills
needed in the workplace in the future. Others think the true function of the university is to give access
to knowledge for its own sake. What do you think are the main functions of a university?

09.10.24 Some people think university education should prepare students for employment. Other
people think university has other functions. Discuss both views and what do you think the function of
university education.

IELTS speaking and writing Corner