Mastering the Art of Skill Description: A Guide to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test

Describing a skill you would like to develop is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal goals, reflect on self-improvement, and discuss the process of skill acquisition.

Describe a historical place you would like to visit can be an equally engaging topic, but let’s focus on skill development for now.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. What skills do you think are important in today’s world?
2. How do you usually learn new skills?
3. Are there any skills you’d like to improve?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Examiner: Are there any skills you’d like to improve?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I’d really like to improve my public speaking skills. I think it’s important for my career and personal development. I often feel nervous when speaking in front of large groups, so I want to work on that.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely. I’m particularly keen on enhancing my public speaking abilities. In today’s interconnected world, the art of effective communication is paramount, both professionally and personally. I’ve noticed that while I’m comfortable in one-on-one interactions, I tend to experience some trepidation when addressing larger audiences. My goal is to cultivate a more commanding presence and learn techniques to engage diverse groups more effectively.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a skill you would like to develop:

Describe a skill you would like to develop
You should say:

• What the skill is
• Why you want to develop it
• How you plan to develop it
• And explain how this skill will be useful to you in the future

IELTS Speaking cue card about skill development

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

The skill I’d like to develop is cooking. I’ve always been interested in food, but I’ve never really learned how to cook properly. I want to develop this skill because I think it’s important to be able to prepare healthy meals for myself and my family. Also, I believe cooking can be a fun and creative hobby.

To develop this skill, I plan to start by watching cooking videos online and trying out simple recipes. I might also ask my mom to teach me some of her favorite dishes. If I can, I’d like to take a cooking class in the future.

I think this skill will be very useful to me in the future. It will help me eat healthier and save money by not eating out so much. Also, I’ll be able to impress my friends and family with delicious meals when they come over.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The skill I’m particularly keen on developing is culinary expertise. While I’ve always had a passion for gastronomy, I’ve never truly immersed myself in the art of cooking. My desire to cultivate this skill stems from a multifaceted perspective on its benefits.

Primarily, I view cooking as an essential life skill that promotes self-sufficiency and health consciousness. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals is invaluable. Moreover, I see cooking as a creative outlet, a way to express myself through flavors and presentation.

To develop this skill, I’ve devised a structured approach. I plan to start by delving into culinary literature, studying not just recipes but the science behind cooking techniques. I’ll complement this theoretical knowledge with practical experience by systematically working through a curated list of dishes, progressively increasing in complexity. Additionally, I intend to enroll in a series of specialized workshops focusing on various cuisines and techniques.

The future utility of this skill is multifaceted. On a personal level, it will enhance my quality of life by enabling me to maintain a balanced diet tailored to my nutritional needs. Socially, it will enrich my interactions, allowing me to host dinner parties and participate in culinary exchanges with friends and family. Professionally, even though it’s not directly related to my career, the discipline and creativity required in cooking can translate into valuable soft skills applicable in many work scenarios.

Follow-up questions:

1. How long do you think it will take to develop this skill to a satisfactory level?
2. Are there any challenges you anticipate in learning this skill?

Sample answers:

1. Band 6-7: I think it might take about a year to get good at cooking. I’ll need to practice regularly and learn lots of recipes. It might be faster if I can take some classes.

   Band 8-9: Attaining proficiency in culinary arts is a journey rather than a destination. However, I estimate that with dedicated practice and study, I could reach a satisfactory level of competence within 18 to 24 months. This timeline allows for mastering fundamental techniques, understanding flavor profiles, and developing a repertoire of dishes across various cuisines.

2. Band 6-7: Yes, I think time management might be a challenge. Cooking takes time, and I’m often busy with work. Also, some ingredients might be expensive or hard to find.

   Band 8-9: Indeed, I anticipate several challenges. Time management will be crucial, balancing my culinary pursuits with professional commitments. Additionally, sourcing high-quality, diverse ingredients may prove challenging, especially for authentic international cuisines. Moreover, mastering the precision required in certain techniques, particularly in baking and molecular gastronomy, will demand patience and persistence.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think the skills needed for success have changed in recent years?

Candidate (Band 6-7): I think the skills needed for success have changed a lot recently. In the past, having specific knowledge was enough, but now, being able to learn quickly and adapt is more important. Technology skills are also much more necessary now than before.

Candidate (Band 8-9): The landscape of essential skills has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. While foundational knowledge remains important, there’s been a paradigm shift towards adaptability and continuous learning. The rapid pace of technological advancement has made digital literacy not just an advantage, but a necessity across most fields. Moreover, soft skills like emotional intelligence, cross-cultural communication, and creative problem-solving have gained prominence, reflecting the increasingly interconnected and dynamic nature of our global economy.

Describe an event you organized could be another interesting topic to explore how organizational skills have evolved.

Examiner: Do you think schools are doing enough to prepare students with the skills they need for the future?

Candidate (Band 6-7): I think schools are trying, but they could do more. They’re good at teaching traditional subjects, but they need to focus more on practical skills like using computers and working in teams. Maybe they could have more projects and internships to give students real-world experience.

Candidate (Band 8-9): While educational institutions are making strides, there’s still a considerable gap between academic curricula and the rapidly evolving demands of the professional world. Schools excel in imparting fundamental knowledge, but there’s a pressing need to integrate more practical, future-oriented skills into the core curriculum. This includes not just technical proficiencies like coding or data analysis, but also critical thinking, adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset.

Implementing more project-based learning, industry collaborations, and interdisciplinary approaches could significantly enhance students’ preparedness. Additionally, there’s a need for greater emphasis on metacognitive skills – teaching students how to learn effectively in an era of information abundance and rapid change.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – develop or acquire a skill
   Example: I aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence.

2. Proficiency (noun) /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ – a high degree of skill or expertise
   Example: Achieving proficiency in a new language requires consistent practice.

3. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
   Example: Learning a new skill often brings multifaceted benefits to one’s life.

4. Paradigm shift (noun phrase) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: The digital revolution has caused a paradigm shift in how we acquire and apply skills.

5. Metacognitive (adjective) /ˌmetəkɒɡˈnɪtɪv/ – relating to an awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes
   Example: Developing metacognitive skills is crucial for effective learning in the 21st century.

Key vocabulary for IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a skill you’d like to develop:

1. Elaborate on your answers: Provide detailed explanations and examples to support your points.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary naturally in your responses.

3. Demonstrate critical thinking: Show your ability to analyze the importance and implications of developing the skill.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about various skills to improve your ability to speak smoothly and confidently.

5. Show awareness of nuance: Recognize and discuss the complexities involved in skill development, including potential challenges and long-term benefits.

Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Consider recording yourself or practicing with a partner to identify areas for improvement.

Describe a nature trip you would like to plan could be an excellent topic to practice these techniques as well.

By following these guidelines and continually expanding your vocabulary and knowledge base, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking test, regardless of the specific skill you choose to discuss.