This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 3 Test 4 question:
“Tell me about anything you didn’t like at your school.”
Sample 1
Reflecting on my school days, I think the thing that troubled me the most was the incessant stress. There was this relentless push to excel in every area – academics, sports, extracurricular activities – and it felt like there was little room for relaxation or simply enjoying our school days. The constant pressure, I believe, took a toll on many students’ mental health.
Sample 2
In my school, I found the absence of up-to-date facilities quite disheartening. For instance, our library was still filled with outdated resources, and the school didn’t have a good computer lab. In this digital age, it is crucial to provide students with the necessary technological tools, and our school fell short in that regard.
Sample 3
To be honest, one aspect of my school that irked me was the excessive focus on academics over extracurricular activities. The management often overlooked the importance of nurturing other skills like sports, arts, and cultural activities. As a result, we missed out on a well-rounded education.
Sample 4
During my time in school, I felt the lack of sufficient career guidance. We had very few sessions where we were given advice about future possibilities and career paths. I think it’s crucial to expose students to a broad spectrum of career choices early on, and sadly, my school didn’t prioritize that.
Sample 5
Well, I had a swell time at my high school, but if there’s one thing I wasn’t keen on, it would be the lack of practical learning experiences. We had plenty of theoretical classes and our teachers did their best to make them engaging. However, I felt somewhat short-changed because we didn’t engage in enough hands-on projects or field trips. This could have helped to apply what we were learning in real-life situations.
Sample 6
The stringent dress code was one aspect of my school that I wasn’t particularly fond of. While I understand the need for uniformity and discipline, I felt that the rules were a bit too rigid, stifling our individuality and personal expression.
Sample 7
One thing that I found lacking in my school was enough green spaces. As a nature enthusiast, I yearned for more open spaces with trees and plants where students could relax, study, or simply enjoy a bit of fresh air during breaks.
Sample 8
Honestly, this is a tough one, because I genuinely enjoyed my time at school. If I had to pick something, I suppose there were times when things got a tad monotonous. The same routine, day in, day out. But even in that monotony, there was a comforting predictability, a rhythm that I grew to appreciate. So, it’s hard for me to say I truly disliked anything about my school.
Sample 9
This one’s tricky because I truly cherished my time at school. However, if I had to nitpick, I might say that I wish there were more hands-on, practical learning experiences. But even so, I realize that theoretical knowledge forms the foundation for practical skills. So, while I yearned for more practical experiences, I wouldn’t say I disliked the focus on theory.
Sample 10
This is a tricky question for me because I genuinely can’t think of anything I didn’t like about my school. I had some of the best years of my life there. My friends were fantastic, the teachers were passionate and dedicated, and the facilities were excellent. Even the tiny details, like the school canteen or the library, were things I thoroughly enjoyed. So, I guess I’m just one of those people who loved everything about their school experience.
