This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 1 Test 2 question:
“Did you like studying science when you were at school? [Why/Why not?]”
Sample 1: Yes
Yes, I genuinely enjoyed studying science during my school years. It was a subject that constantly piqued my curiosity and introduced me to the underlying principles of how the world works. I was particularly fascinated by the way scientific theories could be applied to real-life situations, making it an intellectually stimulating and practical field of study.
Sample 2: Yes
Absolutely! Science was my favorite subject in school due to its practical nature. I loved the hands-on approach, like conducting experiments and observing the results. This interactive method of learning kept me engaged and helped me develop my analytical and problem-solving skills.
Sample 3: Yes
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed studying science in school, as it provided me with a solid foundation to comprehend the interconnectedness of various phenomena in the world around me. It was particularly enthralling to learn about cutting-edge technologies and their applications. Additionally, I found the interdisciplinary nature of science quite appealing, as it allowed me to make connections between seemingly disparate subjects.
Sample 4: Yes
Undoubtedly, I was an ardent admirer of science during my school days. The subject sparked a sense of wonder and awe within me, as it revealed the intricate workings of our planet and the cosmos. Science also nurtured my problem-solving abilities and taught me the importance of evidence-based reasoning. On top of that, I was inspired by the stories of great scientists who made groundbreaking contributions to human progress.
Sample 5: No
Studying science in school was not my cup of tea, I must admit. While I appreciated the significance of scientific knowledge in our lives, I often found the subject matter to be rather dry and tedious. I tended to gravitate more towards creative fields such as literature and the arts, which offered me a greater sense of personal fulfillment and self-expression.
Sample 6: No
I must admit that I wasn’t too fond of studying science in school. The competitive atmosphere, with constant comparisons and a focus on grades, took away from the joy of learning. This pressure to perform well stifled my curiosity and made me less enthusiastic about exploring the fascinating world of science.
Sample 7: No
Truth be told, I didn’t have a strong affinity for science while I was in school. The subject seemed to rely heavily on memorization, which was not my strong suit. I found it difficult to retain the numerous facts, formulas, and figures, making it a less enjoyable learning experience for me.
Sample 8: No
Regrettably, I didn’t find science appealing during my school years, mainly because of the uninspiring teaching style. The teacher focused mostly on lectures, with little emphasis on practical demonstrations or real-life examples. This monochromatic approach made the subject seem dull and unrelatable to me.
Sample 9: Neutral
To be honest, I had a love-hate relationship with science subjects during my school years. On one hand, I was captivated by the astonishing discoveries and breakthroughs that shape our understanding of the universe. However, on the other hand, I occasionally struggled with complex mathematical equations and abstract concepts, which dampened my enthusiasm at times.
Sample 10: Neutral
My sentiments surrounding science during my school days could be best described as neutral. I acknowledged the importance of scientific investigation in shaping our understanding of the world, but I wasn’t particularly enthralled by the subject itself. In essence, I neither detested nor adored science, but viewed it as one of many fields of knowledge to explore.




