Master the Art of Describing Family-Taught Skills in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about skills learned from family members, making it a crucial topic for test-takers to prepare for. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about skills and family. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you have any special skills?
2. How do you learn new skills?
3. What skill would you like to learn in the future?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Examiner: What skill would you like to learn in the future?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’m really keen on learning photography in the near future. I’ve always been fascinated by how photographers can capture moments and tell stories through their images. I think it would be a great way to document my travels and preserve memories. Plus, with the rise of social media, having good photography skills could be quite useful professionally as well.”

Describe a time when you attended a cooking class to learn a new skill. This experience can provide valuable insights into the learning process and help you articulate your thoughts more effectively in the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Skill That You Learned From A Family Member
You should say:

• What the skill is
• Which family member taught you
• How you learned it
• And explain why this skill is important to you

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“The skill I want to talk about is cooking, which I learned from my grandmother. She’s an excellent cook and has always been passionate about preparing delicious meals for our family.

I started learning from her when I was around 12 years old. She would invite me to help her in the kitchen, teaching me basic techniques like chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients. Gradually, she showed me how to prepare simple dishes, and over time, I learned to make more complex recipes.

What I appreciate most about her teaching style is that she always encouraged experimentation. She taught me that cooking is not just about following recipes but also about being creative and trusting your instincts.

This skill is important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it allows me to be self-sufficient and eat healthily. Secondly, cooking has become a way for me to connect with my cultural heritage, as many of the dishes I learned are traditional family recipes. Lastly, it’s a great way to bring people together – I love cooking for friends and family, sharing not just food but also the love and care that goes into preparing it.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share with you the art of storytelling, a skill I acquired from my grandfather, who was a master raconteur. His ability to captivate audiences with his tales was truly remarkable, and I was fortunate enough to learn this craft from him.

My grandfather began nurturing this skill in me when I was about seven years old. He would regale me with stories from his youth, skillfully weaving narratives that transported me to different times and places. As I grew older, he started to break down the elements of effective storytelling – the importance of pacing, voice modulation, and building tension.

What made his teaching method exceptional was his emphasis on observation and practice. He encouraged me to pay attention to people’s reactions when I told stories and to constantly refine my technique. We would often have storytelling sessions where I would practice, and he would provide constructive feedback.

This skill holds immense importance for me on multiple levels. Professionally, it has enhanced my communication abilities, making me more effective in presentations and negotiations. On a personal level, it has deepened my connections with friends and family, as I can share experiences and emotions more vividly. Moreover, storytelling has become a powerful tool for preserving our family history and cultural heritage, allowing me to pass down tales and traditions to the younger generation.

In essence, this skill has not only enriched my life but has also given me a profound appreciation for the power of oral tradition and the art of human connection through narrative.”

Grandfather teaching storytelling skill to grandson

Follow-up questions:

1. How long did it take you to master this skill?
2. Have you taught this skill to anyone else?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

1. “Mastering the art of storytelling is an ongoing process, and I’m not sure if I can claim to have fully mastered it yet. However, I’d say it took me about 5-7 years to become proficient enough to confidently tell stories in various settings. The journey involved constant practice, seeking feedback, and honing my craft through trial and error. I’ve learned that storytelling is not just about the words you use, but also about understanding your audience and adapting your style accordingly.”

2. “Yes, I have had the pleasure of passing on this skill to my younger cousins and, more recently, to some of my colleagues. With my cousins, I’ve tried to emulate my grandfather’s method of making it fun and interactive. For my colleagues, I’ve conducted informal workshops on using storytelling techniques in presentations and client interactions. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how this skill can enhance communication and build stronger connections in both personal and professional contexts.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think the way skills are passed down in families has changed over the generations?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there have been significant changes in how skills are transmitted within families over the generations. In the past, it was more common for skills to be passed down directly from parents or grandparents to children, often through apprenticeship-like arrangements. This was especially true for traditional crafts or trades.

Nowadays, with the advent of technology and changes in lifestyle, this direct transmission has become less common. Many young people now learn skills through formal education or online resources rather than from family members. However, I think there’s still value in family-taught skills, particularly when it comes to cultural practices or life skills.

That said, I believe modern families are finding new ways to share knowledge. For instance, grandparents might teach grandchildren how to use technology, reversing the traditional flow of information. This intergenerational exchange can lead to a richer learning experience for all involved.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The intergenerational transmission of skills within families has undergone a profound transformation over the years, reflecting broader societal changes. Historically, skills were often intrinsically linked to family identities and livelihoods, with trades and crafts being passed down as a form of living heritage. This system ensured the preservation of specialized knowledge and fostered a strong sense of continuity and tradition.

In contemporary society, we’ve witnessed a paradigm shift in this dynamic. The rapid pace of technological advancement and the increasing specialization of professions have led to a situation where many skills taught in formal educational settings are more relevant to modern careers than those traditionally passed down in families.

However, I believe it would be myopic to view this change as a simple decline. Instead, we’re seeing an evolution in the nature of skills being transmitted. Soft skills such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptability are becoming increasingly valuable, and families play a crucial role in nurturing these attributes.

Moreover, the digital revolution has created new opportunities for skill-sharing within families. We’re seeing reverse mentoring scenarios where younger family members guide older generations through technological landscapes, fostering a bi-directional flow of knowledge.

Ultimately, while the specific skills being passed down may have changed, the fundamental importance of intergenerational learning within families remains. It continues to be a vital mechanism for transmitting values, building resilience, and maintaining cultural continuity in an ever-changing world.”

Family members sharing various skills

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Intergenerational transmission /ˌɪntəˌdʒenəˈreɪʃənəl trænzˈmɪʃən/ (noun): The passing of skills or knowledge between different generations.
   Example: “The intergenerational transmission of culinary skills has kept our family recipes alive for centuries.”

2. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The digital age has caused a paradigm shift in how we acquire and share knowledge.”

3. Living heritage /ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (noun): Traditions or skills that are actively maintained and passed down through generations.
   Example: “Traditional weaving techniques are considered a living heritage in many cultures.”

4. Reverse mentoring /rɪˈvɜːs ˈmentɔːrɪŋ/ (noun): A situation where younger individuals share their knowledge, often about technology, with older generations.
   Example: “Many companies are implementing reverse mentoring programs to keep older employees up-to-date with digital trends.”

5. Cultural continuity /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌkɒntɪˈnjuːəti/ (noun): The continuation of cultural practices, beliefs, and knowledge across generations.
   Example: “Learning traditional dances from my grandparents has helped maintain cultural continuity in our family.”

Describe a place in your country where you experienced a different culture can provide interesting perspectives on cultural transmission and the importance of preserving traditional skills.

Expert Tips from an IELTS Examiner

1. Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to practice speaking English, focusing on describing skills and learning experiences.

2. Use personal anecdotes: Incorporate personal stories related to learning skills from family members to make your answers more engaging and authentic.

3. Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a range of vocabulary related to skills, learning, and family relationships. This will help you express your ideas more precisely.

4. Work on fluency: Practice speaking without long pauses. It’s okay to use fillers like “um” or “well” occasionally, but try to maintain a smooth flow of speech.

5. Improve pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of key terms related to skills and learning. Clear pronunciation will help the examiner understand you better.

6. Expand your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Develop your responses by explaining your points and giving examples.

7. Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question fully before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is preparation and practice. By following these tips and regularly practicing describing skills learned from family members, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic in your test.

Describe a person who has overcome a major challenge in life can be an excellent way to practice using descriptive language and discussing personal growth, which are valuable skills for the IELTS Speaking test.