Describe a subject that you did not like in the past, but now you like it | Speaking for IELTS PDF Download

You should say:

• what it was
• when you studied the subject
• why you didn’t like it before
• and explain why you have an interest in it now.

Sample Answer:

• Well, I’m afraid that the subject that I didn’t like in my high school was physics. But I had to learn it because of the exams, you know. It was one of the compulsory courses during my entire middle school for six years.
• My physics teacher always tended to be demanding with us, he seemed like making the abstract theory more obscure, and sometimes I didn’t understand what my teacher had said, and he also left endless homework to us, which really made me frustrated. I felt that physics was the most challenging subject in the world.
• Another reason was that there were too many abstract formulas I had to remember. You know, I was not good at memorizing things, so I often used the incorrect formula in the exams, and made lots of mistakes, and got low marks as a result. But after I grew up, I found that physics was a really indispensable curriculum in school education because it could help me develop the logical and rigorous thinking pattern so that I sometimes found myself a critical thinker. Besides, with the knowledge of physics, I’m aware of many physical phenomena around me, such as optics, mechanism, which helps me understand the intrinsic principle of many devices.

Follow-ups
Q1: Why do you think you didn’t like this subject in the past?
Ans: When I was younger, I didn’t like this subject because I found it difficult and confusing. The concepts seemed too complex, and I didn’t understand how they applied to real life. However, as I grew older and learned more, I started to see its relevance, and my perspective changed.

Q2: What made you change your opinion about the subject?
Ans: I think my change of opinion was mainly due to better teachers and more practical examples. As I started to understand the subject's real-world applications, it became more interesting to me. Additionally, my interest grew when I realized how it could help me in my future career.

Q3: Do you think it’s important for students to try different subjects even if they don’t like them initially?
Ans: Yes, I believe it’s important for students to give different subjects a chance. Sometimes, you may not enjoy a subject at first because you don’t understand it or you find it difficult. But with time and the right guidance, you may end up liking it. It broadens your knowledge and helps you find your true interests.

Q4: How do you think your experience with this subject will help you in the future?
Ans: My experience with this subject has taught me to be patient and persistent when learning something difficult. It also gave me critical thinking skills, which I can use in many areas of my life and career. Understanding this subject has opened up new opportunities that I didn’t initially consider.