Of course! Talking about a science subject is a very common topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1 and Part 2. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you structure your answers, use advanced vocabulary, and sound natural and fluent.

Part 1: Common Questions & Sample Answers
In Part 1, keep your answers concise but detailed (around 2-3 sentences). Use the "Yes/No + Reason + Example" structure.
Q1: Did you like science subjects when you were at school?
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Answer A (Positive):
Yes, absolutely. I was always fascinated by how science explains the world around us, from the laws of physics to the complexity of biology. For example, I remember being completely captivated by our chemistry lessons on chemical reactions; it felt like magic, but there was a logical reason for it all.
(图片来源网络,侵删) -
Answer B (Negative/Neutral):
To be honest, I didn't enjoy them as much as other subjects. I found some of the concepts, like advanced mathematics in physics, quite challenging and a bit dry. It wasn't that I disliked them, but I struggled to see their practical application in my daily life back then.
Q2: What science subject did you like best? Why?
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Answer (Biology):
(图片来源网络,侵删)My favourite was definitely biology. I loved learning about living organisms and how intricate and interconnected life is. For instance, studying the human body and understanding how different systems work together to keep us alive was simply amazing to me.
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Answer (Physics):
I was most drawn to physics. I found the idea of understanding the fundamental forces that govern the universe, like gravity and electromagnetism, incredibly compelling. It made me see the world in a completely different way, from the trajectory of a thrown ball to the orbit of the planets.
Q3: Is there any science subject that you don't like? Why?
- Answer (Chemistry):
I have to admit, I've never been a big fan of chemistry. While I respect its importance, I found the sheer amount of formulas, elements, and reactions to memorise quite overwhelming. It often felt more like a memory test than a subject about understanding principles.
Q4: Do you think people should study science at university?
- Answer (Balanced View):
I think it depends entirely on the individual's interests and career aspirations. For those who are genuinely passionate about discovery and innovation, studying science can be incredibly rewarding. However, it's a demanding field, and it's just as important for people to pursue humanities or arts if that's where their strengths and passions lie.
Part 2: Long Turn Cue Card
This is where you need to structure a longer, more detailed answer. Use the "Point, Explain, Example" (PEE) method for each of your points.
Cue Card:
Describe a science subject that you studied or that you find interesting. You should say:
- what the subject is
- when and where you studied it
- what you learned about it
- and explain why you find it interesting.
Sample Answer (Structure & Content)
(Introduction) I'd like to talk about Biology, the science of life, which I studied as a compulsory subject in high school and later chose as an elective. It’s a field that has always captivated me, and I find it endlessly fascinating.
(Point 1: What & Where) I was first formally introduced to biology in the 9th grade at my high school, and I continued to study it until the 12th grade. The classroom environment was a mix of theoretical lectures and, more excitingly, practical lab sessions.
(Point 2: What I Learned - The PEE Structure)
- (Point) During my studies, I learned a vast array of topics, ranging from the basic building blocks of life like cells and DNA to the complex interactions within entire ecosystems.
- (Explain) I remember being particularly engrossed in our unit on genetics. We learned about Mendel's laws of inheritance and how traits are passed down from one generation to the next through genes. It was like learning the language of life itself.
- (Example) A specific project that really brought this to life was when we had to create a family tree for a fictional character, mapping out dominant and recessive traits like eye colour or hair type. It was a practical application of a complex theory that made it much easier to understand.
(Point 3: Why I Find it Interesting - The PEE Structure)
- (Point) The primary reason I find biology so interesting is its direct relevance to our own existence and the world we live in.
- (Explain) It’s not just about abstract concepts; it's about understanding how our bodies work, how diseases spread, and how we can protect the environment. It connects everything, from a tiny microorganism to a massive blue whale.
- (Example) For instance, learning about the human digestive system was a real eye-opener. I suddenly understood the process behind something I do every day, and it made me appreciate how incredible and efficient our bodies are. It transformed my perspective from simply eating to understanding the amazing biological process that fuels me.
(Conclusion) In conclusion, biology is more than just a subject to me; it's a lens through which I view the world. It answers fundamental questions about life, and for that reason, I find it profoundly interesting and important.
Part 3: Follow-up Discussion Questions
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and opinion-based questions. You need to develop your ideas, discuss pros and cons, and speculate.
Q1: What's the difference between science and technology?
That's an excellent question. I see science as the pursuit of knowledge and understanding—it's about asking "why?" and "how?" Technology, on the other hand, is the practical application of that scientific knowledge to create tools, systems, and solutions to solve real-world problems. So, science is the foundation, and technology is the building we construct upon it. For example, the science of understanding electricity led to the technology of creating the light bulb.
Q2: Do you think scientific research should be funded by the government or private companies?
I believe a combination of both is ideal. Government funding is crucial for fundamental, long-term research that might not have an immediate commercial application but is vital for human progress, like studying climate change or dark matter. Private companies, however, are excellent at funding applied research with a clear market potential, such as developing new drugs or software. Relying on just one source could lead to an imbalance in the type of discoveries we make.
Q3: How do you think science will change our lives in the future?
I foresee science revolutionising our lives in several key areas. In medicine, I believe we'll see huge advancements in personalised medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual's genetic makeup, potentially curing diseases we currently consider chronic. In energy, the push for renewable sources like advanced solar and fusion power could make clean energy abundant and affordable, tackling climate change. Of course, these changes also raise important ethical questions that we'll need to address as a society.
Q4: Is it important for the general public to understand scientific concepts?
Absolutely. In today's world, we are constantly making decisions that have a scientific basis, whether it's about vaccinations, climate change policies, or the food we eat. A basic understanding of science empowers people to make informed choices, critically evaluate information they encounter online (and avoid misinformation), and participate meaningfully in democratic discussions about important issues that affect us all.
Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
Nouns:
- A fascinating subject: 一个迷人的学科
- A field of study: 一个研究领域
- An experiment / a lab experiment: 实验
- A theory / a hypothesis: 理论 / 假设
- A discovery / a breakthrough: 发现 / 突破
- Evidence / data: 证据 / 数据
- Innovation / invention: 创新 / 发明
- Genetics / biology / chemistry / physics: 遗传学 / 生物 / 化学 / 物理
Adjectives:
- Fascinating / captivating / intriguing: 迷人的 / 吸引人的 / 引起兴趣的
- Complex / complicated: 复杂的
- Challenging / demanding: 有挑战性的 / 要求高的
- Groundbreaking / cutting-edge: 开创性的 / 前沿的
- Logical / rational: 合乎逻辑的 / 理性的
- Empirical / evidence-based: 以经验为依据的 / 基于证据的
Verbs & Phrases:
- To conduct / carry out an experiment: 进行实验
- To make a discovery / a breakthrough: 取得发现 / 突破
- To test a hypothesis: 检验一个假设
- To analyse data / results: 分析数据 / 结果
- To unravel the mysteries of...: 揭开...的奥秘
- To have a profound impact on...: 对...产生深远影响
