Describe Your Favourite Teacher (a Teacher Who Influenced You): IELTS Cue Card

The teacher I’d like to talk about is Mr Okafor, who taught me history for three years at secondary school, from about the age of fourteen.

Before his classes, I honestly thought history was the most boring subject on the timetable. Our previous teacher basically made us memorise dates and names, and I used to forget everything the day after the exam.

Mr Okafor changed that almost immediately. What made him memorable was that he never started a lesson with facts; he started with a question, like “Was this war inevitable?” or “Who really benefited from this invention?” Then he’d divide us into two sides and make us debate it, using sources he’d prepared. He also had a great sense of humour and would act out historical figures, which sounds silly, but it meant we actually remembered what they did.

The other thing I remember is that he wrote “Why?” in red pen next to almost every sentence in our essays. It was quite frustrating at the time, but it forced me to support every point with evidence instead of just describing events.

Looking back, his influence on me was enormous. He taught me to think critically rather than simply accept what I read, which has been useful in every subject since. In fact, he’s the main reason I decided to study politics at university. Whenever I’m writing an essay now, I can still hear him asking “Why?”, and I think that’s probably the best thing a teacher can leave you with.

Useful language:the most boring subject on the timetablememorise dates and namesact outsupport every point with evidencelooking backthink criticallyleave you with

Beyond knowing their subject, a good teacher needs to be able to explain things in different ways, because students learn differently. Patience is essential too. But I think the best teachers are the ones who make students curious, so they keep learning outside the classroom. Knowledge can be found online now; curiosity is much harder to teach.

Useful language:explain things in different waysmake students curious

It has shifted quite a lot. In the past, teachers were the main source of information, but now students can find facts instantly online. So teachers have become more like guides, helping students judge which information is reliable and how to use it. They also have to deal with technology in the classroom, which brings both opportunities and distractions.

Useful language:the main source of informationmore like guidesreliable

I think they’ll replace some parts of teaching, such as marking simple exercises or explaining basic grammar, and that could actually free teachers up. But I doubt they’ll replace teachers completely, especially for children. Learning is also social; students need someone who notices when they’re struggling or losing motivation, and that requires a human connection.

Useful language:free teachers upa human connection

In many countries, definitely. Teaching is one of the most important jobs in society, yet salaries are often lower than in other professions that require similar qualifications. As a result, talented graduates choose other careers. Better pay would attract stronger candidates and keep experienced teachers from leaving, which would benefit students in the long run.

Useful language:similar qualificationsattract stronger candidatesin the long run