Sign in Get Started

Describe a subject you used to dislike but now have interest in

Archived Old Topic

Cue Card

Describe a subject you used to dislike but now have interest in

You should say:

  • What the subject is
  • Why you disliked it
  • What you find interesting about it
  • And explain how you became interested in it

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. Do you think learning many subjects at once is better than focusing on just one subject?
  2. Do you think learning lots of different subjects could beneficial for your career?
  3. What subjects are more practical to learn nowadays?
  4. Do you think teachers should adopt an entertaining teaching style?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I used to think gardening was the most boring thing in the world. I mean, what's the point of getting your hands dirty and watching plants grow? It seemed like a total snooze-fest. But then my grandma passed away and left me her garden. I was about to get rid of it, but something about it felt wrong. So, I decided to give it a shot. I started with just watering the plants, but soon I found myself actually enjoying it. There's something therapeutic about nurturing something and watching it grow. Now, I'm hooked. I spend hours every weekend tending to my garden, and I even started a small vegetable patch. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually excited to see what my tomatoes are going to look like this season.

I think what changed for me was realizing that gardening isn't just about the end result, it's about the process. It's about getting your hands dirty, feeling the sun on your skin, and being connected to nature. It's meditative, in a way. And, it's also a great way to relax and unwind after a long week. I've even started experimenting with different types of plants and gardening techniques, which has been really fun. Who knew I had a green thumb?

I'm not gonna lie, I still have days where I don't feel like gardening. But, the more I do it, the more I realize how much I enjoy it. It's become a part of my routine, and I feel lost without it. I've even started a small gardening community in my neighborhood, where we share tips and advice. It's been amazing to connect with like-minded people who share my passion. I never thought I'd say this, but gardening has become one of my favorite things to do.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

get your hands dirty
to get involved in something and do the hard work necessary to achieve something
I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and fix the problem myself.
She's not just a manager, she's willing to get her hands dirty and help her team.
hooked
completely interested or attracted to something
I'm hooked on that new TV show, I've watched the whole season in one weekend.
She's hooked on coffee, she can't start her day without it.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think learning many subjects at once is better than focusing on just one subject? Honestly, I used to think that focusing on just one subject was the way to go. I mean, if you're really passionate about something, shouldn't you just dive in headfirst and become an expert? But the more I've learned about different subjects, the more I realize how interconnected they are. For example, I used to hate math, but then I started learning about physics and how it applies to the real world, and suddenly math didn't seem so boring anymore. It was actually kind of cool. So, I think learning many subjects at once can be beneficial because it helps you see the bigger picture and make connections between things that might seem unrelated at first.

Do you think learning lots of different subjects could beneficial for your career? I definitely think that learning lots of different subjects can be beneficial for your career. I mean, the job market is changing so fast these days, and companies are looking for people who are adaptable and can think outside the box. If you have a broad range of skills and knowledge, you're more likely to be able to pivot and adjust to new situations. Plus, having a diverse set of skills can make you a more interesting and dynamic employee. For instance, I used to think that my interest in art was unrelated to my career goals, but now I realize that it's actually helped me develop my creativity and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in any field.

What subjects are more practical to learn nowadays? I think that subjects like computer science and data analysis are really practical to learn nowadays. I mean, technology is advancing so fast, and it's becoming more and more integrated into every aspect of our lives. Having a basic understanding of how computers work and how to analyze data can be super valuable in any field. Plus, it's not just about being able to code or do math – it's about being able to think critically and solve problems. For example, I used to think that computer science was just for tech geeks, but now I realize that it's actually a really versatile field that can be applied to everything from healthcare to finance to environmental science.

Do you think teachers should adopt an entertaining teaching style? I think that teachers should definitely try to make learning fun and engaging. I mean, when I was in school, I used to hate sitting in a classroom and listening to a teacher drone on and on. But when I had teachers who were passionate and enthusiastic about the subject matter, it made all the difference. They were able to convey their excitement and make the subject come alive, which made me more interested and motivated to learn. For instance, I had a physics teacher who used to do these crazy experiments in class, and it made the subject so much more interesting and interactive. It's not just about conveying information – it's about inspiring curiosity and a love of learning.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

headfirst
to do something suddenly and without thinking carefully
I used to think that focusing on just one subject was the way to go. I mean, if you're really passionate about something, shouldn't you just dive in headfirst and become an expert?
bigger picture
the overall situation or problem, rather than just a small part of it
But the more I've learned about different subjects, the more I realize how interconnected they are. For example, I used to hate math, but then I started learning about physics and how it applies to the real world, and suddenly math didn't seem so boring anymore. It was actually kind of cool. So, I think learning many subjects at once can be beneficial because it helps you see the bigger picture and make connections between things that might seem unrelated at first.
think outside the box
to think creatively and come up with new and original ideas
I definitely think that learning lots of different subjects can be beneficial for your career. I mean, the job market is changing so fast these days, and companies are looking for people who are adaptable and can think outside the box.
pivot
to change direction or plans suddenly
If you have a broad range of skills and knowledge, you're more likely to be able to pivot and adjust to new situations.
problem-solving skills
the ability to find solutions to problems
For instance, I used to think that my interest in art was unrelated to my career goals, but now I realize that it's actually helped me develop my creativity and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in any field.
drone on and on
to talk or speak in a boring and uninteresting way
I think that teachers should definitely try to make learning fun and engaging. I mean, when I was in school, I used to hate sitting in a classroom and listening to a teacher drone on and on.
come alive
to become more interesting or exciting
They were able to convey their excitement and make the subject come alive, which made me more interested and motivated to learn.

Warning: This is an archived topic from a past exam season. It is now out of date.

Do you want all the latest topics and questions that are on the exam right now?

How many questions are on the exam today?

The IELTS speaking test is constantly changing. Here you can find all of the current questions that are valid from October 2024. None of the questions are old or out of date, and they are all being asked by examiners on tests today.

Part 1

57 Topics

(302 current questions)

Read all the topics

Part 2

73 Cue Cards

(For tests beginning 1 Oct 2024)

See all the cue cards

Part 3

300+ Questions

(Today's real questions)

Get all the questions

Start your IELTS speaking test preparation today

Don't be shocked and surprised by what the examiner can ask you.

Get all the speaking test questions before your test date so you're not left speachless when the examiner asks you a weird question you've never thought of before.

Photo of Sophia Rodriguez

“The content and advice were spot on — I scored 8.0 in IELTS speaking and I'm thrilled!”

Sofia Rodriguez, speaking score: 8.0

Get 15% off with coupon code 15OFF at checkout today