Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Time When You Learned Something New at School

Introduction to the Topic

The topic “Describe a time when you learned something new at school” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to recall and articulate personal experiences, as well as your capacity to express thoughts and feelings about learning. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universality and the insights it provides into a candidate’s educational background.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your school experiences and learning. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you enjoy learning new things at school?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy learning new things at school. It’s always exciting to gain new knowledge and skills. I find it particularly interesting when we cover topics that are relevant to real-life situations.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills incredibly stimulating. There’s something exhilarating about expanding my horizons and gaining insights into subjects I hadn’t previously explored. I particularly relish the moments when I can see the practical applications of what I’m learning in real-world scenarios.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you learned something new at school.

You should say:

• What you learned
• How you learned it
• Why you learned it
• And explain how you felt about learning this new thing

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about the time I learned how to create a website in my computer science class. We learned this skill over a period of two weeks, with our teacher guiding us through the basics of HTML and CSS. The reason for learning this was to give us practical skills in web development, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital world.

We started by learning the structure of HTML and how to create basic web pages. Then we moved on to CSS to style our pages and make them look more attractive. Our teacher provided us with step-by-step instructions and we practiced by creating our own simple websites.

I felt excited about learning this new skill because it opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. It was challenging at first, especially when dealing with more complex CSS, but I felt a sense of achievement when I finally saw my website come to life. Overall, it was a very rewarding experience and I’m glad I had the opportunity to learn something so practical and relevant.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to recount an experience from my final year of high school when I delved into the fascinating world of behavioral economics. This interdisciplinary field, which combines insights from psychology and economics, was introduced to us as part of an advanced social studies program.

The learning process was multi-faceted and engaging. Our teacher, who had a background in both psychology and economics, expertly guided us through the fundamental concepts. We immersed ourselves in case studies, analyzing real-world examples of how cognitive biases influence economic decision-making. Additionally, we conducted our own small-scale experiments within the school community, which brought the theories to life in a tangible way.

The rationale behind introducing this subject was to broaden our perspective on human behavior and decision-making processes. In an increasingly complex world, understanding the psychological factors that drive economic choices is invaluable, both for personal financial management and for comprehending global economic trends.

I found the experience of learning behavioral economics to be utterly captivating. It challenged my preconceptions about rational decision-making and opened my eyes to the myriad ways in which our minds can be influenced. The subject seamlessly bridged the gap between abstract economic theories and everyday human behavior, making it incredibly relevant and applicable.

What I found particularly exhilarating was how this new knowledge began to permeate my everyday observations. I started noticing examples of concepts like loss aversion and anchoring in marketing strategies and even in my own decision-making processes. This real-world applicability made the learning experience profoundly rewarding and intellectually stimulating.

In conclusion, learning about behavioral economics was a transformative experience that not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also provided me with valuable insights into human nature and decision-making. It ignited a passion for interdisciplinary studies and reinforced my belief in the importance of continual learning and questioning our assumptions.

Student learning behavioral economics

Follow-up Questions

1. How did this new knowledge change your perspective on economics?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Learning about behavioral economics changed my view of economics quite a bit. I realized that people don’t always make rational decisions when it comes to money and that there are many psychological factors involved. It made me think more critically about economic theories and how they apply in real life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
This new knowledge revolutionized my perspective on economics. It shattered the conventional notion of humans as purely rational economic actors and illuminated the complex interplay between psychology and economic decision-making. I began to view economic phenomena through a more nuanced lens, considering how cognitive biases and heuristics profoundly influence market behaviors. This paradigm shift has equipped me with a more sophisticated understanding of economic dynamics, enabling me to critically analyze both personal financial choices and broader economic trends with greater depth and insight.

2. Do you think schools should focus more on teaching practical skills like this?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe schools should definitely focus more on teaching practical skills. While theoretical knowledge is important, having skills that we can use in real life makes our education more valuable. It helps prepare us better for the future and can make learning more interesting and relevant.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I wholeheartedly advocate for a greater emphasis on practical skills in education. While a strong theoretical foundation is undoubtedly crucial, integrating more applied learning can significantly enhance the educational experience and its long-term value. Practical skills bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications, thereby fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, this approach can ignite students’ passion for learning by demonstrating the immediate relevance of their studies. It also equips students with a versatile skill set that can adapt to the rapidly evolving job market, thus better preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: How do you think the way people learn new things has changed in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think the way people learn has changed a lot in recent years, mainly because of technology. Now, we have access to online courses and educational videos, which makes learning more flexible. People can learn at their own pace and choose what they want to learn. Also, there’s more focus on interactive and practical learning rather than just memorizing information.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The landscape of learning has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, primarily driven by technological advancements. We’ve witnessed a paradigm shift from traditional, classroom-centric models to more diverse and flexible approaches. The proliferation of online learning platforms has democratized education, making it accessible to a global audience and allowing for self-paced, personalized learning experiences.

Moreover, there’s been a notable shift towards experiential and project-based learning, which emphasizes practical application of knowledge rather than mere retention of information. This approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are increasingly valued in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

Another significant change is the emphasis on lifelong learning. With the rapid pace of technological change, there’s a growing recognition that education doesn’t end with formal schooling. Professionals are now expected to continuously update their skills and knowledge, leading to a surge in micro-credentials and short-term, skill-focused courses.

Lastly, the integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in education is opening up new frontiers in how we acquire and interact with information, offering immersive and personalized learning experiences that were previously unimaginable.

Question: What role do you think technology will play in education in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe technology will play a very important role in education in the future. We’ll probably see more online classes and virtual reality being used in learning. Technology can make education more interactive and engaging. It can also help personalize learning for each student, which is hard to do in traditional classrooms. However, I think it’s important to find a balance and not completely replace human teachers with technology.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology is poised to play an increasingly pivotal and transformative role in the future of education. We are likely to witness a paradigm shift in how knowledge is disseminated and acquired, with technology serving as both a catalyst and a facilitator for innovative learning methodologies.

Firstly, artificial intelligence and machine learning are set to revolutionize personalized learning. These technologies can analyze individual learning patterns and adapt curricula in real-time, ensuring that each student receives a tailored educational experience that aligns with their unique needs and learning pace.

Virtual and augmented reality technologies hold the potential to create immersive learning environments that transcend the limitations of traditional classrooms. These tools can bring abstract concepts to life, allowing students to interact with complex ideas in a tangible, three-dimensional space.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is likely to enhance collaborative learning by creating smart, interconnected classrooms that facilitate seamless information sharing and real-time feedback. This could foster a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Moreover, blockchain technology could revolutionize the way educational credentials are verified and shared, potentially leading to more transparent and globally recognized qualifications.

However, it’s crucial to note that while technology will undoubtedly augment and enhance the educational process, it should not be seen as a replacement for human educators. The role of teachers will evolve to focus more on guiding, mentoring, and fostering critical thinking skills, while technology handles more routine tasks and information delivery.

In conclusion, technology is set to usher in a new era of education characterized by personalization, immersion, and global connectivity. The challenge lies in harnessing these technological advancements while maintaining the human element that is fundamental to the learning process.

Future classroom with advanced technology

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some advanced vocabulary and phrases that can help you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: Learning about behavioral economics caused a paradigm shift in my understanding of human decision-making.

2. Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntərˈdɪsəplɪneri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic disciplines.
   Example: Behavioral economics is an interdisciplinary field that combines psychology and economics.

3. Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated.
   Example: I found the process of learning a new subject to be absolutely exhilarating.

4. Immerse /ɪˈmɜːrs/ (verb): Involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
   Example: We immersed ourselves in case studies to better understand the concepts.

5. Permeate /ˈpɜːrmieɪt/ (verb): Spread throughout; pervade.
   Example: The new knowledge began to permeate my everyday observations.

6. Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): Change (something) radically or fundamentally.
   Example: Technology has revolutionized the way we access and process information.

7. Foster /ˈfɔːstər/ (verb): Encourage the development of (something, especially something desirable).
   Example: Project-based learning fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

8. Proliferation /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ (noun): Rapid increase in numbers; quick spread.
   Example: We’ve seen a proliferation of online learning platforms in recent years.

Using these words and phrases appropriately can demonstrate a high level of vocabulary and language proficiency, which is crucial for achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing learning experiences, consider the following tips:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete details about what you learned, how you learned it, and why it was significant. This demonstrates your ability to recall and articulate experiences clearly.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses. This showcases your language proficiency.

3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts, feelings, and reflections about the learning experience. This demonstrates your ability to analyze and express complex ideas.

4. Structure your response: Especially in Part 2, organize your thoughts logically. Use discourse markers to connect your ideas and create a coherent narrative.

5. Show enthusiasm: Examiners appreciate candidates who appear engaged and passionate about their learning experiences. Let your interest shine through in your tone and word choice.

6. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice speaking on various topics can help improve your fluency.

7. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing entire answers. Examiners are trained to detect rehearsed responses. Instead, internalize key vocabulary and structures that you can adapt to different questions.

8. Engage with the examiner: In Parts 1 and 3, treat the interaction as a conversation. Show willingness to elaborate on your answers and engage with follow-up questions.

By following these tips and regularly practicing your speaking skills, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English while showcasing your thoughts and experiences.