“What are some things you are good at?” seems like a simple question, but it can actually throw you off in your IELTS Speaking test if you’re not prepared. This question aims to assess your vocabulary and ability to talk about your skills and abilities naturally and confidently.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to answer this question effectively, with example answers and tips to help you achieve a band 7 or higher.
Understanding the Question
Examiners ask “What are some things you are good at?” to gain insights into your:
- Vocabulary: Can you use a range of adjectives and verbs to describe your skills?
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you answer promptly and develop your response logically?
- Grammar: Can you use correct grammar structures when discussing your abilities?
Choosing Your Skills
While you might excel in many areas, it’s best to select skills relevant to the IELTS Speaking test and potentially other parts of the exam, such as:
- Language Proficiency: Speaking another language fluently, being a good listener, being articulate.
- Problem-Solving: Thinking critically, analysing situations, finding solutions.
- Interpersonal Skills: Working effectively in teams, communicating clearly, resolving conflicts.
- Creative Skills: Playing a musical instrument, painting, writing creatively.
Remember to choose skills you can comfortably talk about for an extended period.
Constructing Your Answer
1. Start with a Direct and Confident Response
Avoid generic phrases like “I’m good at many things…” Instead, begin with a strong statement that directly addresses the question.
Example:
- “One thing I’m particularly good at is problem-solving.”
- “I’ve always been quite adept at learning new languages.”
2. Provide Specific Examples
Don’t just list your skills. Back them up with concrete examples to demonstrate your abilities.
Example:
- “I’m good at problem-solving. For example, at my previous job, I was often tasked with resolving customer issues, and I was always able to find a solution that satisfied everyone involved.”
- “I’m quite adept at learning new languages. I picked up Spanish fairly quickly by immersing myself in the language through movies and music.”
3. Use a Variety of Vocabulary
Showcase your vocabulary by using a range of adjectives and verbs to describe your skills.
Instead of: “I’m good at English.”
Say: “I have a strong command of the English language,” or “I’m proficient in both written and spoken English.”
4. Connect to Your Experiences
Relate your skills to your personal or professional experiences to make your answer more engaging.
Example:
- “My passion for language learning stems from my childhood. Growing up in a multicultural family, I was exposed to different languages, which sparked my interest in understanding different cultures.”
5. Keep it Concise and Relevant
Avoid rambling or going off-topic. Keep your answer focused and relevant to the question. A well-structured response lasting 1-2 minutes is ideal.
Example Answers
Example 1:
“One thing I’m particularly good at is time management. I’m very organised and always plan my schedule carefully, which allows me to balance my studies, work, and social life effectively. For instance, I use a planner to keep track of deadlines and appointments, and I always allocate specific time slots for studying and completing assignments.”
Example 2:
“I’ve always been quite adept at learning new languages. I’m a quick learner and enjoy immersing myself in different cultures. For example, I recently started learning French, and I’ve been making good progress by watching French films and listening to French music. I find that this method helps me absorb the language more naturally.”
IELTS Speaking Test
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too modest: Don’t be afraid to showcase your abilities. The examiner wants to see your confidence.
- Giving one-word answers: “What are you good at?” “Cooking.” This doesn’t provide enough information for the examiner to assess your skills.
- Memorising answers: This can sound robotic and unnatural. Focus on understanding the structure and using your own words.
- Lacking enthusiasm: Speak with passion and energy when discussing your skills. This makes your answer more engaging and memorable.
Practice Makes Perfect
The key to acing this question is practice. Rehearse answering the question aloud, using the tips and strategies outlined above. You can also:
- Record yourself: Listen back to identify areas for improvement in your fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- Practice with a partner: Get feedback on your answers and work on maintaining a natural conversation flow.
- Familiarise yourself with the IELTS band descriptors: Understand the criteria for achieving a higher band score in the Speaking test.
By following these tips and practising regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to answer “What are some things you are good at?” confidently and effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. This will not only boost your score but also demonstrate your communication skills to potential universities or employers.
For more tips on how to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, check out our articles on How to Have More Ideas for Speaking IELTS and How Often Do You Eat Junk Food IELTS Speaking.
Good luck with your preparation!