Describe a teacher who influenced you
Describe a teacher who influenced you.
You should say:
- who the teacher was
- what subject they taught
- what they were like
And explain how this teacher influenced you.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Choose one memorable habit or moment of the teacher. It brings the description to life.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| Who the teacher was | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What subject they taught | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What they were like | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain how this teacher influenced you. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
The teacher who influenced me most was Mr Ahmed, who taught me history in my last two years of secondary school.
Before his classes I found history really boring; it was just dates and names to memorise for exams. He completely changed that. He taught history as a series of stories and arguments, and he'd often start a lesson by asking a question like, "Was this war inevitable?" and then make us debate it using evidence.
As a person, he was calm, slightly eccentric and very patient. He always wore the same old brown jacket, and he never raised his voice, but everyone listened when he spoke. He also took time to talk to students individually, which was unusual in a class of forty.
He influenced me in two big ways. First, he taught me to question information and look for evidence, which is useful far beyond history. Second, he encouraged me to enter a debating competition, which gave me confidence in public speaking that I still rely on at work today.
About 172 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- completely changed that
- a series of stories and arguments
- slightly eccentric
- raised his voice
- took time to
- far beyond
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- What qualities make a good teacher?
- Will online learning ever replace teachers?
- Should teachers be paid more?
- Is it better for students to have strict or relaxed teachers?
- How has the role of teachers changed in recent years?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.